The Institute at Brown for Environment & Society (IBES) has named Melissa VanSickle as Program Manager for Equitable Climate Futures (ECF) and the Academic Climate Leadership Group (ACLG)—two interdisciplinary, University-wide initiatives working to elevate Brown’s leadership in addressing climate challenges.

VanSickle joins IBES following the completion of her PhD in Urban Planning at Florida State University, where her research examined how socio-environmental factors shape children’s access to nature and overall wellbeing. She continued this work as a Postdoctoral Scholar in Florida State’s Department of Geography, contributing to research on climate-related health outcomes and deepening her interdisciplinary knowledge of climate and public health.

Beyond academia, VanSickle managed projects at the Florida Department of Health focused on reducing health inequities and strengthening connections between communities and clinical care—work that reflects a strong commitment to translating research into meaningful impact.

“We are thrilled to have Melissa joining Equitable Climate Futures,” ECF Co-Director Elizabeth Fussell said. “In addition to her past experience managing projects about climate, health, and building climate resilience in Florida, Melissa’s background in urban planning and socio-ecological systems will support ECF’s efforts to build collaborations between Brown researchers and community partners, locally and beyond.”

In this new position, VanSickle will play a critical role in advancing ECF’s mission to build Brown’s capacity for climate research, with a particular focus on supporting under-resourced and historically marginalized communities. Launched in 2024, ECF now funds community-engaged faculty working groups and postdoctoral fellowships and hosts an annual conference designed to foster collaboration across disciplines and communities. 

VanSickle will also provide support to the Academic Climate Leadership Group, a cohort of faculty leaders working to coordinate and strengthen climate initiatives across the University.

“I am excited to work across disciplines and help bridge the gap between academic research and community action,” VanSickle said. “With my background in urban planning and public health, I look forward to supporting Brown’s collaborative efforts to tackle the challenges of climate change.”

VanSickle assumed her role at IBES on March 9 and can be reached at melissa_vansickle@brown.edu.