2024-2025 INTERNS
Alexa De Paz (she/her) is a 2L student at the University of Miami School of Law. She comes from a family of Peruvian and Cuban immigrants, a background she proudly embraces. Born and raised in Miami, FL, Alexa has a passion for preserving the beautiful and rich environment of her hometown community. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University (FSU) where she double-majored in political science and international affairs. Her interest in environmental advocacy piqued at FSU through her heavy involvement as Visibility Chair for Florida PIRG Students, a nonprofit, public policy, student advocacy organization aimed at decreasing single-use plastics and increasing student voter registration on college campuses. After graduating college, Alexa took a gap year working as a Program Coordinator for Operation Smile's Champion Program. She coordinated global surgical programs aimed at mentoring physicians and other medical providers in cleft surgery and care in Bolivia, Honduras, and Peru. In law school, apart from the Environmental Justice Clinic (EJC), Alexa serves as President of the International Law Society and Speaker of the Senate for the Student Bar Association. She is also a member of the Yvette Ostolaza Mock Trial Team and the Society of Bar and Gavel, among other involvements. Alexa spent the first half of last summer interning at Flanagan Bilton, a property tax appeal law firm in Chicago, IL, and the second half interning for the Honorable Judge Adalberto Jordan at the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. As a member of the EJC, Alexa is most looking forward to seeing the direct impact we will make on our local community through positive environmental initiatives, and she is excited to learn more about the intersection of the environment and the law.
Ben Wilkinson (he/him) is a 3L student from Atlanta, GA. As far back as middle school, Ben began volunteering for local Atlanta environmental non-profits, first with Chattahoochee River Keeper as an E. coli water tester, and with Trees Atlanta assisting in stream clean-ups, and erosion control efforts. He attended college at Bucknell University, playing on the Men's NCAA D1 lacrosse team and graduating with a major in Anthropology and a minor in Media & Film Studies. Before attending law school, Ben worked for the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena in the first sustainability department in the NBA. His sustainability team achieved TRUE zero waste certification, a first for any sports and entertainment venue in the world. He also interned for Chattahoochee River Keeper the summer before 1L, spending much of his time performing legal research for CRK’s General Counsel and assisting in the water testing lab. As an EJC Intern on the Stormwater Team, Ben is looking forward to advocating for improved water quality and flood resiliency in support of local community and environmental needs.
Elizabeth Levy (she/her) is a Miami native and a 2L at the University of Miami’s School of Law. She graduated from Southern Methodist University with her bachelor’s in chemistry and English Literature (with a specialization in Creative Writing), where she was on the Pre-Med track. She first found a passion for the environment and its preservation while majoring in Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences at MAST Academy. Prior to law school, Ms. Levy worked as a legal assistant at Zumpano Patricios, dealing in matters related to Anti-terrorism Law, Health Law, and International Law, amongst others. There she found herself drawn to the legal field’s malleability and characteristic induction of change as a tool of justice. Ms. Levy is a Board Member of Miami Law’s Honor Council, the Treasurer of the Society of Bar & Gavel, a member of the Yvette Oslaza Mock Trial Team, and an enthusiastic ambassador for the law school. During her 1L Summer, Ms. Levy interned at the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office. She focuses her studies on Human Rights Law, Criminal Law, and Litigation. Ms. Levy is looking forward to experiencing the cross-section between legal studies and science, as a zealous advocate for those marginalized communities affected by Old Smokey.
Henderson Jones (he/him) is a 3L law student at the University of Miami. For undergrad Henderson attended Elms College in western Massachusetts, majoring in Business Management. While in undergrad Henderson was a part of the Diversity, Engagement, & Inclusion (DEI) office, interning all 4 years. For DEI Henderson’s focus was to cover social justice and equity as he assisted with hosting events, presentations, and taught classes to faculty & first-year students. Henderson is from South Florida, so he is looking forward to the hands-on community impact opportunities provided by the EJC.
Kamari Finkler (he/him) is a 3L from New Castle, Delaware, who plans to practice in civil and criminal spheres. Kamari graduated from the University of Arizona, where he double majored in Law and Political Science. During the Fall of 2023, Kamari interned with the United States Department of Agriculture, where he was exposed to economic development and food safety matters. Kamari is most excited about gaining hands-on experience and expanding his knowledge on the repercussions of environmental racism in Florida and across the country. Kamari is also excited about meeting, communicating, and collaborating with affected community members.
Kyle Spohn (he/him) is a 2L at the University of Miami School of Law. He graduated cum laude from the University of Florida in May 2023 with a B.S. in Business Management and a minor in Communications Studies and Spanish. As a 1L, Kyle became involved with the Center for Ethics and Public Service (CEPS) as an intern working to promote housing and health equity in local Miami communities threatened by gentrification. He is a member of the Environmental Law Society and the First-Generation Law Association. During his 1L summer, Kyle served as a HOPE Fellow with the P.E.E.R. Group, working on a variety of local projects related to environmental justice in Miami. Kyle is excited to continue pursuing his passion for both public interest litigation and the environment as a legal intern with the Environmental Justice Clinic.
Madison Payer (she/her) is a 2L at the University of Miami School of Law. Prior to attending Miami Law, she graduated summa cum laude from Rutgers with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a minor in Psychology. This past summer Madison worked as a law clerk at The Law Offices of Gilbert & Smallman PLLC. As for the 2024-2025 academic year, she is continuing to work as a law clerk for Gilbert & Smallman and is serving, for the fall 2024 semester, as the Dean’s Fellow for Professor Gabriel Scheffler’s Torts course. As an intern with the Environmental Justice Clinic, Madison is excited to work on its new Indigenous Justice campaign.
Maxx Schoenblatt (he/him) is a 2L originally from Miami. Maxx graduated summa cum laude from Florida State University in 2021 with a double major in Political Science and Economics. While at Florida State, he was a part of the Political Science Department’s Research-Intensive Bachelor Certificate, where he assisted a professor with research related to the relationship between legalizing marijuana and gun violence as well as writing an independent research paper on the relationship between political polarization and economic inequality. Also, while at Florida State he was a Healthcare Policy Intern for The James Madison Institute. Over his 1L summer, he was a law clerk for Battisti Felce, P.A., where he worked on plaintiff-side insurance litigation, mainly drafting motions and conducting legal research. As an EJC Intern, Maxx is excited to be able to give back to the local community where he grew up and help make Miami a better place through legal advocacy.
Natalie Magill (she/her) is a 2L with a focus on Environmental Law. For her undergraduate studies, she attended Wake Forest University and majored in Politics & International Affairs with a minor in Environmental Science. During her 1L Summer, Natalie interned with the U.S. Coast Guard and worked on enforcement of pollution statutes and treaties. During her work with the Stormwater Team, Natalie hopes to further the objectives of the Environmental Justice movement and help those in the Miami community.
Nathalie Tortolero Calanche (she/her) is a 3L, focusing on environmental justice. Originally from Venezuela, Nathalie moved to Virginia with her family, where she developed a deep appreciation for hard work and perseverance through her parents’ efforts as first-generation immigrants. Nathalie attended Towson University on a Division 1 field hockey scholarship, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, immersing herself in the works of Plato, Sartre, and Nietzsche. Her passion for justice and critical thinking led her to pursue a legal career, which was further inspired by her experiences as a fact-finder for the Virginia Employment Commission and a business immigration analyst at Fragomen. At UM Law, Nathalie has gained experience through internships at the Virginia Office of Children’s Ombudsman, where she prepared detailed investigative reports and assisted in drafting legislative and policy proposals aimed at improving child welfare systems. She is excited to contribute to the Environmental Justice Clinic, particularly the Heat Justice team, where she looks forward to addressing the disproportionate impacts of extreme heat on vulnerable communities.
Nicolas Vincenty (he/him) is a 2L student at the University of Miami School of Law. They have earned a Dean’s Merit Scholarship and are deeply involved in campus life, holding leadership roles in the Maritime Law Society as Vice Admiral and the St. Thomas More Society as Clerk, while also participating in the Environmental Law Society, the Environmental Justice Clinic, and serving as a Law Ambassador. Prior to law school, Nicolas graduated magna cum laude from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science. During their undergraduate studies, they were active in Student Government, serving as Associate Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, and Chief Justice, and contributed to the Academic Appeals Board and Scholarship Committee. Their legal experience includes interning with the 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida, where they gained hands-on experience in drafting orders, conducting legal research, and assisting with complex cases. Additionally, they worked as a Legal Assistant at Morgan & Morgan P.A., where they managed litigation documents and client communications. Outside of academics and work, Nicolas is an Eagle Scout, an avid scuba diver, and enjoys historical research, hiking, and playing the trumpet. While Nicolas is part of the Environmental Justice Clinic, he looks forward to helping others who cannot always get representation for themselves while also protecting our environment.
Olivia Fox (she/her) is a 2L student who graduated from the University of Miami in May 2022 with a B.B.A. in Marketing and minors in Business Law and Finance. During her undergraduate studies, she was a Student Government Eco Agency member and assisted in student-led, environmentally friendly campus initiatives. Before law school, she worked as a legal assistant for a boutique law firm in West Palm Beach, assisting in plaintiff representation in personal injury, worker's compensation, and employment discrimination cases. During her 1L summer, Olivia was a HOPE Summer Public Interest Fellow in the Dependency division at the Office of Criminal Conflict & Civil Regional Counsel. At Miami Law, she is a Dean's Merit Scholar, a member of the Honor Council, and a junior staff editor for the Race and Social Justice Law Review. Olivia is excited to gain valuable litigation and advocacy skills.
Olivia Pertierra (she/her) is a 2L at Miami Law, focusing on public interest law. Olivia graduated from the New College of Florida in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences. While there, Olivia developed an undergraduate thesis, “Somos Seres Humanos, Merecemos Vivir Dignamente”: Coloniality and Human Rights in the Face of Family Separation. After New College, Olivia moved back to Miami to contribute to her community. She worked with local organizations, such as Food not Bombs, distributing food and COVID-19 protective gear to houseless groups, and helped provide protest safety and first aid to those participating in the Sumer of 2020 protests against police brutality. As a 1L at Miami Law, Olivia joined the Civil Rights Reading Group, where she participated in research about racially discriminatory policies that affected West Grove residents’ access to public pools. During the summer of 2024, Olivia served as a HOPE Summer Public Interest Fellow at the Office of the Miami-Dade Public Defender. As a 2L Olivia looks forward to advocating for indigenous groups in South Florida and developing the Indigenous Justice team at the Environmental Justice Clinic.
PJ Chandra (he/him) is a 2L student who studied Economics and Government with a minor in Finance at American University. He has experience interning on Capitol Hill and recently interned with the District Attorney's Office near Philadelphia, where he gained hands-on experience in litigation. Through the EJC, PJ looks forward to supporting communities affected by environmental issues and learning how law, policy, and science intersect to address these challenges.
Staci Gamble (she/they) is a 2L student. She completed her undergraduate degree at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she majored in Agricultural Business. Staci has gained valuable experience through her work at Darden, where she assisted with contracts, compliance, and mediation. She is passionate about community advocacy, particularly in areas like food justice and sustainability. Staci is excited to collaborate with members of the community and looking forward to contributing to their impactful mission and gaining deeper insights into environmental justice
2024-2025 Fellows
Alexa F. Eckembrecher is a Miami, Florida native who graduated with honors from the University of Miami in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism. She also minored in Public Health, Italian, and Motion Pictures. Currently, she is pursuing dual degrees in J.D. (Juris Doctor) and M.P.H. (Master of Public Health) at the University of Miami School of Law and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, with an expected graduation date in 2025.
Alyssa Huffman was raised in Keller, TX, before moving to Tampa in 2019. In 2022, Alyssa earned her B.S. in Marine Science and Biology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Tampa. While in Tampa, she worked as a laboratory assistant and writing tutor and volunteered with the Audubon Society and University of Florida Tropical Aquaculture Lab. In addition to the Environmental Justice Clinic, Alyssa is the president of the Environmental Law Society and a Senior Notes and Comments Editor on the International and Comparative Law Review. During her summers, Alyssa worked for Everglades Law Center and Earthjustice, where she conducted legal research and assisted with litigation in the areas of environmental and energy law.
Emma Page is a 3L student with a concentration in Health Law. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Kentucky in 2021, as well as minors in Biology, Spanish, and Health Communication. Throughout her gap year, she worked for the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department's COVID-19 Response Unit. During her 1L summer, Emma worked for Legal Services of Greater Miami in the Health and Income Maintenance Unit. During her 2L summer, she worked as a Law Clerk at Zumpano Patricios firm, focusing on healthcare-related litigation and arbitration. Currently, she is an Articles and Comments Editor for the Race and Social Justice Law Review and a Fellow for the Center for Ethics and Public Service's Health Equity Project. Emma is excited to rejoin the EJC as a fellow and continue her efforts to foster healthy communities throughout Miami.
Lauryn Holliday was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Belmont University, where she double majored and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Motion Pictures and Legal Studies. Currently, Lauryn is a 3L at the University of Miami School of Law. She is the Managing Editor for the Inter-American Law Review and a Miami Law Trial Team member. This summer, Lauryn had the opportunity to work at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP in their New York Office. Last year, as an intern for the EJC, Lauryn worked on the EJC’s inaugural Food Justice team. During her time as an intern, the Food Justice team submitted a report to the United Nations, hosted and organized three town halls, and engaged in community advocacy throughout Miami-Dade County. Lauryn is eager to continue her work in the clinic as a fellow this year.
Justin Alexander is a 3L/Traurig LLM in Real Property Development student. He is from New Port Richey, Florida, and earned a B.S. in Urban Planning and Design from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Justin was a Food Justice Intern with the Environmental Justice Clinic during the 2023-2024 academic year and a summer associate at Heise Suarez Melville, P.A., during the summer of 2024. Justin has also clerked for the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes, drafting regulations, notices, and memoranda. Justin is an Articles and Comments Editor for Volume 15 of the University of Miami Race and Social Justice Law Review and a member of the Charles C. Papy, Jr. Moot Court Board.
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