Jessica Mukiri
Being a Public Scholar means reimagining academic research so that it directly serves people, communities and society. Research has long shaped social and environmental change, but in recent years trust in academic institutions has waned, often because research is seen as detached from lived realities. A Public Scholar actively addresses this gap by ensuring that knowledge does not remain confined to academic journals or conferences but is translated into meaningful dialogue and action.
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Research description
What does being a Public Scholar mean?
To me, being a Public Scholar means reimagining academic research so that it directly serves people, communities and society. Research has long shaped social and environmental change, but in recent years trust in academic institutions has waned, often because research is seen as detached from lived realities. A Public Scholar actively addresses this gap by ensuring that knowledge does not remain confined to academic journals or conferences but is translated into meaningful dialogue and action. For my work, this means engaging directly with farmers, policymakers, and community organizations to create knowledge that is relevant, accessible and useful. By listening and working alongside stakeholders, we can develop practical and fair solutions. Being a Public Scholar is not only about producing rigorous scholarship but also about ensuring that it fosters understanding and builds trust.
In what ways do you think the PhD experience can be re-imagined with this Initiative?
Building trust with communities takes time, yet these efforts are often undervalued in the traditional metrics of academia. The Public Scholars Initiative re-imagines the PhD by creating space for this kind of work — providing a supportive community of like-minded scholars, opportunities to develop skills in translating research for both academic and non-academic audiences, and access to funding for projects that often fall outside the conventional academic scope. Through PSI, the PhD becomes not only a training in scholarship but also a pathway to producing knowledge that is collaborative, accessible and impactful.
How do you envision connecting your PhD work with broader career possibilities?
My PhD is a foundation for a career that bridges research, policy and community engagement. The analytical and methodological skills I am developing — such as conducting qualitative and quantitative research — are directly transferable to a range of professions. Beyond academia, these competencies are highly relevant to roles in policy development, non-profit leadership, international organizations and applied research institutes that focus on climate change, food security and agricultural transitions. My research also strengthens my ability to translate knowledge into practice by engaging directly with farmers and policymakers. I’m learning how to share evidence in ways that support real decision-making — whether that’s in government, community initiatives or international discussions about food systems. This experience is preparing me to connect rigorous scholarship with public impact, so that what I learn in my PhD not only advances academic debates but also helps shape fairer and more sustainable futures. Ultimately, I hope to pursue a career that integrates rigorous scholarship with public impact — where the lessons from my PhD not only advance academic debates but also inform tangible solutions for more equitable and sustainable futures.
How does your research engage with the larger community and social partners?
My PhD has required me to build meaningful relationships with farmers and farmer organizations in Canada, including the National Farmers Union, as well as collaborations with researchers at the University of Waterloo and the University of the Fraser Valley. I also continue to maintain active research networks in East Africa. These partnerships ensure that my work is grounded in lived realities and help build trust with the communities and organizations most directly affected by the food system. It was through conversations with farmers that I decided to apply to the Public Scholars Initiative. My goal is to produce research that is academically rigorous while also meeting the needs and priorities of the stakeholders I work with, ensuring that the knowledge I generate is both relevant and actionable.
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I decided to pursue a PhD after four years as a Research Associate at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, a research and development organization part of the CGIAR. There, I saw firsthand the importance of participatory, interdisciplinary research in addressing complex food system challenges. I wanted to deepen my expertise, strengthen my ability to generate knowledge that supports communities, influence policy and contribute to equitable, sustainable solutions.
Why did you choose to come to British Columbia and study at UBC?
I chose UBC because of its global leadership in sustainability research. I was especially drawn to the work of my supervisor, Dr. Navin Ramankutty, whose expertise in food systems sustainability aligns closely with my own research interests. The Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (my program) provides an ideal environment for me to grow academically, professionally, and personally.
