Exploring Sustainable Food Systems: Insights and Innovations from UDaily

When Kyle Davis was an undergraduate at the University of Delaware, he had a life-changing experience on a study abroad program in South Africa. Led by Professor Norma Gaines-Hanks, this trip ignited his passion for researching food systems and their connection to the environment.

“Studying abroad made me aware of development challenges and how food systems are affected by climate,” Davis recalls. His summer research at UD with Professor Neal Zondlo further fueled this interest.

Now, as an associate professor, Davis has earned a National Science Foundation Early Career Development Award. He’s focused on investigating how climate change, including extreme weather events like droughts and floods, affects food production in the U.S.

“Food security in the U.S. is vulnerable to climate extremes,” Davis explains. For instance, droughts in Mexico can reduce the berry supply, impacting prices and nutrition for American consumers.

With this award, Davis also plans to start a summer research fellowship for graduate and undergraduate students. Together, they’ll explore climate disruptions in food supply chains. He aims to create educational activities for high school students in Delaware, promoting systems thinking and sustainability. Collaborating with the Delaware Center for Geographic Education, he hopes to engage students statewide.

During his own undergraduate journey, Davis studied biochemistry and thrived in summer research. “These experiences made me realize my love for discovery,” he shares. His study abroad also broadened his worldview beyond the U.S. and Europe.

After his South Africa trip, Davis wanted more time in the field. He undertook a year-long internship in Nigeria, guided by Professor Babatunde A. Ogunnaike. This experience was pivotal in shaping his career path. “It clarified my interests and motivated me to pursue a Ph.D. in environmental sciences,” he says.

Living in Nigeria taught Davis that sustainability challenges are complex. “You can’t solve these problems from the outside,” he notes. Understanding local contexts, histories, and priorities is critical for meaningful research.

Davis’s journey highlights the importance of nurturing curiosity and engaging with diverse cultures. His ongoing work aims to fill gaps in knowledge about food security, ensuring a sustainable future for everyone.

For further insights into climate impacts on food systems, you can check the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

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