Applications are now being accepted for students interested in being 2020-22 Lender Fellows. An information session will be held October 1, and applications are due October 15. The Lender Student Fellowship carries on the vision and commitment of Professor Evan Weissman to advance food justice in Syracuse. Weissman, associate professor of food studies and nutrition in Falk College, died unexpectedly April 9. Shortly before he passed, Weissman was awarded the Lender Faculty Fellowship; he wanted to examine if the food systems in Syracuse were meeting the needs of the community, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In collaboration and consultation with Falk College and local food system representatives, the Lender Center chose Professor Jonnell Robinson to carry on the Faculty Fellowship in Weissman’s name. Five Lender Student Fellows will engage in research, community engagement, dialogue and reflection to inform local efforts to create a more equitable, sustainable and inclusive food system in Central New York. Working in partnership with the Syracuse Onondaga Food Systems Alliance (SOFSA)—a newly created food policy council—and Professor Robinson, student fellows will conduct participatory action research to promote community-driven food policies and practices.
Students from any discipline are encouraged to apply to serve as a Lender Student Fellow. The Fellowships last for two years and will allow students to engage in collaborative research led by a faculty member.