Meet Stephanie Kasper, a UTRGV Unsung Hero
Text by Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa
Stephanie Kasper, program manager for UTRGV’s School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences on the Edinburg campus, works within the research program on Agroecology and Resilient Food Systems. This work includes the management of UTRGV’s Hub of Prosperity Farm and the organic Agroecology Research Garden.
At the farm, Kasper says she works with a team of student staff and volunteers in order to keep operations running smoothly. A core goal for the farm is to create opportunities for agricultural learning, which Kasper says she’s able to cultivate each day. “My job gives me opportunities every day to practice new skills with students and community members,” she said.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT UTRGV?
I’m a program manager in Dr. Alex Racelis’s research program on Agroecology and Resilient Food Systems. That includes working on sustainable agriculture research and educational outreach projects and managing UTRGV’s Hub of Prosperity Farm and the certified organic Agroecology Research Garden on the Edinburg Campus.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED HERE?
I’ve worked at UTRGV for six years total – four years full-time in my current position and two years as a graduate student assistant, also for the Agroecology Program.
DESCRIBE YOUR AVERAGE DAY
My average workday starts at the Hub of Prosperity Farm. Where I work with a team of student assistants, staff and volunteers to care for the 5-acre farm and keep all farm activities flowing smoothly. Those activities include hosting UTRGV student groups for tours or coursework in our outdoor classroom, holding community workshops on conservation practices like rainwater harvest or soil health, training student employees on vegetable production and safe equipment use, and setting up small research trials.
It is incredibly special to start every day outside in a healthy urban greenspace, surrounded by folks who are actively building a strong and just local food system. My afternoons are filled with the behind the scenes work that makes the beautiful mornings possible – meetings, reports and grant applications, event planning, project budgets, record-keeping, research and data analysis, mentoring student employees, and even more meetings.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
I love coaching people while they’re learning a new skill or technique that makes them feel more capable and powerful. My job gives me opportunities every day to practice new skills with students and community members. One core goal of the Hub of Prosperity Farm is to create opportunities for agricultural learning, skills development and community building, and I find a lot of personal meaning in that mission.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MEMORY, OR STORY, ABOUT YOUR TIME HERE?
Every May, at the peak of tomato season, the Hub of Prosperity holds a Tomato Fest and invites the public to taste test 20+ tomato varieties with us and celebrate a season of agricultural abundance. I dreamed of Tomato Fest for years before it became a reality and it’s my favorite farm community outreach event of the year.
TELL US SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU:
My partner John and I replaced our lawn with vegetable gardens and native plants and grew over 150 pounds of food at home last year. We also have backyard chickens, which give us endless entertainment and the best eggs in town.
WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UTRGV COMMUNITY?
I’m a proud UTRGV master’s alum and so pleased to remain in the UTRGV community as staff. I’ve gotten to know UTRGV community members from all the different departments and programs who have passed through the farm. And I would love to meet even more! Everyone is welcome to visit us at the Hub of Prosperity Farm or Edinburg Campus Garden to check out what’s growing this season and learn about our local food system!
