Joel Chima

Joel is from Nigeria. He received his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies & Sustainability from Michigan State University (MSU), where he also received a Minor in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. At MSU, Joel was a member of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS). While at MANRRS, he would represent the organization as a Student Senator in the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Student Senate. Joel was also the MSU MANRRS representative to the Culturas de las Razas Unidas (CRU) Chicanx/Latinx student organization to foster a stronger relationship between organizations representing underrepresented minority groups. Joel cultivated a passion for sustainable agriculture and food systems while an undergrad, so after he graduated, he took a year off to explore the workforce within his field. While on his gap year, he traveled across the United States working in various food and agriculture-related roles, such as a Farm Intern for the Methodist Theological School of Ohio, a Temporary Quality Assurance Technician for Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, and a Production worker for ResourceMFG. Joel looks forward to developing his geospatial and statistical technology skills while studying for his master’s in Environmental Policy and Management at UC Davis. He hopes to find other graduate students who share his commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.