Sydney Turner
Track
Research Frontiers
Faculty Mentors
Stanley Grant, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Megan Rippy, Assistant Professor of Civil and Enviornmental Engineering
Briefly describe the research project you are planning to contribute to and lead as a postdoctoral associate at Virginia Tech. What is the problem you are addressing? What is the expected impact of your work?
As a postdoctoral fellow based at the Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Lab, I am well positioned to lead and contribute to pioneering research projects centered around addressing the critical and pervasive issue of inequitable access to essential infrastructure and basic services, such as clean water and adequate stormwater management, particularly in Black neighborhoods and other disfavored communities. These communities often face systemic barriers that not only limit their access to these essential services but also expose them to a range of environmental and health injustices, such as exposure to water contaminants, flooding, and other climate-related hazards. Climate change is a critical factor in my research, as it exacerbates environmental challenges and health risks faced by marginalized communities. Understanding the intersection of climate change with issues such as water quality and access to essential services is essential for developing holistic solutions that promote resilience and equity.
At the core of my research philosophy is the adoption of a community-centered approach that emphasizes direct engagement with the communities affected by these disparities. By integrating community insights and experiences with advanced environmental monitoring and data analysis, the project aims to identify the most pressing challenges related to water resources management. This approach ensures that the research is grounded in the real-world experiences of those most impacted by environmental injustices, leading to more relevant and impactful interventions.
The expected impact of this work is multifaceted. Firstly, it aims to significantly improve water quality and stormwater management in minoritized communities, directly enhancing the health and well-being of residents. By addressing these environmental injustices, the project also seeks to contribute to broader efforts to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable infrastructure access, thus promoting environmental equity and justice. Moreover, through policy recommendations and community engagement, the research is expected to foster more inclusive and effective environmental management practices, setting a precedent for how academic research can directly contribute to tangible improvements in public health and environmental stewardship. My research embodies a transformative approach to research that places community needs and voices at the center.
Why did you choose to pursue postdoctoral training at Virginia Tech?
I was fortunate to have a faculty mentor based at Virginia Tech who strongly supported me throughout my Ph.D. journey at the University of Virginia. Their belief in Virginia Tech's supportive environment and the alignment of my research interests with its ethos encouraged me to consider opportunities there. Recognizing the potential for significant growth, including refining my research direction and honing my skills, and the chance for collaboration in expanding my network within both the academic community and my new local community, I decided to pursue postdoctoral training at Virginia Tech. By immersing myself in local issues and engaging with diverse perspectives, I aimed to shape my research direction and contribute meaningfully to addressing real-community challenges. Virginia Tech's presence in the Washington, D.C./Nova region and the Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Lab's commitment to transdisciplinary research, collaborating with social scientists and experts from various fields, were significant factors in my decision, aligning perfectly with my goal of addressing complex problems with a holistic approach.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin in this fellowship at Virginia Tech?
I am looking forward to engaging with the community and cultivating an environmental justice research pathway, fostering collaboration and co-creation between academia and local stakeholders. I look forward to learning from community knowledge and contributing to it, enriching our collective understanding of environmental issues and solutions. Opening up academia to community perspectives and working together to address pressing challenges is a fundamental aspect of my approach, and I am excited to embark on this journey of shared learning and action.