Ellie Zimmermann, a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville from Lakeville, Minnesota, is spending the summer conducting research to explore the connections between community garden space and the perceptions of health and well-being and food security in the local community.
Zimmermann is one of 10 students participating in this year’s Summer Undergraduate Scholars Program at UW-Platteville. Now in its sixth year, the SUSP provides an intensive summer scholarly experience that prepares students for graduate studies, as well as helps enhance the culture of scholarship among students and faculty. Participants in the program have an opportunity to dive deep into their area of interest and work full time on a research project or creative activity. This year’s projects range from biology, agriculture and animal science to theatre, psychology, English and more. In addition to faculty mentorship, the program offers weekly group meetings to explore topics such as leadership development, research ethics, preparing for graduate school and developing scholarly presentations.
Zimmermann’s research is rooted in the concept of food sovereignty, an idea arising from Indigenous movements that refers to people’s right to access healthy, local, culturally-appropriate food. Zimmermann says it’s critical to address food sovereignty issues to ensure food security on a broad scale. Her research explores the potential role community gardens can play in addressing both issues of food sovereignty and security, as they can help return the control of food production back to local communities and provide members access to fresh produce.
Source: uwplatt.edu
Photo Credit: gettyimages-johnbraid
Categories: Minnesota, General