As Xavier University of Louisiana continues to serve as a powerhouse in the nation for education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the University’s role in addressing climate change issues and finding opportunities has become increasingly significant and has gained national attention. Xavier was one of 50 institutions that were exclusively invited nationwide to the White House forum on Campus and Community-Scale Climate Solutions.

Ms. Kaneisha Bailey Akinpelumi, associate vice president of Xavier’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), represented the University at the forum. She participated in discussions with representatives from various academic institutions about actions campuses nationwide can do to accelerate climate solutions. These conversations provided ideas to cultivate a climate-savvy ecosystem on campuses, such as climate advocacy, improving climate literacy among communities, and strategically leveraging intellectual resources.

“Xavier is positioned to play a catalytic role in addressing the region’s climate health disparities, building coastal resiliency, and managing carbon emissions,” said Akinpelumi.

Xavier was one of 50 institutions nationwide that received an exclusive invitation to the White House forum on Campus and Community-Scale Climate Solutions. As climate change often disproportionately impacts the Gulf Coast region, Xavier’s ORSP exemplifies extraordinary efforts to actively engage the University’s scientific community in many strategic initiatives to improve capacities and build new capabilities.