UVM CALS

A recent Observer article, 'Shouldn’t we all be giving Ariana Grande a break?', highlights UVM research.

Researcher Jordan Levinson notes that body image remains heavily stigmatized and cautions against commenting on others' appearances.

UVM’s Nutrition and Food Sciences department, led by Lizzy Pope, teaches from a weight-inclusive perspective to dismantle stigmas surrounding food and body talk. This work highlights urgent societal issues that affect those both in the spotlight and those not.

Click the link in bio to read the full article.

The next Degrowth Cafe will be posted on August 8 at Fletcher Free Library!

It will be a community conversation about how we can transform our economy to improve well-being for human and non-human life. No prior understanding of degrowth is needed!

💡Ever leave a conference feeling exhausted rather than inspired? Well, you're not alone

In this episode, Dina Spigelski (L4E Director) and Deissy Perilla (former L4E Project Coordinator) explore how to design conferences, retreats, and team gatherings to inspire rather than exhaust attendees.

To listen to the episode, follow the link in bio.

CALS is happy to announce the recipient of the 2026 CALS Graduate Student Our Common Ground Award: Pindar Yawulda Mbaya

The award recognizes the Food Systems Ph.D. Candidates’ commitment to advancing food security, community engagement, and research that makes a real difference in improving the lives of vulnerable populations.

“I love rural communities; it reminds me of my roots and humanitarian field work,” he said. “Participatory action research is vital for my research, and UVM has provided me with a great platform to conduct research that I strongly believe will be impactful.”

Mbaya is a graduate fellow at both the Food Systems Research Institute and the Gund Institute for Environment, and a graduate trainee at the UVM Cancer Center. He has been an active volunteer at the Rally Cat’s Cupboard on campus, reinforcing his commitment to food accessibility.

To learn more, follow the link in bio.

Meet production intern Henri Zamanian from ! 🎥

Across the Fence is a daily television program, co-produced by UVM Extension and WCAX-TV, and it's the longest-running locally produced TV program in the US!

The show highlights UVM research, agriculture, and stories from Vermont communities. As an intern, Henri gains hands-on experience in television production while learning the ins and outs of reporting, storytelling, and filmmaking!

Hands-on internships are one way students

UVM doctoral candidates Blair Christensen and Michelle Nikfarjam recently earned the competitive, prestigious US Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Predoctoral Fellowships.

While that alone is an astounding accomplishment, the two are also roommates. Christensen and Nikfarjam met through mutual friends and have had close personal and academic relationships as they study different research areas.

Less than 10% of applicants nationwide receive this prestigious award, and only 6 UVM doctoral students have ever received it (now 8), making it all the more impressive that the two have received it.

Nikfarjam studies food systems, and Christensen studies molecular and genetic mechanisms behind insecticide resistance in agricultural pests.
Though they have had different educational paths, they’ve both had hands-on teaching experience at UVM, where they’ve imparted their meaningful research and learning onto other students.

To learn more, click the link in bio.

Have you stopped farming in New England?

The University of Vermont is conducting a research study about farmer wellbeing and farm viability of farmers (including farm workers) who no longer farm in New England.

Participation involves a conversational interview (over Zoom or the phone) that lasts about 45 minutes. Participants will be compensated with a $200 check.

We seek to gather a broad range of perspectives, so people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and other underrepresented people are especially encouraged to participate.

To be considered for an interview, please fill out this 5-minute online form: https://qualtrics.uvm.edu/jfe/form/SV_ehWubMRh9KCPO8m

For questions, contact UVM Extension Assistant Professor of Community Development Ike Leslie at [email protected] or (802) 656-7538.