Growing resilience through greener communities
Investigating how natural spaces and community efforts help underserved neighborhoods withstand trauma and violence.
Grounding policy, interventions, and protective solutions in research and community partnership
Les Engels is a prevention science PhD student, focusing on how social and environmental factors influence resilience and health outcomes. His research explores urban greening initiatives as strategic interventions to strengthen community efficacy and reduce the impact of trauma, violence, and adverse childhood experiences. Through this work, Les aims to develop preventive strategies that foster healthier and safer urban communities.
Growing up in Philadelphia, he witnessed how trauma and gun violence leave lasting marks on people and communities, and those experiences drive his passion for equity and healing. Les believes in working hand in hand with residents to build resilience through safer streets, social support, and his favorite tool—green spaces. A lifelong lover of trees and plants, he sees them as more than scenery: they’re part of how communities heal. With a background in writing and art, Les brings creativity and storytelling into his work, helping to connect research with lived experience in ways that resonate. When he’s not digging into projects, Les is usually listening to music or hanging out with his beagle, Lord Percival, who keeps him grounded and reminds him to slow down and enjoy the world around him.