Syracuse Sun

Three undergraduates participating in the Syracuse Abroad London program have been selected as Lender Global research fellows, offering them unique research opportunities this semester. These students are engaging in hands-on learning by visiting notable environmental sites and exploring social justice topics related to the environment.

The Lender Global program is an extension of the existing Lender Center for Social Justice student research opportunities, which are available on campus or at various U.S. locations. The initiative broadens the scope of social justice research to include global perspectives, with London serving as its inaugural site.

Upon arriving in the U.K., participants of the "Green Britain" course visited several environmentally designed and redeveloped sites in Wales. This tour was led by Becca Farnum, a London Center instructor and Syracuse Abroad’s community engagement specialist, alongside Lender Center Director Kendall Phillips. They explored locations such as the Welsh Parliament, Cardiff Bay, Principality Stadium, National Museum, St. Fagans Museum of National History, and Big Pit National Coal Museum to gain insights into geographies, ecosystems, climate challenges, environmental preservation policies, cultural practices, and sustainable design.

One stop included a visit to the parliament building known for its optimal use of light and sustainability features.

Jude Bazerman ’26 is pursuing dual majors in broadcast and digital journalism at the Newhouse School of Public Communications and geography at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He believes his experience studying abroad will support his goal of becoming a TV news reporter focused on consumer and environmental stories. "This experience has been hands-on," Bazerman stated. He added that traveling to Wales shortly after arriving taught him adaptability skills that he plans to use in his career.

Gabrielle McCafferty ’25 is a dual major in biology and psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences with aspirations for a doctorate in physical therapy. She noted how her time abroad highlighted differences between environmental approaches in other countries compared to the United States. “I’ve seen a lot of sustainability features here that you don’t see as much of in the United States," she remarked.

Abdulai Jibril Barrie ’26 is majoring in industrial and interaction design at the College of Visual and Performing Arts with plans for a career focused on product design addressing community challenges. His international experiences have shaped his understanding of how different regions handle environmental issues. “I’ve learned that preserving the environment is not just about recycling," Barrie said.

The next location for Lender Global was announced earlier this month as Santiago, Chile. Students there during the 2025-26 academic year will focus on social justice reparations related to human rights violations during Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship from 1973-90.