Briggsie Emma Knott wins first place in the MLK Advancing Inclusion through Research Awards

February 7, 2025

On Friday, January 24, in conjunction with the Diversity Research Showcase, an annual event hosted by the Honors College, students from the Honors College and the three residential colleges: James Madison College, Lyman Briggs College, and the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities, were awarded 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Advancing Inclusion through Research awards.

LBC's Emma Knott won first place for her project, "The Flint Water Crisis: Race, Governance, and the Birth of a Local Environmentalism."

Knott, a biochemistry ands molecular biology major, wrote the research paper a senior seminar course: "Nature Journaling: Art-science practice for exploring the environment." The professor of that course, Dr. Ellie Louson, reflects on Knott's work: "While researching the Flint Water Crisis, Emma made strong connections to its health impacts, locals’ perceptions of and confidence in the safety of their natural environment, and the broader challenges and history of environmental racism in Michigan. Her work describing the Flint community’s demand for environmental justice was a thorough and engaging response to our senior seminar topic of the contested meanings of and approaches to nature."

Along with a certificate, Knott was awarded a monetary prize. 

The Martin Luther King Jr. Advancing Inclusion through Research Awards, an annual tradition since 2011, is inspired by Dr. King’s commitment to justice and the empowerment of all people.  

Students from the Honors College, James Madison College, Lyman Briggs College, and the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities were invited to submit research or creative projects that reflect the values of this award.

Congratulations, Emma!

Additional photos by Sloane Barlow are available here.

Full story posted on the Honors College website.