Natasha De La Cruz
Global Citizenship Certificate Student
Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science

Natasha is a senior enrolled in the Global Citizenship Certificate. She enjoyed the Global Perspectives course, which is the certificate's foundational course, because it gave students a space to discuss important global issues in a relaxed, educational atmosphere.

She satisfied her sustained experience through the Center for Global Engagement’s Global Noles mentor program, which assists incoming exchange students with adjustment to life once at FSU by pairing them with volunteer undergraduate students. Throughout her undergraduate experience, she has participated in many organizations that promote environmentalism and sustainability.

Her most influential experience was participating in a research project through the Maryland Sea Grant REU program this past summer.

“I learned quite a lot about the importance of scientific research and the effects of coastal policy on water quality issues," De La Cruz said. "The science project that I worked on over this summer was focused on tracking the growth of harmful algal blooms in the Chesapeake Bay using satellite data. I chose to do research on harmful algal blooms because as a Floridian, I have seen the devastating effects of these toxic blooms. States such as Maryland and Florida have an economy based on ecotourism and fishing. Once a harmful algal bloom occurs, it is unsafe for both humans and the environment. Overall, it is important to understand and track the growth of these blooms to protect coastal communities and preserve our beautiful, natural marine environments and native species. By spreading this knowledge, I hope to plant a seed of change in communities across the world.”

As global citizens, we should be guided by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Global Goals, to build a better future for everyone. Through her research, she is implementing local change towards ‘Goal 14: Life Below Water’.

Undergraduate students interested in learning more about global issues and demonstrating to employers and graduate schools that they're ready to succeed in a diverse and multicultural word should enroll in the Global Citizenship Certificate.

Students take a total of four academic courses: one required course and three electives from a list of 500+ liberal studies courses that enhance understanding of global issues and cultures; attend eight intercultural events; and complete one sustained experience. GCC students earn a transcript notation, and a physical certificate upon completion. They can also add in-demand job skills like intercultural communication and analytical thinking to their resume.

Visit cge.fsu.edu/globalcitizen for more information or email globalcitizen@fsu.edu to schedule an advising appointment.