Nancy Pokrywka (she/her) Professor of Biology
I have an ongoing interest in the ways in which technology and society shape and impact each other, and on this trip I am particularly interested in the interplay between biotech, sustainability, and politics as it relates to food production. I’m curious about the local influences that make sustainability attractive to food producers and I want to learn more about efforts to use biotech in ways that are environmentally friendly.
In my free time I love rock climbing, and snuggling my kitties.
Alysa Chen (she/her)
Hi! My name is Alysa and I am now a recently graduated Vassar alum of ‘23! I majored in Geography and minored in Asian Studies and Chinese. I was born and raised in New York City’s Lower East Side, which I am very fond of, and which has significantly informed and influenced my study and interests in urban and environmental issues. I wrote my thesis on the impact of digital platforms on urban spatial inequality in post-pandemic Manhattan’s Chinatown. Outside of academics, I enjoy dancing hip-hop and Latin dance, cooking, hiking, and spending quality time with people.
Seowon Back (she/her)
Hello! I’m a rising senior in geography. My interests mainly lie in postcolonialism and diasporas. I look forward to learning about how Taiwanese farmers define and integrate sustainability.
I grew up in Queens where night markets are like festivities. So, when we’re at the Ningxia Night Market, you can expect to see me getting really excited by the varieties of food.
Ellinor (Ellie) Sheik (she/her)
Hi! I am a rising junior majoring in environmental studies with concentrations in biology and geography. I work at the Poughkeepsie Farm Project and am passionate about agriculture and sustainable food systems. I am very excited to explore sustainable agricultural models in Taiwan and look forward to getting to know everyone!
Anona (Noni) Pattington (she/her)
Hi! I am a sociology major with specific interests in environmental sociology and climate justice. I am very excited to use some of my background knowledge on sustainable agriculture from growing up on an organic vegetable farm as we visit farms in Taiwan. I think it will be very interesting to see the differences in food production techniques in Taiwan from what are used in the states.
Outside of the classroom, I run on the cross country and track teams. I also love reading, watching New Girl and crocheting!
Yu Zhou
professor in geography and Asian studies
I have a broad interest in China and East Asian sustainable development. I have taught the Environmental China course at Vassar for many years which we examine China’s environment from historical, cultural, political, and economic perspectives. I have also researched China’s high-tech industries and green building development. I am a member of the Public Intellectual Fellows in the National Committee on US-China Relations since 2008. I am interested in any sustainability matters. As a broadly trained geographer, I examine environmental issues through an integrative and locally sensitive approach. I have visited Taiwan at least twice in the past. I have also taught courses on East Asia .
Reana (Ana) Panday (she/her)
Hello! I am a junior International Studies (concentrations in Geography and Sociology) and Biochemistry major. I have previously studied themes underlying environmental activism and sustainability. I am interested in understanding which sectors are involved in agricultural production in Taiwan, how the agricultural industry itself is structured and regulated, and the impacts of modern technology and science. In my free time I enjoy knitting, listening to music and podcasts, and talking about my dog!
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Cael Cosby (he/him)
Hey! I am an Environmental Studies major for the class of 2024 with focuses on Earth Science and Asian Studies. I have taken a ton of courses about agriculture, water, and soil science, as well as East Asian policy and culture. Additionally, I have spent a few years studying Mandarin, but I am by no means an expert. I love the outdoors and spend a lot of time rock climbing, skiing, and playing volleyball. I am so excited about the practice and new experiences I will gain in Taiwan!
Jay Chung (He/Him)
Hey! I’m Jay and I’m a current Sophomore Biochemistry major. Although my schedule up until now has consisted of majority Science related courses, I’m very interested in learning about both Asian Studies and various cultures that are out there. I’ve spent the beginning part of my life growing up on a Farm in rural South Korea and have gained a lifelong appreciation for nature and agriculture as well as the Korean culture and language. Then I really spent the rest of my life in both Queens and Long Island. In my free time, I love spending time outside and staying as active as possible and I love both anime and manga. I’m super excited to go on this trip! It should be a lot of fun and very rewarding.
P.S: I rarely take photos alone so I honestly could not find a solo shot of me in my camera roll, so here is a photo of me with my friend after we played basketball. (I’m on the right).
Hi, I am a professor of political science as well as a member of the Asian Studies program. My general field is political economy with a focus on East Asia and China. For this research trip, my goal is to understand how government policies have facilitated or inhibited environment-friendly practices in food production in Taiwan. These may include land use regulations, financial subsidies and incentives, and environmental standards. I am also interested in learning how governments at various levels engage and interact with societal actors.
I don’t have many fun hobbies but can talk about Seventeen if you care about Kpop 🙂
Fubing
Christine Xu (she/her)
Hello! I’m a rising junior majoring in Biochemistry and STS (Science, Technology, and Society)! I have a deep fascination with the molecular machinery that governs our lives and I’m curious about how we engage with developing techniques. In Taiwan I’m excited to see how science and politics shape their agricultural practices.
In my free time I love dancing to k-pop and going on sunset walks (and rewarding my “exercise” by buying boba). I grew up in an immigrant community in Queens so I’m very excited to get a taste of where some of the cuisine originally came from!
Victoria Tager-Geffner (she/her)
Hi everyone! I am a rising senior majoring in Biology and STS. I have a background in studying public health and have taken a few ecology and conservation biology courses. I’m really interested in the interaction between public health and food production/environmental initiatives. In Taiwan I’m excited to learn about the agricultural practices and technologies used within them along with how the state regulates these practices! In my free time I enjoy going to the beach, reading, and volunteering at my local animal shelter!
Sophie Wigington (she/her)
Hi!! I am a rising junior studying Environmental Studies and Drama. I hope to go into wildlife conservation, so I’m especially interested in how agriculture is impacted by native Taiwanese species. I’m also going to study ecology and biology in Australia this Fall, so I’m excited to gain environmental perspectives from different places around the world. In my free time I love going for walks, baking, and playing with my dog Dewey.
Ian Ho (He/Him)
Hello! My name’s Ian, class of ’25 Cognitive Science Major. I like music, art, anime. I look forward to studying the latest application of AI in farming, how they market products. Also, I’m from Taiwan, so I’m really interested in what all of you think, don’t hesitate to share! A lot of these things are also new to the average Taiwanese person, and it’d be interesting to find the undiscovered side of my home.
