Britney Hay
Major: Environmental Engineering Sciences
Advisor: Andrew Altieri
Department: Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment
Britney Hay comes to the University of Florida from Antigua and Barbuda, a twin-island nation in the Caribbean. You can often find Hay riding her bike on campus or enjoying lunch on the picnic tables next to Weil Hall, in the shadow of The Swamp.
- What did you want to be growing up?
I was always interested in animals, so for a long time I really wanted to be a vet. I’m still able to channel that interest into my work but just in a different way.
- What is the most interesting project you have worked on at UF?
I’m currently researching sediment-restoration strategies in Florida saltmarshes that are drowning from sea level rise as part of a project between UF’s Center for Coastal Solutions and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Engineering With Nature program. The topic is extremely relevant in Florida and important on a global level, which makes the work super fulfilling. Working alongside these groups has been really enriching and educational for me as a young researcher.
- What are your biggest accomplishments?
Before graduate school, I worked for an environmental conservation NGO (non-governmental organization) in my home country, Antigua and Barbuda, and I still consider that work my biggest accomplishment. Being able to change minds, contribute to policy shifts and make environmental progress in my region is my long-term goal, and I really felt like I got a taste of what that was like there.
- What are you watching/listening to?
I just got into watching “Shrinking” on Apple TV, and I’m loving it. I’ve also been really enjoying Teddy Swims’ latest album.
- What’s the most memorable thing that has ever happened to you?
I got lost at sea off the coast of Miami once with my family.
- Tell us something about yourself most people do not know.
I’ve loved to paint since I was a kid.
- What is your favorite part of UF?
The warm and supportive environment I’ve found in my lab and department.