October 1, 2013
Monica White, UW-Madison assistant professor of environmental justice, has been selected as the recipient of the 2013 Michigan Sociological Association Marvin Olsen Award for distinguished service to the cause of sociology in Michigan.
White was recognized for her innovative studies of urban farming and African American resistance to food insecurity in Michigan. Her work has contributed significantly to the theory and practice of sociology and to the enhancement of community activism in Michigan.
The award will be presented at the Michigan Sociological Association’s annual conference on Oct. 19, to be held on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University. White will also serve as keynote speaker at the conference.
White leads environmental justice research, teaching and outreach at UW-Madison, with a shared appointment in the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and the Department of Community and Environmental Sociology in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
White’s research focuses on documenting the history of black farmers' collectives, cooperatives and experiences in the Midwest. She is currently studying the grassroots organizations and communities of color that are engaged in developing sustainable community food systems in response to issues of hunger and food inaccessibility.
White also plays a leadership role in advancing the Nelson Institute Community Environmental Scholars Program and other community-driven environmental education, research and engagement activities.