Welcoming our New Research Assistants

Jayla Simon is a Sophomore at Michigan State University studying Social Relations and Policy and Comparative Cultures and Politics at James Madison College (JMC). Jayla joined CCED in March of 2023, bringing with her a passion for environmental and social justice and a motivation for research in institutional and structural change. She is a member of the Sunrise Movement’s MSU hub, where she advocates for environmental justice through institutional divestment from fossil fuels. She also aids Dr. LaMore and the Ad Hoc University Sustainable Investment Working Group (USIWG) in their efforts. Jayla is excited to further develop her passions at CCED, investigating ways in which endowments can be invested with equitable standards and with intent for transformative social impact. Jayla enjoys spending her free time outside as a member of the MSU Outdoor Club and thoroughly enjoys spending time with her cat and appreciating music and movies.  

"Taanishi Andrew Bracken dishinihkaashoon. Li Michif pi aen Zhwif niiya. La Rivyayr Roozh d’ooschiin. Nkwejong niwiikin." Andrew Bracken is Métis and Ashkenazi Jewish with family from the Red River. He currently lives in East Lansing. He is a Research Assistant on the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan project with the Center of Community and Economic Development and MSU Extension. Andrew Bracken is a fourth year undergraduate student majoring in Arts and Humanities and dual minoring in Museum Studies and American Indian Indigenous Studies. He currently serves as the Cultural Programmer and Historian for the North American Indigenous Student Organization (NAISO), as well as sitting on the Land Acknowledgement Plaque Committee and Pow Wow Board. After graduating, he plans on working in museums with a focus on Indigenous material culture. He wants his work to allow Native people to tell their own stories as they see fit and provide a space where they can be the keepers of their own heritage.