RE Log - Fall 2021

74 Ransom Everglades LOG FALL 2021 Jackson Continued from page 21 What are you most proud of in your career? During my four years at Ransom Everglades, I am most proud of how much the RE Energy and Climate Change Symposium has grown. It has blossomed into an interdisciplinary event involving more than 350 students and the projects last year were incredible. I am also really proud of my work with the Miami Youth Climate Summit. We originally planned to have the 2021 summit in person but due to COVID, the summit had to be virtual. This actually broadened our audience and reach and in the end we had 1,175 registrants from 22 countries and six continents. It is really amazing to think about the connectedness of the event, bringing students together from different schools, cultures and backgrounds for a day from across the world. What was the hardest thing about getting your PhD? The hardest thing about getting my PhD was being flexible. I could plan and plan and plan but often things would not go as expected. Lab experiments would fail, equipment would break, proposal funding would get rejected, and field work … Field work is really tough. You have to deal with weather, boat trouble, injuries, rough seas; there is always some obstacle – it does not always go the Costantino Continued from page 20 What was your most memorable academic experience, and why? This one is easy! I was so bad at algebra in middle school, and I had an amazing teacher who made me see her every day after school for almost the whole school year. Getting an A in that class is, to this date, my proudest non-musical, academic achievement. Who was your role model growing up, and why? My parents have been and continue to be amazing role models to me. They have both overcome great personal adversity in their lives and the grace and dignity that they carry themselves with is way you planned. On the flip side, field work was also my favorite part of my PhD – the adventure, being in the water, exploring. Who was your role model growing up? Definitely my mother. My father passed away when I was three so she became a single mom of three daughters when I was very young. She raised us on her own, took over my father’s business, and was always there for every recital or orchestra concert I ever played in (sidenote: I have played violin my whole life). She was a ball of energy, never knew how to say no, always helped others, was involved not only in our lives but also in our schools and the community. She had an amazing work ethic, amazing morals, she was happy, and everyone loved being around Mary Ann. She loved to travel, try new things, and definitely had a work hard, play hard mentality. My mom definitely shaped who I have become as an adult and I miss her dearly; she passed away in 2009. What historical figure would you most like to have dinner with, and why? This is a tough one. It’s a toss-up between Sylvia Earle (whom I have met briefly, once) and Sir David Attenborough. Both figures are such incredible role models for our Earth, the oceans and our environment. Sylvia Earle is a pioneer female scientist of ocean science and diving, and she is such an advocate for the oceans. Sir David Attenborough is a huge advocate for our planet, climate change, saving our Earth. His recent documentaries are so powerful. The changes he has seen unfold in his 95 years are astonishing, and his ability to articulate and tell stories are captivating. What do you like to do when you are not working? Travel! My husband and I love to travel and are on a quest to see the world! We have been to all seven continents together, including Antarctica. Travel is simply amazing and really opens your mind, your heart and your soul to understanding the world a little bit more. When I am not working, I also try to spend as much time on the water or under the water as possible. I love to scuba dive, snorkel and just simply swim or relax on the water in Biscayne Bay. What will make you smile, without fail? My dog Sandy. My husband and I rescued her almost 10 years ago. She was about 1 at the time so her 11th birthday is coming up soon. She’s a miniature schnauzer, shih tzu mix and looks like a white beige fluff ball. Dogs have a magical power of always being happy, never holding grudges and just lifting your mood. something I will always cherish and try to honor in my own life. What do you like to do when not working? I love practicing all of my instruments, and I play regularly outside of school in various bands and with lots of different artists. I enjoy golfing, exercising on my Peloton and at the gym, and of course, hanging out with my family whenever possible. I’m also hoping to get to some ‘Canes games this year. I graduated from the University of Miami 20 years ago and haven’t been to any games since! What will make you smile, without fail? My daughter Nora. She has a very infectious laugh, and I will do almost anything to get that girl to start giggling. She cracks me up every single time. To Continue