Global Development welcomes MPS class of 2022

Members of the MPS Class of 2022 and the grand challenge they seek to confront in their work are:

• Tewodros Abera: Design, delivery, and management of agricultural extension and advisory services for smallholder farming communities in emerging markets
• Homari Aoki: Global renewable energy development
• Thomas Arminio: Soil and human health
• Ashish Aryal: Inclusive and holistic development with limited public resources
• Shannen Chua Protection gaps against shocks resulting from natural disasters
• Michelle Corio: Education at the intersection of climate change, poverty, and nutrition; and data-driven policies
• Tommy Crocker: Food insecurity, climate change, and economic inequalities between the global North & South
• Kellie Del Signore: Gender equity especially in agriculture; rural and community development; food security
• Sumire Doi: Zero hunger, farmer empowerment, food security policy and inclusive economic growth
• Andrea Durmiaki: Equitable opportunities and fair access to experiential learning/global education opportunities
• Jackson Hart: Environmental sustainability of agriculture; food sovereignty and economic independence in smallholder farming communities; optimization of controlled environment agriculture
• Dolgorjav Jigmedsenge: Urbanization, mobility challenges and vulnerable employment; Unemployment and shortage of experienced or skilled workforce
• Jyothis Joy Mazhuvanchery: Minimizing food wastage in perishable commodities; minimizing incidences of food borne illnesses through food safety; nutrition of staple foods
• Joyce Kabui: Energy poverty, climate change and rising inequality in sub-Saharan Africa
• Cody Kugler: Sustainable food systems; facilitating SMEs in emerging markets, especially smallholders
• Emily McGinnis: Inequality, gender inequity and structural racism
• Windu Adi Prastowo: Corruption and its impact on poverty, inequality in education, and lack of healthcare
• Garrett Quade: Agricultural productivity in rural communities through climate-resilient practices and sustainable food systems
• Jarsm Russell: Food security including crop yield, food waste management, income generation and nutrition in small scale agriculture systems
• Nicholas Twyman: Equitable food, energy, and financial systems that empower people in developing countries
• Iskender Usupbaev: Water scarcity and quality, mining waste, social inequality and corruption

The one-year MPS program offers a transdisciplinary education to enhance students’ technical and practical skills in development. Most students in the program have at least two years of field experience in a range of sectors, including government agencies, Peace Corps and non-governmental organizations. The program combines coursework and a capstone project which uses problem-solving skills to approach a real-world issue.

“This vibrant cohort is full of inspiring individuals committed to building a more equitable world,” said Terry Tucker, professor of the practice and co-director of the MPS program in Global Development. “We look forward to a year of rigorous study, creative thinking and a hands-on approach to confronting the greatest challenges confronting people and the planet.”

Hero image: MPS student Kellie Del Signore, right, works with her colleague while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ethiopia. Photo provided.

Kelly Merchán is a communications specialist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Department of Global Development.