Summer 2018 – Engagement in Food Systems

Rooftop Agriculture Meets Engineering

Kathryn Teigen De Master Alberto Carlos Ibarra, Summer 2018 September 3, 2018November 13, 2018Hispanic Engineers and Scientists 0 Comment

Written by Alberto Carlos Ibarra
Summer 2018

In the summer, my project consisted of researching and developing a rooftop garden that intersects urban agriculture practices with technological systems (and other engineering/design aspects). The La Loma Rooftop Garden will increase accessibility and production of healthy foods, while providing a place for meditation and yoga. This summer, I worked behind the scenes, learning about engineering systems for rooftop food production. I will start doing more construction within the next couple weeks with the Hispanic Engineers and Scientists (HES) team. The objectives for the Fall 2018 are to educate and provide HES active members with research and hands-on experiences in team-oriented projects.

Exploring the Nutrition Environment: Childcare Facilities

Kathryn Teigen De Master Sophia Navarro, Summer 2018 August 20, 2018November 14, 2018American Cultures Engaged Scholarship, Nutrition Policy Institute, Public Health Law Center 0 Comment

Written by Sophia Navarro
Summer 2018

This summer, I had the pleasure of conducting food systems research at the Nutrition Policy Institute (NPI) in Berkeley, California. Housed within the University of California’s Division of Agriculture and National Resources, NPI is an organization that conducts and evaluates research on the influence of nutrition on public health. This post describes some of the major projects I have been working on over the past months.

Indigenous Science

Kathryn Teigen De Master Leslie Hutchins, Summer 2018 August 17, 2018November 14, 2018American Cultures Engaged Scholarship, Lincoln Lab 0 Comment

Written by Leslie Hutchins
Summer 2018

Agricultural research and production is commonly grounded in one scientific knowledge base, the Western. However, there are other valid forms of knowledge in the world offering salient techniques and perspectives. Indigenous science (IS), the transmission of ecological knowledge in Indigenous communities across generations, is example of another form of knowledge that should be honored and looked to for answers for present day agricultural issues.

Hungry Students in California

Kathryn Teigen De Master Ella Smith, Summer 2018 August 17, 2018November 14, 2018American Cultures Engaged Scholarship, Berkeley Food Institute 0 Comment

Written by Ella Smith
Summer 2018

If we want all students to reach the top of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (self-actualization), how can we expect them to achieve this without meeting the lowest level of the hierarchy (basic physiological needs)? In California, 20 percent of K-12 students are in poverty and 21 percent are food insecure. I have been an education policy nerd for years; in high school, I loved immersing myself in student government, leadership roles in my school district, and working with statewide educational non-profits. Through my food systems engagement project, I wanted to channel my longtime passion for education with my newfound passion for food justice. I delved into studying what programs and policies exist to ensure a students’ access to food with support from the Berkeley Food Institute.