On Friday, February 28, we are honored to welcome two distinguished keynote speakers. Each speaker will deliver a 10 – 15 minute presentation focused on their respective areas of expertise. Following the presentations, Gulf Scholars Program Coordinator Becca Burton will lead a moderated discussion.
Friday, February 28 Program:
Dr. Jack Davis
Dr. Jack Davis is a distinguished professor of history and the Rothman Family Chair in the Humanities at the University of Florida, specializing in environmental history and sustainability. A Pulitzer Prize-winning author, his works include The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea (2017) and The Bald Eagle: The Improbable Journey of America’s Bird (2022), both widely acclaimed for their historical and environmental insights. A former Fulbright Scholar, Davis has taught at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Eckerd College. His contributions have earned him numerous honors, including an Andrew Carnegie Fellowship and the Florida House on Capitol Hill’s 2024 Author of the Year award. He is currently working on The American Coast: History and Prophecy at Land’s End.
Dr. Tom Frazer
Dr. Tom Frazer is a Professor and Dean of the College of Marine Science at the University of South Florida. Previously, he served as Director of the School of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Florida and as Florida’s Chief Science Officer. A leading expert on water quality, ecological restoration, and marine resource management, his interdisciplinary research spans freshwater and marine systems worldwide. With over $14 million in research funding and more than 175 publications, Frazer has advanced understanding of issues like coral bleaching, ocean acidification, and sea level rise. He currently chairs the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council and serves on APLU’s Board on Oceans, Atmosphere, and Climate.
Becca Burton
Rebecca Burton is the Program Coordinator and Faculty Lecturer for the University of Florida Gulf Scholars Program, preparing undergraduates to tackle challenges in areas covering health, environmental stewardship, resilience, and more. With over a decade of expertise in journalism, science communication, and strategic program development, she played a pivotal role as a founding member of UF’s Thompson Earth Systems Institute, advancing public understanding of environmental issues. A Pensacola native, Burton has served as Communications Coordinator for Florida Sea Grant and contributed to major outlets including The Gainesville Sun and The Miami Herald. She holds a bachelor’s from Florida International University and a master’s in science and health communication from UF, and is a co-founder of The Marjorie, Florida’s independent outlet focused on social justice and the environment.
Saturday, March 1:
Lolita Jackson
Lolita Jackson, MBE, is the Executive Director of Sustainable Cities at Sustainable Development Capital LLP, a leading climate investment firm. A global expert in climate diplomacy and public-private sector engagement, she previously served as NYC’s climate diplomat in the Mayor’s Office, where she led policy efforts for 15 years. Recognized in City & State’s “Energy & Environment Power 100” list, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2021. Jackson is also a professional singer and serves on multiple boards, including the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Ms. Jackson holds a degree in applied science from the University of Pennsylvania.