Molly Stollmeyer
Sustainable food systems, settler colonialism, inequities, inequality, & environmental change
| Email: | mollystollmeyer@cmail.carleton.ca |
Before beginning your studies at the Institute of Political Economy where did you study and what program(s) were you enrolled in?
I completed my Honours BA in International Development Studies specializing in Rural and Agricultural Development at the University of Guelph.
What is it specifically that attracted you to study Political Economy at Carleton?
I was enthusiastic towards another interdisciplinary degree and the opportunity to inform my research with multiple varied perspectives. Initially, I felt either Geography or Indigenous Studies were disciplines suitable to pursue research in food sovereignty; looking through the recommended course offerings for a MA in Political Economy demonstrated to me that it was possible to couple together, among many others. I felt a strong support for studying not only food systems, but specifically northern studies while browsing through the many cross-appointed faculty within the Institute of Political Economy.
My areas of research interest include…
My interests are in researching just, sustainable food systems. The lens that food lends to approaching issues of settler colonialism, inequities, inequality, and environmental change is one that bridges many disciplines. The research focus for my graduate studies will be in northern food systems, focusing on local food networks in Yellowknife, NT.
What activities have you been involved in lately? (work placement, work experience, Undergraduate research, research positions, volunteer work, awards, travel, favourite books)
I have been working as a Research Assistant for the Laurier Centre of Sustainable Food Systems among other northern food system researchers as part of their SSHRC-funded project FLEdGE (Food: Locally Embedded, Globally Engaged). This past summer, I got to spend my summer working directly with our community partner, Ecology North, in their Yellowknife office on various food programs. Through my position here I was able to work alongside co-leads from Yellowknives Dene First Nation organizing the annual Fall Harvest Fair, and other food-related work with the NWT Food Network and Yellowknife Farmers Market. Before that, I was kept myself busy working and volunteering with various community food centres, public markets and community gardens in Toronto.