Holly Denning
Lecturer 2

Bio: C. Holly Denning, (ABD) is an Academic Staff Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Criminology and Anthropology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Doctoral work at Boston College in the Program for Social Justice solidified her lifelong Interests in environmental issues, diversity, feminist theory, peace and social justice. Bringing an interdisciplinary perspective to scholarly work and teaching, her research has focused on the more than decade long impacts of Hurricane Katrina, the BP oil “spill” and other manufactured disasters on the Gulf Coast. Articles link the praxis of restorative and environmental justice to analyzing disasters and healing chronic and acute trauma. Serving as undergraduate research mentor, fresh water issues are often a focus. A community-based project connects the Great Lakes to the Gulf, especially exploring impacts to indigenous communities from climate change and challenges to food sovereignty. Classes include: Individual and Society, Principles of Sociology, Sociology of Natural Disasters, American Indian Studies, Race and Ethnic Studies, and Restorative Justice. Environmental justice is incorporated into many courses. For over 10 years, as Advisor to the student organization, NACAA, (Native American Cultural Awareness Association) and ongoing collaborations with the Sustainability Office, Holly has hosted many diversity and environmental justice events on campus. She is the College of Letters and Sciences Diversity Award winner of 2020.