The Luskin Center for Innovation welcomes Camille Burrus as a staff researcher to assist with qualitative data collection and analysis in communities that have implemented a Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) grant. Her work will support learning from leaders in community-driven climate action.

Camille brings her passion for health equity, community-based research, and environmental justice to her work at the Luskin Center for Innovation. She also holds an MPH in Environmental Health Sciences from UCLA and a BS in Integrative Biology from Hampton University.

We asked Camille a few questions to get to know her better. Read on to learn more about her!

Why is environmental policy important to you?

Protecting public health from environmental risks is complex. To me, policy is essential because it mobilizes organizations, influences governance, and addresses systemic issues in ways that individual action cannot. It also creates pathways for structural change. Implementing systemic solutions through policy is critical for fostering equity and justice.

How did you first get interested in environmental policy?

I don’t think there was a single defining moment, but I remember learning about “Cancer Alley” in Louisiana and the Flint, Michigan water crisis. Those moments made the realities of environmental health disparities tangible to me. Over time, my interest in policy developed alongside my growing involvement in environmental health.

What are you most looking forward to in this role?

I’m most excited about the opportunity to engage with and interview people who have implemented TCC initiatives, as well as those who have benefited from them. Hearing firsthand about the program’s impact will be both insightful and rewarding.

What types of research do you most enjoy?

I’m drawn to community-based research, as it produces meaningful and actionable findings. I enjoy working with qualitative data, as it provides deeper insights and adds nuance to research. Additionally, I appreciate translational research, as it ensures findings reach and benefit broader audiences.

What drew you to UCLA and the Luskin Center for Innovation?

I admire the impactful work and strength of Luskin Center for Innovation’s research and the California TCC Program. Seeing the tangible impacts confirmed this was something I wanted to contribute to. Additionally, as a UCLA alumna, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to return!

What do you like to do in your free time?

I spend most of my time indulging my creative side. Over the past few years, I’ve focused on pottery, attending small concerts, and exploring art galleries. I also love spending time with my friends and family, often hosting gatherings for my friend group.