Climate justice focuses on equitable treatment for all people, especially marginalized groups, in the face of climate change. It addresses the disproportionate impacts on those who contribute least to climate change, such as low-income and BIPOC communities, and advocates for policies that prioritize their needs while holding major contributors accountable. I emphasize the need for collaborative, creative, and inclusive solutions. These solutions must integrate environmental sustainability, social equity, and innovation, utilizing creativity and critical thinking skills. My goal is to instill a sense of responsibility and agency in students, preparing them to contribute to a just and sustainable future.
As the Director of Creativity & Innovation Programs and Associate Director of the Freddie Reisman Center for Translational Research for Creativity and Motivation, I adopt a collaborative, constructivist approach to teaching. I support self-directed learning across various education levels and conduct research on creativity in education and workplaces. I am a founding member of the PA Educator Diversity Consortium, working to increase the number of BIPOC teachers in Pennsylvania and develop alternative teacher preparation pathways.
Bringing extensive experience in course design and curriculum development, I am excited to explore how my expertise can contribute to climate justice initiatives. I oversee Creativity courses and programs, including master’s degrees, and have developed numerous educational resources. I look forward to collaborating on creating climate justice resources and integrating them into educational frameworks, drawing on my background in fostering innovative and inclusive teaching practices.