Usha Sankar

Climate change impacts everyone, but low-income communities face disproportionately high burdens. Marginalized populations experience these effects more acutely, highlighting the need for climate justice efforts that focus on understanding these inequities and empowering local communities to adapt. My research centers on citizen science and community engagement, particularly studying air quality and its uneven health impacts in urban areas. This involves creating educational materials, involving students in air quality monitoring, and connecting university faculty, undergraduates, and K-12 educators to enhance local understanding of air quality issues.

Teaching involves making connections across various dimensions: between students and instructors, between material and students, and among students themselves. I strive to deepen these connections to enrich the learning environment. I define student success not only by their grasp of core concepts but also by their ability to retain and apply knowledge as lifelong learners. This involves guiding students to understand their own learning motivations and engage in metacognition.

I joined Drexel in January 2024 after over 12 years at Fordham University, where I co-founded Project FRESH Air. This initiative focused on installing air quality sensors in Bronx schools, engaging students and teachers in data collection and curriculum development. I plan to replicate this project at Drexel, addressing Philadelphia's air quality and health issues. My approach includes using mobile sensors for dynamic data collection and analysis, which offers students a practical Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE). This method has proven effective in connecting students with local issues and preparing them for STEM fields.