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Jonicia Cardin

I attend University of Florida where I am studying civil engineering. My career interests center on coastal resilience, with a focus on designing infrastructure that protects vulnerable communities from climate-related hazards such as sea level rise, storm surge, and flooding. Growing up in the U.S. Virgin Islands, I have seen firsthand how environmental changes can impact daily life. These experiences have driven my passion for developing sustainable and adaptive engineering solutions. As a civil engineering student, I am particularly interested in integrating traditional infrastructure design with nature-based solutions, such as living shorelines, mangrove restoration, and resilient drainage systems. I aim to contribute to projects that not only reduce risk but also enhance ecosystems and community well-being. In the long term, I aspire to work in coastal engineering, where I can contribute to the planning and design of resilient transportation systems, water management networks, and shoreline protection projects. Ultimately, my goal is to support communities — especially small island and coastal regions — in adapting to climate change through innovative and sustainable engineering solutions.

I chose to attend the USF Making Waves REU because it offers a unique, hands-on opportunity to study coastal regions in a way that aligns directly with my academic and career interests. As someone passionate about coastal resilience, I am especially drawn to the program’s focus on real-world challenges. What makes this REU particularly compelling is its emphasis on field-based research and interdisciplinary collaboration. The opportunity to work in diverse coastal environments, collect and analyze data, and learn from faculty and peers across different disciplines will allow me to deepen both my technical and practical understanding of coastal systems. Additionally, the program provides a chance to study coastal regions that may differ from my own background, broadening my perspective on how various communities experience and respond to environmental challenges. By participating in this REU, I hope to gain insights that will help me contribute meaningfully to resilient infrastructure and environmental sustainability in the future.