School: Freidman School of Nutrition Science and Policy
Department: Agriculture, Food, and Environment
Research Interests: Water Science & Systems, Food Systems, Climate Change, Conservation and Ecology
Experience
Katie is Masters student at the Freidman School of Nutrition Science and Policy majoring in Agriculture, Food and Environment. She expects to complete her studies in May of 2020 and prior to coming to Tufts, she earned her Bachelors of Science in Biology with a minor in Environmental Science from Northeastern University. Katie worked in the field of green biotechnology for a number of years upon graduating, specifically on projects concerning bacteria-based alternative biofuels as well as the sustainable pesticide development.
Current Studies and Future Goals
When asked about the most meaningful aspects of her studies, Katie responded with the following: “Production of food affects every living human whether they know it or not. Human food choices have direct and indirect impacts on their health and the health of the environment. People will always need to consume food to survive and the agricultural production of food has big impacts on our environment and climate change as well as the environment and climate change has a great impact on agricultural production. Through studying Agriculture, Food and the Environment, I see that there are so many ways that our health and environmental health are intertwined and that I can help, even in small ways, to improve human health and environmental health as it relates to a human necessity - food and food production.”
When asked what interested her about the WSSS program, Katie replied: “I was interested in this program because agricultural production uses up between 70-80% of our freshwater resources as well as contributes to a majority of our nutrient and sediment related fresh and saltwater problems. We can not address agricultural issues without addressing water and soil issues. Thus, I wanted to have a thorough understanding of water related issues across our society and environment to comprehensively address water quality problems related to food and food production.”
Katie hopes to own or manage a farm sometime after completing her studies at Tufts.
Fun Facts!
When not doing school work, Katie enjoys hiking, biking, reading, traveling, cooking and trying new recipes; anything that takes her outdoors!
Favorite food: Caesar salad with mixed greens instead of romaine lettuce- very specific!
