Christine Harris
Biographical Info
Christine was instantly drawn to wildlife conservation after spontaneously enrolling in an intensive veterinary science course her senior year of high school back home in Richmond, VA. After hearing about the Smithsonian-Mason semester program at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, VA, she knew that Mason was the only place she wanted to go to for her undergraduate degree. Still interested in wildlife conservation, she decided to pursue her degree majoring in biology, and minoring in applied conservation. After a friend told her about the organic garden on campus, she discovered a deep passion for sustainable agriculture. She was drawn to a more self-sufficient lifestyle, driven by the powers of community and care for the environment. She is still pursuing a degree in biology, and has also developed an interest in aquatic ecology and forestry.
Christine is an active member within the sustainability network at Mason. She has moved into a leadership position as president for the Green Patriots – a program group under the Office of Sustainability, which increases awareness about sustainability at Mason through education and campus-wide events. She also holds a leadership position for the GMU Organic Garden Association, and is involved in a student group that is actively working on bringing healthy and sustainable change to the food system on campus.
Christine is interested in continuing her education through research on how current agricultural practices, influenced by big business and industry, affect our local watersheds, and educating communities on more sustainable farming methods. Christine hopes to eventually own a small farm where she can continue to practice yoga, hike, and explore all of the amazing things life has to offer.