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About Me

I am an Atlanta native, but I identify as a "child of the world." I love world history. I have loved it my whole life. The daughter of a history teacher, I spent hours on the floor of my father's study, reading the encyclopedia Britannica from cover to cover, while staring at posters of Indira Gandhi, Hailee Selassie, Che Gueverra, Toussaint L'Ouverture, and Bessie Coleman,  framed on the walls, over his often messy desk. It is my dream to marry my passions of environmental conservation, historic preservation, and the law. I am a Historian for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). Quite possibly one of the first African Americans to work in the history department. This is my life's work and I am happy to share my journey here with you. Find out more about my preservation philosophyPlease, contact me, and let's talk about the world; the past, the present, and the future. 

Education

2020- Present

Masters in Historic Preservation
Georgia State University

My studies at Georgia State University (GSU) complete my training and allows me to conduct some inspired research on the Historic Preservation Act, Section 106, and architectural history, using the resources of the university. I look forward to joining the rank of preservation professional with this certification.

2002-2005

Masters of Studies in Environmental Law
Vermont Law School

In a dual-degree program, I earned a Master's and Juris Doctor at the same time. The program was exciting and demanding, requiring us to study, practice, and analyze facts under federal environmental laws: NEPA, RCRA, FERPA, and CERCLA. We also practiced drafting parts of Environmental Assessments and FONSIs.

2002-2005

Juris Doctor
Vermont Law School

I divided my focus in law school between International and Environmental Law. I was able to earn law school credit through an externship at the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) at its international headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

1998-2002

Bachelors of Arts in Journalism

Minor: Spanish Language and Culture
Loyola University New Orleans

I specialized my studies in environmental journalism at the bottom of the Mississippi River basin which provided excellent practice in examining and writing about environmental justice and watershed management issues. The city is so unique and I was always challenged to engage the local and visitor. 

Publications and Other Writings

Henson, Erika, The Food Holiday: Uganda, 2009, Echo Media Publishing, Saint Paul, MN.

United Nations Environment Program, Hydropolitical Vulnerability, and Resilience Along InternationalWaters: Africa, copyright 2005, Erika Henson, Research Intern Contributor.  https://www.unep.org/resources/report/hydropolitical-vulnerability-and-resilience-along-international-waters-africa. Last visited 09/15/2022.

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