Are you a student interested in applying to these opportunities? Learn more on our student resources page.
Our Field Fellowship for Environmental Justice (EJ) Program provides financial support and connections for Bruins to work with EJ organizations and other civic leaders to advance goals for more livable and prosperous places. This program is part of the Luskin Center for Innovation’s 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 at ccallahan@luskin.ucla.edu for more details about criteria and expectations for hosting a fellow.
Meet the 2022-23 cohort of EJ Field Fellows:
Abhilasha Bhola
Abhilasha finished a summer fellowship with the People’s Collective for Environmental Justice, researching the impact of warehousing and logistics on BIPOC communities. She’s also part of a statewide coalition for electrifying heavy-duty vehicles, while pursuing a master’s in public policy.
Evelin Estrada
Evelin aided equity-centered clean transportation campaigns with the Better World Group as a fellow this summer, notably contributing to the successful passage of California’s zero-emission passenger vehicles mandate by 2035. Evelin studies for a master’s in public policy.
Juan Flores
Juan is a Better World Group fellow and, in collaboration with environmental equity coalitions, he conducts research on zero-emission transportation policies. In the final year of a public affairs major and public health minor, Juan is devoted to merging the two fields for healthy community systemic solutions.
Lillian Liang
Lillian finished a Greenlining Institute fellowship centered on combating extreme heat. She penned a paper supporting immigrant and labor rights organizations that lead climate resilience campaigns in San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. Lillian is pursuing a master’s in urban/regional planning to specialize in environmental/social justice and climate adaptation.
Austin Mendoza
Austin, a Sierra Club fellow, contributes to Los Angeles building decarbonization by researching policies, collaborating in stakeholder meetings, and promoting communication campaigns from an environmental justice perspective. Pursuing a public policy master’s degree, Austin aspires to policy research and communications professions that advance environmental justice.
Leslie Velasquez
Leslie aided the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice on their air quality project in the Inland Empire, particularly researching the local effects of California Air Resources Board’s 2022 Scoping Plan, including clean truck implementation. Leslie is pursuing a master’s degree in urban planning.
Krystle Yu
Krystle, a fellow with East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice, investigates possible gentrification related to the proposed LA River Master Plan and commercial tenancy resources to support the organization’s intersectional work on community stability. Krystle is pursuing a master’s in urban planning.
Janet Zamudio
Janet researches zero-emission transportation policies to promote environmental justice at Communities for a Better Environment (CBE). Janet, raised in Southeast Los Angeles, previously served as a youth environmental justice member, facilitator, and legal intern at CBE. She is also a fourth-year student studying public affairs and geography.
We are provide research fellowships to prospective UCLA graduate students, also with a focus on first-generation Bruins, students of color, and other underrepresented groups. Fellows receive guaranteed employment at LCI conducting research to inform environmental policy.
Recent fellows include:
Richard, a Public Policy master student, is working with us on a landmark study to help California transition to zero emission transportation. This forthcoming study became more prominent after Governor Newsom recently issued an executive order to phase out the sale of fossil fuel powered cars and trucks.
A first generation, dual-degree graduate student in Public Health and Urban Planning, Elena is a critical member of LCI’s team tracking groundbreaking climate action. She is documenting progress led by grassroots leaders in Ontario and Pacoima, two historically underserved communities part of California’s Transformative Climate Communities Program.
Samantha, who grew up in LA’s Fernando Valley, has personally seen how wildfires affect communities of color, many of which are already overburdened by high levels of air pollution. As a Public Policy master student, she recently joined LCI’s climate adaptation team that researches how the climate crisis impacts vulnerable populations and informs actions to increase resiliency.
Each year LCI provides financial support for students’ capstone projects, allowing them to expand their applied environmental justice or sustainability projects.
Below are members of one team we are advising and supporting with a Graduate Research Grant. In partnership with the California Strategic Growth Council, this team of master in public policy students are assessing 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.
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 increase support for the emerging environmental leaders shaping a more environmentally sustainable and equitable future.
To discuss these opportunities, please contact Colleen Callahan, co-executive director, at ccallahan@luskin.ucla.edu.