Davide Zoppolato
Davide Zoppolato is pursuing a Ph.D. in Geography at West Virginia University. In his PhD, Davide focuses on China-Pakistan relations in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. Before entering academia, Davide worked across Europe and spent over four years in China. During his time in China, he was involved in two EU Commission-funded research projects, studied Chinese language at major universities across China, worked for law firms, research centers, and advised companies on China-related issues. From July 2021 to August 2022, Davide was as a graduate researcher at the Center for Resilient Communities.
Cameron Rishworth
Cameron Rishworth is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geography with an interest in social movement learning. Cameron received a M.A. in Education from the University of Auckland, during which he conducted research in rural Central México. He has worked in grassroots community building initiatives throughout Aotearoa, Arizona, and California; with an emphasis on community members becoming protagonists of their own learning and education. |
Dylan Upperman
Dylan Upperman is currently pursuing a PhD in Geography, where his research examines the relationships and networks of labor, care, and education within Farm to School programming across West Virginia. He holds a BS in Environmental, Soil, and Water Sciences and an MA in Geography from West Virginia University. Dylan has worked extensively with the Center for Resilient Communities as both an intern and mentor in the Sustainable Development Internship and Appalachian Food Justice Institute, collaborating with farmers, organizations, and students across the state to advance food systems transformation. His ongoing work as a graduate student at the CRC focuses on how Farm to School programming is shaped by federal and state legislation, while also exploring how grassroots producer-school networks can organize to build resilience in the face of shifting funding landscapes.
Sam Bayne
Sam Bayne is a senior undergraduate student pursuing a BS in Environmental Soil and Water Sciences and a minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). He started at the CRC as a Sustainable Development Intern in 2024 working on a project seeking to understand the structure of farmland protection in West Virginia in pursuit of a West Virginia Agrarian Commons. Now, as an Undergraduate Research Assistant, he is using GIS to create a water security assessment tool called "Waterlink".
Molly Hardy
Molly Hardy is a first year Master's student in Geography. She completed her BA in Wildlife and Fisheries Resources from WVU in 2025. Her research focuses on understanding the landscape of environmental justice and flood hazards and vulnerability in West Virginia.
Gabrielle Frazier
Gabrielle Frazier is currently pursuing a M.A. degree in Geography. She has recently graduated from West Virginia University with a B.A. in Geography and English. Her research is focused on housing, economic, and rural community based development
Matthew Olivero
Matthew Olivero is a senior undergraduate student pursuing a BS in Earth and Environmental Science, a BA in Political Science, and a minor in Spanish. He started at the CRC as a Resilient Communities Intern at the beginning of 2025, and is now working as an Undergraduate Research Assistant on the Waterlink project.
Shelby Davis
Shelby Davis is majoring in Landscape Architecture and minoring in Arboriculture and Sustainable Design. She joined the CRC as a 2024 Sustainable Design Intern and has stayed on as an undergraduate research assistant focusing on Nourishing Networks, food policy councils, and the right to food.
Heaven Smith
Heaven Smith is pursuing her undergraduate in Human Nutrition and Food with a minor in Horticulture. Her research and ambition revolves around restoring health and joy through food and education. She aspires to become a dietitian to assist others in cultivating a healthy relationship with food. She is from Charleston WV and has moved to Morgantown to pursue her education in nutrition and food cultivation.
Kait Stewart
Kait Stewart is a Ph.D. candidate in Geography whose research examines community-based refugee resettlement initiatives across the United States. Originally from Lewisville, Texas, she earned a B.A. in History and Geography from Stephen F. Austin State University and an M.S. in Geography from the University of North Texas. Her work explores how refugee resettlement can serve as a catalyst for community building and resilience, highlighting the reciprocal relationships between refugees and the communities that welcome them.
Chrysanthe Kallimanis
Chrysanthe Kallimanis is pursuing her M.A. in Geography. She recently graduated with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Philosophy from St. Mary's College of Maryland. Her areas of interest are climate and environmental justice, along with ethics and feminist theories. She is a Commmunity-Engaged Research Assistant for The Center for Resilient Communities focused on the development of the Youth Leadership program.