Alexandra Sawatzky (she/they) is an interdisciplinary researcher, artist, and creative strategist who serves as Creative Lead at the Arrell Food Institute (AFI). 

Guided by a commitment to collaboration, accessibility, and community-driven approaches, Alex works at the intersection of research, art, and design to clarify complex ideas, foster meaningful relationships, and co-create knowledge that can be understood, used, and acted upon. At AFI, Alex provides creative leadership to lead the planning and execution of visual and design-led projects, supporting strategic goal setting, and helping translate food-systems knowledge into clear, compelling, and inclusive forms. 

Alex’s work spans creative direction, visual storytelling and synthesis, graphic facilitation, educational program design and delivery, and the coordination of cross-cutting special projects that strengthen organizational capacity and impact. She works closely with faculty, staff, students, and external partners, and is particularly experienced in mentoring others in creative and design-thinking approaches, embedding accessibility and relational accountability into communication practices, and synthesizing interdisciplinary research for diverse audiences. 

Alex holds a PhD in Public Health from the University of Guelph. Their doctoral research was conducted in partnership with the Inuit community of Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, Labrador to advance place-based, Inuit-led climate change adaptation initiatives. This work continues to ground their commitment to collaborative, intersectional, and place-based approaches to research, education, and knowledge mobilization. 

Alongside their role at AFI, Alex operates an independent freelance art, design, and knowledge mobilization practice, collaborating with academic, nonprofit, and community partners to develop visual strategies, illustrations, infographics, and participatory design processes. 

Outside of work, Alex enjoys running and walking the trails around her home in Guelph with her dog, Boone. She also finds deep joy in cooking and sharing food with her husband and their wider community of family and friends.

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