Olivia Shoemaker joined the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) in March 2022 initially as a scientific program assistant and currently as a scientific program associate. In this role, she supports multi-stakeholder collaboration, grants and project development.
Prior to joining FFAR, Shoemaker worked as a research assistant at the Ostrom Workshop’s Sustainable Food Systems Science group. In addition to developing local value chains for perennial crops during in this position, she also learned the importance of storytelling and representation in science.
Passionate about equitable food systems and environmental conservation both locally and globally, Shoemaker has also looked abroad to gain experience. In Berlin, Germany, she interned at an urban farming startup and volunteered with Uber den Tellerrand, an initiative using cooking to promote intercultural connection. In Mindo, Ecuador, she provided administrative and on-farm support at Sacha Urco, an ecolodge and permaculture farm located in the cloud forest.
While at FFAR, Shoemaker hopes to develop her knowledge of climate-smart agriculture practices and implementation mechanisms.
Shoemaker earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Indiana University with a focus in global development and a minor in German.