Assistant Professor
School of Environmental Studies
Contact Information
Office: 3131 Biosciences Complex
Phone: 613-533-6000, ext. 77420
Email: kristen.lowitt@queensu.ca
Twitter: @KLowitt
BES, Environmental Studies, York University
MES, Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University
PhD, Interdisciplinary Studies, Memorial University
Research
General Research Interests:
- Sustainable food systems
- Food sovereignty
- Small-scale fisheries
- Participatory action research
- Community development
My research goals are directed towards working with communities to build just and sustainable food systems in rural and coastal settings. Three main themes characterize my research program: a) the role of small-scale fisheries in sustainable food systems; b) Indigenous food sovereignty, and specifically reconciling Western natural resource management with Indigenous governance of land and water; and c) collective action and civil society participation in food systems governance. While my research is grounded in environmental studies and human geography, I draw upon a larger literature in the social sciences, including insights from sociology, regional and international development, environmental management, and political ecology. My research approach is based in partnership-building and co-production of research and knowledge with communities.
Visit to learn more about our collaborative Indigenous food sovereignty film project.
Teaching
ENSC 103 - Environment and Sustainability
ENSC 315 - Global Food Security, Agriculture and Environment
ENSC 480 - Community Food Justice