TIE Affiliation

Environmental Research Fellowship

Research

As population growth and climate change highlight the biophysical limitations of our planet, the ability to construct a sustainable food system is vital to both human and environmental health. While food production is clearly dependent on human labor and environmental resources, there is a lack of understanding around how these two inputs are in turn impacted by the agricultural system they are a part of. This research aims to identify and understand the interdependent outcomes of labor policy and environmental policy on farms in the US. Bringing together issues of labor, agriculture, immigration, environment and federal policy, this research seeks to demonstrate the relevance of labor in environmental research and policy making, expanding conventional thinking about what constitutes a sustainable agricultural system. The outcome will expose opportunities for better policy coordination across agencies to support the interdisciplinary goals of sustainability, social justice and health.

Biography

I am a dual degree masters student in the Urban & Environmental Policy & Planning program and the Agricultural, Food & Environment program at the Friedman School. I am interested in increasing collaboration across federal agencies to coordinate public efforts towards sustainability, social justice and health. Professionally, I aspire to improve labor conditions for all farmworkers in the US. Outside of school, I love bike touring, acroyoga, live music, cooking, and baking vegan creations. I am passionate about learning Spanish because of the possibilities it presents to communicate and connect with millions of people around the world.