From the Galápagos to Global Food Safety: INTAD Ph.D. Student Explores Agricultural Water Quality in a Unique Ecosystem

Auja Bywater is a Ph.D. student in Food Science and International Agriculture and Development (INTAD). Her research focuses on improving food safety in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), a promising area for addressing sustainable food production and global food security.

This past summer, Auja worked as a visiting scientist with the Charles Darwin Foundation on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos. Collaborating closely with local farmers, she conducted research to assess agricultural water safety in both hydroponic and traditional farms. Auja collected and analyzed water samples, examining microbial contamination that could impact public health. Alongside her laboratory work, she conducted farmer surveys to gain insights into their unique challenges and needs in this ecologically sensitive region.

Her findings underscored a need for improved agricultural water safety practices. To address this, Auja is developing extension materials designed to help farmers understand the importance of agricultural water safety and adopt practical strategies for enhancing water quality management. This initiative not only supports sustainable farming but also helps safeguard the health of farmers, consumers, and the environment.

Reflecting on her experience, Auja shared, “This past summer in the Galápagos Islands changed the way I think about food safety on a global scale. I learned so much from working with the farmers. Their innovative solutions to growing food in a highly conserved region were inspiring. I look forward to working with the connections that I made this summer to ensure the data I collected makes a difference!”

 Auja’s work was supported by funding from the Innovations in Graduate Education (IGE) project. She expressed gratitude to her advisor, Dr. Jasna Kovac, for her guidance; to Dr. Carter Hunt from the Department of Anthropology for connecting her with the Charles Darwin Foundation; and to the Foundation staff for their collaboration and support.