Texas Southern Junior Selected for Prestigious Research Program at Harvard University
By Rising junior, Joseph Carter, has been selected as a research fellow for the Du Bois Scholars Program at Harvard. The prestigious initiative, in its second year, is aimed at recognizing and supporting exceptional students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This program is part of the Harvard College Summer Undergraduate Research Village (HSURV), which provides students with opportunities to conduct rigorous research, participate in professional development workshops, and showcase their work.
Carter is one of 35 scholars selected to participate. He is working alongside Dr. Gary Adamkiewicz at the Healthy Cities Lab on a project entitled “Climate Justice in Boston.” His research will explore how housing, neighborhoods and community environments impact public health, particularly in urban settings affected by climate change. While there, he is engaging in fieldwork and data analysis as part of this transformative experience.
“Harvard has truly been a life-changing experience,” Carter said. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to grow as both a scholar and a servant leader, and to represent Texas Southern University. Every day I am reminded that this journey is bigger than me, and I give all thanks to God for guiding each step.”
As a Du Bois Scholars Program Fellow, Carter is part of a fully in-person nine-week residential experience to augment and enhance the full-time research he will be conducting with his faculty mentor.
Carter is a Political Science major and Thomas F. Freeman Scholar from Detroit, Michigan. He recently completed his term as Mister Sophomore, during which he launched “The Carter Experience,” a monthly series of workshops focused on mental wellness, scholarship, public speaking and student empowerment. He also serves as a Campus Ambassador and Undergraduate Assistant, assisting with student programming and campus tours.
Outside of his campus involvement, Carter founded “Changed by Carter,” a nonprofit that has provided more than 200 free haircuts and care kits to underserved individuals in Houston. The initiative began as a research project on homelessness and health equity that won first place in Texas Southern’s Research and Innovation Pitch Competition.
He plans to pursue a career in international and environmental law.
Carter is the second student from Texas Southern to be selected as a Du Bois fellow. Student Regent Kohl Crawford was part of the inaugural cohort during the summer of 2024. He is one of seven scholars to return for a second year.
