Center for Environmental Farming Systems

WNCStrong Youth Service Corps – Impacts from the Field

Marcello Cappellazzi — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 17:28:02 +0000

Through hands-on internships, mentorship, and community-based experiences, WNCStrong Youth Service Corps participants are building skills, exploring career pathways, and contributing to the resilience of Western North Carolina. Explore these stories to see how Corps members are learning and growing across farms, food systems, research, and community organizations throughout the region.

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems Announces Recipients of 2026-2027 N.C. A&T Graduate Student Fellowships

Abigail Sherrod — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:23:02 +0000

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) Graduate Fellows Program at N.C. A&T was developed to provide financial support and recognition for future leaders, researchers and contributors in sustainable agriculture and local food systems while they pursue academic research to further their field of study.

The CEFS Graduate Fellows Program at N.C. A&T was made possible by an endowment from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

The 2026-2027 CEFS Graduate Fellows at N.C. A&T and their departments/research areas are:

2026 Cohort – N.C. A&T

Seyi David Adebayo | PhD student (advisor, Dr. Jianmei Yu)| Food and Nutritional Sciences | N.C. Agricultural and Technical State University

Seyi Adebayo is a doctoral student in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at North Carolina A&T State University. He researches plant-derived solutions for a more sustainable food system in the laboratory of Dr. Jianmei Yu. He is currently developing stable oil-in-water nanoemulsions from plant essential oils as natural biopesticides. This offers a route to protect crops while reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals. His work also applies essential oil coatings to postharvest preservation. These coatings extend the shelf life of fresh produce and reduce food loss.

Seyi earned his M.S. in Food and Nutritional Science at N.C. A&T. His research studied antihypertensive peptides derived from peanut protein. This reflects a broader interest in turning agricultural byproducts into functional, health-promoting ingredients.

Seyi also serves as a college representative in the Graduate Student Association and volunteers with a local food bank. Both reflect his commitment to food security and community.

Samuel Oluwamakinde Oshikoya | PhD student (advisor, Dr. Biswanath Dari) | Natural Resources and Environmental Design | N.C. Agricultural and Technical State University

Samuel Oluwamakinde Oshikoya is a PhD student and Graduate Research Assistant in Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at N.C. A&T. His research focuses on using hyperspectral sensing and data-driven approaches to detect crop nutrient deficiencies under drought conditions, with an emphasis on sustainable and precision agriculture. He holds a master’s degree in environmental studies from Kentucky State University and a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics and Extension.

He is passionate about applying science to support farmers and advance sustainable land use and environmental decision-making.

Manoj Kumar Reddy Sangireddy | PhD student (advisor, Dr. Biswanath Dari) | Natural Resources and Environmental Design | N.C. Agricultural and Technical State University

Manoj Kumar Reddy Sangireddy is a Ph.D. student in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at North Carolina A&T State University, working under the supervision of Dr. Biswanath Dari. His research focuses on improving soil health and quality using regenerative farming practices such as soil amendments (enhanced weather rock, biochar and compost), conservation tillage and cover crops. The overall goal is to improve soil biology and soil carbon while reducing soil greenhouse gas emissions. Coming from a farming family, he has always been interested in finding practical ways to improve soil health and support productive and sustainable farming systems, especially at a small farming scale.

Andrews Tang | PhD student | Computational Data Science and Engineering | N.C. Agricultural and Technical State University

Andrews Tang is a PhD student in Computational Data Science and Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University and a CEFS Graduate Fellow. His research focuses on the intersection of machine learning, computer vision, and sustainable agriculture. His primary objective is to develop autonomous robotic systems that enhance farm operations and improve precision agriculture practices. At CEFS, his research centers on designing and deploying autonomous agricultural vehicles and robotic systems capable of crop monitoring, disease and pest detection, and precision farming. This involves integrating deep learning with computer vision techniques and utilizing advanced sensing technologies such as LiDAR, radar, and multispectral imaging to enhance real-time data collection and decision-making. His ultimate goal is to transform these sensory inputs into intelligent robotic control systems that optimize farming efficiency and sustainability.

Previously, at the DIPPER Lab in Ghana, he developed a deep convolutional model for detecting adulterated red palm oil, addressing critical food safety concerns. This research was validated by KNUST’s Department of Food Science and Technology and the KNUST Central Lab, with ongoing validation by the Ghana FDA. His experience in leveraging deep learning for food quality assurance has strongly influenced his drive to develop AI-driven solutions for broader agricultural applications. Prior to joining North Carolina A&T State University, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana. During his undergraduate studies, he was actively involved in machine learning research, focusing on applying deep learning techniques to real-world problems. His background in computer vision, IoT-based platforms, and blockchain technology provided a strong foundation for his current research pursuits in AI-driven agricultural automation.

Beyond his research, he is deeply committed to bridging AI and agriculture to create innovative, scalable, and climate-resilient farming systems. Through his CEFS Fellowship, He aims to leverage his expertise in machine learning, robotics, and sensing technologies to develop solutions that improve crop health monitoring, automated decision-making, and resource optimization.

Abhinav Pendem | PhD student | Computational Data Science and Engineering | N.C. Agricultural and Technical State University

Abhinav Pendem is a PhD student in the Computational Data Science and Engineering program at North Carolina A&T State University and a CEFS Fellow. His research focuses on integrating Virtual Reality (VR) into agricultural applications, particularly in developing interactive and real-time 3D simulations of farming environments. As the son of a farmer from India, where agriculture is the backbone of the nation, he is passionate about leveraging advanced technologies to support sustainable farming practices. His current work involves building informative and interactive VR-based simulations using Blender and Unity to create immersive agricultural models, including a real-time poultry farm simulation at NC A&T. His research aims to enhance decision-making, training, and efficiency in agricultural systems by utilizing immersive VR experiences.

He holds a Master’s degree in Data Science from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he specialized in predictive analytics, AI-driven decision-making, and data management. Before that, he completed his Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering at Anurag Group of Institutions in Hyderabad, India, where he built a strong foundation in data science, machine learning, and software development.

His professional experience includes working as a Data Analytics Engineer at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), where he collaborated with Fortune 20 companies on large-scale data management, AI-driven analytics, and automation solutions. He also contributed to academic research through a graduate research assistantship at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), focusing on healthcare analytics, and later worked as a Data Analytics Engineer at the University of Massachusetts President’s Office, overseeing data management for all five UMass campuses. Now, as a PhD student, he is channeling his expertise into agricultural research, integrating Virtual Reality with farming applications to develop interactive 3D simulations that support sustainable agriculture and farm management.

For more information about the CEFS Graduate Fellows Program at N.C. A&T , please visit the CEFS website.

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is a partnership of NC State University, NC Agricultural and Technical State University and the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. CEFS develops and promotes just and equitable food and farming systems that conserve natural resources, strengthen communities, improve health outcomes, and provide economic opportunities in North Carolina and beyond. For more information, visit www.cefs.ncsu.edu.

CEFS Farm to Fork Coordinator and Events Assistant

Janie Hynson — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 14:06:32 +0000

Applicants must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application.

Position Description:

This position will spend around 20 hours a week coordinating the event planning of the CEFS Farm to Fork Series scheduled for 2027. This series includes webinars, a kid-focused event and an adult-focused picnic event. Held for more than fifteen years, the Farm to Fork Series has helped to drive the incredible growth of our local food movement. In leading the CEFS Farm to Fork Series, this position will work with top chefs, farmers and educators supporting our local food movement. This position will drive the fundraising efforts of the series, including cold calling and researching additional sponsorship possibilities for our large lead list.

This position will spend another 10-20 hours per week assisting as the CEFS Events Assistant, part of the CEFS Business and Events Team (CBET). The Events Assistant will participate in the logistics of other major CEFS events and business as needed. Facilitating more than 70 events annually across the state of North Carolina, CBET received a NC State Sustainability Award for their implementation of zero-waste event planning practices.

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Work Schedule: 30-40 hours per week

LEARN MORE & APPLY

CEFS Research Explores the Future of Agricultural Education in North Carolina

Abigail Sherrod — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:18:34 +0000

Two new studies involving CEFS researchers highlight innovative approaches to preparing farmers, educators and food system leaders for the future of agriculture.

North Carolina’s agricultural future will depend not only on what farmers grow, but on how we prepare the people who will lead the state’s food and farming systems. Two newly-published studies involving Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) researchers explore how education and workforce development can help meet that challenge.

Published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, the studies examine two complementary approaches to agroecology education: creating hands-on pathways into agricultural careers and building stronger networks among the educators preparing future food system leaders.

In Agroecological Workforce Education: A Case Study of Registered Apprenticeship as an Agroecology Education Model, CEFS researchers Angel Cruz, Kathleen Wood, Sara Kidd, Hannah Dankbar and Michelle Schroeder-Moreno examine CEFS’ Sustainable Vegetable Production Registered Apprenticeship as a model for agricultural workforce development. The study found that paid, hands-on learning combined with technical instruction, competency-based training and mentorship can provide a meaningful pathway into agriculture while building the skills and confidence needed for long-term careers.

A second study, Building Capacity for Transformative Agroecology Education: Lessons from the North Carolina Agroecology Educators Network, looks at the educators themselves. Jacob Rutz, Angel Cruz, Saskia Cornes, Alexia Witcombe, Dawn Rodriguez-Ward, Frieda Kahan and Ann Bybee-Finley explore how the North Carolina Agroecology Educators Network (NCAEN) brings educators across institutions together to share knowledge, develop new teaching approaches and strengthen agroecology education across the state.

Together, the studies point to a common need: North Carolina’s agricultural future requires new ways of learning, teaching and entering the agricultural workforce. By connecting educators, farmers and aspiring agricultural professionals, CEFS and its partners are helping build the knowledge, relationships and career pathways needed for a more resilient food system.

The authors also emphasize that education and workforce development are only part of the solution. Aspiring farmers continue to face significant structural barriers, including access to land and capital. Still, the studies demonstrate the important role education can play in preparing the people who will shape the future of North Carolina agriculture.

James Beard Award-Winning Chef Andrea Reusing Joins The Grounded Table

Abigail Sherrod — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:46:51 +0000

For nearly two decades, James Beard Award-winning chef and food advocate Andrea Reusing has been part of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) story. As an inaugural member of the CEFS Board of Advisors, Reusing helped champion CEFS’ work to strengthen connections between North Carolina farmers, food businesses and communities. Today, while she is no longer serving on the Board, her commitment to a stronger local food system continues, and she’ll bring that perspective to CEFS and Farm to Fork NC’s upcoming The Grounded Table webinar.

Reusing is the chef and owner of Lantern in Chapel Hill, where she has spent more than two decades combining North Carolina ingredients with Asian flavors and building strong relationships with local farmers and producers. She received the 2011 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast and is the author of Cooking in the Moment: A Year of Seasonal Recipes, which was named one of the New York Times’ most notable cookbooks of the year.

Her influence extends well beyond the restaurant kitchen. Reusing has long advocated for farmers, farmworkers and food policy change, including through her TEDx Talk at the University of North Carolina, where she called on the food world to make a place at the table for farmworkers. She also chaired the Chapel Hill slow food movement and has been an advocate for better wages and working conditions for restaurant workers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Reusing transformed Lantern’s kitchen into a space for teaching and connection, developing online cooking programs that reached families and children at home. Her work demonstrates how restaurants and chefs can serve as important links between farms and consumers, and how everyday food choices can contribute to a more resilient food system.

That philosophy remains at the heart of her work today.

On Monday, September 21, from 12–1 p.m., Reusing will join CEFS and Farm to Fork NC for The Grounded Table – Cooking with Purpose: Local Food, Pickling, and Building Better Food Systems, an interactive conversation about the connections between our kitchens, local farms and the broader food system.

During the webinar, Reusing will demonstrate how to pickle and preserve local vegetables using seasonal North Carolina produce, sharing simple preservation techniques that can extend the life of groceries and reduce household food waste. She’ll also discuss how seasonal shopping, basic kitchen skills and relationships with local farmers can make eating locally more accessible, and why our own kitchens can be a starting point for meaningful food system change.

A live Q&A will follow the demonstration.

From her early involvement with CEFS to her continued work connecting farmers, food professionals and consumers, Reusing has spent her career demonstrating what is possible when we build stronger relationships around food. We’re excited to welcome her back to the CEFS community for a conversation that brings that work right into our kitchens.

Join the conversation with Andrea Reusing!

The Grounded Table – Cooking with Purpose: Local Food, Pickling, and Building Better Food Systems with Award Winning Chef Andrea Reusing

September 21 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Reginald Speight Visits CEFS Career Pathways Programs in Western North Carolina

Abigail Sherrod — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 18:31:07 +0000

On July 28, Reginald Speight, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development at the N.C. Department of Commerce, visited Western North Carolina to learn more about CEFS career pathways programs supporting youth and agricultural communities in the region. As Assistant Secretary, Speight leads a team of experts focused on strengthening rural communities across the state. He previously served as USDA Rural Development State Director for North Carolina, where he oversaw programs supporting rural housing, community facilities, business development, water and environmental infrastructure and broadband.

Speight met with CEFS Academic and Extension Initiatives Manager Angel Cruz, other CEFS staff, WNCStrong Youth Service Corps participants and host site partners at Dig In! Community Garden in Burnsville for a roundtable discussion about the program and its role in Western North Carolina’s recovery and resilience following Hurricane Helene.

“I understand how local food initiatives positively impact those who have access challenges. I also understand how food as medicine and nutrition bolsters economic development. This endeavor is not only impactful on youth leadership development and the agricultural workforce development pipeline, but also, it enhances community wellbeing.”

Reginald Speight, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development at the N.C. Department of Commerce

Launched in 2025 through a USDA Rapid Response Grant, the WNCStrong Youth Service Corps connects two critical needs in communities recovering from Hurricane Helene: farms needing additional labor and young people seeking paid, meaningful opportunities to learn, contribute and reconnect with their communities.

Through the program, high school students complete paid internships with farms in their communities, supported by local teacher mentors. Participants gain hands-on agricultural experience, participate in career-readiness workshops, serve additional farms through group workdays and develop individual projects that contribute to community recovery and resilience.

Since its launch, WNCStrong has placed 37 youth interns with 14 Western North Carolina farms, providing approximately 180 hours of on-farm work-based learning per participant. Participants have also contributed more than 1,100 hours of group work supporting 13 additional farms, while 17 youth have designed and implemented community resilience projects.

The visit highlighted CEFS’ commitment to creating work-based learning pathways into agriculture. CEFS developed and coordinates North Carolina’s first Registered Agricultural Apprenticeship programs focused on sustainable agriculture, providing paid, structured training for military Veterans and aspiring farmers.

Through these programs, apprentices work alongside experienced farmers while completing technical instruction, workshops, farm tours and skills assessments. To date, 20 apprentices have graduated, with 85% working in farm management positions or owning their own farms, while 16 active apprentices are currently training on farm operations across North Carolina.

Looking ahead, CEFS is working to develop WNCStrong into an agricultural pre-apprenticeship aligned with ApprenticeshipNC. The goal is to create a clearer pathway from high school work-based learning to Registered Apprenticeship, postsecondary education and agricultural employment.

Together, these programs demonstrate how work-based learning can help build the next generation of agricultural professionals while strengthening farms and communities across North Carolina.

Learn more about CEFS career pathways programs, including the WNCStrong Youth Service Corps and agricultural apprenticeships.

CEFS Showcases Sustainable Food Systems Leadership at the 2026 Just Transformations in Food Systems and Cultures Conference

Abigail Sherrod — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 19:11:50 +0000

Faculty and staff affiliated with the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) participated in the 2026 Just Transformations in Food Systems and Cultures Conference, held June 7-10 in Burlington, Vermont. Hosted by the Agriculture, Food & Human Values Society (AFHVS), Association for the Study of Food and Society (ASFS) and the host committee at the University of Vermont, this conference brought together scholars, practitioners, educators and community leaders to explore pathways toward more just and sustainable food systems.

CEFS’ interdisciplinary work reflects the conference’s focus on transformation through research, education, community engagement and collaboration. From agroecology and food system education to local food access, supply chains, and community-based initiatives, CEFS-affiliated presenters shared insights from our programs advancing resilient food systems across North Carolina and beyond.

CEFS at the Conference

CEFS-affiliated faculty and staff contributed to conference discussions through paper presentations, roundtables and collaborative sessions highlighting innovative approaches to food systems change.

Presenters and contributors included Ann Bybee-Finley, Dara Bloom, Angel Cruz, Hannah Dankbar, Laura Lauffer, Michelle Schroeder-Moreno, Sara Snyder and others whose work represents CEFS’ commitment to connecting research, education and community action.

Conference contributions included:

Registered Agricultural Apprenticeships as a Model for Transformative Agroecological Education
- Angel Cruz, CEFS Career Pathways, NC State University
Youth as agents of food system recovery and resilience: WNCStrong Youth Service Corps
- Angel Cruz, CEFS Career Pathways, NC State University
- Eric Klein, CEFS WNCStrong Youth Service Corps
Agroecology Education Farm in Action
- Sara Snyder, Farm Manager at the NC State Agroecology Education Farm
- Frieda Kahan, Agroecology Graduate Student at NC State University
- Ann Bybee-Finley, Assistant Professor of Agroecology, NC State University
Training Food System Leaders: Lessons from an Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems Degree in the Southeast
- Ann Bybee-Finley, North Carolina State University
- Michelle Schroeder-Moreno, CEFS Director based at North Carolina State University
Supply Chain Assessment, Processes, Outcomes, and Impacts
- Laura Lauffer, Center for Environmental Farming Systems, EmPOWERing
  Mountain Food Systems, North Carolina State University
Getting to Scale with Local Food Purchasing in Farm to ECE: Strategies to Grow the Market
- Dara Bloom, CEFS Assistant Director of Community Based Food Systems, NC State University
- Shironda Brown, CEFS Farm to Early Care and Education Initiative, NC State University
Paper Presentation – From Theory to Practice: Local Government Planners on Planning for Food and Agricultural Systems in North Carolina – Hannah Dankbar, Local Food Program Manager, NC State Extension
Roundtable – Learning Across Boundaries: Building a Statewide Agroecology Education Network
- Angel Cruz, CEFS Career Pathways, North Carolina State University
- Ann Bybee-Finley, Assistant Professor of Agroecology, NC State University

Through these presentations and conversations, CEFS-affiliated participants shared examples of how research, education and collaboration can support meaningful food system transformation. Their contributions reflect our ongoing efforts to build connections among farmers, educators, researchers, communities and policymakers to create more resilient and sustainable food systems.

Farm to Senior Services: Feeding Neighbors, Strengthening Community

Marcello Cappellazzi — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 19:05:22 +0000

In McDowell County, the Farm to Senior Services project is demonstrating how local agriculture, community partnerships and senior nutrition can work hand in hand. The initiative is helping connect older adults with fresh, locally grown food while strengthening the region’s agricultural economy through a collaboration between the Foothills Food Hub (a program of McDowell Local Food Advisory Council), the McDowell Senior Center and N.C. Cooperative Extension.

Tim Burke, Operations Manager of the Foothills Food Hub, has a passion for food access and community building. As Burke explains, the Food Hub’s mission is simple but powerful: “We want to make sure that nobody in McDowell County is hungry, and we want to feed them with as much local food as possible.” Through Farm to Senior Services, that vision is reaching an often underserved population.

Tim Burke’s commitment to serving older adults comes from a strong connection to both food and community. As a farmer, cook and food systems advocate, he has long worked at the intersection of agriculture and service. “I love to feed folks,” he says. His time working in nursing homes and retirement communities deepened his respect for seniors and the knowledge they carry. “There’s a tremendous amount of wisdom in that population,” he reflects. Today, that belief guides his work to ensure older adults have access not only to nutritious meals, but also to dignity, connection and support.

Burke has worked with the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) for several years, starting as part of the 2020 Farm to Senior Services cohort focused on addressing the barriers keeping local food out of senior services institutions. Tight budgets, length of transportation in mountain areas and the higher cost of local foods still persist as obstacles, but thanks to the work of partners like the Foothills Food Hub, seniors now have access to fresh produce, while local farmers expand their markets.

This program also strengthens food system resilience, a lesson underscored after Hurricane Helene, when disruptions in meal delivery exposed how quickly seniors can become vulnerable to food insecurity. Meals on Wheels services operating out of Asheville were destroyed by the storm, and the McDowell Senior Center’s meal delivery program was suspended when the facility was taken over by FEMA. Almost overnight, hundreds of older adults faced increased uncertainty about where their next meal would come from. The Foothills Food Hub and the local network of farmers responded quickly, working with Equal Plates to distribute roughly 800 frozen meals each week to seniors across the county. “To be able to bring them meals twice a week, the gratitude […] it’s very rewarding,” Burke reflected. The crisis revealed not only the challenges facing rural seniors but also the power of a connected community to step up when neighbors need one another most. In many ways, Farm to Senior Services builds on those same lessons, creating stronger local food systems that can support both everyday nutrition and community resilience when future challenges arise.

Inspired by Farm to Senior Services efforts in McDowell County, older adults participated in a free community market made possible by the Foothills Food Hub through support from Manna FoodBank, helping strengthen connections between healthy food, community and local agriculture.

Horticulture and Natural Resources Extension Assistant

Janie Hynson — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:40:13 +0000

Applicants must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application.

This position serves as the Horticulture and Natural Resources Extension Assistant at the Small Farm Unit of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems in Goldsboro, NC. In collaboration with Extension Specialists, this position assists in the management, implementation and dissemination of research-based educational programs that meet the needs of limited-resource and socially-disadvantaged audiences, consistent with the philosophy, policy and overall mission, goals and educational objectives of North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

Primary responsibilities include assisting with applied research and demonstrations related to testing various production methods and sustainable crop development, and conducting multiple field-staff and farmer trainings in sustainable crop production.

APPLY NOW

Please see the job posting for more information and to apply for this position.

Welcoming CEFS Summer 2026 Interns: Agroecology Scholars Program in Research and Extension (ASPIRE) & Farm to Early Care and Education

Janie Hynson — Thu, 28 May 2026 16:54:20 +0000

We are excited to welcome 16 summer interns to the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), including 12 students participating in the Agroecology Scholars Program in Research and Extension (ASPIRE) and 4 interns supporting Farm to Early Care and Education (Farm to ECE) initiatives across North Carolina.

This summer, these interns will engage in hands-on research, extension, and community-based learning experiences focused on sustainable agriculture, local food systems and agricultural education. From exploring diverse agroecosystems and advancing professional development through ASPIRE to promoting healthy eating, local food access and garden-based learning through Farm to ECE, this cohort represents the next generation of leaders committed to strengthening food systems.

The 2026 CEFS ASPIRE interns and their mentors/research areas are:

Valeria Janelle Cancel \| Mentor: Hannah Levenson
Amari Christopher \| Mentor: Amanda Avila Cardoso
Wyatt Devine \| Mentor: Hannah Dankbar
Krystin Nicole Gollihue \| Mentor: Dara Bloom
Melissa Griswold \| Mentor: Hannah Dankbar
Jane Handa \| Mentor: Reid Longley
Calista Lee \| Mentor: Mallory Choudoir
Jackson Locklear \| Mentor: Debjani Sihi
Carmen McLaren \| Mentor: Alex Woodley
Cara Elizabeth Shield \| Mentor: Stephanie Kulesza
Jordan Watkins \| Mentor: Hannah Levenson
Stella Zinaman \| Mentor: Emmanuel Torres

Find more information about the 2026 ASPIRE faculty mentors and research areas here. For more information about the ASPIRE internship, please visit the program website.

The 2026 CEFS Farm to ECE interns are:

Jordan Forbis \| County Assignment: Harnett County Partnership for Children \| Team Leader: Ashleigh Goss and Lynda Turlington
Adina Jacobson \| County Assignment: Mecklenburg NC Extension Office \| Team Leaders: Demetria Cox-Thomas and Sam DeRosa
Malachi McMillian \| County Assignment: Alamance County Center \| Team Leader: Trish Nelson and Sara Roscoe
Kaitlyn Russell \| County Assignment: Nash/Edgecombe \| Team Leader: James Mercer and Mary Jane Lyonnois

For more information about the Farm to ECE internship, please visit the program website.