SUSHI Project student worker Chantinae Gray is slated to graduate from Central State University in Spring of 2025 with a 4-year degree in Sustainable Agriculture. SUSHI Project Manager Ashley Erwin had a chance to talk to Chantinae about her experience at CSU, her educational and career goals, and her passion for building sustainable food systems, especially in her home country of the Bahamas.

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Ashley: Tell me a bit about yourself and why you decided to pursue a degree in Sustainable Agriculture CSU.

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Chantinae: I am a first-generation college student from the Bahamas currently majoring in Sustainable Agriculture, and minoring in biology and nutrition at CSU. Agriculture is very vast, but I have developed an interest in sustainability. I want to address chronic disease and food insecurity through systemic interventions that increase individuals’ ability to feed themselves and be self-sufficient.

 

During my junior year of high school, I was not sure what I wanted to do. That summer, I had the opportunity to work with Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Science institute. It was then that I learned that the Bahamas spent over 1 billion dollars importing food per year. This is what sparked my passion for agriculture. As a Bahamian student I am very dedicated to sustainability, food sovereignty, and environmental justice. 

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Ashley: Can you tell me a bit about your degree program? What did you find most interesting or inspiring??

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Chantinae: What I find most inspiring about the sustainable agriculture program at CSU is the blend of traditional agricultural knowledge with innovative, science-driven techniques. For example: I took courses in soil science, animal science, ag business, and irrigation and drainage. Assisting me in bridging the gap between research, practice, and real-world application. Throughout this program, I have gained confidence to explore many areas of agriculture rather than being confined to a single specialization. 

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This program has exposed me to a world of agriculture that I had not known before, while giving me broad knowledge and research experience. 

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Ashley: Can you tell me a bit about your experience working on the CSU aquaculture system, hydraulic press, and other research infrastructure and equipment?

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Chantinae: I have been fortunate to work on SUSHI since sophomore year. I just started working with Dr. Kumar on the CSU research aquaculture system last semester. It was an eye-opening experience, and I was able to learn about the engineering aspects of SUSHI. It allowed me the opportunity to reimagine the way I think and provide me with hands-on experience outside of the lab, and I will lean on this experience for years to come. This work has allowed me to discover a passion for designing and developing systems like this.

 

This semester, I transitioned to working with Dr. Femi in the lab. I have processed over 150lbs of hemp grain for analysis, working extensively with the dehuller. Doing this research with Dr. Femi, we focus on analyzing hemp, studying the lipid, fiber, and protein content, which is really exciting to me because I can actually visualize how they will turn the raw product into a viable fish feed.

 

I came on a sophomore, developing the hemp workshop which provided community-based education on hemp grain. This experience has strengthened my skills in design, data analysis, and collaboration across disciplines which equips me with the skill set to tackle complex agricultural challenges, which is what I want to do.  The hands-on portion has really shaped the way I think about agriculture.

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Ashley: How was working with the SUSHI Project personnel? Did they provide flexibility and support to accommodate your academic obligations? Guidance? Mentorship?

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Chantinae: Thank you so much for this question! Working with SUSHI personnel has been an incredible opportunity, not only for my research, but also for my mentorship, and personal growth. 

 

Every person on this project was very kind and understanding that my academic obligations came first. If I needed to study for a test or complete classroom assignments, they are one text or phone call away. [SUSHI personnel] prioritize my well-being, and provide me with a supportive environment that allows me to balance classwork and research effectively. 

Throughout my time on the SUSHI project, I have gained invaluable mentors and advisors including, Dr. Phipps, Dr. Craig, Dr. Kumar, and Dr. Femi.

 

Dr. Phipps has been particularly instrumental in my journey, as she has helped me map out my future. Like we literally sat down in her office one day and she helped me map out exactly what I want my career to look like, and it is through this internship that I built this relationship with her. She also assisted me in finding my passion for nutrition and understanding how it connects to the broad goal of agriculture and food systems. She and Dr. Craig have always been supportive of my aspirations and never pushed any agendas on me. I think this speaks of the overall guidance I have received from SUSHI project personnel.

 

Even though I just started working with Dr. Femi this semester, he has been a superb mentor, ensuring that I fully grasp key research concepts. He allows me to be a more independent researcher and leaves me room to make mistakes and learn as I go. Dr. Kumar, I can call, text, email about anything and he always provides me with guidance and encouragement, which I really appreciate. 
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Ashley: What do you plan to do after you graduate?

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Chantinae: After graduation, I plan to take a year off to gain hands-on experience in my field and strengthen my resume before pursuing a PhD in food systems. I am considering the University of Vermont for food systems, potentially. My goal, ultimately, is to further my expertise in sustainable agriculture, food security, and food system resilience to drive meaningful change in Small Island Developing States such as the Bahamas.

 

So long term, I aim to transform the food systems in the Bahamas through research, policy, and community-driven solutions. My work in the SUSHI project, my research experience, and my leadership roles have reinforced my passion for just and resilient food systems. And I am committed to using my knowledge to create lasting, impactful change in my country. 

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Ashley: What aspects of your educational journey and/or personal experience shaped your next steps?

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Chantinae: I came to the conclusion that I wanted to study food systems, I got an opportunity to work with the World Resources Institute, which focuses on agriculture policy worldwide, because while I was working on this project focusing on the hemp workshop. Dr. Phipps saw my potential and then referred me to work as an intern. That is when I learned more about environmental and economic impacts that agriculture can make on communities.

After that, I worked on the SUSHI project again. Over the years, the project has really broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of roles in agriculture. With the project goals being to support hemp as sustainable fish feed, expanding domestic markets, increasing workforce in agriculture, and improving public health and local economies it aligns closely with my passion for food systems. 

I decided that I wanted a PhD last semester, and it is only because I saw the potential that others saw in me. Especially Dr. Crag and Dr. Phipps. I applied for Penn State’s open house for grad school, and I asked them if they would write letters of recommendation and they were like, "of course!" And I just didn’t see that in myself. But through them pushing me and encouraging me they really put in my head that a PhD is something I can achieve, and if not me, who?

 

Ashley: What would you like others to know about the SUSHI project/being a student worker on the project?

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Chantinae: It has had a profound impact not only myself, but other students who work on the project at CSU and the collaborating universities, faculty, and the surrounding communities. For me, this project is not just a job, it has become a passion that deeply influences my personal and professional goals. It has shaped my vision for my future, and if I had the chance, I would do it again, 100%. 

I would tell anyone thinking of working as a student on the project, even if you don’t see yourself doing research or being in a lab, take the opportunity because you may fall in love with it. There are many benefits including research experience, travel opportunities, networking and public speaking opportunities. It is a great way to support yourself as a student while doing work that allows you to grow professionally. 

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Ashley: Anything else you want to share?

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Chantinae: CSU has given me such an enriching academic and research experience; very well rounded. I am beyond grateful for the mentors- faculty and peers that have supported me along the way. The SUSHI project along with my other research experience has played a vital role in shaping where I am headed next. I would encourage others to look for opportunities like this because they don’t just help you build technical but analytical skills. They also open doors for making important professional connections. 

I would just like to say thank you to everyone involved in the SUSHI project for believing me and pushing me to grow, both as a researcher and a person. Seeing that CSU is land-grant institution, I urge students to take up opportunities like this and note that these are not just for agriculture or STEM majors but for anyone who is interested in learning and growing. Give it a chance. There is always someone who believes in you even if you don’t feel it yourself.

 

The SUSHI project gave me the confidence to step out, not just as researcher but as a student leader which led me become closely involved in the re-establishment of CSU’s MANRRS chapter and make it open to everyone. I am so thankful for everything SUSHI has done for me; it has been a huge part of my journey. 

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