This semester, three undergraduates are taking part in the Syracuse Abroad London program as Lender Global research fellows. They are diving into real-world learning, visiting notable environmental sites and exploring social justice topics related to the environment.
The Lender Global program builds on the Lender Center for Social Justice. It takes research beyond campus, highlighting global social justice issues. London is the first site for this exciting initiative, allowing students to connect their research with international perspectives.
Once in the U.K., the students took a journey to various environmentally focused sites in Wales, guided by instructors from Syracuse Abroad. They explored the Welsh Parliament, Cardiff Bay, the National Museum, and more. These visits opened their eyes to climate challenges, environmental policies, and sustainable practices.
Students appreciated the design of the parliament building, which emphasizes sustainability and natural light. (Photo by Becca Farnum)
The Lender Global research fellows are already seeing how environmental issues vary across the globe.
Jude Bazerman ’26, studying broadcast journalism and geography, hopes to become a TV news reporter focusing on consumer and environmental stories. He values hands-on learning and finds his experience in Wales eye-opening.
“Interacting with local people and exploring different sites has been incredible. I’ve learned to adapt quickly and keep an open mind,” he says.
Gabrielle McCafferty ’25 is a biology and psychology major with a passion for sustainability, coming from an environmentally aware family. She notes, “Wales has a firm grasp on environmental practices, from numerous recycling bins to sustainable building designs.”
Abdulai Jibril Barrie ’26, an industrial design major, has traveled extensively and understands how different cultures approach environmental challenges. He emphasizes the importance of education about environmental preservation, stating, “It’s not just about recycling; it’s about protecting our ecosystems.”
The next Lender Global location will be in Santiago, Chile, where students will explore social justice and human rights issues related to the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.
Check out this related article: 10 Powerful Strategies to Combat the Trump Administration and Safeguard Our Environment
Source link