The Organic Center has granted three recipients of the Science Program Fellowship to advance work that aims to increase the organic research network, collaboration and resource-sharing, and expand justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our programming related to organic research and education.  

This fellowship position is designed to provide experience and education to enhance skills for current undergraduate students that can be used throughout a career in data science, program development, the food and agriculture industries, and nonprofit management. The Scientific Program Fellows will gain experience and education through their co-mentors, Dr. Amber Sciligo, Director of Science Programs at The Organic Center, and Dr. Emily Burchfield, Assistant Professor of Environmental Sciences at Emory University.  

The primary focus of activity for the fellows will be to build a database of organic aligned researchers and organic research/education resources throughout the US, starting with HBCUs and other minority serving institutions. The database will be used to develop an interactive mapping tool to strengthen the organic research community, build collaboration, and increase the relevance and accessibility of organic research for local and regional farming communities. 

The Science Program Fellowship recipients are: 

Margaret Harris is a junior Bonner Scholar studying Sociology and Public Health at Spelman College. She is passionate about addressing health inequities for underrepresented communities such as women of color and combining her interests in data science and research. Since attending Spelman College, she has been able to gain over two years of experience in collegiate food insecurity research, health data science and research. She is ecstatic to join The Organic Center and learn how to combine her interests in technology and public health to reimagine health policy and resources. Margaret will lead the overall databasing efforts that will help faculty find one another to collaboratively develop interdisciplinary, organic research projects and apply for large pots of federal funding that are only available for multi-institutional research programs.  

Ashlynn Freeman is a Senior at Tennessee State University majoring in Agricultural Science with a concentration on Agricultural Business. Her areas of interest include Agricultural Data Analysis, Organic Research, and Environmental Science. As a newcomer to organic agricultural organic she hope to gain the experience to connect many students like herself to the organic industry. Ashlynn will lead efforts to map out student programs and opportunities that will help connect faculty and students in organic research endeavors and increase student exposure to funding and experiential learning opportunities.  

Elora Bevacqua is a senior at Arizona State University majoring in sustainability with a certificate in sustainable food systems. Growing up in Arizona, she has spent her life farming in rural and urban spaces and studying food systems. At ASU Elora has researched several elements of food systems including preventing food waste, urban agriculture, and school gardens. From this fellowship she is hoping to further her understanding of organic food systems and learn from her advisors and peer fellows. Elora will lead efforts to map out community gardens and urban farms to enhance connectivity between faculty and urban ag leaders and research needs.