Jessica Jane SpaydeCoordinator |
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About JessicaInterests / Experience: I am passionate about bringing people together across divides, using research-informed methods for participatory, collaborative action, and increasing social justice in food and agricultural systems. I have taught dozens of university courses on sustainable food systems, social justice, and social science research. I’ve written three sociological theses/dissertations: One about racism, one about environmental attitudes, and another about sustainable food policy. I am a small farmer in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin, with pastures and woods currently utilized by chickens and pigs. I love working with the Wisconsin Local Food Network because I get to spend my time actively building more inclusive, resilient, sustainable food systems in Wisconsin! Favorite Food: Having grown up in Eastern Tennessee, fried okra has a special place in my heart. It seems to taste better when I grow it and cook it myself. Plus, I get the added benefit of seeing the beautiful okra flowers in my garden! Random Fact: From about 30 yards away, I got to watch Paul McCartney play several songs to an empty stadium as he performed his soundcheck before the 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. Contact Jessica: wilocalfoodnet@gmail.com |
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Siman “Avery” AoMedia Intern |
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About AveryUniversity: UW-Madison Degree Program: Nutritional Science – Dietetics & Digital Studies certificate About: I am excited about meeting people who are also interested in local food systems and hoping I could use what I’ve learned into practice to help WLFN. Favorite Food: I love trying any weird food that is new to me. Although they may not be as “tasty” as what I am used to, getting to know some new flavors is always exciting to me. Don’t you want to try curry-flavored ice cream? |
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Ellie MillerResearch Intern |
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About EllieUniversity: UW-La Crosse Degree Program: Sociology and Psychology About: I am excited about learning more about the way food systems work so we can work to improve them to better serve people and communities sustainably. Favorite Food: Cookies! About 7 billion chocolate chip cookies are consumed each year, and about half of those are home-made! |
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Lauren JorgensenPolicy Intern |
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About LaurenUniversity: University of Wisconsin – Madison Degree Program: B.S. Agronomy and Community & Environmental Sociology. Certificates in Global Health, Food Systems, and Environmental Studies. Accelerated Master of Public Affairs Student About: I am excited about honing my understanding of food policy development and execution; as well as learning how to incorporate inclusive language into policy for more justice-oriented legislation. Favorite Food: My favorite food is hummus – the origin is hotly debated between Lebanon and Israel. In fact, the two countries have even had contests over who can make the largest bowl of hummus! Contact Lauren at: ljorgensen3@wisc.edu |
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Amelia A. StastneyPolicy Intern |
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About AmeliaUniversity: University of Wisconsin – Madison Degree Program: International Studies About: I am excited to stop learning about policy (and how it relates to myself and others) and start working directly towards better policies for Wisconsin! Favorite Food: Brussel Sprouts — In Wisconsin, most brussel sprouts are harvested from September to December. Contact Amelia at: amelia.stastney@gmail.com |
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Brett DvorakResearch Intern |
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About BrettUniversity: University of Wisconsin – Madison Degree Program: B.S. in Agricultural Business Management About: I’m excited to better understand,expand, and empower Wisconsin’s local food and agricultural community. Favorite Food: Bacon from my family’s farm. It tastes that much better when you have that relationship with your food! Contact Brett at: Brett4dvorak@gmail.com |
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Catherine KirwinResearch Intern |
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About CatUniversity: University of Wisconsin – Madison Degree Program: B.S. Geography About: I’m looking forward to gaining experience in conducting social science research while also getting acquainted with sustainable agricultural initiatives in the state and the people that make them happen! Favorite Food: I love fatty fish like salmon and sardines from the Pacific Northwest. I eat sardines almost everyday! I also check in regularly on the status of the Pacific Northwest variety as their populations boom and bust, making them especially vulnerable to overharvesting! |
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Crystal QingResearch Intern |
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About CrystalUniversity: University of Wisconsin – Madison Degree Program: B.S. Biology About: It’s my first time to join a group to do research. I hope I can learn a lot about the Wisconsin food system and how it operates. Meanwhile, it’s a great experience to work with a group of people to investigate the food network. Favorite Food: I love spicy hot pot very much which is a special dish in my hometown. Especially, during the winter, having hot and spicy food will help me get warm! Contact Crystal at: qing3@wisc.edu |
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