Rosemary Brockett

Rosemary is the first Arrell Scholar to be completing her MSc in Environmental Sciences in the Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility (CESRF) of the School of Environmental Sciences. She will be supervised by Dr. Thomas Graham and Dr. Mike Dixon.

Rosemary will be working to develop propagation techniques for cultivating a novel crop, fiddleheads, in controlled environments to extend the season of the crop. Her work will also help demonstrate the potential of adapting new species to controlled environment systems. It is hoped that an expanded fiddlehead production will support increased acceptance of these ferns as a culturally appropriate and highly nutritious Canadian food source in food insecure regions.

“The challenge I particularly hope to address is the over-reliance of our food system on a remarkably small number of food crops,” says Rosemary. ““I envision a food system where novel and nutritious plants are grown in high-density controlled environment systems to provide a diversity of fresh local produce anywhere in Canada.”

Rosemary completed a BA in Environmental Studies with a Minor in Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University and since graduating, she has been working at the House of Friendship foodbank in Kitchener-Waterloo.

María Margarita Fontecha

Margarita was born in the rural area of Landazuri, (Santander, Colombia) and raised where coffee grows: Manizales. While studying Journalism and History at Rosario University in Bogota, she was drawn to covering the environmental and social conflicts of her country and found her true calling: being a bridge to close inequalities in her country by working with decision makers in rural communities on sustainable development.

Margarita’s research goal is to build evidence for policymaking and provide key policy recommendations to favour territorial transformation in rural communities where coca is produced.

“I believe food can be a source of unity and resilience. My research proposal explores the links between food security and peace-building in the dynamic context of the coca producing areas in Colombia. I hope to provide alternative solutions and innovative contributions for policy makers in these rural communities that favour food security, environmental sustainability and peace-building.”

Margarita received her master’s degree in Sustainable Development Practice from the University of Florida, USA and will be working with Dr. Silvia Sarapura in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development.  She is the first generation of her family to study abroad and work toward receiving a PhD.

Zahra Saghafi

Zahra is joining the Food Science Department under the supervision of Dr. Iris Joye. She received her Bachelor of Food Science and Technology from the prestigious Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran and a Master of Food Science and Technology from Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

She has two years of working experience in Iranian National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, collaborating with Ministry of Health and Medical Education and food industry in the field of formulation, consumer acceptance and policy making. Before pursuing her PhD in Canada, she spent time working with a large food company to challenge herself in the various facets of food science and business. Zahra’s research will focus on developing and testing a new plant-based milk-analogue using spent grain.

“The production of plant-based dairy substitutes is only going to be successful if we are able to reduce food processing and if the developed products are safe, affordable, convenient, shelf- table, and delicious.”

Evan Tollenaar

Evan grew up on a cash crop farm and recently received a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Guelph, majoring in Mechanical Engineering (Co-op).  As an Arrell Scholar, he will continue his studies in the School of Engineering and the Collaborative Specialization in Artificial Intelligence, supervised by Dr. Medhat Moussa.

Evan’s research will involve the use of intelligent robots equipped with machine vision and artificial intelligence to perform greenhouse harvesting operations. He already applies his interests through the design company he co-founded, Forward Innovation Inc.

“In addition to increasing productivity and production, my hope is that this robotic system will also increase food quality and reduce waste, as well as help reduce the demand for labour in the agriculture industry.”

Evan hopes to apply this innovative technology and new skill set within the greenhouse industry as well as other areas of agriculture to further increase the sustainability and production of safe and healthful food.