The Trail Less Traveled

Neva Hassanein is a Professor of Environmental Studies at the University ofMontana, where she has taught since 2000. Neva earned her Doctorate inEnvironmental Studies from the University of Wisconsin and her Masters degreefrom the University of Oregon.Neva is author of the book, Changing the Way America Farms: Knowledge andCommunity in the Sustainable Agriculture Movement. Her recent scholarshipdevelops the concept of “food democracy,” which is the idea that people can andshould meaningfully participate in shaping the food system, rather than remainpassive consumers on the sidelines. Her work has explored various issues, such asfarmland loss, regional food economies, pesticides, the US organic program, andbiotechnology.An engaged scholar, Neva is active beyond the academy, attempting to put researchinto practice at the local level. She and her students help strengthen Montana’s foodsystem through community-based research projects and active partnerships.Neva served on the Missoula City-County Consolidated Pla