Laurel Bellante

Laurel Bellante is a Ph.D. student in the School of Geography and Development. Her research focuses on agrarian change and foodways in Mexico, particularly in the U.S.-Mexico border region and in the southernmost state of Chiapas. As a student of human‐environmental geography, Laurel’s research explores the various social and ecological impacts of agricultural development, including “green” labeling initiatives (e.g. organic, fair trade, agro-ecological) and new policies aimed at small-scale farmers to reduce food insecurity and augment resilience to climate change. Important questions include: Who benefits from new commodity chains and who is excluded? How is land use reconfigured in the process? What are the cumulative effects on agro‐biodiversity, social justice, and local food security? In the interest of taking this research beyond the walls of academia, Laurel is currently accumulating experience in documentary film, webpage design, and public geography.

Accepted Scholar:

Accepted