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Ph.D. Student Profile: Jennifer WilhelmDegree: Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Research Topic: Meeting the Growing Demand for Local Agriculture in New England: Implications for Carbon Stocks and the Maintenance of Ecosystem Services Advisor: Dr. Richard G. Smith
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Description of Research
New England is at the forefront of a nationwide push to increase local food production and food security. Given that much of the rural land available for agricultural conversion in this region is forested, shifting back to agriculture production will likely have significant effects on regional carbon sources and sinks. However, despite the dense population and development in New England, underutilized urban lands exist and could be repurposed for productive agricultural use. Given the functional ecological limitations of these marginal urban lands, agricultural conversion has the potential to enhance ecosystem services including carbon sink capacity, while at the same time could help meet the growing food demand. However, overall the scientific data in this area is lacking. My research aims to fill the gaps, providing policy makers, agricultural professionals, and landowners with the data needed to make informed decisions and advance effective solutions to developing a sustainable food system.
Previous Awards and Activities
- Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Graduate Student Grant from the USDA, 2012-2014
- Member, Sustainable Food Task Force, University of New Hampshire, 2012-present
- Professional memberships—Ecological Society of America, American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America, Association of Women in Science, 2012-present
- Member, Town Energy Committee, Exeter, NH, 2009-2010
- Advisory Board Member, Green Alliance, Portsmouth, NH, 2008-2011
- Environmental Science Achievement Award, Green Mountain College, 2000
- President’s List, Green Mountain College, 1998-2000
Education
- M.S., Environmental Conservation, University of New Hampshire, 2004
- B.A., Magna Cum Laude, Environmental Studies, Green Mountain College, 2000
Professional Positions
- 2005-2011: Sustainability Coordinator, Phillips Exeter Academy
- Summer 2011: Teaching Mentor, Phillips Exeter Academy Summer School
- Summer 2011: Farm Assistant, Touching Earth Farm
- Summers 2007-2010: Teacher/Sustainability Coordinator, Phillips Exeter Academy Summer School
- Summer 2007: Farm Assistant, Willow Pond Community Farm
- 2004-2005: Naturalist, Exploring New Horizons, Pigeon Point Environmental Education Program
- 2002-2004: Administrative Assistant / Farm to School Program Coordinator, Office of Sustainability Programs, University of New Hampshire
- Summers 2002 & 2003: Director, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, DeBruce and Pack Forest
- 2000-2001: Environmental Education Specialist, Rock Eagle Environmental Education Center
- Summers 1998-2001: Environmental Conservation Education Instructor, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, DeBruce and Pack Forest
