We uplift the work of about 50 students a year in a way that also supports our civic partners
and advances goals for environmental equity. Please see examples of this financial and mentorship support, below,
and then consider joining us in supporting emerging environmental leaders.
Are you a student interested in applying to these opportunities? Learn more on our Student Opportunities page.
This program provides financial support and professional connections for students to work with EJ organizations and other civic leaders to advance goals for more livable and prosperous places. This fellowship is part of the Luskin Center for Innovation’s (LCI) commitment to partner organizations and support for first-generation Bruins, students of color, and other emerging environmental leaders.
Current and recent community partners:
If your organization advances environmental justice and is interested in hosting a fellow/intern, contact Colleen Callahan, co-executive director, at ccallahan@luskin.ucla.edu for more details about criteria and expectations.
Isabel Sheng
Isabel is excited to be working at the intersection of heat, energy use, and housing inequality with Pacoima Beautiful. She is providing the spatial analysis for their decarbonization strategies in mobile homes and accessory dwelling units. Isabel aims to use spatial data to tell meaningful stories about these issues and strategies.
Kaylee Lee
Kaylee is working with The Greenlining Institute on a policy memo regarding immigrant access to transportation programs and incentives. She will also work on communications strategies, community engagement, and creating campaigns to reach marginalized communities. Kaylee believes in a community-based approach and try to incorporate it into all of her work.
Jerusha Rainy Kannula
At Pacoima Beautiful, Jerusha is analyzing climate and EJ policies to develop strategies to address the needs of underrepresented communities. She will focus on decarbonizing accessory dwelling units and mobile homes. Jerusha will conduct literature reviews and draft policy recommendations and to reduce the environmental burden of vulnerable populations while advocating for their voices in policymaking.
Each year LCI provides financial support for students’ capstone projects, allowing them to expand the scope of their applied environmental justice or sustainability projects.
Below are members of one team we recently advised and supported with a Graduate Research Grant. In partnership with the California Strategic Growth Council, this team of master in public policy students assessed how the state’s Transformative Climate Communities Program can provide lessons for federal agencies seeking to achieve the Justice40 Initiative, President Biden’s commitment to bring the benefits of climate, clean energy, and other infrastructure investments to disadvantaged communities. See a summary of their work and final report: “Pathways to Advance Equity in Federal Programs.”
Lana Zimmerman
Lana’s professional experience spans many fields, including the arts, education, and politics. She has been a researcher for the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, and she currently works with the US Conference of Mayors, exploring the possibilities of urban development in the Metaverse. In the Fall, Lana will be a researcher for the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute.
Lauren Dunlap
Lauren focuses on climate justice and aspires to work on community-driven policy to help Californians prepare for heat, drought, and other climate impacts. Lauren works at the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation, contributing to a diverse array of projects. She has a passion for using visuals and simple language to make complex information accessible for everyone.
Lindsey Cain
Lindsey focuses on environmental policy and climate change, using her knowledge of the social implications of climate change to make meaningful change within local governments. She currently works as a Management Aide in the City Manager’s Office at the City of Torrance. In this role, Lindsey works on a variety of projects, including planning for emergency management.
Maya Gutierrez
Maya focuses on environmental justice, energy and water policy. Her background has spanned various fields from archaeology to education. She currently works for the policy development and public relations company, IDEATE California as a Graduate Fellow. In this position she works on projects in the policy areas of utilities and sustainability.
Sonia Zamora
Sonia focuses on social policy and is interested in environmental policy, especially as it pertains to underserved communities. She is currently working with a nonprofit and a foundation on issues of supportive housing and youth justice, respectively. In the fall, Sonia will study environmental politics and climate crises at the Hertie School in Berlin.
Please help us support emerging environmental leaders shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.
To discuss these opportunities, please contact Colleen Callahan, co-executive director, at ccallahan@luskin.ucla.edu.