Dr. Connie

Nelson

What is at the heart of a strong, healthy community?

Dr. Connie Nelson's answer would be food: high-quality, fresh and locally grown. Since arriving at Lakehead, Dr. Nelson has been a catalyst for local food initiatives which have thrived through her partnership with the Food Security Research Committee. She is heavily involved with the design and implementation of community service learning courses, which encourage student involvement in the local food movement and span multiple areas of study.

Dr. Nelson explains that her current endeavours blend her passion for research with her own personal experience of growing up on a farm. The intended product is "to build a stronger, resilient local food system that will benefit all of us in terms of our health and well-being". At first sight, the current food system may seem industrial-oriented, with corporate giants taking over "mom and pop farms". But Dr. Nelson explains that the last decade has seen a tipping point and local food and small-scale agriculture are taking back the scene.

There are multiple opportunities for students within the forestry, social work, environmental science, and public health departments. Interest is not lacking and Dr. Nelson frequently offers advice to aspiring graduates. Projects vary significantly and current study topics range from the health benefits of a community garden to the market potential of wild blueberry ecotypes to measures ensuring the adequate nutrition of babies born to high-risk mothers.

Dr. Nelson emphasizes that the need for food security research will only grow with time, a product of factors such as climate change and increased pressure on Canada to export. In addition she hopes that further opportunities will arise as the silo between food and health continues to break down.