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SEAS Sustainability Clinic Detroit Climate Resiliency Projects
About
The Clinic's five Detroit Climate Resiliency Projects were carried out by small teams of SEAS graduate students, faculty advisors, and Detroit-based community clients between 2022-2024. All projects aligned with the SEAS Sustainability Clinic’s Capacity and Technical Assistance Pillars. This project type has since been retired by the Clinic and replaced with a new, similar model called Sustainability Assist. Learn more about our five completed Detroit Climate Resiliency Projects below, in alphabetical order by project title.
Unlike a formal SEAS Master's Project, the Detroit Climate Resiliency Projects did not need to have a minimum number of students and did not fulfill the capstone graduation requirement. Instead, these projects provided more flexible options - including funded student internships and summer practica - with fewer administrative requirements than a formal master's project. Faculty and community partners could also apply for funding any time during the year rather than being restricted to master's project application cycles. Consequently, the Detroit Climate Resiliency Projects could be rapidly deployed to meet immediate community needs.
Exploration of How Water Quality is Impacted by Policy Guidelines in Flood Events
This project focused on building energy and emergency preparedness advocacy agendas for the Eastside Community Network (ECN), a non-profit organization in Detroit, and supporting flood readiness and response.
Green Gentrification in Southwest Detroit
This project with Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision utilized geospatial datasets and mapping to examine how green infrastructure installations contribute to gentrification in the city.
Mapping Environmental Justice and Uplifting Community Survival in Southwest Detroit
This project worked with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate (OEJPA) to support the development of a statewide environmental justice screening tool.
River Rouge Habitat and Fish
This project with Friends of the Rouge River examined historical and current data to assess the impacts of restoration efforts on the River's fish populations and habitats.
Water Access Storytelling
This project partnered with Detroit Public Television, a local public media organization, to develop an equity-driven model for environmental journalism in Detroit.