There are benefits to learning more about the food system in America, but with so many components to keep track of it can be difficult to stay informed.
“Our food system is in need of an overhaul,” said Joan McGregor, professor of philosophy. “It damages the environment, has led to devastating human health and social injustices. All of these issues implicate moral values.”
McGregor, a sustainability scientist, has started a research project titled, “Values on your Plate,” which has been conducted as an Undergraduate Research Experience in the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies. It will explore the implications of the food system not only in America but in Arizona as well, through a documentary series.
“I am working on a project to create a series of webisodes on the values in the food system, for example, addressing the ecological impact of food production, transportation, consumption and waste,” said McGregor.
One student worked with McGregor for the fall 2017 semester to help gather data and fact check resources for the project. Kostas Papakonstantinou, a student studying philosophy in the school, was the research assistant for the semester.
“Undergraduate students need to see how research is done to give them a view on how faculty create new scholarship,” said McGregor. “It is helpful to the students to be involved in research projects and it helps faculty to have research support for their projects. Learning independent research skills translates into skills for students’ future projects.”
Papakonstantinou was excited to take on the project as an undergraduate. He was hoping to challenge himself in his position, as he worked alone for most of the Undergraduate Research Experience.
“I wanted to show that I can work independently and I really wanted to get involved with the school,” said Papakonstantinou. “This was actually my first semester with philosophy and this research only reinforced my decision to stay with it.”
He was grateful for the opportunity to work with a professional scholar as well as develop his skills within the field. The Undergraduate Research Experience has also allowed him to strengthen his resume and graduate school application.
“I really wanted to see how I would perform outside a classroom environment,” said Papakonstantinou. “Not only did I expand my knowledge in the areas I researched, I also learned how to manage my time better and I got to show off what the philosophy department does.”
McGregor was happy with Papakonstantinou’s contributions to the project. She is intrigued to see what the next research assistant will bring to the table.
“Kostas was a terrific independent researcher;" said McGregor. "We meet on a few occasions but most of his work was done on his own. He was able to find valuable data, graphs and statistics on the food system. Additionally, he found historical photos of the canals in Maricopa and other visual materials.”
The project will continue into the spring semester with another undergraduate student.