Hometown:  Portland, Maine

Educational Background:  University of Vermont, BS Self Designed: Food Systems and Public Policy

What Food Systems program track are you on?  The Accelerated Master's (AMP)

How did you learn about the Food Systems program and what made you interested in applying?  My undergraduate thesis advisor, Amy Trubek, introduced me to the program during my junior year. I had started late into the field of Food Systems and was thrilled by the idea of having another year to continue my studies with Amy and the other incredible program instructors. The Accelerated MS program seemed like the perfect way to take my research and interests to the next level while maintaining a sort of continuity with what I had already been doing.

Tell us more about your educational background and your interests.  I grew up in a family of writers, artists, and farmers, many of them a combination of all three. I have been and continue to be inspired by their hard work and practical knowledge. I believe in the value of a family farm, of a dairy cow, of a hard day's work on the land or even in a book. My research interests lie in place-based foods, as well as food and agriculture-related media.

How has your educational background and experience prepared you for studying food systems?   I think, because I have a food background of both production and consumption, that I am hyper-aware of the complexity and gray area involved in studying food systems. There are no easy answers, and letting go of the need for compartmentalization and organization has made studying food systems easier. It's certainly an ongoing process, though - I don't feel like I'm ever fully prepared for anything!

What are your future career goals?  I'd like to contribute to the world of food or agriculture related media in some way, or maybe do something that I don't even know exists yet.

Have you learned anything in particular, since entering the program that has surprised you?  I know I'm the last person to this party, but I'm just recently learning about this bee issue! Where are all the bees?! What happened? What do we do? Did everyone else know how great bees were except me? I need to know more.

Please leave us with a fun fact about yourself.  My favorite food is butter.