Research Symposium

BIO

Danielle Fuentes is a sophomore at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Sociology. She is a member of the University Honors Program and the Honors Medical Scholars Program, where she engages in advanced coursework and interdisciplinary learning. Danielle is conducting undergraduate research through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program under the mentorship of Dr. Eric Shattuck, focusing on exposure to natural settings and health in Florida State University students.

Beyond research, Danielle is actively involved in leadership and service. She is a member of the Medical Response Unit, where she trains in emergency response, and serves as an Honors Colloquium Leader, facilitating seminars for fellow honors students. She is also an Honors Peer Mentor, supporting fellow university honors students, and a SSTRIDE mentor, where she guides high school students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare through academic support and college preparation. Additionally, she co-founded Fuel for Futures, a student-led initiative that provides food assistance to local children facing food insecurity, helping raise over $600 this semester to support meal distribution efforts.

After graduation, Danielle plans to pursue medical school with the goal of becoming a physician who prioritizes patient-centered care, preventive medicine, and community outreach. She is particularly interested in working in fast-paced clinical settings while also addressing the broader social and environmental factors that influence health.

Exposure to Natural Settings and Health in Florida State University Students

Abstract

Exposure to natural settings is linked to improved mental well-being, but how college students personally experience nature remains understudied. This project explored perceptions of natural settings among 33 Florida State University students, primarily white (85%) women (82%) from suburban backgrounds (72%). Participants completed surveys before and after spending time in nature and were asked to provide three pictures that captured what nature means to them alongside written reflections.

Analysis of 88 thematic responses revealed several key themes. Appreciation of Beauty and Calm/Emotional Regulation were most prevalent, followed by Reflection and Perspective as well as Human-Nature Interaction. Participants also described Positive Affect, Connection to Nature, Sensory Experiences, and Spiritual/Healing themes respectively. Quantitatively, connectedness to nature increased modestly (pre: M=3.42, SD=0.98; post: M=3.82, SD=0.99), while creativity scores remained fairly stable (pre: M=75.28, SD=6.46; post: M=74.43, SD=5.97).

Results highlight nature’s potential as a stress-relief resource for students. Future work could expand demographic diversity, refine mental health assessments, and explore longitudinal effects. Campus initiatives, such as guided nature walks, could promote outdoor engagement to support well-being and academic success.

Keywords: Nature, Environment, Health, Wellness, Exposure