Nicole Tichenor, MS

Mentor   Dr. Griffin

Recent Work

I am a doctoral candidate in the Agriculture, Food and Environment (AFE) program at Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. I completed my master’s in AFE with a specialization in local and regional food systems in May 2012. As an interdisciplinary researcher, I use a systems perspective to analyze food system issues at a variety of scales. I conduct research to shape policy and to provide valuable information to farmers, advocates, and NGOs seeking to increase the sustainability and equity of the food system.

I am interested in the potential of scaling up alternative food and agricultural systems to create superior environmental, social and economic outcomes. I work with Dr. Tim Griffin on an interdisciplinary, multi-institutional USDA grant on regional food systems and food insecurity. As part of this project, I co-lead a team with colleagues at Tufts and Cornell University that is modeling the national beef supply chain. My doctoral dissertation builds on this work by exploring the environmental impacts of US beef production and the potential for alternative, regional-scale systems (e.g., grass-fed beef) to reduce pollution and contribute to food security. I am preparing for an academic career, where I aspire to lead through applied research, teaching, and mentorship.