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kayanna@u.washington.edu
Major
International Studies and Conservation Biology
Research summary
My research took place in 2003-2004 in Yangjuan village in Southwestern China. It detailed the local political economics of agricultural transition. The village, remote and comprised of the Yi ethnic minority, was beginning to transition from subsistence agriculture to cash cropping. My research found that farmers were making this change because they hoped to have more cash income for rice and children's education and that they saw planting hybrid corn as the way to do it. I found that there was very mixed success, and that there are many steps the Chinese government needs to take to ensure that the process of development does more to help these farmers in remote areas. Additionally, I detailed the flow of hybrid seed and corn production, distribution, and processing, and the government's role at
various stages.
Presentation
"Economic and Environmental Implications of the Transition from Subsistence Farming to Cash Cropping in Rural China"; Eighth Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, University of Washington
Awards
- Morris K. Udall Scholarship (2004 and 2005) (http://www.udall.gov/p_scholarship.htm)
- UW Library Undergraduate Research Award (2005)
- Mary Gates Research Grant (Summer-Winter 2003-2004)
- UW Jackson School of International Studies Honors
- Truman Scholarship Finalist
Highlights
- Living in China, I learned how to make a few Sichuanese dishes and still enjoy making them at home in Seattle.
- I have interned at Pacific Development Partners in Seattle - a company working in sustainable development, which has many projects in China. I've applied some of my China experience towards this internship.
- I have also interned at the Washington Environmental Council and helped pass a green buildings bill in Spring 2005.
- I recently traveled to Germany and Italy. I blame my inspiration and ability to wander on my extensive travel in China and to Thailand the year I was abroad.
- In Seattle, I play rugby year-round.
