Psychology student Michael House awarded $200 prize in Spring 2024 Policy Brief Competition on Climate Justice

Montclair State University’s scholarly network, Research on Interdisciplinary Global Studies (RIGS), is proud to announce Michael House, a senior undergraduate Psychology major, as the winner of the Spring 2024 Policy Brief Competition on Climate Justice. The award highlights Michael’s exceptional work and commitment to addressing critical issues related to climate justice.

The competition, made possible thanks to a grant by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, encourages students to develop innovative and impactful policy briefs that address the multifaceted challenges of climate change, particularly in the context of social justice. This year’s theme, “Climate Justice: Policies for a Sustainable and Equitable Future,” invited talented contributions from students across various disciplines. The submissions were evaluated by a panel of experts based on originality, research quality, and practical policy recommendations.

Michael House’s winning policy brief stood out for its thorough analysis and forward-thinking solutions aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. His work, “Promoting Health Equity through Climate Justice for Vulnerable Populations” not only underscored the urgency of addressing climate justice but also provided actionable steps for policymakers to ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes. The judges were particularly impressed by Michael’s ability to integrate scientific research with social policy, demonstrating a deep understanding of the complexities involved in climate justice issues.

Dr. Timothy Gorman and Dr. Arnaud Kurze, Co-Coordinators of RIGS, praised Michael’s achievement, stating, “Michael House has exemplified the kind of innovative thinking and dedication that this competition aims to foster. His policy brief offers a robust framework for addressing climate justice, and we are excited to see how his ideas can influence future policies.”

As the winner, Michael House will receive a monetary prize, along with the opportunity to present his policy brief at an upcoming RIGS seminar, where he will engage with experts and stakeholders in the field of climate justice. This platform will allow Michael to further advocate for the critical changes needed to protect our planet and its most vulnerable populations.

Montclair State University and RIGS extend their heartfelt congratulations to Michael House and express gratitude to all participants for their contributions to this vital discourse. For more information about the competition and future events, please visit the RIGS website.