Hometown:  Buffalo, NY

Educational Background:  BS in Mathematics from St. Lawrence University

How did you learn about the Food Systems program and what made you interested in applying?  Before applying to the program I was working in Boston doing research on SNAP participants and farmers markets. I really enjoyed my work and wanted to continue conducting research in the food system, so I started looking into food systems graduate programs. UVM’s program was particularly appealing to me because of how embedded it is in such a robust local food system. Plus, Vermont is a great place to live!

Tell us more about your educational background and your interests.  I studied math and statistics in college and my interest in food systems didn’t really develop until after graduation. I was using my statistics background after graduating, but I wasn’t really interested in my work. I knew I wanted to pursue a career that I was passionate about, so I started exploring my interest in food systems by working on a farm outside of Boston. While farming it became clear to me that although I didn’t want to be a farmer, I did want to devote my life and work to creating a more just and sustainable food system.

How has your educational background and experience prepared you for studying food systems?  I actually thought that my mathematical background would not be very useful in the food systems world, but that has turned out to be false. Since food systems is such a transdisciplinary field there is a need for all types of skills and knowledge. My work experiences after college have also been extremely valuable in preparing me to study food systems. The single most valuable thing they taught me was how complex issues in the food system can be. Coming into the program with this understanding has helped me try to understand issues from multiple perspectives.

Have you learned anything in particular, since entering the program that has surprised you?  I am constantly being surprised by things I learn here! One thing that has been particularly striking is how diverse the faculty members are in their backgrounds and interests. It is so exciting and inspiring to witness scholars from across many disciplines come together in their desire to solve the complex issues within our food system.

Please leave us with a fun fact about yourself.  If I was a vegetable I would be a snap pea.