Bio: William is a Master's student in the Department of Agricultural Leadership and Community Education at Virginia Tech. Before beginning his first year, he received his Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree at Penn State in Plant Science, specifically focusing on food systems, rural sociology and agroecology. During his time at Penn State, he became heavily involved with the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm, where he served as an intern as well as on the board for the Student Farm Club as the Director of Campus Outreach. This experience coupled with his focused learning of sustainable agriculture culminated in seeking out the Department of Agricultural Leadership and Community Education at Virginia Tech. William hopes to use his past experiences and knowledge to expand on his research interests of extension, improvement of local food systems, and community building through narrative research, storytelling and development of shared knowledge. 

Area of Emphasis: Plant science, community development, rural sociology, food systems, agricultural journalism

Education: Current M.S Student Agricultural Leadership and Community Development, Virginia Tech; B.S. Plant Science Agroecology, Penn State University