Julia Cantzler

University of San Diego - Global Challenges Teaching Award: Climate Action

Dr. Julia Cantzler is Professor of Sociology at the University of San Diego. She holds a law degree and Masters degree in Sociology from the University of Colorado and a PhD in Sociology from the Ohio State University. Her research examines colonization, mobilization, and environmental problems, focusing specifically on environmental and climate advocacy among youth and Indigenous peoples. She is the co-Director of USD’s Environmental Integration Lab and the author of the book Environmental Justice as Decolonization: Political Contention, Innovation and Resistance over Indigenous Fishing Rights in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

Julia is passionate about environmental education and its ability to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to take action on climate change and other urgent challenges. Recognizing that climate change is a global issue that transcends geographic and disciplinary boundaries, Julia designs courses that are experiential, interdisciplinary, and globally oriented. What excites her most about the Fulbright Global Challenges Teaching Award is the opportunity to develop a collaborative, internationally focused course that unites students in the U.S. and U.K. in a dynamic learning environment to collectively generate meaningful climate action.

Julia is joined by her institutional team: James Bolender and Jeff Simmons.