Amina Dunn (MS/MURP ’26) is a dual-degree student graduating from the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) with a specialization in Environmental Justice (EJ) and a master’s in urban and regional planning from the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Dunn’s capstone project focused on creating guidelines for memorializing lynching sites in Memphis, Tennessee. While the work was grounded in Memphis, Tennessee, the guidelines provide a model for other communities that want to dedicate space to talk about the complicated history of lynching in their own areas. 

What did you do before coming to SEAS?

Before coming to SEAS, I worked in public opinion research. I worked at the Pew Research Center for 5 years researching Americans’ opinions on national politics. I started this job right out of undergrad, started as a research assistant, and was promoted to research analyst. Most of the work was analyzing quantitative research. We researched Americans’ political priorities, the public’s feelings about policy, and how people viewed politicians, among other topics. But I had far more fun with the qualitative research. One of my favorite projects I led was a scrollytell about how Trump and Biden supporters would like those across the political aisle to view them; the goal of the project was to talk about commonalities across the political spectrum. It was also a great companion to a report we did on political violence and discourse. I also spent my free time doing professional and community theater!

What drew you to SEAS and the EJ specialization?

When looking at schools, I was looking for a program that paired theory with practical skills. I pivoted away from environmental science with my undergraduate degree and my early career, so I wanted to make sure I was going to learn some scientific theory, while advancing my sociopolitical understandings of environmentalism in the world. I felt SEAS did that. I knew I wanted to study environmental justice for my graduate school degree. This was not something I had a lot of professional experience engaging with, but I am a part of these communities, and I wanted to make sure our voices were heard. I wanted to learn more of the theory behind this work and better know how to engage more institutionally minded people to consider supporting marginalized communities, especially Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. I was especially drawn to SEAS’s EJ program because I appreciated how rooted many of the professors were in grassroots community organizing. During Admitted Student Visit Day, I also really enjoyed the community that the EJ program seemed to have established here at SEAS. The EJ professors show up for their students, and the support they offer feels rare in academia. I knew I wanted to be a part of that community.

What has your SEAS experience been like?

I feel like the people I have met have made my SEAS experience. I’ve been lucky enough to embed myself in an incredible community while in SEAS. My peers I find constantly inspiring, inquisitive, and full of passion and ambition. I also feel like I have had many professors and staff here at SEAS who have been rooting for me and my success both in school and beyond. I have felt well supported while I’ve been in school, and I’m forever thankful for that experience. I’ve also been fortunate to be supported by the Tishman Center for the majority of my graduate school career. This community really shaped my world while at SEAS. I would enter the Center space and always find someone to discuss some of the concepts we learned in class, challenge my understanding of the world, or support me on a rough day. The people I have met through the Center have become my closest friends, and I appreciate being trusted enough to be a part of this community.

Would you recommend SEAS to incoming students?

There are so many opportunities for students at the University of Michigan, and SEAS allows you to utilize as many of them as you can. Take advantage of them! I’ve been fortunate to take classes in other departments that have enhanced the education I’ve gotten through SEAS and allowed me to meet students all over the university. I especially loved a Biopolitics of Food class I took last semester through the American Studies department. You never know what you are going to find, and that opens room for many amazing opportunities.

What will you do after graduation?

Sleep! But in all seriousness, I am currently still exploring job options right now. I’m excited by a couple of jobs, possibly working in policy or urban planning after graduating. I know that even if I don’t find a job immediately, I’m looking forward to embedding myself back in my community back home in the Washington, D.C. metro area. I am hoping to dive into volunteering work, especially working on urban farms in Maryland and Washington, D.C.