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Kristen Thrower at the bell tower

Kristen Thrower discovered her passion for environmental justice during her time as a Tar Heel. 

Thrower, a senior from Brevard, North Carolina, was drawn to a geography major because of its interdisciplinary nature and the faculty in the department of geography and environment. 

“Their expertise, dedication and genuine care for their students inspired me,” she said. 

Thrower’s favorite geography class has been “Global Environmental Justice,” taught by professor Sara Smith. 

“This course not only offered a nuanced exploration of environmental justice issues globally but also delved deeply into its social, economic and political dimensions,” said Thrower. “In fact, it was this class that motivated me to pursue the minor.” 

The environmental justice minor, offered by the geography and environment department, delves into how race, inequity and social movements intersect with environmental concerns. 

“Through both my major and minor, I’ve gained insight into the tools and political processes essential for addressing real-world environmental challenges,” said Thrower, who has a second major in political science.  

Her courses also allowed her to explore geography-related careers, including environmental policymaking, which she experienced during her time as a Clean Energy Intern with the North Carolina Department of Commerce. 

“This internship provided an ideal platform to apply my knowledge and advocate for environmental justice,” she said. “By analyzing government regulations, identifying potential bottlenecks and communicating industry developments, I aimed to promote clean energy initiatives that prioritized inclusive decision-making and social equity.” 

In addition to her work in sustainability and environmentalism, Thrower is a Buckley Public Service Scholar. Her community-engaged research led her to pursue an honors thesis in political science.  

“Over the last three years, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to research regarding the death penalty and worked on a nationwide database outlining racial inequality and demographic disparities in the use of the death penalty across the U.S.,” said Thrower, who is mentored by Frank Baumgartner, Richard J. Richardson Distinguished Professor of Political Science.  

After she graduates this May, Thrower is looking forward to starting a career in the legal profession, where she hopes to continue to “advocate tirelessly for equity, justice and a more compassionate society for all.” 

By Jess Abel ’19

Tar Heels of the Week are nominated by professors in their department. Follow us on Instagram to explore more College Up Close.