Aviya Hirschmann

     As a kid I was so passionate to pursue all of my interests that each time I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I had a different response. Astronaut, scientist, chef, teacher, farmer - my answers were endless. The one thing that remained consistent throughout my youth was my tendency to run off to explore. Whether it was collecting shells, climbing trees in the woods near my family home, or observing caterpillars, my love for the natural world and my desire to know the "Why" of it has persisted through me for my entire life.

     So, after spending a year living with my grandparents in rural Illinois, I decided to pursue my degree in Environmental Science & Policy at the University of South Florida in sunny St. Petersburg. My experiences and education gained during my time here, particularly my 9 month internship with the City of St. Petersburg's Office of Sustainability & Resilience, have guided me into an exciting career in forestry, with a particular passion for urban forestry, ecology and agriculture. I'm excited to put my efforts towards strengthening local ecosystems to increase biodiversity and improve the standard of living for all species!