Ph.D. Student, Food Systems

I have a BA in Biology from William Jewell College, and a MS in Environment and Sustainability and a Museum Studies Certificate from from the University of Michigan. Previously, I conducted community based ecological restoration at a conservation nonprofit in Kansas City, Heartland Conservation Alliance. With my newfound focus on food systems I have worked for the Sustainability Food Systems Initiative, Matthaei Botanical Gardens with heritage seeds, and the Washtenaw County Health Department addressing local food access. I worked for the Henry Ford Museum to develop programming and establish historical context for the re-creation of the Central Market to teach visitors about the food system in this working farm and museum.

Beyond UVM, I hope to work to design, curate, and conduct research in outdoor "living museums" (e.g., farms deploying agritourism, botanical gardens, public parks) alongside farmers to educate and instigate this agroecological transition. My interests outside of research include local labor organizing, hiking with my dog, cooking, and creating in various mediums.

Areas of Expertise and/or Research

Paticipatory Action Research; Peasant economies,; Agroecological design and transition; Museum studies; Grassroots social movements

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