Cherice Bock | Ecospirituality | Best Research Article Award

Adjunct Faculty,  Earlham School of Religion, United States

Cherice Bock is an interdisciplinary scholar and advocate whose work lies at the intersection of environmental studies, theology, and social justice. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies (2024) from Antioch University New England, Bock integrates spirituality and environmental activism, exploring how faith traditions can inform sustainable practices and climate action. She serves as an adjunct professor at Earlham School of Religion and the University of Portland, where she teaches courses in ecospirituality and theology. As a Climate Policy Manager at 350PDX, Bock also advocates for climate justice through policy initiatives. Her academic and professional efforts reflect a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, social equity, and religious leadership. Bock’s published work and community leadership aim to connect spiritual practices with ecological care, offering insights into ecotheology and creation justice. Her ongoing contributions make her a leading voice in faith-based environmental movements.

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Strengths for the Award

1. Multidisciplinary Expertise:
   • Ecospirituality and Environmental Studies: Dr. Bock has an extensive background in both environmental studies and theology, allowing her to bridge these fields through her research and teaching. Her Ph.D. work in Environmental Studies from Antioch University and her M.S. in the same field, along with her M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, reflect a deep and integrated understanding of both spiritual and environmental concerns.
2. Teaching and Mentorship:
   • She has served as an adjunct professor at multiple institutions, including Earlham School of Religion and University of Portland, where she teaches courses on ecospirituality, climate policy, and theology. This shows her ability to inspire and guide students across multiple disciplines.
3. Climate Action and Policy Work:
   • Dr. Bock is currently engaged as a Climate Policy Manager at 350PDX, working to address climate change through policy advocacy and public engagement. This practical involvement in climate action adds real-world relevance and urgency to her academic research.
4. Interfaith and Ecumenical Leadership:
   • Through her role as a Creation Justice Advocate with organizations like Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and Oregon Interfaith Power & Light, she demonstrates a commitment to interfaith dialogue and social justice within environmental work, enriching her academic research with community-based application.
5. Research and Publications:
   • Dr. Bock’s published work includes chapters like “Watershed Discipleship: Communicating Climate Change Within a Christian Framework” and “Quaker Pneumatology”, which contribute valuable insights into how theology and spirituality can inform responses to climate change. Her research not only addresses academic audiences but also has the potential for real-world application in the intersection of faith and environmental justice.
6. Awards and Fellowships:
   • Dr. Bock has received several prestigious fellowships and awards, including the Clarence & Lily Pickett Endowment for Quaker Leadership and the GreenFaith Fellowship. These accolades speak to her recognized leadership and dedication in the fields of religious leadership and environmental advocacy.

Areas for Improvement

1. Expanded Public Scholarship:
   • While Dr. Bock’s academic publications are commendable, there appears to be room for broader public-facing scholarship, such as through popular books or media platforms. Expanding her influence outside of academic journals could help her reach a wider audience, particularly those in communities where faith-based environmental work is gaining traction.
2. Collaborative Research:
   • While her individual research is impactful, there could be greater emphasis on collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects that connect environmental science, policy, theology, and spirituality. This could help amplify the impact of her work and bring new perspectives to the challenges she addresses.
3. Quantitative Research in Climate Policy:
   • Given her role as a climate policy manager, there may be an opportunity to strengthen her research by incorporating more quantitative methods or policy analysis frameworks that can directly influence climate policy and adaptation strategies, providing more empirical data to support her advocacy.

Education 

Cherice Bock holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies (2024) from Antioch University New England, where she developed an integrated approach to understanding the intersection of faith, ecology, and social justice. She also earned an M.S. in Environmental Studies (2018) from the same institution. Prior to this, Bock completed her M.Div. (2009) at Princeton Theological Seminary, equipping her with a theological foundation for addressing the spiritual and ethical dimensions of ecological issues. Her B.A. in Psychology (2001) from George Fox University provided her with an understanding of human behavior, which she later applied to the study of spirituality and environmental consciousness. Bock’s diverse academic background allows her to approach climate justice through a multidisciplinary lens, blending theology, environmental science, and social theory. Her education supports her research in ecospirituality, creation care, and interfaith environmental action.

Experience 

Cherice Bock has a broad range of academic, advocacy, and leadership experience in environmental studies, spirituality, and social justice. Since 2023, she has served as an Adjunct Professor of Spirituality & Ecospirituality at Earlham School of Religion, teaching courses like Spirituality & the Mystics and Ecospirituality. She is also an Adjunct Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Portland, where she teaches courses such as Introduction to Environmental Science and Biblical Texts in Global Context. As Climate Policy Manager at 350PDX (Portland, OR), Bock works on advocacy and policy to address climate change. From 2020 to 2023, she served as a Creation Justice Advocate at Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and Oregon Interfaith Power & Light, promoting faith-based environmental action. Additionally, Bock has been an Editor for Illuminate Friends Bible Study and has taught extensively in ecotheology at George Fox University and Portland Seminary.

Awards and Honors 

Cherice Bock has received numerous awards and fellowships recognizing her leadership in ecospirituality, environmental advocacy, and theology. She was a Quaker Lecturer at the Western Yearly Meeting (2022), where she shared her insights on the theme, “Better Together with the Community of Creation.” In 2021, Bock served as a Friend in Residence at the North Pacific Yearly Meeting. She was named Scholar in Residence at Berkeley Friends Church (2018), and at the Center for Christian Studies, Reedwood Friends Church (2017). Bock has been a Research Fellow at the Creation Care Program of Portland Seminary (2018), funded by the Seminary Stewardship Alliance. She has also been the recipient of the Clarence & Lily Pickett Endowment for Quaker Leadership grant (2018), the GreenFaith Fellowship (2016), and the Re:Generate Fellowship at Wake Forest University (2015). These honors reflect her impact in the realms of faith, climate justice, and social transformation.

Research Focus

Cherice Bock’s research focuses on the intersection of environmental studies, theology, and social justice, particularly within the context of ecospirituality and creation care. She explores how religious traditions, particularly Christianity and Quakerism, can inspire ethical responses to climate change and environmental degradation. Bock’s work also delves into ecotheology, examining the spiritual and ethical implications of human stewardship of the Earth. She has a strong interest in faith-based climate policy, working to integrate religious values with environmental activism and social justice initiatives. Her research is grounded in the belief that spirituality can play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable living practices and combating environmental injustice. Through her writing, teaching, and advocacy, Bock addresses the critical issues of climate change, resource equity, and the ethical responsibilities of communities of faith to engage in creation care. Her work aims to offer a transformative framework for both religious communities and environmental activists.

Publications

• Quaker Pneumatology (2020) – T and T Clark Handbook of Pneumatology
• Watershed Discipleship: Communicating Climate Change Within a Christian Framework: A Case Study Analysis (2018) – Climate Change Management

Conclusion

Dr. Cherice Bock is a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her work stands out for its unique interdisciplinary focus, blending environmental studies, theology, and ecospirituality, and her ability to apply this research in meaningful ways both within academic settings and in real-world environmental advocacy. She has demonstrated leadership in addressing climate change from a faith-based perspective, integrating social justice with environmental sustainability. The breadth of her experience, along with her active involvement in policy, teaching, and scholarship, makes her a powerful voice in the intersection of spirituality and environmental action.Recognizing Dr. Bock with this award would honor her significant contributions to environmental studies and climate policy while also encouraging the continued integration of faith with ecological stewardship.