Carolyn Finney

Carolyn Finney is committed to questioning conventional wisdom. An assistant professor of environmental science, policy and management at UC Berkeley, her research includes seeking ways to broaden the understanding of African Americans and environment interactions. She also serves on a number of national boards, including Orion magazine. Finney initially pursued an acting career, but a backpacking trip around the world and living in Nepal changed her course. After a 15-year absence, she completed a BA and MA in international development and her doctorate in geography. In her first book, Black Faces, White Spaces, she examines ways in which nature and the environment are racialized in America.