Brooke Ashley Johnson

Name: Brooke Ashley Johnson  

College: John R. Lewis  

Department: Politics  

What Award/ Scholarship did you receive? Chancellors Undergraduate Research Award for Social Sciences, Deans Award 

What year do you expect to graduate? Spring Quarter 2023  

Where do you call home? Bonny Doon, CA. I was born and raised in the Santa Cruz mountains that surround the UC Santa Cruz campus  

With all of the choices for college, what made UC Santa Cruz stand out? UCSC is home and I wanted to stay by my redwoods and my coast. Along with incredible natural beauty, I wanted to study under professors that felt fervent about social justice and who you support me both in their classes and in my independent research.  

What is your field of focus? I am passionate about studying the intersection of policy and social justice, especially in regard to the environment and the disproportionate impacts of climate change on communities across the world. With which they have little to no role in the degradation of the environment but are forced to make the most changes. 

What do you hope to do once you graduate from UC Santa Cruz? When I graduate I hope to travel to communities across the globe both for personal enrichment  but also because I feel strongly that once you have interacted with a community you build  enhanced compassion for them, so I can properly understand the implications of certain decisions on real people. After traveling however, I plan to attend law school in a joint law & masters program.  

What is one memorable moment that stands out for you as a student here? Springtime on campus whether you're studying, socializing, or just soaking up the sun, springtime  on campus are my favorite memories. Students studying outside in the sun with the cherry blossoms blooming, everyone is so grateful for the conclusion of a long winter and for the place we get to live.  

What is your one piece of advice for incoming students about life at UC Santa Cruz? My one piece of advice for incoming students about life at UC Santa Cruz is to prioritize studying what you are truly passionate about. While college can be a time of exploration and discovery, it's important to remember that your education is ultimately a personal journey. Pursuing subjects  that you feel genuinely interested in and motivated by can make all the difference in your academic success and overall college experience.

How will this scholarship impact your academic life /research? The recognition and validation provided by the award have given me a newfound sense of confidence and motivation to continue my studies and research efforts. Prior to receiving the award, I had some uncertainties about my abilities as a researcher and whether my work was truly making a difference. However, the acknowledgment and accolades that came with the award have demonstrated to me that my hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed and that my  contributions to my field are significant.