Bloomington in Bloom:
Climate Advocacy on the Rise

Nestled amongst the rolling hills and lush greenery of Bloomington stands Indiana University (IU). Renowned for its sprawling woodlands and historic limestone architecture, IU has become a powerhouse of sustainability in the Midwest. Their Campus Sustainability Innovation Fund allocates up to $50,000 annually to support student, faculty, and staff projects aimed at advancing sustainability on campus. Additionally, their Climate Action Plan ensures student and local voices are at the forefront through “student success and opportunity, transformative research, and service to the state.”

Sample Gates at IU

Upon arrival, Diego Tovar, Director of Campus and Civic Engagement, was warmly welcomed by Corrie Hult, the Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) Administrative Assistant to the Chair. After settling in and preparing for the day’s engagements at the Innovation Center, Diego delivered a compelling guest lecture. Addressing the intricate intersections of environmental justice, health, and storytelling, he emphasized the pivotal role of community-based solutions in driving effective advocacy and policy change in an ever-shifting landscape. The evening unfolded with a delightful dinner alongside Dr. Roberto Rodriguez, Associate Professor in the EOH department. Dr. Rodriguez provided avenues for the National Environment Leadership Fellowship to be shared among students on campus who are itching to spur positive change in their communities.

Dr. Silveyra

The following day commenced with a series of enriching one-on-one meetings at the Innovation Center. Diego engaged in a fruitful discussion with Dr. Lisa Kamendulis, Associate Chair and Associate Professor in the EOH, exploring collaborative avenues to integrate environmental justice topics into curriculum at IU. Subsequently, he met with Dr. Patricia Silveyra, Chair and Professor of EOH, who offered a tour of her laboratory. Dr. Silveyra’s groundbreaking research focuses on understanding how environmental pollutants impact lung diseases and illnesses, underscoring the critical nexus between environmental factors and public health.​

Dr. Armijos

Lunchtime provided an opportunity for Diego to connect with Dr. Rodrigo Armijos, Associate Professor in EOH. Their conversation centered on strategies for capacity building—specifically, how to connect existing programs at IU to the Rachel Carson Council, which quickly led to a meeting with Dr. Michelle Del Rio. Dr. Del Rio spearheads community engagement initiatives and teaches classes on Environmental Justice. Dr. Del Rio facilitated connections for existing programs at IU by connecting Diego and the Concerned Scientists at Indiana University, Bloomington, fostering pathways for young environmental advocates to become involved in the National Environment Leadership Fellowship.

Dunn’s Woods

Franklin Hall Screen

Before returning back to Washington, DC, Corrie Hult led Diego on a tour of IU’s iconic landmarks, including the serene Dunn’s Woods (which also serves as an educational space for studying air quality, flood regulation, and recreational spaces) and the historic Sample Gates, IU’s original campus entrance. A highlight of the tour was the visit to Franklin Hall, home to The Media School. Here, Diego marveled at the impressive 24-foot by 12-foot interactive screen in the commons area, recognized as the largest indoor screen at any academic institution in the country and where media, such as environmental documentaries created by students, are projected.

Indiana University’s commitment to sustainability, coupled with its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, health, and community engagement, makes it a distinguished addition to the Rachel Carson Campus Network. We are proud to welcome Indiana University as the 81st member, anticipating impactful partnerships and collective strides toward environmental justice and sustainability.