Our Team
P.E.E.R. Affiliates
Jessica O'Neill
Attorney
Jessica earned a JD from Pace Law School in 2012 and a LLM in Tax Law from the University of Miami shortly thereafter. She has been working as a middle school teacher while searching for a career that could combine her passion for helping people and protecting the environment with the practice of law. Jessica is also an animal lover and dedicates much of her time fighting for animal welfare causes.
Environmental Justice Fellows
Summer 2024
Kyle Spohn
Student Law Clerk
Kyle Spohn (Miami Law Class of 2026) graduated cum laude from the University of Florida in May 2023 with a B.S. in Business Management and a minor in Communications Studies and Spanish. As a 1L at Miami Law, Kyle became involved with the Center for Ethics and Public Service (CEPS) as an intern working to promote housing and health equity in local Miami communities threatened by gentrification. He is a member of the Miami Law Environmental Law Society and the First-Generation Law Association. As a 2L, Kyle will continue to pursue his passion for public interest and the environment as a legal intern with Miami Law’s Environmental Justice Clinic.
Sylas Anand
Research Intern
Sylas is an undergraduate student at the University of Miami majoring in Ecosystem Science and Policy and Biology. He is passionate about the fields of botanical studies, environmental science, environmental justice, and more. Throughout his academic career, he strives to gain the social and field skills necessary to create a meaningful impact on the world regarding environmental issues. Outside of academics, he is a part- time tutor and Co-president of the CommUnity Garden club at UM. He is grateful to be involved with the P.E.E.R. group and excited to see where it takes him.
Sylas is an undergraduate student at the University of Miami majoring in Ecosystem Science and Policy and Biology. He is passionate about the fields of botanical studies, environmental science, environmental justice, and more. Throughout his academic career, he strives to gain the social and field skills necessary to create a meaningful impact on the world regarding environmental issues. Outside of academics, he is a part- time tutor and Co-president of the CommUnity Garden club at UM. He is grateful to be involved with the P.E.E.R. group and excited to see where it takes him.
Reagan Burman
Research Intern
Reagan Burman was born and raised in Bakersfield California and currently attends the University of Miami where she is majoring in Geological Sciences with minors in Geospatial Technology and Sustainable Business. She is a huge explorer and always ready to go on an adventure, from mountains to beaches to the City of Miami, she enjoys every experience that she has been given. She is very excited to begin her professional adventure in the environmental studies field with the P.E.E.R Group.
Reagan Burman was born and raised in Bakersfield California and currently attends the University of Miami where she is majoring in Geological Sciences with minors in Geospatial Technology and Sustainable Business. She is a huge explorer and always ready to go on an adventure, from mountains to beaches to the City of Miami, she enjoys every experience that she has been given. She is very excited to begin her professional adventure in the environmental studies field with the P.E.E.R Group.
Chiduzie Ejie
Legal Intern
Chiduzie Ejie is a rising senior at the University of Miami majoring in Global Health Studies and minoring in Business Law. He is originally from Daytona Beach, Florida with a passion for Civil Law, International Law, Social and Environmental Justice. He is currently working toward a career in the legal field to advocate for sustainable development and hoping to use his abilities to contribute to helping organizations reach sustainable development goals and assist in erasing disparities between different communities. He is excited and grateful to be involved with the P.E.E.R. group this summer.
Chiduzie Ejie is a rising senior at the University of Miami majoring in Global Health Studies and minoring in Business Law. He is originally from Daytona Beach, Florida with a passion for Civil Law, International Law, Social and Environmental Justice. He is currently working toward a career in the legal field to advocate for sustainable development and hoping to use his abilities to contribute to helping organizations reach sustainable development goals and assist in erasing disparities between different communities. He is excited and grateful to be involved with the P.E.E.R. group this summer.
Jenny Jacoby
Legal Intern
Jenny Jacoby is a rising senior at the University of Miami double majoring in Political Science and Ecosystem Science and Policy. She is the editor in chief of The Miami Hurricane, the independent student-run newspaper at the University of Miami, where she frequently covers environmental and social justice stories. Jenny also conducts undergraduate research within the Political Science and Ecosystem Science departments. Originally from Cape Coral, Florida, Jenny has a passion for preserving Florida’s ecosystem and waterways and the people who call South Florida home.
Thomas Matos
Research Intern
Thomas Matos is a rising senior at the University of Miami studying Ecosystem Science and Policy with minors in Japanese and Political Science. Originally from the New York City area, he is passionate about environmental and global policy, as well as language learning. He speaks English, Spanish, and Japanese, hoping to apply his abilities to contribute meaningfully to international conversations and initiatives concerning sustainable development and cross-cultural understanding. He is excited to be working with PEER Group this summer and tackle environmental justice issues in the Miami area.
Thomas Matos is a rising senior at the University of Miami studying Ecosystem Science and Policy with minors in Japanese and Political Science. Originally from the New York City area, he is passionate about environmental and global policy, as well as language learning. He speaks English, Spanish, and Japanese, hoping to apply his abilities to contribute meaningfully to international conversations and initiatives concerning sustainable development and cross-cultural understanding. He is excited to be working with PEER Group this summer and tackle environmental justice issues in the Miami area.
Lauren Novorska
Research Intern
Lauren Novorska is majoring in Ecosystem Science and Policy and Anthropology and minoring in Sustainable Business and Climate Science and Policy at the University of Miami. She is pursuing a career in environmental policy and education and is passionate about human-wildlife conflict, climate change, and educating students about ecological issues. She serves as the President for the Pi Epsilon National Environmental Science Honor Society, leads the University of Miami Office of Sustainability Green Patrols Program, and participated in the University of Miami School of Law Environmental Justic Clinic Shifting Power Course. She is also a Junior Faculty Advisor for the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment, an Everglades Coalition Conference scholarship recipient, and a Lead Educator and Mentor Volunteer for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
2023
Elissa Klein
Public Health Research Associate
Elissa Klein is an MD/MPH Candidate in the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Department of Public Health Studies.
Fall 2022
Julio Moraes
Student Law Clerk
Ann Sia
Environmental Public Health Research Intern
Summer 2022
Adeena Ademu-John
Just Transition Legal Intern
Adeena Ademu-John attends the University of Miami, triple-majoring in Marine and Geological Sciences along with Ecosystem Science and Policy. She is a part of the UM Foote Fellows Honor Program and plans to pursue a career within the domain of Environmental Sustainability, Policy, and Practice. In her free time, she likes to rollerblade, rock climb, and help with beach cleanups through the University of Miami`s Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.
Laura Castellon
Energy Justice Education Legal Intern
Laura Castellon was born in Cuba but grew up in the Miami
community. She is currently enrolled at School for Advanced Studies North where she is a full-time
dual enrollment student, getting an AA degree at Miami-Dade College while getting her high school diploma. She is
planning on double majoring in Political Science and Psychology. She truly wants to make a change
to better her community and thinks the best way to do it is through a legal career. She aspires to be a
civil rights lawyer to be able to fight for people’s rights. P.E.E.R. Group's mission to work alongside marginalized communities aligns with Castellon's passions and she is excited and grateful to be a part of it.
Josephine Gray
Sustainable Community Development Legal Intern
Josephine Gray is a senior at the University of Miami majoring in international
studies and minoring in mathematics and ecosystem science and policy with a
pre-law track. She hopes to continue her education through law school,
eventually pursuing a career in international environmental law. With
P.E.E.R., she plans to work with the Miami community, helping create a
cleaner and more sustainable environment.
Skylar Kamen
Sustainable Community Development
Research Intern
Skylar is entering her third year at Northeastern University studying International Affairs and Human Services. She is finishing her first co-op with Boston Cares, where she worked with over 200 different non-profit and school partners to service their network of over 20,000 volunteers for different service projects in New England. Outside of her co-op and classes Skylar is a part of the Student Philanthropy council where she fundraises and directs funds within Northeastern programming. She is also a writer for Woof Magazine, a literary arts magazine run by students. Skylar will be working in the Sustainable Development Campaign in furthering overall community sustainability in the region, as it addresses the Tapiztree Biophilia Guide.
Emma Sheridan
Summer Law Clerk
Emma Sheridan is a rising 2L at the University of Miami School of Law. She joins us this summer as a HOPE Summer Public
Interest Fellow. Emma graduated magna cum laude from the
University of North Florida in 2021 with dual degrees, a B.S. in Communication
and a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies Environmental Studies. At Miami
Law, Emma started Rooted-In-Justice, a student-led gardening group that
is working to bring students fresh fruit and vegetables straight from
the campus garden. Emma was drawn to P.E.E.R. by their dedication to promoting
policies focused on environmental justice.
Alexander Zastera
Climate Crusader
Alexander Zastera works with P.E.E.R. Group on creating radical resources to educate and activate youth in the greater Miami area towards energy and climate justice. He joins us this summer to work with students in the Environmental Justice Intern Program.
Spring 2022
Matt Ellis (he/they)
Litigate to Empower
Anna Frey
Sustainable Community Development
Anna
Frey is a Sophomore at the University of Miami double majoring in
Marine Affairs and Ecosystem Science and Policy. Originally from
Baltimore Maryland, she is passionate about preserving natural systems
and the environment, and is pursuing studies at the intersection of
science and policy to develop equitable solutions to environmental
issues. In Miami, she serves as the Chief Environmental Officer of a
local scuba diving shop where she develops shop sustainability initiatives,
encourages environmental stewardship among the diving community, and gets
to enjoy Florida’s beautiful reefs and marine environments.
Nick Nocita
Equitable Weatherization Team
Nick
is a sophomore at Harvard University studying Environmental Science and
Public Policy with a minor in Ethnicity, Migration, and Rights. He
works on Equitable Weatherization, the Displacement Vulnerability
Mitigation Tool, and leads a sexual assault prevention project focusing
on interracial violence perpetrated against Native Americans. He is
passionate about social justice and equity for indigenous communities,
energy system policy, and technological co-production. Outside of
P.E.E.R. Group, Nick is a member of the Harvard Men’s Swim and Dive team
and leads first-year backpacking trips throughout New England.
Lillian Reese
P.A.S.C.O. Coalition
Lillian joined the P.E.E.R. Group as a volunteer law clerk focusing on the People Against the Surveillance of Children and Overpolicing (P.A.S.C.O.) Coalition. The coalition works to combat--and end--the Pasco Sheriff Department’s predictive policing program, which uses student data provided by the Pasco County School District to create lists of people who the department believe to be potential offenders. Children become targets and are treated like criminals regardless of their criminal history. She is glad her knowledge and skills allow her to assist the coalition in preventing the most vulnerable members of our society from being victimized.
Lillian joined the P.E.E.R. Group as a volunteer law clerk focusing on the People Against the Surveillance of Children and Overpolicing (P.A.S.C.O.) Coalition. The coalition works to combat--and end--the Pasco Sheriff Department’s predictive policing program, which uses student data provided by the Pasco County School District to create lists of people who the department believe to be potential offenders. Children become targets and are treated like criminals regardless of their criminal history. She is glad her knowledge and skills allow her to assist the coalition in preventing the most vulnerable members of our society from being victimized.
Fall 2021
Sophie Walenta
Just Transition Team
Sophie is a student at the
University of Miami pursuing a dual degree in Ecosystem Science and
Policy and Marine Affairs with a minor in Geospatial Technology. In
addition to her academic studies, she is also an intern with the
P.E.E.R. Group and research assistant for the Environmental Justice Clinic (EJC)
at the University of Miami School of Law. She has a desire to
investigate, formulate, and present posing research in hopes of shifting
power back to marginalized communities in South Florida using a
combination of policy work and geospatial mapping.
Scott Pollowitz
Sustainable Development Team
Scott is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Miami studying Ecosystem Science & Policy and Psychology. As a Miami resident, Scott has a passion for combating the environmental issues that are disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. Scott maintains a 4.0 GPA, is on the President’s Honor Roll, and was named a National Merit Scholar. In high school, Scott worked with his peer to inform them about the importance of Florida’s marine ecosystems. In his free time, Scott enjoys snorkeling and paddle-boarding in Florida’s beautiful waters.
Scott is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Miami studying Ecosystem Science & Policy and Psychology. As a Miami resident, Scott has a passion for combating the environmental issues that are disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. Scott maintains a 4.0 GPA, is on the President’s Honor Roll, and was named a National Merit Scholar. In high school, Scott worked with his peer to inform them about the importance of Florida’s marine ecosystems. In his free time, Scott enjoys snorkeling and paddle-boarding in Florida’s beautiful waters.
Summer 2021
Emi Abe-Teh
Just Transition Team
Emi is a rising junior at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill double majoring in sociology and public policy and minoring in education. She is passionate about ensuring an equitable transition to clean energy that ensures the welfare of marginalized peoples most affected by climate change.
Joseph Mogul
Equitable Weatherization TeamJoseph is an undergraduate Junior at Macalester College with a major in Environmental Studies and minor in Economics. He is currently working with the P.E.E.R. Group, advocating for underserved communities and the environment in Miami. Joseph hopes to continue his work in the environmental/social justice world, specifically focusing on solutions to economic disparities perpetuated by structures in contemporary institutions.
Catherine Sautter
Just Transition TeamCatie is graduating from the University of Miami this Fall 2021 with majors in Creative Writing, History, and a minor in Ecosystem Science and Policy with the hopes of attending law school. She is passionate about environmental policy and advocacy. Previously she has worked on the Break Free from Plastic campaigns and continues her work in environmental justice with the P.E.E.R. Group. Catherine is currently attending law school.
Rajvi Shah
Housing Justice TeamRajvi is an undergraduate at the University of Miami with a major in Geography and Sustainable Development with focuses in Smart Cities and Geospatial Technology. She is passionate about designing sustainable cities for the welfare of all people, starting with efficient transportation. She is currently working with the P.E.E.R group in assessing Miami’s new SMART Transit plans in terms of efficiency, access, and technology. She hopes to continue her work to provide mobility for the cities she works in.
Ella Souder
Just Transition Team
Ella Souder is a junior at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences majoring in marine biology with minors in anthropology and ecosystem science and policy. She is passionate about environmental policy and working toward a sustainable future. She is currently with the P.E.E.R. group's Just Transition team working toward an equitable transition to clean energy in Miami.
Claudia Stevens
Equitable Weatherization TeamClaudia Stevens is joint degree J.D. and M.P.S. candidate at University of Miami’s School of Law and Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. As a University of Miami School of Law HOPE Summer Fellow at P.E.E.R. Group, Claudia hopes to continue promoting climate justice and equity while focusing on the unique environmental threats to South Florida shorelines and communities.
Jailah Williams
Equitable Weatherization TeamJailah is an aspiring
attorney currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology at the
University of Miami. As an environmental justice intern who believes
that climate justice is just one of the many components of racial
justice, Jailah was drawn to P.E.E.R. by her passion to serve
marginalized and vulnerable communities in South Florida and beyond.
Antecedents
Alexander Zastera
Climate Crusader
Alexander
Zastera works with P.E.E.R. Group on creating radical resources to
educate and activate youth in the greater Miami area towards energy and
climate justice. He is currently in a graduate program at Florida International University and co-creating a zine on Energy Justice with P.E.E.R.
Sabrina Payoute, MS
Research Affiliate
Sabrina's
main interests are in Medicine, Biostatistics, and Research. She
studied Mathematical Sciences and Biology at Florida Atlantic
University, where she focused on the development of epidemiological
models of infectious diseases, like Zika. She continued her education at
the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMSM) and holds a
Master of Science degree in Biostatistics. Currently, she is researching
topics in medical education, epidemiology, and public health. She
spends her free time volunteering with community initiatives such as the
UMSM DOCS health fair and CHAMP (community-based HIV Awareness for
Minority Populations). She inspires to lead a life dedicated to
improving health and the lives of community members, especially the
underserved and underrepresented.
Shirley Kennedy, MBA
Litigation Paralegal
Ella Souder
Research Associate
Ella graduated from the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of
Marine and Atmospheric Sciences with a degree in marine biology and minors
in anthropology and ecosystem science and policy. She is passionate
about environmental policy and working toward a sustainable future. Ella
was a part of our EJIP Summer 2021 cohort working in the Just
Transition campaign. She returned to us as a research associate in the
Sustainable Community Development campaign. She is currently working in marine conservation in New Jersey.
Sophie Walenta
Research Associate
Sophie
is a student at the
University of Miami pursuing dual degrees in Ecosystem Science and
Policy and Marine Affairs with a minor in Geospatial Technology. In
addition to her academic studies, she served as an intern with the
P.E.E.R. Group during the Fall of 2021 and a research assistant for the
Environmental Justice Clinic (EJC)
at the University of Miami School of Law. She returned to the P.E.E.R.
Group as a research associate from January to July in 2022 to continue working on policy work and geospatial
mapping. She will graduate in 2023.
Lillian Reese
Legal Intern
Lillian joined the P.E.E.R. Group as a Spring 2022 EJIP legal intern focusing on the
People Against the Surveillance of Children and Overpolicing
(P.A.S.C.O.) Coalition. The coalition works to combat--and end--the
Pasco Sheriff Department’s predictive policing program, which uses
student data provided by the Pasco County School District to create
lists of people who the department believe to be potential offenders.
Children become targets and are treated like criminals regardless of
their criminal history. She is glad her knowledge and skills allow her to assist the
coalition in preventing the most vulnerable members of our society from
being victimized. Lillian returned to the P.E.E.R. Group this summer as a law clerk.
Evian White De Leon, Esq.
Staff Attorney
Environmental Justice Clinic 2021-2022
University of Miami
School of Law
Kristen Dagher
Alternative Winter Break 2021
Kristen is a second-year law student at the University of Miami School of Law. She received her Bachelor's of Art in Business and Master's of Science in the Science of Health Care Delivery from Arizona State University. She is currently a law clerk at Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc., on a disability law project, and a fellow for the Center for Ethics and Public Service Lab, where she works closely with community partners to address health disparities. Kristen’s work with the law school’s public interest group introduced her to P.E.E.R. Group, where she participated in an alternative break researching local environmental justice issues.
Kristen is a second-year law student at the University of Miami School of Law. She received her Bachelor's of Art in Business and Master's of Science in the Science of Health Care Delivery from Arizona State University. She is currently a law clerk at Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc., on a disability law project, and a fellow for the Center for Ethics and Public Service Lab, where she works closely with community partners to address health disparities. Kristen’s work with the law school’s public interest group introduced her to P.E.E.R. Group, where she participated in an alternative break researching local environmental justice issues.
Rajvi Shah
Rajvi
is an undergraduate at the University of Miami with a major in Geography
and Sustainable Development with focuses in Smart Cities and Geospatial
Technology. She is passionate about designing sustainable cities for
the welfare of all people, starting with efficient transportation. She
took part in the EJIP Summer 2021 program and returned to work with the
P.E.E.R group on sustainable community development for the Fall.
J. Scott Largen, Esq.
Scott Largen is an attorney in the Miami area. Scott received his J.D. from the University of Miami and bachelor of science in Finance from Virginia Tech. Scott endeavors to use his education and training toward serving the housing needs of South Florida.
Zubin Kapadia, Esq.
Zubin
Kapadia is an attorney with the Florida Justice Center who received his
J.D. from Howard University and Environmental and Energy LL.M. from
Georgetown University. Zubin assisted with supervision in the
Environmental Justice Intern Program. Zubin endeavors to use his skills
and talents towards building a just, sustainable, and equitable future.
Natalia Brown, B.A.
Natalia Brown is a recent graduate of the University of Miami. Natalia assisted in the UM Racial Justice Grant Environmental Public Health work in our Housing Justice campaign. She currently serves as the Climate Justice Director for Catalyst Miami.
Joseph Mogul
Joseph
is a Junior at Macalester College majoring in
Environmental Studies and minoring in Economics. He was a part of the EJIP program in the Summer of 2021 and then joined us as an economic intern, advocating for underserved communities and the
environment in Miami. Joseph hopes to continue his work in the
environmental/social justice world, specifically focusing on solutions
to economic disparities perpetuated by structures in contemporary
institutions.