Committee Members:
Cory Gallo
Garden Committee Chair and Operations Coordinator
Associate Professor, Department of Landscape Architecture
As an associate professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture, Professor Gallo teaches courses in community design, stormwater design, campus planning, watershed management, and design/build. His service-learning focused courses have been recognized by numerous national organizations including the American Society of Landscape Architects, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian. His research focuses on service-learning pedagogy and on the intersection of the design, engineering and policies of sustainable stormwater management.
What inspired me to get involved?
“We were members of a community farm when my son was a baby. We loved weekend afternoons in fields with friends. I’m hoping that the garden can become a place like that for our family and others here at Mississippi State.”
Email: wcg59@msstate.edu
Profile: https://www.lalc.msstate.edu
Dr. Tongyin Li
Garden Research Coordinator and Planting Advisor
Assistant Professor, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
Dr. Li is an assistant professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences located at Mississippi State University. Her research program is focused on sustainable production of edible crops, including fruits and vegetables, and the promotion of sustainability and competitiveness of edible crop production in Mississippi. Her research interests are in both physiological aspects of fruit and vegetable production and in providing applicable recommendations on cultivation practices, season extension tools, and alternative crops choices. Besides research, she also teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses including plant propagation, fruit science, the gardening experience, and community food systems.
What inspired me to get involved?
“The idea of using the MSU Community Garden as a living site for teaching, research, and as demonstration for outreach programs really excites me.”
Email: tl665@msstate.edu
Rahel Mathews, PhD, MPH, RDN
Garden instructor and Committee Member
Assistant Professor, Nutrition Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion
Dr. Mathews is an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion at Mississippi State University. Her research program focuses on perspectives of healthy eating in diverse communities as well as health disparities. She is interested in how behavior, policy, food systems and community projects can increase healthy eating and/or reduce food insecurity. Besides research, she teaches about nutrition and disease prevention in various courses such as Nutrition through the Life Cycle, Nutrition and Chronic Disease and Community Nutrition.
What inspired me to get involved?
“Gardens help us to teach about where food comes from and how to integrate fresh vegetables into a busy lifestyle. It's a great way to reach out and encourage all ages to participate and think about what they are eating.”
Email: rm933@msstate.edu
Cece Marascalco
Students for Sustainable Campus Representative
Undergraduate Student, Department of Plants and Soil Science
Ms. Marascalco, a senior Environmental Science in Agricultural Systems major, was born and raised in Mississippi. She is the president of Students for a Sustainable and a student intern at the Office of Sustainability at MSU. Her hobbies include gardening, cooking, sustainable living, and her dog. Being someone who is passionate about sustainable living and helping the environment, she sees the community garden as a great resource to learn about growing your own food and learning about sustainable agriculture.
What inspired me to get involved?
"Being able to grow my own produce with my own two hands has always interested me. I think it gives me a since of accomplishment and I would like to share that with others."
Email: crm768@msstate.edu
Taylor VanDyk
Student Outreach Coordinator
Registered Dietitian, Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion
Ms. VanDyk is the registered dietitian for the Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion at MSU. She also serves as a committee member and student outreach coordinator for the Mississippi State Community Garden. Being someone who is passionate about healthy food, she sees the community garden as a great tool for getting students involved in their own health through growing produce and helping to create a sustainable environment. Outside of work you can find her cooking, enjoying nature, at the gym, or on the golf course.
What inspired me to get involved?
“The community garden is a great way to show people where their food actually comes from and inspire people to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables which is always my goal as a dietitian.”
Email: tv260@msstate.edu
Green Thumb Crew:
Samantha Marshall
Nathan Lambeth
