PROTECT Participates in Environmental Justice Panel at CitSci2019

Apr 22, 2019 | Community Engagement Core, PROTECT Events and Presentations, PROTECT Team

PROTECT Community Engagement Core Co-Leader Dr. Carmen Vélez Vega was a featured panelist on the Environmental Justice special panel at CitSci2019, held on March 15, 2019, in Raleigh, NC. The panel, “Environmental Justice and Community Science: A Social Movement for Inpowerment, Compliance, and Action,” featured four panelists presenting case studies in community-driven research and was moderated by Dr. Sacoby Wilson, Directory of the Community Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health (CEEJH) initiative. Vélez Vega’s presentation focused on the environmental justice aspect of the PROTECT, CRECE, and ZIP studies, with a particular emphasis on the ongoing impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Other panelists included Viola Waghiyi, Director of the Environmental Health and Justice Program in Anchorage, AK; Margaret Gordon, co-director of the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project (EIP); Omega Wilson, co-founder of the West End Revitalization Association; Vincent Martin, community activist in Detroit, MI; and Dr. Beverly Wright, Director of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice.

CitSci2019 was coordinated by the Citizen Science Association, and focused on three tracks: Problem-driven Citizen Science, Environmental Justice, and Education. PROTECT is excited to share our environmental justice work with this dynamic community.

Dr. Carmen Vélez Vega (right) with CitSci2019 attendees.

Dr. Vélez Vega and fellow panelist Viola Waghiyi, Director of the Environmental Health and Justice Program in Anchorage, AK