Maria Jose Andrade ’22 has been named this year’s Lang Social Impact Fellow. The Lang Social Impact Fellowship (LSIF) is a post baccalaureate program that empowers recent alumni to continue their engaged scholarship projects by engaging stakeholders in systems change activities.

Andrade is a biologist and community organizer who seeks to explore the imbrications of scientific engagement and environmental justice in ways that honor the inseparability of human bodies and land. Her interest in climate embodiment, which began through a scientific interest in neglected tropical diseases and ecosyndemics during her time at Swarthmore, has since evolved to encompass community organizing around land and water sovereignty, climate resilience, campesino ( farmer ) rights, and just energy transitions.

Andrade is a member and community leader of the Community Action Board (JAC) in the village of Planes-Mirador, in Norcasia, Colombia. With the support of the LSIF grant, Andrade will collaborate with community leaders to enhance food and water security, revive ancestral land-water practices, alleviate environmental degradation, and mitigate agro-economic isolation in Planes-Mirador. Maria will also mentor current students interested in environmental justice and community-based research.

Visit our website to learn more about the Lang Social Impact Fellowship.