Meet the 2024 AFI Scholars
Giselle Schmitz, Geography, Environment and Geomatics
Giselle will begin her PhD studies in the Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics with Dr. Jennifer Silver. In this role, she will work with partners to understand how policies around fisheries management have impacted who can participate in – and benefit from – fisheries, with the goal of supporting equity for fish harvesters and the community. After completing her doctoral studies, Giselle will continue to work towards innovative community based-sustainable resources management strategies.
An Sakai, Geography, Environment and Geomatics
An will be joining the lab of Dr. Evan Fraser for her Masters degree, focusing on developing a sustainable design for vertical farming that uses green energy, and understanding how such a system could be used to support a national school food program. She feels passionate about the potential of the food system to contribute to a sustainable future, and is excited about supporting local food production and improving access to healthy food.
Alicia Bohren, Animal Biosciences
Alicia will be completing her MSc with Dr. Eduardo de Souza Ribeiro in the Department of Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph, focused on holistic solutions for infertility in dairy cattle. Alicia recognized how impactful the work of University of Guelph faculty, working collaboratively, has been on the dairy industry, and was inspired to join this innovative group of researchers. She is motivated by her passion for continuous learning and the opportunity to educate the next generation of innovative thinkers.
Cinthia Zarate Chirinos, Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics
Cinthia will complete her PhD under the supervision of Dr. Tongzhe Li, Arrell Chair in Behavioural and Experimental Economics. Her research will focus on the adoption of best management practices in agriculture with a particular emphasis on underrepresented populations and the subsequent impact on their communities. Ultimately, her research will contribute to increasing productivity while addressing the needs of these communities within the agriculture sector. After her Arrell Scholarship, Cinthia hopes to continue in academia – conducting research with tangible impacts, sharing knowledge, and inspiring other students to make positive contributions to our food systems.
Interested to learn more about Arrell Scholarships?
Arrell Food Institute provides graduate students the opportunity to engage in an experiential learning program that will prepare them to be leaders in the agri-food sector and address key agriculture and food challenges. Arrell Scholarships are currently not open for applications. Please check back for updates
The scholarship provides $50,000 a year to support the scholars’ academic studies and gives them the opportunity to participate in projects, meet leaders and develop workplace ready training. Read more.