Meet the Team
Many thanks to Willie MacDade Photography for many of the headshots!
Sarah Dwyer, Davidson College, Class of 2016
Symposium Co-Chair Sarah, a Biology major, is passionate about developing a multidisciplinary understanding of the ways that differential access to food affects health through her research and by engaging in dialog with those that are affected by food insecurity. Sarah is currently volunteering with a student-led community nutrition education program that she helped start. In her role, she collaborates with healthcare professionals and peers to develop a cooking and nutrition curriculum, helps to teach the classes, and works with the program’s nutrition and medical advisors to answer class participants’ questions. Sarah’s past research includes an epigenetics project at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences through which she investigated the effects of genistein, a phytoestrogen found in soy products, on global methylation blood cells. Sarah plans to pursue an M.D. after finishing her M.S. in Nutrition at Columbia's Institute of Human Nutrition next year. |
Haley Rhodes, Davidson College, Class of 2016
Symposium Co-Chair Haley, a Public Health and Hispanic Studies double major, is fascinated by the big picture and interdisciplinary nature of food systems. Always interested in hunger, Haley designed her thesis research on chronic child malnutrition and maternal autonomy, taking a leave of absence from Davidson to live in rural Guatemala for five-months, working with a group of physicians and medical anthropologists at the Maya Health Alliance. Perplexed that children could grow up next to cornfields and still be food insecure, Haley shifted her studies to understand food systems and development. When she returned, she founded a nutritional education organization called Ada Cooks that offers cooking courses at a local community center, Ada Jenkins, for both Spanish and English speaking families. Haley hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Public Health Systems, but in the meantime will spend some time working with agriculture in Colombia and healthcare consulting in DC. Haley loves meeting new people, hiking, running, traveling, cooking, and watching TedTalks. Haley's research interests include: food systems, immigrant health, conflict studies, women's leadership, innovation, and international development. |
Anna Cox, Davidson College, Class of 2018
Food Coordinator
A prospective Economics major and French and Francophone Studies minor, Anna first became interested in food systems and justice while working in a vegan kitchen the summer after her first year at Davidson. This year, she helped teach classes on nutritional education at Ada Jenkins, a local community center. As secretary of Davidson's Pre-Law Society, Anna is interested in the influence that law and policy has over food justice, and hopes that the Food Justice Symposium can deepen her understanding of food ethics with regard to both nutrition and sustainability.
Food Coordinator
A prospective Economics major and French and Francophone Studies minor, Anna first became interested in food systems and justice while working in a vegan kitchen the summer after her first year at Davidson. This year, she helped teach classes on nutritional education at Ada Jenkins, a local community center. As secretary of Davidson's Pre-Law Society, Anna is interested in the influence that law and policy has over food justice, and hopes that the Food Justice Symposium can deepen her understanding of food ethics with regard to both nutrition and sustainability.
Joe Cullen, Davidson College, Class of 2016
Knowledge Fair Coordinator
Joe is a senior environmental studies major with a focus on the natural sciences. With a background in veterinary medicine, his interests in the U.S. food system begins with animal rights and health, especially as it pertains to industrial meat production. He is also eager to learn more about the intersection of animal, environmental, and human health, with a burgeoning interest in the field of public health and epidemiology. Aside from academia, he is a food-fanatic, amateur chef and avid traveler, with recent trips to Vietnam and Cambodia, where he studied water conservation in the lower Mekong River basin. In the future, Joe hopes to engage in environmentally-related work with a focus on solution-based measures, in which he helps to ensure sustainable development and a harmonious, non-exploitative relationship between humans and their environment.
Knowledge Fair Coordinator
Joe is a senior environmental studies major with a focus on the natural sciences. With a background in veterinary medicine, his interests in the U.S. food system begins with animal rights and health, especially as it pertains to industrial meat production. He is also eager to learn more about the intersection of animal, environmental, and human health, with a burgeoning interest in the field of public health and epidemiology. Aside from academia, he is a food-fanatic, amateur chef and avid traveler, with recent trips to Vietnam and Cambodia, where he studied water conservation in the lower Mekong River basin. In the future, Joe hopes to engage in environmentally-related work with a focus on solution-based measures, in which he helps to ensure sustainable development and a harmonious, non-exploitative relationship between humans and their environment.
Justine Frerichs, Davidson College, Class of 2017
Community Outreach
Justine is an Environmental Studies major. Her first foray into food policy thinking began four years ago after writing about land grabs in Ethiopia and participating in youth programs at the World Food Prize’s Norman E. Borlaug International Symposium. While that experience formalized an innate interest, she grew up appreciating food because it was the simplest way to connect across cultures and families. On campus, she invests time into the Sustainability Cooperative (the Susty Coop) and the Student Initiative for Academic Diversity (SIAD), which advises tenure-track hiring committees on candidates’ commitment to inclusive pedagogy. This summer she will be working for the USDA as a Wallace-Carver Fellow. As a child her favorite foods were matcha and miso, and now she is passionate about cardamom, nachos, and experimenting with homemade ice cream.
Community Outreach
Justine is an Environmental Studies major. Her first foray into food policy thinking began four years ago after writing about land grabs in Ethiopia and participating in youth programs at the World Food Prize’s Norman E. Borlaug International Symposium. While that experience formalized an innate interest, she grew up appreciating food because it was the simplest way to connect across cultures and families. On campus, she invests time into the Sustainability Cooperative (the Susty Coop) and the Student Initiative for Academic Diversity (SIAD), which advises tenure-track hiring committees on candidates’ commitment to inclusive pedagogy. This summer she will be working for the USDA as a Wallace-Carver Fellow. As a child her favorite foods were matcha and miso, and now she is passionate about cardamom, nachos, and experimenting with homemade ice cream.
Victoria Frost, Davidson College, Class of 2018
Publicity Co-Lead
Victoria is a political science major interested in nutrition, international development, and humanitarian aid policy. She teaches a child nutritional cooking class at Ada Jenkins to encourage healthy eating and nutritional education. This past summer, Victoria interned at New York Methodist Hospital where she volunteered as a patient advocate encouraging health education. Additionally, Victoria serves as a member of Davidson's Student Activities Leadership Board where she orchestrates DIY events, such as Ugly Christmas Sweater making and tie-dye.
Publicity Co-Lead
Victoria is a political science major interested in nutrition, international development, and humanitarian aid policy. She teaches a child nutritional cooking class at Ada Jenkins to encourage healthy eating and nutritional education. This past summer, Victoria interned at New York Methodist Hospital where she volunteered as a patient advocate encouraging health education. Additionally, Victoria serves as a member of Davidson's Student Activities Leadership Board where she orchestrates DIY events, such as Ugly Christmas Sweater making and tie-dye.
Savannah Haeger, Davidson College, Class of 2016
Rapporteur
Savannah is a Political Science and Latin American Studies major with a penchant for writing and a desire to help families in the United States remove the word hunger from their vocabulary. As president of Rusk Eating House, one of Davidson College’s largest student organizations, Savannah oversaw the creation of a new philanthropic and service initiative to raise awareness about hunger in the local area, particularly among children. The organization also provides supplemental nutrition to local elementary school students and their families.
At Davidson, Savannah works in College Communications, profiling students and alumni for college and development publications. In line with her communications experience and previous internships with the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Commerce, Savannah will begin work in the fall at a political communications consultancy in Washington, DC. In her free time, Savannah enjoys taking Zumba classes and catching up on the news.
Rapporteur
Savannah is a Political Science and Latin American Studies major with a penchant for writing and a desire to help families in the United States remove the word hunger from their vocabulary. As president of Rusk Eating House, one of Davidson College’s largest student organizations, Savannah oversaw the creation of a new philanthropic and service initiative to raise awareness about hunger in the local area, particularly among children. The organization also provides supplemental nutrition to local elementary school students and their families.
At Davidson, Savannah works in College Communications, profiling students and alumni for college and development publications. In line with her communications experience and previous internships with the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Commerce, Savannah will begin work in the fall at a political communications consultancy in Washington, DC. In her free time, Savannah enjoys taking Zumba classes and catching up on the news.
Lauren Grace Himes, Davidson College, Class of 2018
Continuing Education Coordinator
Lauren Grace is a Chemistry and Hispanic Studies double major. After taking a medical sociology class her freshman year at Davidson, she became interested in the upstream factors that moderate health outcomes across age groups. Lauren Grace conducted public health related research in Nicaragua during the summer of 2015, through which she examined different variables that influence the patient-provider relationship in the context of a private clinic in Masaya, Nicaragua. However, it was through visiting rural Nicaraguan villages and observing the research findings of a fellow Davidson student, Kate Joss, that summer that she began to delve more deeply into the issues surrounding chronic childhood malnutrition. Although her interest in food systems and childhood malnutrition was developed overseas, Lauren Grace is also concerned with domestic food consumption, specifically the lack of awareness regarding nutrition and the affordability of healthy food options. In this way, Lauren Grace is interested not only in improving food security for impoverished communities, but also coupling this improved access with education on nutrition. She believes education initiatives will not only lead to improved policy measures, but also inspire communal change in food norms and health.
Continuing Education Coordinator
Lauren Grace is a Chemistry and Hispanic Studies double major. After taking a medical sociology class her freshman year at Davidson, she became interested in the upstream factors that moderate health outcomes across age groups. Lauren Grace conducted public health related research in Nicaragua during the summer of 2015, through which she examined different variables that influence the patient-provider relationship in the context of a private clinic in Masaya, Nicaragua. However, it was through visiting rural Nicaraguan villages and observing the research findings of a fellow Davidson student, Kate Joss, that summer that she began to delve more deeply into the issues surrounding chronic childhood malnutrition. Although her interest in food systems and childhood malnutrition was developed overseas, Lauren Grace is also concerned with domestic food consumption, specifically the lack of awareness regarding nutrition and the affordability of healthy food options. In this way, Lauren Grace is interested not only in improving food security for impoverished communities, but also coupling this improved access with education on nutrition. She believes education initiatives will not only lead to improved policy measures, but also inspire communal change in food norms and health.
Claire Kane, Davidson College, Class of 2018
Publicity Co-Lead
Claire first became interested in food security during the creation of her interdisciplinary major at Davidson. Claire now studies Social Justice and Social Change with an emphasis on the ways in which food security is at the root of various social justice issues experienced both in the United States and internationally.
Claire plans to study abroad in Capetown, South Africa during the fall semester of her junior year. During her time in South Africa, Claire hopes to investigate issues of food security specific to the Capetown population.
Upon graduation, Claire plans to pursue a career in the realm of innovative and entrepreneurial solutions to society's social injustices. In her free time she enjoys cooking, running, and watching exploring coffee shops.
Publicity Co-Lead
Claire first became interested in food security during the creation of her interdisciplinary major at Davidson. Claire now studies Social Justice and Social Change with an emphasis on the ways in which food security is at the root of various social justice issues experienced both in the United States and internationally.
Claire plans to study abroad in Capetown, South Africa during the fall semester of her junior year. During her time in South Africa, Claire hopes to investigate issues of food security specific to the Capetown population.
Upon graduation, Claire plans to pursue a career in the realm of innovative and entrepreneurial solutions to society's social injustices. In her free time she enjoys cooking, running, and watching exploring coffee shops.
Wells King, Davidson College, Class of 2016
Design Thinking/Second Day Coordinator
Wells is a senior at Davidson College, where he studies history and serves as the Director of Consulting for the Pre-Business Society. In addition to a traditional liberal arts curriculum, Wells has studied the historical relationship between social change and politico-economic theory. In the 2014-15 academic year, Wells explored the historical development slavery, empire, and political economy as a visiting student at the University of Oxford. Last Summer, he interned for the management consulting firm McKinsey&Company, where he assisted financial institutions in developing effective strategies suited new regulatory environments. Wells is particularly interested applying his historical studies and business experience to contemporary questions, namely corporate social responsibility and the intersection between corporate and political power.
In the future, Wells plans to pursue a JD / MBA, but in the meantime he will continue working for McKinsey&Company and studying the intersection of political theory and public policy as a Summer Fellow at the Hertog Foundation in Washington, DC. When not busy studying, Wells can be found reading historical biographies, playing backgammon, and expanding his fast-growing fountain pen collection.
Design Thinking/Second Day Coordinator
Wells is a senior at Davidson College, where he studies history and serves as the Director of Consulting for the Pre-Business Society. In addition to a traditional liberal arts curriculum, Wells has studied the historical relationship between social change and politico-economic theory. In the 2014-15 academic year, Wells explored the historical development slavery, empire, and political economy as a visiting student at the University of Oxford. Last Summer, he interned for the management consulting firm McKinsey&Company, where he assisted financial institutions in developing effective strategies suited new regulatory environments. Wells is particularly interested applying his historical studies and business experience to contemporary questions, namely corporate social responsibility and the intersection between corporate and political power.
In the future, Wells plans to pursue a JD / MBA, but in the meantime he will continue working for McKinsey&Company and studying the intersection of political theory and public policy as a Summer Fellow at the Hertog Foundation in Washington, DC. When not busy studying, Wells can be found reading historical biographies, playing backgammon, and expanding his fast-growing fountain pen collection.
Jonathan Lee, Davidson College, Class of 2017
Community Outreach
Jonathan is an Environmental Studies major with a concentration in Social Sciences. Ever since spending a semester in Maine with the Chewonki Semester School, Jonathan has had an interest in educating others about issues of sustainability and food justice/management. He hopes that this symposium will provide opportunities for both himself and others who are interested in getting more connected with organizations working on education initiatives surrounding food justice.
Prior to coming to Davidson, Jonathan helped start and manage his high school cafeteria’s compost program. Currently, Jonathan works as a member of the Davidson Office of Sustainability alongside campus eating facilities in order to manage Davidson’s compost processing facilities. He also works at the Davidson Farm as a part of his work-study. This past summer, Jonathan worked as a chemistry lab assistant at Seoul Women’s University in researching food-waste conversion into usable forms of bio-fuels. In addition to working on issues of sustainability on campus, Jonathan is a Davidson College tour guide and plays trumpet with the Davidson Pep Band.
Community Outreach
Jonathan is an Environmental Studies major with a concentration in Social Sciences. Ever since spending a semester in Maine with the Chewonki Semester School, Jonathan has had an interest in educating others about issues of sustainability and food justice/management. He hopes that this symposium will provide opportunities for both himself and others who are interested in getting more connected with organizations working on education initiatives surrounding food justice.
Prior to coming to Davidson, Jonathan helped start and manage his high school cafeteria’s compost program. Currently, Jonathan works as a member of the Davidson Office of Sustainability alongside campus eating facilities in order to manage Davidson’s compost processing facilities. He also works at the Davidson Farm as a part of his work-study. This past summer, Jonathan worked as a chemistry lab assistant at Seoul Women’s University in researching food-waste conversion into usable forms of bio-fuels. In addition to working on issues of sustainability on campus, Jonathan is a Davidson College tour guide and plays trumpet with the Davidson Pep Band.
Phoebe Parrish, Davidson College, Class of 2016
Grant Writer
Phoebe, a Biology major and Hispanic Studies minor, has always been interested in the connection between her laboratory-based scientific research and its real world applications. She is currently conducting her Davidson Biology Honors thesis research in the School of Integrative Plant Sciences at Cornell University. Her work is in the area of molecular plant-pathogen interactions, specifically focusing on the role of the bacterial phytotoxin coronatine in plant disease. As a Bank of America Kemp Scholar, she has studied the application of plant pathology research to increase crop productivity and combat food insecurity and hunger around the world. Phoebe hopes to continue to integrate her growing knowledge of molecular plant-pathogen interactions with a broader understanding of the implications of her work.
As the co-president of the Davidson chapter of the Half the Sky, a club that focuses on raising awareness about women’s oppression worldwide, Phoebe has explored how food insecurity and hunger affect families in the U.S. and abroad. She organizes educational events that explore solutions to these issues, such as using microfinance as a tool to empower female farmers and their families. She hopes that her work with the Symposium will enrich her understanding of the applications of plant pathology research, while allowing her to bring a unique scientific research-based perspective to discussions of food systems and food insecurity.
In the future, Phoebe hopes to pursue her Ph.D. in molecular biology. She is currently applying for research fellowships to continue her plant pathology research in an international context. She enjoys spending time outdoors with friends, trying new food, and traveling.
Grant Writer
Phoebe, a Biology major and Hispanic Studies minor, has always been interested in the connection between her laboratory-based scientific research and its real world applications. She is currently conducting her Davidson Biology Honors thesis research in the School of Integrative Plant Sciences at Cornell University. Her work is in the area of molecular plant-pathogen interactions, specifically focusing on the role of the bacterial phytotoxin coronatine in plant disease. As a Bank of America Kemp Scholar, she has studied the application of plant pathology research to increase crop productivity and combat food insecurity and hunger around the world. Phoebe hopes to continue to integrate her growing knowledge of molecular plant-pathogen interactions with a broader understanding of the implications of her work.
As the co-president of the Davidson chapter of the Half the Sky, a club that focuses on raising awareness about women’s oppression worldwide, Phoebe has explored how food insecurity and hunger affect families in the U.S. and abroad. She organizes educational events that explore solutions to these issues, such as using microfinance as a tool to empower female farmers and their families. She hopes that her work with the Symposium will enrich her understanding of the applications of plant pathology research, while allowing her to bring a unique scientific research-based perspective to discussions of food systems and food insecurity.
In the future, Phoebe hopes to pursue her Ph.D. in molecular biology. She is currently applying for research fellowships to continue her plant pathology research in an international context. She enjoys spending time outdoors with friends, trying new food, and traveling.
Sophie Rupp, Elon University, Class of 2016
Knowledge Fair Team
As a Public Health major and Spanish minor, Sophie is interested in the intersection between health, culture, social environments, and chronic illness across the United States. Throughout the last two years, she has focused her research to explore the relationship between social support and self-management in education and employment settings for adolescents and young adults with end-stage renal disease. Captivated by the stories of others, Sophie has found that lived experiences and narratives are can bring nuanced insight into complex health issues.
Her past research also includes a project entitled “The Voices of Welfare” in which Sophie conducted ethnographic interviews to understand the stigma surrounding recipients of public assistance and the ways in which this population maintains their health. This further sparked her interest in vulnerable groups within America and how larger systems affect individuals and families. In the future, Sophie hopes to pursue an MPH with a concentration in Global Health. In her free time, she enjoys doing yoga, reading, traveling, and running her freelance art business.
Knowledge Fair Team
As a Public Health major and Spanish minor, Sophie is interested in the intersection between health, culture, social environments, and chronic illness across the United States. Throughout the last two years, she has focused her research to explore the relationship between social support and self-management in education and employment settings for adolescents and young adults with end-stage renal disease. Captivated by the stories of others, Sophie has found that lived experiences and narratives are can bring nuanced insight into complex health issues.
Her past research also includes a project entitled “The Voices of Welfare” in which Sophie conducted ethnographic interviews to understand the stigma surrounding recipients of public assistance and the ways in which this population maintains their health. This further sparked her interest in vulnerable groups within America and how larger systems affect individuals and families. In the future, Sophie hopes to pursue an MPH with a concentration in Global Health. In her free time, she enjoys doing yoga, reading, traveling, and running her freelance art business.
Averie Thomas, Davidson College, Class of 2016
Funding Coordinator
Averie, an Economics major and Applied Mathematics minor, combines her love of food and passion for economic development in her studies, research, and extracurriculars at Davidson College. Her passion for economic development began in middle school when her family moved to Uganda for a year. Since this time, she has spent time serving in established nonprofits, including Habitat for Humanity and World Relief, and studying the economics behind poverty and development. Two summers ago, she received a Public Health grant to conduct econometric research on the effect that an enormous welfare program in Brazil has on women's lives health, careers, and education.
After returning from a semester abroad in Chile, she has used her excitement about food to serve others as a Spanish-speaking cooking instructor at Ada Cooks, a student run organization that teaches underserved community members how to cook healthy, cheap, and quick meals. Averie is fascinated by the role that food plays in economic development and how food deserts can be detrimental in the perpetuation of poverty. In a Computational Economics class, Averie created a simulation to model the impact of different housing policies on segregation and food deserts in Baltimore. Next year Averie will return to Baltimore and look for ways outside of her work to make an positive impact on neighboring communities. In the future, Averie hopes to pursue higher education to learn more about economic development in Latin America.
Funding Coordinator
Averie, an Economics major and Applied Mathematics minor, combines her love of food and passion for economic development in her studies, research, and extracurriculars at Davidson College. Her passion for economic development began in middle school when her family moved to Uganda for a year. Since this time, she has spent time serving in established nonprofits, including Habitat for Humanity and World Relief, and studying the economics behind poverty and development. Two summers ago, she received a Public Health grant to conduct econometric research on the effect that an enormous welfare program in Brazil has on women's lives health, careers, and education.
After returning from a semester abroad in Chile, she has used her excitement about food to serve others as a Spanish-speaking cooking instructor at Ada Cooks, a student run organization that teaches underserved community members how to cook healthy, cheap, and quick meals. Averie is fascinated by the role that food plays in economic development and how food deserts can be detrimental in the perpetuation of poverty. In a Computational Economics class, Averie created a simulation to model the impact of different housing policies on segregation and food deserts in Baltimore. Next year Averie will return to Baltimore and look for ways outside of her work to make an positive impact on neighboring communities. In the future, Averie hopes to pursue higher education to learn more about economic development in Latin America.
Marisa Wilson, Davidson College, Class of 2018
Community & Local Organizations Coordinator
Marisa is an environmental sciences major pursuing studies and research in food and agricultural systems sustainability. With a focus on the underlying science of agriculture and climate change, her goals are to further the viability and success of local and sustainable food production and distribution. She hopes to address the broader issues surrounding access to healthy, affordable food through her studies.
Prior to coming to Davidson College, Marisa spent four years working on her high school’s small scale, organic farm, helping to get the farm established and providing food for her school’s dining hall and a local farmer’s market. She is now a volunteer at the Davidson College Farm. Through a combination of labor, academic studies, and participation in conferences and workshops, Marisa is exploring the intersections of food, biology, agriculture and social policy. Marisa is currently conducting research on soil microscopy and its effects on soil fertility. She hopes to help the Davidson College Farm develop techniques that increase productivity while maintaining or improving soil health.
Along with her involvement in food sustainability on campus, Marisa is an active participant in Divest Davidson’s efforts to address climate justice issues. She is also a coxswain for Davidson’s crew team.
Community & Local Organizations Coordinator
Marisa is an environmental sciences major pursuing studies and research in food and agricultural systems sustainability. With a focus on the underlying science of agriculture and climate change, her goals are to further the viability and success of local and sustainable food production and distribution. She hopes to address the broader issues surrounding access to healthy, affordable food through her studies.
Prior to coming to Davidson College, Marisa spent four years working on her high school’s small scale, organic farm, helping to get the farm established and providing food for her school’s dining hall and a local farmer’s market. She is now a volunteer at the Davidson College Farm. Through a combination of labor, academic studies, and participation in conferences and workshops, Marisa is exploring the intersections of food, biology, agriculture and social policy. Marisa is currently conducting research on soil microscopy and its effects on soil fertility. She hopes to help the Davidson College Farm develop techniques that increase productivity while maintaining or improving soil health.
Along with her involvement in food sustainability on campus, Marisa is an active participant in Divest Davidson’s efforts to address climate justice issues. She is also a coxswain for Davidson’s crew team.
Philip Yu, Davidson College, Class of 2016
World Cafe and Volunteer Coordinator
My name is Philip Yu and I am one of two seniors in the social science track. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, my interest regarding environmentalism is all over the place, from agriculture to migrant farmers, food access, and the culture of food to the role that financial institutions play in addressing climate change. I have been involved with the issue of food security for two years after volunteering with Sow Much Good, a local non-profit farm in Charlotte, and co-hosting Food Action Week in Spring 2015 with Julia Singley, graduate of Davidson College’s class of 2015. I am endlessly fascinated by the intersection of people and their relationship with the built and natural environment and encourages me to further Dr. Samson’s question, “What are people doing when they are being people out in the environment?”
World Cafe and Volunteer Coordinator
My name is Philip Yu and I am one of two seniors in the social science track. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, my interest regarding environmentalism is all over the place, from agriculture to migrant farmers, food access, and the culture of food to the role that financial institutions play in addressing climate change. I have been involved with the issue of food security for two years after volunteering with Sow Much Good, a local non-profit farm in Charlotte, and co-hosting Food Action Week in Spring 2015 with Julia Singley, graduate of Davidson College’s class of 2015. I am endlessly fascinated by the intersection of people and their relationship with the built and natural environment and encourages me to further Dr. Samson’s question, “What are people doing when they are being people out in the environment?”