About NatureRx at UConn

NatureRx at UConn launched in Fall 2021 as a grass-roots initiative to promote opportunities for spending time in nature, to raise awareness of the scientific evidence for nature's many benefits, and to create synergism and community among those interested similar goals at UConn. Our initial ambition was to compile and present in one map nearly all trails owned by multiple entities in the town of Mansfield, home to the UConn Storrs Campus. To launch our website, we hosted a mini-symposium for researchers interested in NatureRx and its related concepts, and in Fall 2023, we rolled out a campaign called "I Thrive Naturally" to inform students about the opportunities for spending time engaged with nature. Future directions are always under discussion and we invite anyone interested in participating to contact us. NatureRx at UConn is an active member of Campus Nature Rx, a national network of college campuses promoting spending time in nature for better health and well-being.

To get involved with NatureRx at UConn, please email one of our administrative leads below!



 






 






 


       


NatureRx Administrative Leads and Steering Committee


The Administrative Leads listed below are responsible for the administrative oversight, strategic direction, and coordination of the NatureRx Initiative, including the management of key programs, partnerships, and campus-wide initiatives.




Kim Kleszczynski


Office of Community Standards

Instructor for the NatureRx Course

Administrative Lead 

Email: kim.k@uconn.edu

 

 

 




Dr. Cynthia Jones


Initiator of NatureRx at UConn. Professor Emeritus in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Director of the UConn Botanical Conservatory.

 Administrative Lead 

Email: cynthia.s.jones@uconn.edu




Adam Coley


Student Health and Wellness

Health Promotion Program Assistant

 Administrative Lead 

Email: adam.coley@uconn.edu

 

 

 

 




Julia Smachylo


Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture

 Administrative Lead 

Email: julia.smachylo@uconn.edu

 

 

 

 

 




Liz Bowling, LMSW


Student Health and Wellness

Project Coordinator, Community Health Organizing

 Administrative Lead 

Email: 	elizabeth.bowling@uconn.edu

 

 

 


NatureRx Peer Educators 


The NatureRx Initiative has been strengthened by the dedication, creativity, and leadership of our Peer Educators. 




Stephanie Mora Gutierrez


Meet Steph - She’s a Senior majoring in Psychology with minors in Neuroscience and Food Science. Steph is passionate about helping first-year students adjust to college life and make the most of their experience. She also works in both the Dean's Office and the FYE Office.

Current FYE Mentor!  

Email: stephanie.mora_gutierrez@uconn.edu

 


NatureRx General Membership 


We would like to thank all our members below on actively working on the missions of NatureRx within their work at UConn, past and present. 




Dr. Kerry Marsh


Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences, Social-Ecological and Environmental Lab.

 

 




Dr. Sohyun Park


Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture.

 

 

 




 Dr. Melissa Sheardwright


Clinical Psychologist, Private Practice

 




Dr. Anita Morzillo


Associate Professor in Natural Resources and the Environment.

 

 

 




Emily Pagano


Assistant Director, Health Promotion and Community Impact at UConn Student Health and Wellness




Dr. Phoebe Godfrey


Associate Professor in Residence in the Department of Sociology.

 

 




Patrick McKee


Director of the Office of Sustainability

 

 




Zahra Ali


Ph.D. Student & Research /Teaching Assistant in Plant Science & Landscape Architecture

 

 


NatureRx has benefited from the dedication, expertise, and contributions of many faculty, staff, students, and community members over the years. While individuals may no longer serve actively within the initiative, we gratefully acknowledge their contributions to the development, growth, and success of NatureRx and its programs.