Rashawn Merchant

A Graduate School of Education, Health & Psychology
Rashawn Merchant

Rashawn Merchant (He/Him/His)

Ph.D. Student, Science Education

Research Discipline/Bio

Rashawn Merchant is a doctoral student at Teachers College, Columbia University studying Science Education. Rashawn is deeply passionate about climate change and environmental justice and aims to increase awareness especially toward non-scientists. He is a proud graduate of the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the Columbia Climate School. Rashawn's dedication to education has led him to several positions including as a lecturer at Columbia University's School of Professional Studies teaching Geographies of Environmental Justice & Sustainability and as an adjunct faculty member at John Jay College of Criminal Justice instructing Introduction to Environmental Science. He enjoys research and focuses on the intersection of climate education and public school systems. Rashawn seeks to advance climate education curriculum for lower income and marginalized students.

Educational Background

Master of Arts, Climate and Society, Columbia Climate School, 2023
Bachelor of Science, Environmental Economics and Management, The University of Georgia, 2021

Honors/Awards

Vice President's Grant for Diversity & Community Initiatives, Teachers College, 2024-2025
Diamonstein-Spielvogel Fellowship, Columbia Climate School, 2023

Publications/Exhibitions

Merchant, R.K., Grundstein, A., Yeargin, S. et al. Exertional heat illnesses in marching band artists: a case series. Int J Biometeorol 65, 2181–2188 (2021).

Mathematics, Science & Technology First-Generation College Student

Last Updated: Feb 18, 2025

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