Dickinson Student Wins Prestigious Udall Scholarship

Genesis Whitlock with her bike

Photo by Dan Loh.

Genesis Whitlock becomes Environmental Scholar

by Tony Moore

Dickinson is excited to announce that Genesis Whitlock ’25 (environmental science) has earned the prestigious Udall Undergraduate Scholarship.

Awarded by the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation, the highly selective award recognizes outstanding students committed to careers in environmental conservation, tribal public policy or Native American health care. The award names Whitlock a Udall Environmental Scholar, one of just 37 winners in a category of more than 340 nominees.

“Being awarded this scholarship means the world to me,” says Whitlock, adding that it's an honor and a source of motivation to keep going. “I’m so grateful for the staff and faculty that have been supporting me throughout my journey at Dickinson.”

Whitlock’s passion for environmental justice and community food systems stems from an upbringing in Antigua and Barbuda. Introduced to these concepts by elders, Whitlock has since blossomed into a multifaceted environmental leader—a farmer, climate justice activist and researcher, with work centering on building community-based solutions to climate change by supporting local farmer networks in the Caribbean and fostering an ethic of care grounded in transformative justice.

Whitlock’s research delves into climate resilience within the food system of the Latin American and Caribbean region. By weaving together diverse knowledge sources, the new Environmental Scholar aims to contribute valuable insights to the broader conversation on climate adaptation and resilience.

“I really look forward to how this scholarship will enhance my Dickinson experience and my path forward as I prepare for my senior year,” Whitlock says. “I plan to further be immersing myself in climate justice research and advocacy efforts this summer and will also have the opportunity to learn from the Udall Scholars cohort.”

Whitlock thanks her Dickinson “support ecosystem”: Amity Fox, associate provost for experiential learning & fellowships; Jennifer Clough, career, experiential learning, & pre-law advisor; Lindsey Lyons, director of sustainability learning; Jenn Halpin, director of the college farm; Maggie Douglas, assistant professor of environmental studies; Tony Underwood, associate professor of economics; and the Department of Environmental Studies & Environmental Science.

Throughout the fellowship application process, Dickinson's Office of Experiential Learning & Fellowships provides hands-on support from faculty and staff. The process builds skills, experience, and knowledge that can help Dickinson students and alumni launch into fellowships, jobs or internships; apply to graduate schools; and pursue future opportunities.

Students interested in pursuing opportunities like these should plan ahead and act early, especially with opportunities that require nomination by Dickinson. For more information, contact fellowships@dickinson.edu.

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Published May 13, 2024