Public Health researcher to serve as Women in STEM series moderator

WVU School of Public Health Assistant Professor Lauri Andress, PhD, JD, will serve as moderator for a series of virtual events focusing on food security during the IVLP Virtual Women in STEM Salon Series taking place between October 21 and November 16, 2020.

The series of virtual events is designed to empower alumnae from 2015 - 2019 projects of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) with the opportunity to strengthen their networks across four STEM fields with fellow alumnae and American counterparts while continuing to explore best practices in the following areas: Combating Infectious Disease, Food Security, Sustainable Cities and Ocean and Water Waste Management. Those who register for tracks in the Salon Series will engage and network, in addition to participating in tailored professional sessions and culminating live events.

The series Andress will moderate examines food security in the United States from a high-level perspective and will explore what the U.S. does well and areas where the U.S. might expand. Achieving food security means fewer or no barriers to acquiring food that is nutritious, affordable, available and meets the preferences of varied groups that make up a region. The use of the term “food security” expands the concept of poor diet and malnutrition to encompass a systems view of food that extends beyond individual eating behavior. Today, improving food security and thus nutrition requires action through the entire food system from inputs and production, through processing, storage, transport and retailing, to consumption.

Food Security Series:

• Friday, October 30; 9:30-11 a.m.; Panel Discussion: Community Based Food Systems and Supply Chains
• Friday, November 6; 9:30-11 a.m.; Panel Discussion: Farm to School Initiatives
• Friday, November 13; 9:30-11 a.m.; Case Study: Demand Side Issues and Consumers