From the Dean
A liberal arts and sciences education can lead to insights and innovations regarding pressing issues for nature, society and humanity. In this issue, we focus on the growing knowledge that a changing climate is altering our relationship with the planet.
CLAS researchers, instructors and students are examining issues like sea level rise, vanishing shorelines and rapidly warming temperatures from an impressive variety of perspectives.
Earlier this fall, Hurricane Ian devastated many of Florida’s southwestern Gulf communities. Our thoughts remain with all those affected by Ian and more recently, Hurricane Nicole. As always, rebuilding provides an opportunity to consider how we might improve the sustainability of the interactions of humans with the natural world.
The climate conversation is a common thread running through many parts of the CLAS curriculum, encompassing humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. This issue of Ytori highlights the exciting work of CLAS environmental humanists, who use public storytelling, relationship-building and deep reflection to imagine new ways to enhance our understanding of the planet (here).
Take a deep dive into a pristine marine garden in the Caribbean Sea, where an Archie Carr Center researcher explores the surprising comeback of hawksbill sea turtles (here) and meet a geochemist who helped grow plants in lunar soil for the first time (here).
Expand your mind with pioneering ecologist Robert Holt as he encourages us to pay closer attention to the natural world (here).
We also profile two resilient alumnae in this issue. Get to know Leandra Merz as she imparts lessons learned from a rich array of life experiences (here). Hear from Anna Morris, whose personal story reminds us to persevere in the face of adversity (here).
Finally, I want to update our readers on the university’s Go Greater capital campaign. The college surpassed its goal because of the support of thousands of our alumni and friends. Thank you! In future issues, we will describe the far-reaching impact of these gifts on the teaching, research and service mission of the college.
So, for one last time, Go Greater! And, of course, Go Gators!
David E. Richardson
Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Read more from the fall 2022 issue of Ytori magazine here.
