Allison Spain has recently transitioned into a new role as Food Systems Graduate Education & Research Programs Coordinator. She has been the Food Systems Graduate Program Coordinator for almost 5 years. Allison will help develop and implement a strategic plan to support the growth of food systems research and graduate education across UVM, including the Food Systems Research Center. Allison has a Master’s in Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia and a BS in Biology and Classics from Washington & Lee University.
1. What is your favorite thing about working for the Food Systems Research Center?
It has only been a couple of weeks being with the FSRC, but I’m really enjoying the people and having a great team to work with. For me, this is an exciting expansion of my role managing the Food Systems Graduate Program, and I feel that there’s a lot of momentum heading into the new academic year. I’m really looking forward to it!
2. What is your favorite thing about living and working in Vermont?
The landscape and the community. Vermont is just so beautiful with the mountains and the lakes, and there’s a sense of community here that I haven’t experienced anywhere else I’ve lived. I feel very fortunate to call Vermont home.
3. What is something about you people would be surprised to learn?
I am (painstakingly slowly) learning how to play the mandolin. Don’t expect a performance anytime soon!
4. What TV show, band/artist, podcast, video game, book, and/or anything are you most obsessed with right now?
I recently finished Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead and have just started A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. I love to read and generally have too many books going at once. I also have a *slight* obsession with my garden and have a new garden bed that is just for cut flowers this year. My kids have been enjoying picking them, and we love having fresh blooms in the house.