Student Research

Graduate Research

To learn more about prior research, please visit the Student Garden website.

Undergraduate Research

The Sustainable Agriculture Internship will explore where food comes from, gardening, and sustainable forms of agriculture. The mission of the Sustainable Agriculture Program is to provide and support experiential education, research, and food production for the College of Charleston, local schools, and Charleston regional community members using sustainable lowcountry gardening practices. The hope is that by providing this interaction, the lowcountry community will understand where and how their food is produced, and will feel empowered with knowledge and skills to grow their own food with practices that preserve the land for future use. Interns will have the opportunity to learn through hands-on experience, reviewing literature, and in-person discussions. 

Any undergraduates interested in conducting research with the Sustainable Agriculture Program should contact Lucy Davis (davislh@cofc.edu) for more information. 

Previous research topics included:

  • Weighing the waste vs. waste audits
    • Can/Does the College conduct a waste audit?
    • How can the College of Charleston be more sustainable?
    • How can college students be encouraged to practice the principles of zero-waste in their everyday lives?
    • Are there local organizations that provide resources to support zero-waste practices?
  • What is permaculture? Why is it important? What are some local examples?
    • Exploring closed loop systems, perennial crops (agroforestry), multi-functional landscapes (stacking functions), water catchment, and working with nature
      • How can we practice these tenants in our campus gardens?
      • What elements can we educate students to use in their lives?
    • How do zero-waste practices play into permaculture?
    • Are there local organizations that provide resources on permaculture or support permaculture practices?
  • Are community supported agriculture programs a sustainable step toward zero-waste and permaculture?
    • How can the student gardens provide a community supported agriculture program that incorporates these practices?
    • How can we provide effective educational outreach events to the campus community?
    • Are there local organizations that provide resources for community supported agriculture?
    • Why is local food important?
  • Growing New Farmers Program
    • Understanding the efforts of Lowcountry Local First’s program:
      • Why is it happening?
      • What do participants learn?
      • How can the College collaborate?

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