Project Mentor: Professor Kate Jackson, Community and Population Health
2026 Impact Fellows:
Jiaqian (Betty) Xu '27
Sophie Cohen '29
Julia Lawson '28
Project Description:
Your home address is the greatest determinant of how long and how well you will live! Be part of a collaborative neighborhood movement here in South Bethlehem to improve lives by creating clean and connected blocks. This project team works in direct partnership with residents of the Southside community to identify and address pressing environmental issues. Team members are an integral part of Community-Based Participatory Research, actively attending community meetings and clean-ups, co-managing the “B Beautiful: Adopt a Spot” movement, connecting neighbors, improving the local environment, and producing recommendations for city-wide change. As a team of students and neighbors, we explore the impact of trash, pollution, housing affordability, and the loneliness epidemic on well-being, and how neighborhood organizing (using trash as the starting point) can make a positive difference. We build trusted, mutually beneficial relationships and have fun doing it (side effects may include: shared meals, block parties, birthday celebrations, expanded social networks that lead to valuable internships or salsa dancing lessons).
Knowledge of community-based research, GIS/mapping software, or website development, or a willingness to learn, is necessary. Having individual transportation is strongly encouraged, although not necessary. A good fit for those interested in community/public health, environmental justice, sustainability, local policymaking, qualitative research, and program development. All majors are welcome to apply.