Rupali Kotina is a undergraduate student at the University at Buffalo. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. Prior to enrolling at UB, Rupali attended the Manipal Institute of Technology in Manipal, India. Rupali began working in the Food Lab in April of 2018. Originally from Orissa, India, Rupali works closely with global project team in translation and data analysis. As a member of the Food Lab, she hopes to translate her skills in programming to create opportunities for technologically-inexperienced farmers, and research how technology can help farmers achieve food and financial security. Outside of work, Rupali enjoys reading books and traveling.

David is an undergraduate student at the University at Buffalo. They are currently pursuing majors in Environmental Studies & Political Science and a minor in Spanish. Prior to working at the Food Lab, David interned as a Diversity Advocate at the University at Buffalo’s Intercultural and Diversity Center, where they developed and led programming on diversity, inclusion, and environmental justice. They are currently a lead organizer of UB Fossil Free, an environmental justice and public accountability initiative leading a campaign to divest the UB Foundation from the fossil fuel industry and expand shared governance with the Foundation. David began working at the Food Lab as a researcher in the summer of 2018. Since then, they have researched the conditions of smallholder farmers in the Global South, and pursued their research interests in participatory governance and ecological sustainability in the global food system.

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Nirupama is a first-year Master of Urban Planning student within the University at Buffalo’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning.  Prior to enrolling in the program, Nirupama received her Bachelor’s Degree in Planning from the School of Planning and Architecture in Vijayawada, India.  While attending school in Vijayawanda, Nirupama wrote her thesis on the environmental implications of non-communicable diseases due to urban air pollution. Nirupama also worked across a variety of planning projects, including a Regional Development Plan for Wayanad, India, and interned with Jones Lang Lasalle to develop a plan for a new bus terminal in Tamil Nadu, India.  Nirupama also volunteered with organizations in Tamil Nadu to plan for reverse osmosis water systems within the region.  Nirupama began working at the Food Systems Planning and Healthy Communities Lab in February 2019.  In the lab, Nirupama works across global projects, and seeks to learn about the intersection of planning and policy creation.  She is also interested in integrating food systems into plans and policies around the world.  Outside of the lab, Nirupama enjoys playing badminton, cooking, and learning new languages, such as Korean.

Sylvia Kelly is a Master of Urban Planning and Public Health student at University at Buffalo, and a WNY Prosperity Fellow. She engages in action-oriented research to address issues of food justice in the face of globalization, urbanization, and climate change. Sylvia works as a research and evaluation intern on the ‘Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health’ project through Cicatelli Associates Inc. (CAI), allowing her to draw on both public health and urban planning experience to continue improving food access for marginalized groups within Buffalo. Sylvia also serves as the Educational Outreach Committee Co-Chair for Science Demands Action, a local non-profit that seeks to partner with communities in using science for social good.

Kris is a first-year Master of Urban Planning Student within the University at Buffalo’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning.  Prior to enrolling in the graduate program, Kris attended Illinois State University, where he received a degree (BA) in Geography.  After two years working in community food systems, Kris attended Syracuse University, where he completed a certificate of advanced study in Food Studies.  Kris began working in the Food Lab in September of 2018.  As a member of the Food Lab team, he hopes to pursue his research interests in food justice in communities of color and the impact of urban renewal by engaging communities within the Western New York region and promoting health and wellness via the food system.

Domonique Griffin, a proud Buffalo native, is a Park Faculty Development Fellow at The Park School of Buffalo, an Arthur A. Schomburg Fellow (UB), and a second-year Master of Urban Planning student with a concentration in Neighborhood Planning and Community Development at the University at Buffalo.  Domonique graduated cum laude from Trinity College (Hartford, CT), where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Educational Studies and American Studies.  Domonique was named the President’s Fellow for American Studies, received The Richard K. Morris Book Award for Excellence in Education, and was awarded The Steven D. Levy ’72 Urban Programs Senior Research Prize for her senior thesis, “They Were Never Silent, You Just Weren’t Listening: Buffalo’s Black Activists in the Age of Urban Renewal.”

Domonique gained initial experience in research and education during her undergraduate career by interning with the Hartford Hospital Anxiety Disorder Center at the Institute of Living and The Santa Rosa Homework Centre in Arima, Trinidad.  She continues to follow her passion for research, education, and youth development through her academic and professional activities.  As a research assistant in the Food Systems Planning and Healthy Communities Lab, Domonique serves as the team lead for projects that promote food equity and entrepreneurship in Buffalo, NY.