Looking back on the 2022-23 school year, we would like to express our appreciation for our student workers and their valuable contributions to the Swette Center. Their creativity, vibrant personalities, and passion for sustainable food systems greatly enhance our team. We are pleased that they will continue to work with us this summer and during the upcoming school year!

The Swette Center student worker team:

Nick Benard

Hello everyone! My name is Nick and I graduated this past May with a Master's of Science in Sustainable Food Systems. Prior to that, I have been a student worker at the Swette Center since February of 2022. In my time here, I have had the opportunity to work on a wide range of fascinating projects, from working on a True Cost Accounting analysis of beef livestock production in the southwest, a comparative analysis of different food production systems, and exploring how the City of Tempe can expand its urban agriculture programs.

Along with research, I've also enjoyed connecting with the larger sustainable food community through my work at the Swette Center. This includes presenting our work on beef livestock production to the faculty at the ASU School of Sustainability and assisting with the 4th Arizona Food Summit. From here, I am excited to continue my work full-time as a Senior Research Specialist at the Swette Center.

Elora Bevacqua

Hi, I’m Elora and I am a senior studying Sustainability with a certificate in Sustainable Food Systems. I’ve been a student worker at the Swette Center since October 2021. I started out as the Social Media Manager, which entailed taking pictures at events, creating educational posts, interviewing faculty members, and more! One of the most exciting things I did was virtually cover the White House Conference on Nutrition and Health on our social media. 

After a long stint on social media, I transitioned to being a Research Aid. Since then, I have co-authored a literature review on food waste in schools, assessed the health impacts of palm and canola oil, and am currently helping with a project to advance urban agriculture in Tempe. Doing research has been eye-opening to the complexities of our food systems and I enjoy learning about research processes from other team members.  

Additionally, I manage the SFS Undergraduate newsletter and help with various tasks when needed. Working for the Swette Center has been an incredibly enriching experience providing me the opportunity to apply and learn food systems knowledge, connect with food systems professionals, and develop the necessary skills for future work endeavors. Overall, working as a Student Worker has been a transformative experience, and I am incredibly grateful for the support of all the Swette Team members!

Katie Witt

Hey! My name is Katie, and I am a senior double majoring in Sustainable Food Systems and Environmental Design. Since November 2022, I have been working as the Social Media and Community Engagement Coordinator at the Swette Center. Being a part of the Swette Center team has been a delight because I get to work with a wholesome, passionate, and knowledgeable team of people who are making a real difference in the world.

Since starting my position, I have been involved in various projects. On a daily basis, I manage our social media accounts and create posts to promote events, highlight our research, and share food systems knowledge and news. I also conduct interviews with affiliated faculty, write blogs about their work, and create Instagram reels interviewing students about their internships and quizzing people on campus with food-related trivia. During staff meetings, I take notes, which is incredibly valuable as I get to hear first-hand about the process of applying for grants, conducting research, and connecting with farmers and community members to assist with transitions to more sustainable local food systems. My favorite part about working at the Swette Center is our weekly group lunches, where we bring our own food, sometimes treats to share, and get the chance to bond. I always have a good laugh during these lunches. 

Working for the Swette Center has been an inspiring and worthwhile experience. The relationships and skills I have developed will directly benefit my career and extend far beyond my time as a student worker. I am fortunate for the opportunity to continue collaborating with such talented food systems experts this summer and next school year!