Professional Staff

Erin Largo-Wight, Ph.D. — Director and Professor

Dr. Erin Largo-Wight is a Professor of Public Health and the Director of the Institute of Environmental Research and Education. Dr. Largo-Wight’s teaching focuses on behavioral and social solutions to public and environmental health problems. She is a research scientist and the lead of the UNF Nature and Health Laboratory studying the impact of nature on human health (nature and well-being), as well as the impact people have on the environment (social behavioral research). Her research assumes a reciprocal relationship between the environment and people (One Health). The focus is on testing nature interventions by measuring the impact of nature on health and well-being outcomes in various settings (homes, schools, workplaces, and communities). Dr. Largo-Wight also explores environmental health behaviors, strategies to promote change, and other social behavioral solutions to environmental problems.  Her research has been supported by federal agencies and national associations and foundations (e.g., NOAA, APHA) and has been published and well cited in the research literature, as well as widely covered in news and popular press outlets in the U.S. and Europe. She has received impact and excellence awards focused on this work, and proudly serves on local and national boards and alliances to further environmental and nature research and initiatives. In her spare time, she enjoys her ‘backyard mini farm at the beach’, watching her kids enjoy life and play, and being active with her husband and kids outdoors, especially at Florida’s beaches, parks, and springs.

Kelly Rhoden — Assistant Director

Kelly Rhoden serves as the assistant director for the Institute of Environmental Research and Education. Rhoden earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology from the University of North Florida.

Rhoden previously served as the coordinator of Student Engagement and Retention Programs within The Institute.  Her career path has also provided the opportunity to serve as the Alumni Event Coordinator in the University Development and Alumni Engagement office at the University of North Florida. She was a past participant in the Environmental Leadership Program, completing a project focused on environmentalism and health. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, gardening and learning more about natural environments.

Ruby Cox — Coordinator

Ruby Cox serves as the Program Coordinator for the Institute of Environmental Research and Education. Cox earned a Bachelor of Science in Health with a concentration on Environmental Health and minor in Environmental Studies from the University of North Florida.  

Her previous role as a Community Volunteer Ambassador with National Park Service at Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve in Jacksonville, Florida; fostered her passion and skills in environmental interpretation and education, community engagement, and volunteer management. In this role Ruby focused on intergenerational and community learning practices, cultural history preservation, and environmental health programming.  

Cox served as a Research Coordinator Intern with Argonne National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program where she supported a local non-profit (North Florida Clean Fuels) by conducting research in Environmental Health and Environmental Justice in relation to Jacksonville.  

Ruby is a past participant in the Environmental Leadership Program, where she partnered with the Institute of Environmental Research and Education, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), and the Health by Design: Nature and Health Laboratory to complete a project evaluating environmental health behaviors and sustainability relating to recycling and community engagement. In her spare time Ruby enjoys outdoor activities and enjoying time in nature with her friends and family.  

Nicole Lowe — Administrative Specialist

Nicole Lowe serves as the Administrative Specialist for the Institute of Environmental Research and Education.  Lowe earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Western Illinois University.  She continued her education post-graduation to obtain her teaching certification in middle school math.

Lowe has had a wealth of opportunities from the 2002 Winter Olympics to Director of a local non-profit before stepping into the classroom as a middle school math teacher.  Her organizational skills, attention to detail and desire to provide a quality interaction drive her success.  In her spare time, she is blessed to enjoy time with her family and the adventures that present themselves.

• Jennifer Nabors, Ph.D. - Associate Director, Academic Support Services; IERE Divisional Budget Officer
• Kathleen Leone - Director of Development, Academic & Student Affairs; IERE Development Officer
• Jenna Green - Assistant Director of Development, Academic & Student Affairs
• Kevin Hozey - Assistant Director, Academic Advising Services; IERE Student Advisor