London Bates

What is your major? Community and environmental sociology with a certificate in sustainability

Expected graduation: December 2024

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? After I took Envir St 339 – Environmental Conservation during the fall of 2021, I learned more about environmental conservation approaches, biodiversity, environmental justice, etc. From that point on, my passion for the environment, resource conservation and social and environmental justice grew.

What would you say to other students who ask about CESP or the Nelson Institute? The Community Environmental Scholars Program (CESP) gives students space to create community inside of the classroom and engage with communities outside of the classroom. You are exposed to a whole new aspect of learning by challenging students to engage with new concepts and how these concepts may connect to the world. CESP and the Nelson Institute offer a more insightful and inclusive form of education that others may not. CESP offers so many opportunities for students to take on leadership roles and apply newly acquired skills to real-world situations.

Something few people know about you: When I was younger, I wanted to be both a teacher and an engineer. I did not know which one I wanted to be, I just knew I wanted to do something related to STEM. I am currently a STEM major, I plan to later pursue my engineering degree and I would not mind pursuing academia as I am still passionate about education as well.

Anything else? Being a part of a marginalized community and growing up in the inner city, I can attest to the necessity of a strategy for sustainability and equality initiatives. This being a result of food insecurity, limited resources, lack of advocacy, and the effects of pollution on public health. I want to have a hand in the examination and completion of natural processes, I also want to advocate for communities that have limited access to the resources that are linked to these processes. I am passionate about science and how it plays a part in shaping the world around us. Each learning experience in CESP opens my eyes to how strong our connection is to the world around us.