Resilient Rust Belt: Empowering Communities through Environmental Justice Action Research

EJAR lab logo.

Explore the intersections of environmental justice, community resilience, and data science in Rust Belt cities with our transformative project. 

Project description

The "Resilient Rust Belt" project within the Environmental Justice Action Research Lab (EJAR) is an innovative initiative aimed at catalyzing transformative change in Rust Belt cities and beyond. We blend critical examination with the application of social and data science methods to address pressing environmental and social challenges. Students engaging in this project will delve into the multifaceted aspects of environmental justice, support for neurodivergent learners, and climate learning across diverse communities. By collaborating directly with local stakeholders, our project seeks to empower communities, advance environmental and climate justice, and foster place-based resilience. 

Project outcome

The specific outcomes of this project will be identified by the faculty mentor at the beginning of your collaboration. 

Empowerment of communities through participatory research and action.
Advancement of environmental and climate justice initiatives in Rust Belt cities.
Development of interdisciplinary solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges.
Fostering of place-based resilience and community-centered approaches to sustainability. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment less than a semester; 0-2 months
Start time Spring (January/February) 
In-person, remote, or hybrid? Hybrid Project (can be remote and/or in-person; to be determined by mentor and student) 
Level of collaboration Small group project (2-3 students) 
Benefits Work study
Who is eligible All undergraduate students 

Core partners

  • Environmental Justice Action Research Lab (EJAR)
  • Mother Earth Literacies, LLC
  • Buffalo-based local organizations 

     

Project mentor

Monica Miles

Assistant Professor

Engineering Education

Phone: (716) 507-6147

Email: mlr25@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 

Preparation activities

The specific preparation activities for this project will be customized through discussions between you and your project mentor. Please be sure to ask them for the instructions to complete the required preparation activities.

Keywords

community-based research