Ginger Kieffer: From potatoes to politics

When Ginger Kieffer graduates from the University of Maine in May 2017 with a degree in political science, she plans to take her roots with her.

Hailing from Caribou, Maine — the most northeastern city in the United States — the political science major grew up surrounded by potatoes and learned early on the economic importance of spuds.

Her interest in food systems led her to Professor Gregory Porter, director of UMaine’s potato breeding program. She began working as a student researcher last spring, collecting pollen from potato plant flowers in the Roger Clapp Greenhouses and cross pollinating them to create new varieties of spuds.

“Dr. Porter was phenomenal to work for. He was constantly explaining the processes we undertook to draw out the bigger picture,” said Kieffer. “Whenever an opportunity arose to teach me a different dimension of the project, he advocated my involvement.”

This summer, Kieffer worked in Presque Isle at Aroostook Farm extracting disease-infested plants from the potato fields, counting stems and collecting samples. Her responsibilities also included extracting seeds from the fruit of the new varieties and planting them to begin the process of creating a new variety of potato, which can take 10–15 years.

“Seeing the process fall into place from greenhouse to field helped me understand Dr. Porter’s passion and the intricate work that goes into bettering potato varieties,” said Kieffer. “Working at Aroostook Farm, I learned how exponentially detailed the process of moving a new variety from the greenhouses to the shelves truly is.”

Kieffer plans to integrate the knowledge she gained working in potato research into her future career in politics.

“This opportunity has reconstructed my sense of awareness. The potato industry is a complex animal constructed of both production as well as research and development,” said Kieffer.  I’m so thankful I had this opportunity to expand my horizons on the level of care that goes into this economic engine so prevalent in my hometown and state.”

At UMaine, Kieffer minors in leadership studies and sustainable food systems and is a member of the Honors College. In May 2015, she attended the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders. She also attended the Maine NEW Leadership Conference and was selected to conduct research as a Sustainable Food Systems Research Fellow through the Honors College.

She is interning in U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ Bangor office, assisting staffers on casework that varies from Veterans Affairs to helping constituents receive benefits.

After serving in the Peace Corps, Kieffer plans to enroll in a political science master’s/doctorate degree program.

“UMaine has provided me with the opportunities that I needed to broaden my horizons and reach my goals,” said Kieffer. “Little did I know the research and development that went into the bag of potatoes you see in the store. Across the board this opportunity has opened my mind to the complex reality of the food market.”