From the president
Aedan Derrick, a rising senior at Clark University, has demonstrated a deep commitment in supporting both the Clark and local community. An Environmental Science major with a concentration in Earth Systems Science, Aedan is interested in raising awareness about public environmental issues and connecting with local community leaders to support strategic and sustainable urban climate solutions. In Worcester, he is an active volunteer for local non-profits supporting the county food system and a network liaison for neighborhood residents in Main South. At Clark, Aedan is an active student leader as seen through his role as a student athlete and Residential Advisor while also creating spaces for research and discussion of identity and behavioral health amongst students and faculty of color. Most recently, Aedan has collaborated on the city's Zero Waste campaign with the city councilor representing the Main South neighborhood through street-cleanups and outreach demonstrating his commitment to both environmental stewardship and civic responsibility.
Personal Statement
The understanding of our planet’s disaster is found in the knowledge of its climate and age and our metropolitan dialogue has lost touch with this truth at the expense of public health. I came to this conclusion as I found myself studying in the academic hub of universities in the City of Worcester, Massachusetts. Here, I became aware of the disparity and deep-rooted injustices that plague life in cities and how a humble understanding of earth systems may improve the most fundamental aspects thereof. In partnership with residents and city stewards, my work is to the healing of our urban community. With respect to my peers and scholarship in environmental science at Clark University, I work to keep current the dialogue of public stewards in the heart of New England about public health and climate change. Students like me streamline communication between neighborhoods and their representatives while also bridging the gap in dialogue between academia and local policy to ensure the health of our neighbors amidst a changing climate.