Felix Osborn, '22

Today’s update is from Felix Osborn, ’22! Felix is in the Fordham University Honors College pursuing a B.S. in environmental science with a minor in history. He plans to continue his academic journey with an M.S. in environment & sustainability management. Felix’s college experience has been shaped by his passion for conservation, community engagement, and hands-on environmental research. Since graduating from ESA, he has worked on projects involving elephant conservation, coral reef and whale shark research, and macaw rehabilitation, and completed an internship in the ornithology department at the Bronx Zoo.

This summer, Felix will travel to the Okavango Delta in Botswana to conduct independent research testing AI-based tools designed to reduce human–wildlife conflict, focusing on practical solutions for communities living alongside wildlife. On campus, Felix is also involved with Fordham Food Walks, a student initiative that redirects unused meal swipes to support food-insecure neighbors in the Bronx. His work reflects a deep interest in connecting science, technology, and community perspectives in environmental problem-solving.

“ESA prepared me for college mostly by making ‘being busy’ feel completely normal,” Felix shared. “Because ESA classes were small, there was no hiding in the back row. I had to speak up, ask questions, and sometimes risk being wrong. That’s basically the foundation of every good college seminar.”

Felix is grateful for the confidence ESA instilled in him. “ESA made learning feel connected to the real world. Critical thinking, service, global awareness, and community weren’t extras. They were just part of school culture. ESA teachers treated us like our ideas were worth hearing, so by the time I got to college, it didn’t feel strange to email a professor about research or ask to get involved in a project I barely understood yet.”

To future ESA graduates, Felix offers thoughtful advice: “Stay curious and don’t rush to have everything figured out. Interests change, and that’s part of it. Email the professor, apply for the program, ask about the opportunity. The worst outcome is usually just a ‘no,’ and the best outcomes can shape your path in ways you can’t predict yet.”

Thanks, Felix!