Students selected for research camp spent a week
studying the environment
LEAP students
pose in front of an air quality monitor they installed.
CONWAY, Ark. (August 21, 2024) — Seventeen Hendrix students
participated in this summer’s Leadership in Environmental Analysis for the
People (LEAP) program led by faculty members Dr. Courtney Hatch ’00 (chemistry)
and Dr. Brett Hill (sociology/anthropology) and funded through the Nancy and
Craig Wood Odyssey Professorship. The program, which
ran from July 21-27, included students from a diverse set of backgrounds and
majors.
Participants learned methods of air and water quality
analysis, established three new air quality measurement sites in Little Rock,
and used free open-access data and open-source Geographic Information System
(GIS) software to learn about disparities in exposure to environmental hazards,
including traffic density, urban heat island effect, and food deserts among
citizens of Little Rock.
“It was great to have such a diverse group of students
working together as a team and learning from each other,” said Hill. “It really
highlighted the power of inclusive teaching and learning.”
Students also heard from professional leaders in
atmospheric chemistry, public water policy, and environmental sociology, and
worked with the Hendrix Office of Career Services to emphasize the importance
of mentorship and professional networking in career management.
“It has been super impactful to see real, present
examples of people in our community using their voices to cause environmental
changes for the better,” said Isabel Jara ’26.
Participants enjoyed Hendrix campus housing and dining
together and developed a great sense of community during their experience that
enriched their collaborative efforts.
“LEAP’s foundation was built on collaborative community
expectations for working, learning, and living together and a common experience
that brought awareness of the impact inequity has on success, whether that be in
righting environmental wrongs or professional achievement,” said Hatch. “This
foundation of perspective taking and boundary setting broadened the impact the
LEAP experience had on the students.”
“I will use what I have learned and experienced during
the LEAP program to educate the people around me about the environmental
injustices that the world faces, how to quantitatively and graphically analyze
this, and what that means for our future,” said Ella Williams ’27. “My
perception has been influenced because I can now look at the world and question
why things are the way they are and not just accept injustice for the way it is.”
The following students participated in this year’s
weeklong LEAP program:
- Madison Achan ’26, environmental studies major (Peer
Assistant)
- Anna Burford ’25, chemical physics major (Peer Assistant)
- West Boudreaux ’26, computer science major
- Evelyn Calhoun ’26, indigenous studies major
- Tyler Dearing ’26, biochemistry & molecular biology
major
- Erin DeWald ’25, chemistry major
- Jessie Doyle ’26, health science major
- Nathan Hirsh ’26, anthropology major
- Isabel Jara ’26, chemistry/physics double major
- Kanak Joshi ’26, study of the mind major
- Michelle Leyva ’26, politics major
- Amelia Lindsey ’25, physics major
- Sophia McGraw ’27, environmental studies major
- Kate Nierstheimer ’25, environmental studies major
- Malcolm Rose ’25, history major
- Qudusiyyah Smith-Gaffoor ’27, study of the mind major
- Ella Williams ’27, environmental studies major
About Hendrix College
Founded in
1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools
That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the
country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning
opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The
Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has
been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through
engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to
diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community
inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and
joy.”
—Hendrix College Statement of Purpose