Academic Program
Meet Our Ambassadors
Patel College of Global Sustainability Brand Ambassadors serve as enthusiastic leaders who embody the spirit of sustainability, providing incoming students with firsthand insights into the unique opportunities, resources, and experiences available at the Patel College. As active students themselves, ambassadors offer authentic perspectives, sharing their personal journeys and willing to provide guidance to help new students navigate and maximize their educational experience.
Our ambassadors are approachable, knowledgeable, and passionate individuals who promote global sustainability efforts both on and off campus. Explore their profiles, connect with them directly, and discover how they can help you chart your own path in sustainability.
Our current ambassadors include:
Phyu Sabai Mon
Email: phyusabaimon@usf.edu
Concentration: Sustainability Policy
Bio:
Phyu Sabai Mon (Madelyn) is a passionate sustainability professional with a strong academic foundation and hands-on experience in environmental management, policy development, and resilience planning. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Sustainability Policy at the University of South Florida, she is also earning a Graduate Certificate in Energy Sustainability. She is presently working as a Sustainability and Resilience Intern with the City of Tampa’s Sustainability and Resilience Team, where she contributes to climate action planning, greenhouse gas reduction strategies, and urban resilience initiatives.
With a proven track record in sustainability initiatives, greenhouse gas accounting, and life cycle assessments, Madelyn has engaged in impactful projects across Thailand, Taiwan, Korea, and the United States. As a student ambassador and active volunteer, she thrives in leadership roles, promoting environmental awareness and fostering collaboration. Her expertise in data analysis, policy compliance, and renewable energy integration underscores her commitment to driving innovative solutions for pressing environmental challenges. Passionate about sustainable development and climate resilience, she aims to bridge research and policy to create lasting environmental impact.
What would you say to a prospective student willing to start a master's degree in Sustainability?
If you’re considering a Master’s degree in Sustainability, you’re stepping into a field that is not just a career path but a mission—one that addresses some of the most pressing environmental and societal challenges of our time. Whether your passion lies in climate policy, renewable energy, corporate sustainability, or urban resilience, this degree equips you with the knowledge, technical expertise, and leadership skills to create lasting change. Through my involvement in international research projects in Thailand, Taiwan, and Korea, as well as leadership roles such as serving as a PCGS Student Ambassador, I have developed a global perspective on sustainability challenges and solutions. Beyond academics, hands-on experience is invaluable. Engaging in internships, research roles, and volunteer projects enhances learning by providing practical insights into sustainability challenges and solutions. Mastering [skills such as] GHG accounting, energy modeling, and sustainability reporting, while engaging with industry professionals at conferences and networking events, ensures you remain at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.
Why did you choose to pursue a Master's Degree in Sustainability?
My decision to pursue a Master’s in Sustainability was driven by a deep-seated passion for environmental stewardship and a strong desire to contribute to systemic change in global sustainability efforts. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the impacts of environmental degradation—rising sea levels, deforestation, and pollution. These experiences fueled my commitment to finding effective and sustainable solutions to these pressing challenges. With a background in environmental management and technology, I recognized that technical knowledge alone is not enough to drive meaningful change. Sustainability is not just about science—it is about policy, economics, and human behavior. This understanding led me to pursue a Master’s in Sustainability Policy at the University of South Florida, where I could merge my technical expertise with policy-driven solutions to create impactful and scalable sustainability initiatives.
Additionally, I wanted to gain practical experience in sustainability planning and resilience building. This aspiration led me to an internship with the City of Tampa’s Sustainability and Resilience Team, where I work on climate action planning, carbon emissions reduction strategies, and urban resilience initiatives. This role has reinforced my belief that real-world applications of sustainability principles are critical to shaping more sustainable cities and communities. Beyond technical expertise, I sought a program that would allow me to engage with global sustainability challenges. Through international experiences as a Research Scholar in Taiwan and Japan, and as a Country Representative in Korea, I have seen how different countries approach sustainability. These global perspectives have broadened my understanding of policy implementation, stakeholder engagement, and cross-border environmental collaboration.
Lisa Leseigneur
Email: lisaleseigneur@usf.edu
Concentration: Sustainability Tourism (Discontinued)
Bio:
I graduated with a B.A. in applied foreign languages in 2022 from the University of Caen Normandy, France, and started my M.A. in global sustainability at USF in 2023. I have previously worked in the tourism industry in different countries like France, the United Kingdom, and Spain and I am now an intern at the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation where I am doing my ACE project as a part of my Master's degree completion.
What would you say to a prospective student willing to start a master's degree in Sustainability?
This program will teach you so much, and you will meet some of the most caring professors ever. I have gained so many skills and interests in so many topics I never thought I would enjoy. The people you meet here will forever be part of your little sustainability family.
Why did you choose to pursue a Master's Degree in Sustainability?
I have always been a nature enthusiast, and working in the tourism industry, I have seen a lot of greenwashing, which made me realize there was a huge thing to deal with here. It was a no-brainer that this was the field I wanted to continue in.