BFI News
Meet the Berkeley Food Institute’s Newest Affiliates:
Advancing research on biofuel impacts, rangeland climate resilience, sustainable food procurement, and more
Image Source: Luong Restoration & Rangeland Ecology Lab
As we ring in the New Year, we are welcoming new minds to campus and our network. The Berkeley Food Institute is excited to introduce three new affiliated faculty and researchers and their innovative and important food and farm systems research:
Dr. Aaron Smith is the Gordon Rausser Distinguished Chair and Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UC Berkeley. His research focuses on economic and policy challenges at the nexus of agriculture, policy, energy, and the environment. Among a number of projects, his work includes modeling the high carbon footprint and deforestation impact of using vegetable oils for biofuel.
“I’m excited to learn from and contribute to the BFI network as we work toward a better food system. I grew up on a sheep farm in New Zealand, where I saw productivity gains and new technologies help struggling farmers become economically resilient. I appreciate the transformative power of technology and innovation in food production, but I also see the accompanying environmental and climate challenges.”
Dr. Justin Luong is an assistant professor of working lands and restoration at UC Berkeley, whose current research focuses on building climate resilient restoration strategies for California grassland ecosystems. His work incorporates best practices for changing climates and addresses socio-economic management concerns. A central focus of his research is engaging with ranchers and rangeland managers to develop best practices for both rural communities and natural landscapes.
“I am excited to work with BFI’s robust network of producers that will provide fruitful collaboration for advancing sustainable rangeland management.”
Dr. Meg Resler is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management at UC Berkeley. She holds a PhD and MS in Agroecology from the University of Helsinki, Finland, where she worked on urban food system transformation research aimed at advancing sustainable food systems. Currently, she works on the Case Studies Team for the California Farm to School evaluation, which is assessing the state-funded Farm to School Incubator Grant Program’s impacts on schools, farmers, and the environment.
“As an environmental social science researcher trained in agroecology, I’m energized by working collaboratively on inter- and transdisciplinary teams. I’m looking forward to joining the BFI community as I continue my work on public procurement via shortened, values-aligned supply chains in California.”
Find a greater list of our BFI affiliated faculty and staff here: