Mykhailo Bogdanov

Within a decade of earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees at DePaul, Mykhailo Bogdanov has distinguished himself as an award-winning filmmaker, environmental advocate, and creative leader whose work blends science, visual storytelling, and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. From his beginnings as a young boy fascinated with nature in Ukraine, to his current role as Deputy Director of Marketing and Multimedia Services at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Mykhailo’s path reflects resilience, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

After completing his bachelor's degree in film and television at DePaul's College of Computing and Digital Media, Mykhailo expanded his knowledge with a master's degree in environmental science from the College of Science and Health in 2022. His filmmaking explores themes of nature, spirituality, and the human experience, inviting viewers to consider their relationship with the world around them. Having created more than ten independent films, including Avoesis (2022), his work has screened at film festivals worldwide, earning over 20 awards and receiving more than 30 nominations.

In his current position at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Mykhailo leads a marketing team and oversees a portfolio dedicated to showcasing the beauty and ecological significance of Florida's diverse landscapes. Driven by the belief that storytelling can inspire meaningful change, he works to highlight local environmental issues and share them with a wider audience.

Throughout his journey, Mykhailo has drawn inspiration from a reflection attributed to St. Vincent de Paul, which he shared at his graduation:

“Nature makes trees put down deep roots before having them bear fruit, and even this is done gradually.”

For Mykhailo, these words capture the importance of patience, perseverance, and the lasting influence of education. The foundation he built at DePaul continues to shape his professional decisions and creative pursuits, while the university's Vincentian values remain a guiding force in his commitment to service and environmental stewardship. He is deeply grateful to his wife, Kasia, their sons, Leon and Noel, and his entire family, whose love and encouragement give deeper meaning to his work and inspire his hope for a better future.

Mykhailo's career achievements embody the highest ideals of our alumni community. He represents the next generation of environmental advocates— brilliant, collaborative, compassionate, and deeply committed to telling stories that deepen our understanding of natural resources and the urgent need to protect them.