Apply now to join our next cohort of Community Science Fellows and Community Leads!
The Lewis Place neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, is an underserved, predominantly Black community facing significant environmental challenges due to redlining, industrial development, and abandoned properties. This project seeks to assess and monitor air quality as the neighborhood experiences continued impacts from industrialization. By involving residents, particularly youth, in sustainability efforts, the project aims to foster environmental awareness, identify critical areas of concern, and empower the community to advocate for healthier living conditions.
Lewis Place is an underserved, predominantly African-American neighborhood in St. Louis. Historically impacted by redlining, the community struggles with environmental justice issues, including poor air quality, lead poisoning, and asbestos contamination. With many dilapidated properties and limited access to resources, the area is undergoing significant change due to increasing industrialization which raises concerns about increased air pollution.
Dr. Pamela Talley, Executive Director of Lewis Place Historical Preservation, Inc. and community leader for this project, has decades of experience in community health and youth engagement. Collaborating with a coalition of 13 churches, the community is dedicated to addressing these challenges. Despite political barriers that favor business over community needs, Lewis Place remains committed to improving environmental conditions and engaging youth in sustainable solutions.
The community seeks to monitor local air quality to understand the environmental and health impacts of legacy and emergent air pollution. This data will guide actions to mitigate negative health outcomes and strengthen advocacy efforts for cleaner air as new industries are developing in the community. The project involves installing air monitoring equipment, training local residents in its use, and analyzing collected data to pinpoint major pollution sources.
The project will install air quality monitors, organize workshops for data interpretation and will engage in public discussions with local stakeholders. Local stakeholders include residents, youth, Americorp workers, churches. elected officials and the leadership of Lewis Place Historical Preservation. Educational sessions regarding air quality reports will increase local awareness about environmental health. Educational sessions regarding air quality reports will increase local awareness about environmental health. It will further improve the community’s understanding of environmental risk, provide actionable data for advocacy, and empower the community. The Lewis Place community can be a model for other underserved neighborhoods facing similar environmental challenges.
The project is expected to run for 18 months, with key milestones including equipment installation, initial data analysis , and a final report presentation .
Pamela Talley is a doctoral-prepared nurse practitioner passionate about caring for individuals and families in their homes and communities. She has assisted with establishing community gardens and urban farms throughout St. Louis to address the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in food deserts. Since 2009, Pamela has served as the President of the Lewis Place Historical Preservation, a non-profit community development corporation founded in 2000 to help save the historic community from the devastating consequences of redlining. Under her leadership, the board has established partnerships and collaborations to build an influential community.
Richard Ellis has extensive experience in commercial projects (educational environments, etc.), Multi-unit, sewers and water main inspections, and mixed-use housing; developing, monitoring, and implementing Health and Safety programs working as a team leader serving the community. Retired United States Army, Corps of Engineers.
Ojasi Kirtikar is an AmeriCorps Vista worker working as the Community Engagement and Sustainability Coordinator. She will be leading a youth climate resilience program to help build climate resilience in the neighborhoods. She is a recent graduate from North Carolina State University where she earned her bachelors of science degree in Environmental Sciences.
Mercy Onaopemipo Akintola is a highly experienced Remote Sensing and GIS professional with a B.Tech in Remote Sensing and Geoscience Information Systems from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. Mercy has accomplished the handling of large volumes of complex GIS data for diverse organizations. His advanced skills in GIS and Remote Sensing have contributed to his exposure and impact in that field. Mercy has taken on diverse roles, showcasing his versatility. His research interests focus on Enhancing Disaster Response and Resilience through Near and Real time GIS for Flood Monitoring and Analysis using IOT, Machine learning, Google Earth Engine, and GEOAI. He currently serves as a HOT Global Validator and trainer for the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team. He has been involved as a Logistics Team Lead for both the Space Generation Advisory Council Nigeria and the GISFest Conference, He also serves as a working group member for OpenStreetMap US. Mercy has also excelled as a Community Manager at Milsat Technologies, 2021-2022 YouthMappers Regional Ambassador, a GIS Analyst and Field Data Collector at Wastespy, and the President and Vice President of the YouthMappers FUTA chapter. Mercy’s impressive skills cut across, the ability to utilize spatial analysis tools and virtual team collaboration. Complementing his technical expertise, Mercy possesses excellent interpersonal skills, strong time management, resourcefulness, and a healthy work ethic. Originally from Nigeria. Mercy enjoys hitting the gym, hiking, dancing, traveling, and discovering new places.
The project seeks a scientist with expertise in air quality monitoring and analysis to guide monitoring equipment setup, analyze and interpret data, and collaborate with the community to develop actionable recommendations. Remote engagement is acceptable, but occasional in-person visits would be beneficial.
Thriving Earth Exchange asks all scientific partners to work with the community to help define a project with concrete local impact to which they can contribute as pro-bono volunteers and collaborators. This work can also position the scientists and communities to seek additional funding, together, for the next stage.
Lewis Place Historical Preservation, Inc. is dedicated to preserving the cultural and environmental integrity of the Lewis Place neighborhood.
Anthropocene Alliance (A2) has more than 370 member-communities in 54 U.S. states and territories. They are impacted by flooding, toxic waste, wildfires, and drought and heat — all compounded by reckless development and climate change. The consequence is broken lives and a ravaged environment.
The goal of A2 is to help communities fight back. We do that by providing them organizing support, scientific and technical guidance, and better access to foundation and government funding. Most of all, our work consists of listening to our frontline leaders. Their experience, research, and solidarity guide everything we do, and offer a path toward environmental and social justice.
Partnering with faith communities to address sustainability and environmental health concerns.
(c) 2025 Thriving Earth Exchange