The role of academia in addressing the biodiversity crisis
As a visiting fellow at Oxford's Martin School, CBO Director Leah Gerber joined Dr. Tim Coulson and Dr. EJ Milner-Gulland in a discussion with students and faculty about the role
Climate Conversations: How climate change is impacting our coral reefs
The National Academy of Science hosted a discussion on how climate change impacts coral reefs and what researchers are doing to save them. Maiya May from PBS moderated the conversation
Meet affiliated faculty Siamak Shirani Bidabadi
Read on for an interview with Siamak Shirani Bidabadi, Assistant Teaching Professor in the School of Applied Sciences and Arts.
Model USDA musings: A model for years to come
"By giving students the perspective of working as policymakers within a context that demanded both clear communication and instant collaboration, [Model USDA] was an exercise in coordination and coalition-building unique from any other I've participated in throughout my time as a student at ASU."
Understanding pathways of knowledge to action in conservation
Dr. Leah Gerber’s talk at the Oxford Martin School in January 2025 described a theory of change for addressing the biodiversity crisis by integrating innovation with boundary-spanning work. This presentation
From greens to goats at Blue Sky Organic Farms
"In Litchfield Park, with the roar of jet engines flying overhead out of Luke Air Force Base, sits Arizona’s oldest organic farm. It’s hard to miss. At Blue Sky Organic Farms, rows of dark green collards and kales stretch along the roadside, contrasting starkly with the brand new, grey, industrial developments dotting the surrounding area."
The unsung guardians of our food system: How APHIS protects agriculture
"In the intricate web of our food system, there’s a quiet but essential group ensuring our food’s safety, quality, and availability. Enter the Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program of APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), where officers are on the frontlines of safeguarding agriculture from invasive pests and diseases."
Building a more inclusive future for conservation science
Dr. Kwan-Lamar Blount-Hill, a program lead at Arizona State University’s Center for Biodiversity Outcomes, is helping change the way conservation is done from the inside out. His two recent publications,
USDA NextGen Intern gains policy experience to strengthen local food systems
"Teresa Terroba Rivero’s passion for food systems reform is rooted in lived experience. Born in Mexico and raised across different regions of the country, she witnessed the reality of food insecurity firsthand."
Sprouts Farmers Market: A great place to work, shop, and eat
"Sprouts Farmers Market is purpose-driven, with the mission of providing wholesome, better-for-you products to their customers. Sprouts is headquartered in Phoenix, with over 400 stores in 23 states nationwide."
Model USDA musings: Covering the debate
"My colleague represented NPR while I took on the role of Fox News. We both had a front-row seat to the negotiations, tensions, and compromises that defined the discussion."
Meet Swette Center staff member, Lindsay Gaesser
Read on for an interview with Lindsay Gaesser, Research Specialist, to explore her background in food systems, what she's currently working on, and her vision of food systems transformation.