Dr Cherice Bock | Ecospirituality | Best Research Article Award

Adjunct Faculty, Earlham School of Religion,United States

Cherice Bock is a scholar and advocate at the intersection of spirituality and environmental sustainability. With a deep commitment to ecospirituality and climate justice, she is currently a Climate Policy Manager at 350PDX in Portland, OR, and an adjunct professor of Spirituality & Ecospirituality at the Earlham School of Religion. Her research and teaching explore the connections between faith, ecological action, and environmental policy. Bock holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England and has extensive experience in academic and nonprofit sectors. She has contributed to several publications on ecotheology, creation care, and sustainable faith practices. Her academic work integrates theology, environmental science, and spiritual practices to address the urgent ecological challenges of our time. Cherice’s diverse experience and dedication to environmental advocacy make her a leading voice in ecospirituality and climate justice.

Profile

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Strengths for the Award

1. Strong Educational Foundation: The individual holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England (2024), complemented by an M.S. in the same field (2018), which demonstrates significant expertise in environmental studies. This, combined with degrees in theology (M.Div., 2009) and psychology (B.A., 2001), reflects a diverse, multidisciplinary academic background that integrates environmental science with spirituality, ethics, and human psychology.
2. Extensive Teaching Experience: The individual has extensive teaching experience across a wide range of institutions, including prominent positions at Earlham School of Religion, University of Portland, George Fox University, and others. The variety of courses taught (e.g., Spirituality & the Mystics, Ecospirituality, Environmental Justice, Introduction to Environmental Science) highlights their broad intellectual reach, especially in the interdisciplinary integration of theology, environmental studies, and spirituality. This experience speaks to their ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to students and mentor future scholars.
3. Research and Publication: The individual has contributed significantly to academic research and publication, as evidenced by their book chapters such as “Quaker Pneumatology” in the T and T Clark Handbook of Pneumatology and “Watershed Discipleship: Communicating Climate Change Within a Christian Framework” in Climate Change Management. These contributions are particularly notable for integrating climate change communication with religious and theological frameworks, demonstrating a novel approach to addressing ecological crises.
4. Leadership in Climate Advocacy and Ecospirituality: The individual has played a leadership role in multiple organizations, including as the Climate Policy Manager for 350PDX, where they have been involved in environmental advocacy, climate policy, and interfaith initiatives. Their work as a Creation Justice Advocate at Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and Oregon Interfaith Power & Light further demonstrates their commitment to environmental justice from both a faith-based and policy perspective. This combination of environmental activism and spiritual leadership is a rare and valuable strength.
5. Recognition and Fellowships: They have received numerous prestigious fellowships, including the GreenFaith Fellowship and the Re:Generate Fellowship. These accolades demonstrate recognition from leading institutions in the fields of faith, environmental stewardship, and leadership.
6. Contributions to Quaker Thought: As a Quaker Scholar, their work, such as their lectures on “Better Together with the Community of Creation” and involvement in various Quaker residencies, illustrates a deep commitment to integrating Quaker theology with contemporary environmental issues. Their research and advocacy work position them as a thought leader in ecospirituality, particularly within the Quaker tradition.

Areas for Improvement

1. Wider Public Engagement: While the individual has demonstrated excellence in academia and faith-based advocacy, there may be an opportunity to engage more extensively with a broader public audience. Their expertise in ecospirituality and environmental policy could be better showcased through popular publications, media appearances, or community-based outreach initiatives that bring these ideas to wider audiences outside of academia and faith communities.
2. Broader Research Dissemination: Although they have contributed to significant academic works, further efforts to disseminate research in peer-reviewed journals or through collaborative interdisciplinary research projects would enhance their visibility in the global research community. Expanding their research portfolio to include more empirical studies and case studies could deepen their impact in both the environmental science and theology fields.
3. Research Funding: While they have received grants and fellowships, pursuing more targeted funding opportunities for large-scale research projects, particularly those that merge environmental science with spirituality or theology, could strengthen their research capacity and enable them to make an even greater impact on global climate policy discussions.

Conclusion

The individual is a highly deserving candidate for the “Best Researcher Award” based on their impressive academic credentials, significant teaching and leadership roles, and groundbreaking research at the intersection of environmental studies and spirituality. Their interdisciplinary approach to climate advocacy, combined with a deep commitment to faith-based action, positions them as a unique and influential voice in both academic and activist circles.While there is room for growth in terms of public engagement and broader research dissemination, their current body of work and recognized leadership in both environmental and theological circles demonstrate the potential for further contributions that will have a lasting impact on the fields of ecospirituality and environmental policy.In conclusion, this candidate not only fulfills but exceeds the qualifications typically required for the “Best Researcher Award” through their academic achievements, innovative research contributions, and ongoing leadership in environmental advocacy and ecospirituality.