Penn State’s Youth Food Lab Shines at the UN Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum
Illuminating Global Food Security Efforts
In a significant move towards combating global food insecurity and climate change, Penn State University has been honored with the opportunity to participate in the United Nations Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum. This conference invitation follows Penn State’s prestigious selection to launch the North American Youth Food Lab, a vital initiative under the World Food Forum’s Youth Initiative.
By becoming part of a global network that includes five Youth Food Labs across Europe, Asia, and South America, Penn State is set to play a pivotal role in highlighting innovative solutions. This initiative aims to bridge the innovation gap, making Youth Food Lab programming and resources more visible and accessible to young innovators across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean.
A Warm Welcome from FAO Delegates
Following the impactful U.N. conference, the college warmly welcomed a distinguished delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to its University Park campus. Their itinerary was filled with engagements that showcased Penn State’s unwavering commitment to agricultural innovation and education.
Engaging Conversations with Educational Leaders
Troy Ott, Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences, greeted the FAO delegates with open arms. The evening featured a delightful dinner with faculty members from the Global Teach Ag Network, co-led by the exceptional Melanie Miller Foster and Daniel Foster.
The interaction didn’t stop there; the students took center stage with their groundbreaking ideas and research. The delegation had the pleasure of meeting inspiring student thought leaders:
- Zilfa Irakoze, a dual-title doctoral student in food science and international agriculture.
- Ashley Olstrom, who probes into microbiome sciences alongside food science.
- Amelia Wyckoff, an undergraduate double majoring in community, environment, and development as well as geography.
- Ben Lindgren, focusing on international politics combined with community, environment, and development.
Exploring Future Innovations on Campus
The delegates also embarked on a tour of several innovative sites around campus. One notable location was the PlantVillage Lab, where researchers are harnessing artificial intelligence to empower smallholder farmers in adapting to the challenges posed by climate change.
Their explorations continued at the Learning Factory, the LaunchBox Innovation Hub, and OriginLabs, all of which underscore Penn State’s capacity to nurture and support the next generation of innovators.
Lunching on Impactful Ideas
A productive working lunch provided a platform for discussing strategies that translate research into real-world impact. This gathering brought together faculty and staff involved in Penn State’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, focusing on innovation gap programming and resource distribution.
Spencer highlighted the University’s commitment, announcing the sponsorship of two new Academic Delegation cohorts. Additionally, exciting programming for young entrepreneurs will be held in collaboration with the World Food Forum Youth Assembly.
“This collaboration connects our students to a global conversation, providing engagement opportunities for innovators and students interested in research, policy, and the diffusion of innovation,” Spencer enthusiastically reported.
Marking New Milestones
The visit reached its culmination with the official signing of a collaboration agreement between the FAO and Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences for the newly established World Food Forum Youth Food Lab at Penn State. This partnership marks an exciting chapter in their joint efforts to empower youth and tackle pressing food security challenges around the globe.
With initiatives like the Youth Food Lab, Penn State is not just nurturing future leaders but actively participating in a vital dialogue that will shape the future of food security worldwide. Explore more about their commitment to innovation at Youth Food Lab and be a part of this transformative journey.
