2023-24 Sustainability Graduate Fellow Gladys Adu Asieduwaa
Gladys Adu Asieduwaa
Degree Program: PhD Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Advisors: Dr. Rachel Schattman and Jason Lilley
What problem/s are you working to solve?
I am working to address the challenge of ensuring soil health in the context of late-season vegetable farming in Maine and the broader Northeast under a changing climate. Specifically, I aim to find sustainable solutions to protect the soil from erosion, nutrient leaching, and weed growth during the winter months when vegetable farmers have limited time for cover cropping.
What progress are you making toward solutions?
Through my research and the collaborative efforts under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, I am making progress in understanding the effects of interseeding cover crops in late-season vegetables. By investigating the timing, seeding methods, and cover crop species selection, I aim to develop recommendations for enhancing soil health and sustainable agricultural practices.
How could your findings contribute to a sustainable future in Maine and beyond?
My research findings could contribute to a sustainable future by offering practical guidance to farmers in Maine and similar regions facing short growing seasons. Implementing sustainable interseeding practices based on my research could lead to improved soil health, reduced erosion, and increased agricultural productivity. These practices could serve as a model for sustainable agriculture, not only in Maine but also in other areas with similar climatic and seasonal challenges.
Why did you get involved with the Mitchell Center Sustainability Graduate Fellowship Program?
I got involved with the Mitchell Center Sustainability Graduate Fellowship Program because it provides a unique opportunity to enhance my skills and knowledge in sustainability-related research and outreach. I am eager to develop expertise in interdisciplinary research, public speaking, and engaging diverse audiences. This program aligns with my career goals and offers valuable resources for my professional development.
What sustains you?
My passion for sustainability, participatory-action research, and finding solutions to global challenges in the agri-food industry sustains me. The opportunity to make a positive impact on food security, environmental sustainability, and community well-being is what keeps me motivated and dedicated to my research and outreach efforts. Outside research and academia, God and family sustain me!
Where do you hope to be in five years?
In five years, I aspire to be in a position where I can lead and participate in interdisciplinary teams, conduct community-based research, and contribute to sustainable development projects. Whether as a lecturer, professor, consultant, or researcher, I aim to address pressing global challenges in agriculture, climate change, and food systems while promoting a sustainable and equitable future.
What’s your ultimate Maine experience?
My ultimate Maine experience would involve working closely with local farmers and communities, applying my research to enhance sustainable agricultural practices, and witnessing the positive impact on both the environment and the livelihoods of those in the state. I hope to engage with the rich natural landscapes and communities of Maine, contributing to its sustainability and well-being.