Maria Angelino is a young woman with a passion for water and its importance to the planet. She believes that water is one of the most crucial resources on Earth, not just for basic needs but also for cultural, aesthetic, and recreational purposes. Growing up in Southwest Florida, she has always been surrounded by water and has fond memories of spending time on the beach, kayaking, visiting family on Sanibel Island, and going fishing with her family.
However, her perspective on water changed in 2018 when harmful blue-green algae blooms plagued Southwest Florida, affecting both residents and small businesses reliant on tourism. Despite the challenges faced by her community, Maria remains committed to making a difference in the world of water conservation. She is drawn to the current movements aimed at cleaning up waterways and restoring rivers to their natural state.
As a student pursuing a master’s degree in environmental science at FGCU, Maria plans to finish her thesis by 2026. With a desire to get involved in policy advocacy, restoration projects, consulting, and research, she hopes to contribute to the efforts to protect and preserve water resources for future generations.
