TEARSA SAFFELL
Student of Sustainability &
Food Systems Priority Lead for the Arizona Sustainability Alliance
Look
deep into nature,
and then you will
understand everything
better
-Albert Einstein
ABOUT ME:
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As an Arizona native and student of sustainability at the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State University, I am passionate about inspiring sustainable transformations in our local communities. My education and research at ASU has provided me with the knowledge and skills to create sustainable change. My work with the Arizona Sustainability Alliance allows me to execute this change, and combine my love of nature, food, urban greening & community welfare. Through AZSA, I have also gained invaluable experience in project management, civic engagement, and creating sustainable solutions.
I believe that research and community involvement are key to creating and supporting sustainable change. Through research we can learn how to best create resilient ecosystems, and equitable conditions for all people. Through community action and policy, we can implement this knowledge and strengthen our societies. I reflect these beliefs through my continued scientific research at ASU and community engagement with AZSA. I intend on continuing to connect society to sustainability, and promoting transformational change within our systems.
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"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world."
– John Muir
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MAY 2018-PRESENT
Lab Assistant
STREAM & URBAN ECOLOGY LAB
As a lab assistant in The Grimm Lab, I assist with research both in the lab and out in the field. I have gained valuable insight into research methods, and skills regarding ecological experimentation
ARIZONA SUSTAINABILITY ALLIANCE
As the food systems lead, my role is to create, implement and manage projects that develop sustainable food systems. My current project involves installing and maintaining tower gardens in schools in Tempe.
2017-PRESENT
Food Systems Priority Lead
2017-PRESENT
Volunteer
WETLAND ECOSYSTEM ECOLOGY LAB @ ASU
As a volunteer research assistant, I help in monitoring the Tres Rios Wetlands in relation to our wastewater treatment. I have gained experience in research methodology, data analysis and wetland ecology.
JANUARY-MARCH 2018
Researcher
UREX SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH NETWORK
A two month research trip in Valdivia, Chile where I studied the urban wetland ecosystems created by the 1960's Valdivian Earthquake. My research revolves around a comparative seasonal water analysis, along with a vegetation survey of twelve wetland sites throughout the city.
EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
SUSTAINABILITY
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
4.0 GPA Specializing in Ecosystem Studies
In pursuit of this degree I have gained invaluable knowledge about the principles of sustainability and how they relate to our society, environment & economy. A 'sustainable' fuel has been fired within me that I plan to carry and share for the rest of my life.
Projected Completion Date: December 2018
2017-Present
Bachelor of Science
2017-Present
Certificate
SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
4.0 GPA Earning in tandem with my Bachelors in Sustainability
The certificate draws from food-related courses in the social sciences, humanities, life and applied sciences. The program is administered by the School of Sustainability.
Projected completion date: December 2018
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
PHOENIX COLLEGE
3.8 GPA - Transferred before obtaining my degree
Throughout my time at Phoenix College I completed over 60 credits of science and elective courses that led to my understanding of the scientific relevance of sustainability.
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2014-2016
Associate of Science
ASSOCIATIONS
SKILLS
Microsoft Word - Advanced
Microsoft Excel - Proficient
Power Point - Proficient
Adobe - Proficient
American Sign Language- Working
Spanish - Working
EXPERTISE
I'M A SUSTAINABILITY ADVOCATE
My education, along with my experience has allowed me to be able to deeply analyze global and local systems, and recognize where sustainable solutions could be implemented to better serve the environment, society and economy. I am passionate about sharing these solutions with my community to inspire change.
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I'M A SCIENCE ENTHUSIAST
I believe that nature contains the most efficient, sustainable systems known to humankind, and that science is our method of understanding and explaining these systems. I am fascinated with every aspect of nature, from the most minuscule microorganisms to the vast, unknown cosmos; I believe we can learn from it all. I've spent many years in school exploring science and I believe sustainability is our method of incorporating natural processes into real world practices.
I'M AN URBAN FARMER
My farm is located in my backyard and includes green onions, tomatoes, herbs and collards. Although it is by no means extensive, it qualifies as a farm in that it grows food that I am able to share with my friends and family. I believe this practice to be at the core of our urban agricultural movement,
GROW YOUR OWN FOOD &
SHARE IT WITH OTHERS!