Illuminating Environmental Justice: Meet the Fondren Fellows Sustainability Institute Project
Rice University’s Fondren Fellows program exemplifies how dedicated research can drive impactful change. For the 2024-25 academic year, Fondren Fellows Catherine Cook, Shay Olaifa, and Abi Savizon are undertaking an ambitious project to uncover creosote contamination's environmental and health impacts in Houston’s Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has designated these areas as cancer clusters, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to a decades-long crisis.
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Meet the Fondren Fellows
Catherine Cook: Catherine Cook is a junior at Jones College studying Health Sciences and Poverty, Justice, and Human Capabilities. She is deeply interested in social determinants of health and how race and class impact healthcare access and quality. Outside of academics, Catherine enjoys being a DJ for KTRU, participating in Jones College activities, and playing on the Club Water Polo team. She is excited to learn more about community justice in environmental health through the Fondren Fellows program.
Sharon “Shay” Olaifa: Sharon "Shay" Olaifa is a junior at Martel College pursuing a double major in Political Science and Social Policy Analysis with a minor in Politics, Law, and Social Thought. On a pre-law track, Shay is passionate about civil rights and their intersection with healthcare policy. She is dedicated to addressing structural racism and advancing justice for marginalized communities, particularly in healthcare. Shay looks forward to contributing to the "Creosote Contamination in Houston’s Fifth Ward" project as part of the Fondren Fellows program.
Abi-Grace Savizon: Abi-Grace Savizon is a third-year student at Rice with interests in neuroscience and linguistics. Abi-Grace is passionate about exploring ways to understand and connect with others, whether through language, food, or music. Outside of academics, Abi-Grace enjoys reading and experimenting with new baking recipes. As a Fondren Fellow, she is eager to develop her research skills while contributing to this important project.
The Legacy of Creosote Contamination
Creosote, a common industrial wood preservative, has been used for decades in railroads, utility poles, and other infrastructure. Unfortunately, its widespread application has left a toxic legacy in many communities, including those in Houston’s historically underrepresented Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens. Residents in these neighborhoods face the compounded burden of environmental and health challenges due to persistent contamination.
The Fondren Fellows’ project, titled Creosote Contamination in Houston’s Fifth Ward, seeks to bring these issues to light through research and documentation. With the mentorship of Dr. Carrie Masiello, Director of the Rice Sustainability Institute, and Lisa Spiro, Executive Director of Digital Scholarship Services, this initiative aims to create a robust, accessible collection of resources that will inform future research and amplify community voices.
Mentors Guiding the Way
The success of the "Creosote Contamination in Houston’s Fifth Ward" project is supported by a team of dedicated mentors:
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Dr. Lisa Spiro: Executive Director of Digital Scholarship Services at Rice University, Dr. Spiro brings her digital scholarship and archiving expertise to the project. She guides students in the collection, organization, and accessibility of valuable historical and environmental data, ensuring that their work serves as a lasting resource for future research and public access.
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Dr. Qilin Li: Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University, Dr. Li lends her expertise in environmental engineering and water quality. She helps students analyze the scientific aspects of creosote contamination and its environmental and health implications, providing critical insights into the project’s scientific foundation.
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Dr. Carrie Masiello: Professor of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences and Director of the Rice Sustainability Institute, Dr. Masiello ensures that the project aligns with scientific rigor and community-focused sustainability goals. Her mentorship spans environmental science, public policy, and community engagement, providing a comprehensive framework for the Fellows’ work.
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Dr. Weston Twardowski: Associate Director of both the Center for Environmental Studies and the Rice Sustainability Institute’s EcoStudio, Dr. Twardowski mentors the Fellows in effective environmental storytelling. His guidance helps students craft compelling narratives that connect scientific insights with community experiences, fostering broader awareness of environmental justice issues.
Building a Comprehensive Resource
At the heart of the project is a commitment to preserving and sharing knowledge. The Fondren Fellows will assemble a comprehensive digital archive that includes:
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Historical documents related to creosote contamination.
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Community stories and oral histories capturing the lived experiences of residents.
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Videos and explainers that demystify the science behind creosote’s environmental impact.
This collection will be housed in Rice’s digital repository, ensuring long-term accessibility for researchers, community advocates, and policymakers alike.
Bridging Research and Environmental Justice
The Fondren Fellows’ work goes beyond academic inquiry; it’s about fostering environmental justice. By documenting the historical and ongoing impacts of industrial pollution, the project provides critical tools for advocacy and remediation. The Fellows hope their research will not only increase public awareness but also inspire actionable solutions to the environmental and health crises faced by affected communities.
A Collaborative Effort
This project highlights the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of Rice University’s Fondren Fellows program. Drawing on expertise from the Rice Sustainability Institute, Fondren Library, and the Center for Environmental Studies, the initiative embodies Rice’s commitment to addressing complex challenges with innovative, community-centered approaches.
A Call to Action
As Catherine, Shay, and Abi continue their work, they invite the Rice community and beyond to engage with their findings and support efforts toward environmental justice. Stay tuned for updates on this vital project and explore the growing collection of resources as they become available through Rice’s digital repository.
For more information on the Fondren Fellows program, visit Rice’s Fondren Library, and follow the Rice Sustainability Institute’s blog for updates on their groundbreaking research.
Follow the Fondren Fellows on Instagram @fondrenfellows