...my thesis [is] about how to live (and eat) sustainably in a changing climate.

Short Bio: Milena in her own words

I am in my second year of my PhD in Geography and Planning [within the Macquarie School of Social Sciences] and I am completing my thesis by publication. Prior to starting my PhD at Macquarie, I completed an MRes in Geography and Planning and a Graduate Certificate in Environment at Macquarie as well.

I would consider myself a life-long learner with a passion for environmental and social sustainability. In particular, I am really interested in learning about and understanding global environmental change and food system change.

Tell us about your research topic in 100 words or less

My research is a case study about the future of the dairy industry in Aotearoa New Zealand. The clean green image of Aotearoa is challenged by the growing environmental pressures of intensive dairy production.

I am drawn to this topic because it covers several complex issues ranging from understanding politics, economics, environmental science, agricultural science, as well as social and cultural dynamics across rural and urban society.

Although dairy from Aotearoa is produced locally, it is exported globally. Through this case study, my thesis addresses the broader question about how to live (and eat) sustainably in a changing climate.

My first paper as part of my thesis was recently published which you can check out here: A Review of the Megatrends in the Global Dairy Sector: What are the sociological implications? This paper provides the necessary context for my case study.

What led you to do a PhD/MPhil/MRes in this area, and what keeps you motivated?

Frisian cows in a field in Aotearoa New Zealand I was led to this project for three  main reasons. Firstly, my MRes fieldwork was based in the South Island of Aotearoa and while there, many people I met talked about the issues of dairy intensification and the impacts it had on their environment, especially with regards to their waters ways (as many rivers and streams are now too polluted for recreational use).

Secondly, and on a more personal note, I grew up in Aotearoa and have so many happy memories that were shaped by the environment from snowy mountains to rivers, oceans, forests and wetlands. It almost feels like I get to return home by doing this work which in turn motivates me to try and make a positive contribution to the social and environmental future of a place that means so much to me.

Thirdly, as this is such a complex case study, it also enables me to engage in discussions about food systems and environmental change in other contexts as well because similar issues around food sustainability are occurring in other parts of the world.

How have your experiences outside of academia informed your research?

I have had a range of experiences outside of academia that have informed my research. From learning about plant-based diets and the health and environmental impacts of what we eat, to watching documentaries about animal agriculture and food production, working on fruit and vegetable farms in rural Victoria, volunteering with food based organisations as well as a keen interest in gardening and plants.

All of these different experiences led me to notice and appreciate the array of flora and fauna that make up our environment and encouraged me to think more critically about human-environment relations.

What has been the highlight of your graduate research career to date?

The highlight of my graduate research career so far has been the research projects I have been fortunate enough to engage with outside of my PhD thesis.

These include working with the Sydney Environment Institute on a report about Just Transitions from coal in Australia. In addition to this, I recently completed a Macquarie graduate research internship working on a comparison study on the sustainability of plant-based meats and animal-based beef.

Through both these projects, I have been able to further develop my communication and research (in both qualitative and quantitative methods) skills which I can now readily apply to my own work.

Who inspires you?

I am inspired by my Mum and my Dad who I would characterise as innately curious individuals. My parents taught me the value of always learning new things and how to think critically by engaging with different world views.

As a child, I always thought of my Dad as a walking encyclopedia because I could ask him about any time in human history, and he always had an answer. That always made me want to learn more about the world around me.

As an adult, I look up to my Mum who is a high school teacher, as she continues to show me the value of education and how empowering students to learn and express themselves fosters positive learning environments.

Milena is a PhD Candidate in the Macquarie School of Social Sciences.