On March 2, 2012, the Office of International Programs held its 5th Annual Student Conference on Global Challenges which focused this year on FOOD. The full day conference addressed a wide range of issues including hunger; food science and nutrition; food distribution, marketing and sales; food arts and culture; food justice; food organizations and advocacy; and food policy.

Over 200 students, faculty, staff, and community members participated in panel discussions, presentations, and academic engagement throughout the day. The conference was opened by Provost Dr. Mark Greenberg. Breakfast and lunch catered by Drexel University's Chestnut Street Caterers featured a menu of fresh seasonal produce, locally sourced sustainable meats and a variety of healthy and organic selections. Dozens of students presented on diverse topics such as plasma and food safety, librarians and our food information, food – television – and body image, and agriculture across borders – the land grab in Africa.

The day concluded with a keynote address and book signing by Dr. Marion Nestle. Marion Nestle is a consumer activist, nutritionist, award-winning author, and academic who specializes in the politics of food and dietary choice. Dr. Julie Mostov, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives at Drexel University served as the conference host. Additionally, representatives from local and international student groups, non-profit organizations, and urban farms shared their stories and resources with the conference attendees.

The Office of International Programs would like to acknowledge and thank all of the panelists for their contributions to the successful event. We also extend our gratitude to the six faculty moderators who volunteered their time:

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC TRENDS

• Weilei Yu
• Erin McLean
• Carlos Hernandez
• Melanie Jeske
• Nevena Bosnic

Moderator: Christian Hunold

BUSINESS TRENDS

• Aaron Hartmann
• Alexa Namba
• Colby Hepner

Moderator: Marco Airaudo

MEDIA, CULTURE AND ARTS

• Takia McClendon
• Daniel Scully
• Plus – 5 international student respondents

Moderator: Al Tedesco

JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS

• Sydney Douglas
• Borana Hajdinaj
• Matthew Whitworth
• Denny Pham

Moderator: Shannon Marquez

GLOBAL HEALTH

• Christopher Spurlino
• Abby Duffine
• Elissa Mallis
• Shauna Henley

Moderator: Alison Ventura

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

• Koba Khitalishvili
• John King
• Marie LaPosta
• Brian Dirks

Moderator: Franco Montalto

Much appreciation is also given to the numerous organizations that came to table at this event providing great information on how everyone can get involved both locally and internationally.

• West Philadelphia Fresh Food Hub
• Greensgrow
• Preston's Paradise
• Oxfam
• Drexel Nutrition - Center for Integrated Nutrition and Performance
• City of Philadelphia - Mayor's Office of Sustainability
• Drexel University weServe Program
• Drexel University Thai Harvest Initiative
• Drexel University Center for Hunger Free Communities
• The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

Thank you to the staff and volunteers including, but not limited to:

James Sullivan
Carlos Hernandez
Colby Hepner
Christine Hammell
Cindy Schaarschmidt
Ming Chu
Ahaji Schreffler
Marcia Henisz
Bob Wiley

Finally, a special thank you is given to Heidi West, Programs Manager for the Office of International Programs. Without her, none of this would have been possible.