Professors Elizabeth Hubertz and Tara Rocque of WashULaw’s Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic were recognized as finalists for the William H. Danforth St. Louis Confluence Award at the 2024 Confluence Research Showcase on April 10.
The Clinic, working with community partners, is continuing its four-stage project to address environmental racism in St. Louis. St. Louis’s history of racism and segregation has resulted in severe environmental disparities reflected in asthma rates, lead exposure, air pollution, mold exposure, energy burdens, food deserts, vacancy, and dumping. In Stage 1, the clinic prepared a report, “Environmental Racism in St. Louis,” analyzing and quantifying these disparities. In Stage 2, they prepared recommendations to reduce the disparities. In stages 3 and 4, they are determining which recommendations the community prioritizes—using in-person presentations, online outreach, and statistical surveys—and preparing detailed road maps to implement the chosen recommendations.
More than 65 faculty members, representing every university school and working with some 600 community partners, applied for this year’s William H. Danforth St. Louis Confluence Award. The award elevates community-engaged research methods and recognizes the researchers and community partners who work together to address regional challenges. A selection committee selected 10 finalists who demonstrated impact, innovation, and deep engagement with the region, and Rowhea Elmesky, an associate professor of education in Arts & Sciences received the 2024 Confuence Award for a WashU-school district partnership dedicated to ensuring that humanization, as a fundamental right, is a foundational part of the schooling experiences of Black children.
A summary of the community-engaged research that was selected as finalists for the 2024 William H. Danforth St. Louis Confluence Award can be viewed here.
