Lauren Mullenbach is an assistant research scientist at Michigan Sea Grant, which is hosted by the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) and is a cooperative program with Michigan State University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. We asked her to share more about her work in this brief Q&A. 

What is your research focused on?

My research is focused broadly on urban environmental justice. Under this umbrella, I study city climate adaptation, health equity, green gentrification and homelessness. Ultimately my work strives for cities that are healthy, adapted to climate change and provide green amenities equitably for all residents. As such, I look for root causes of inequities and injustices and seek policy and systemic solutions. As a broadly trained social scientist, this involves a mix of quantitative and qualitative work, community engagement and stakeholder outreach.

What is the impact of this research? 

My research aims to impact policy in the places where I conduct my research. Since most of my work is community-specific, I aim to produce outputs that help local decision-makers close gaps in service. That said, I am part of a broader body of urban environmental justice researchers who all learn from each other. This collective body of research is vital for protecting society’s most vulnerable populations from the harms of climate change, for correcting and avoiding injustices associated with environmental burdens and for ensuring that everyone lives in environments that allow them to thrive. 

Learn more about SEAS research scientists:

• David Cannon 

• Ayumi Fujisaki-Manome

• Casey Godwin

• Thiago Gonçalves-Souza

• Yi Hong

• Abby Hutson

• Dani Jones