August 14, 2025 – From July
20-26, 18 Hendrix College students participated in the second year of the
Leadership in Environmental Analysis for the People (LEAP) program, led by professors
Courtney Hatch ’00 (Chemistry) and Brett Hill (Sociology/Anthropology).
LEAP brings together students from diverse
socioeconomic backgrounds and academic disciplines to address real-world
environmental challenges. This year’s participants represented majors including
Accounting, Anthropology, Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,
Chemistry, Computer Science, Creative Writing, Environmental Studies,
Indigenous Studies, Psychology, and Sociology.
Over the course of the week, students learned
methods of air and water quality analysis, installed air quality monitors, and
worked with free, open-access data and open-source Geographic Information
System (GIS) software to study disparities in exposure to environmental hazards
such as traffic density, urban heat island effects, and food insecurity in
Little Rock.
Participants also heard from professional
leaders in atmospheric chemistry, public water policy, environmental sociology,
and sustainable transportation. Students lived in campus housing, shared meals
in the Hendrix Dining Hall, and worked in collaborative teams, highlighting the
program’s emphasis on developing creative and equitable solutions to
environmental problems.
One participant reflected, “The LEAP
Program opened my eyes to the vast array of career pathways available in the
field of environmental justice. I now have a much better grasp of my future
after Hendrix.” Another noted, “This summer camp made me realize that I
want to incorporate being helpful to the environment and spreading information
about it into my future career path”
Other students emphasized the value of the
program’s collaborative environment and hands-on learning. “The strengths of
the program lie not only in the attitude of the participants but in the
structure of the program as well, in the active collection and engagement it
fosters,” wrote one. Another added, “This program teaches empathy and
awareness—to listen to the stories of those around us and try to see the world
through their eyes.”
2025 LEAP Program Participants:
- Evelyn Calhoun ’26, Indigenous Studies major
(LEAP Leadership Team)
- Nathan Hirsh ’26, Anthropology major (LEAP
Leadership Team)
- Ella Williams ’27, Environmental Studies
major (LEAP Leadership Team)
- Tobie Berry ’28, undecided
- Liam Clements ’28, Environmental Studies
major
- Amarie Coleman ’27, Biochemistry &
Molecular Biology major
- Elysa Dees ’28, Accounting major
- Kaylee Francis ’28, Biochemistry major
- Danielle George ’27, Chemistry major
- Hannah Hernandez ’26, Psychology major
- Ella Hyte ’27, Biology and Chemistry double
major
- Zella Leffel ’28, Creative Writing major
- Avery Meyer ’28, undecided
- Molly Mitchell ’27, Sociology major
- Emily Morgan ’27, Anthropology major
- Leesa Pham ’28, Biochemistry & Molecular
Biology major
- Ty Tillman ’27, Environmental Studies major
- Drew Williams ’28, Computer Science major
About
Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges
That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges
and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic
quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus
life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III
sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since
1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the
classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice,
and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives
of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix
College Statement of Purpose