Brenda Thomas is an Instructor in the Department of Integrated Studies and program Director of FGCU’s capstone course, University Colloquium: A Sustainable Future. Brenda’s previous research focused on the response of plant communities in the southeastern United States to natural and anthropogenic disturbance. More recently, her research has focused on sustainability education and student engagement. Brenda works extensively with the Herbarium of Southwestern Florida and serves on the Board of Trustees for CREW Land & Water Trust.