Sustainable Farming, and Marketing; Farmers Markets and Community Outreach

Interns: 1 : Sustainable Products, Farmers Markets

Primary Mentors: Dan Bancroft; Sara Hill

This research area examines the ecological and economic dimensions of sustainable agriculture, with a particular focus on heirloom fruit production, community‑based food systems, and value‑added organic products. Interns explore how diversified orchards, local markets, and sustainable technologies contribute to resilient regional food economies. Students gain experience in ecological assessment, market analysis, and community engagement while contributing to the development of sustainable, locally rooted agricultural models.

 

 

Heirloom Fruit, Nut, and Berry Orchards

Interns: 1

Primary Mentor: Lucy Chamberlain

This internship centers on the study and stewardship of heirloom tree crops and orchard systems, with potential expansion into nut‑bearing species. Interns investigate varietal characteristics, orchard ecology, and sustainable cultivation practices. The work supports long‑term preservation of genetic diversity while advancing organic orchard management strategies that strengthen local food systems.

 

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Interns: 1

Primary Mentors: Dan Bancroft; Sara Hill

Farmers markets serve as essential community hubs that strengthen local economies, expand food access, and support small and mid‑sized farms. Interns in this area examine the economic, social, and public‑health impacts of farmers markets, including SNAP/EBT programs, produce incentives, and nutrition education initiatives. Through hands‑on engagement with vendors, community partners, and outreach programs, interns develop skills in nonprofit operations, public education, and community‑based economic development.

 

Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Small Organic Farms

Interns: 1

Primary Mentor: 

This research area investigates emerging applications of artificial intelligence and remote‑sensing technologies in small‑scale organic agriculture. Interns explore tools such as satellite imagery, drones, lidar, and historical mapping methods to assess how data‑driven approaches can enhance sustainability, efficiency, and ecological monitoring. The work emphasizes both the opportunities and challenges of integrating advanced technologies into community‑based organic farming systems.

 

Field Botany and Entomology

Interns: 1

Primary Mentors: Michael Cunningham‑Minnick; Jessie Lanterman Novotny

Biological communities are shaped by complex interactions among plants, invertebrates, and other organisms. Interns in this area conduct independent ecological research focused on plant–invertebrate relationships that influence sustainable agriculture and natural ecosystems. Working at both the Greendale‑Couch Organic Farm and the James H. Barrow Biological Field Station of Hiram College, interns learn species identification, ecological sampling, data analysis, and scientific communication. They join a broader community of undergraduate researchers while contributing to long‑term ecological understanding and conservation.

 

Historic Preservation, Sustainable Building, and Communication

Interns: 1

Primary Mentors: Chad Kendzerski; Mary Buchenic;

This internship integrates historic preservation, sustainable construction, and community‑centered design. Interns study post‑and‑beam building techniques, commercial‑grade kitchen design, and natural outdoor cooking systems, including solar cooking. A central component of the internship involves contributing to the reconstruction of the historic Anderson Barn and engaging participants in the Summer Institute through hands‑on learning and public communication.

 

Pre‑European Peoples and Land Practices

Interns: 1

Primary Mentor: Merose Hwang

This research area explores Indigenous land‑use histories, ecological knowledge systems, and cultural relationships with the environment. Interns examine pre‑Columbian land practices to better understand sustainable stewardship traditions that inform contemporary ecological restoration and community education.

 

Land Histories and Use

Interns: 1

Primary Mentor: Christie Borkan

This internship investigates the historical development of the Greendale‑Couch Organic Farm property, including its buildings, land use, and ownership records. Interns analyze tax maps, deed transfers, courthouse archives, and historical documents from the 19th and 20th centuries. Additional work includes architectural analysis of the timber‑frame farmhouse, photographic documentation, and development of archival systems. The goal is to create a multidimensional understanding of the property’s historical fabric to inform future programming and stewardship.

 

Oral Histories

Interns: 1

Primary Mentor: To be assigned

The recent history of the Greendale‑Couch Farm is preserved in the memories of community members, workers, and families connected to the land. Interns in this area develop skills in oral‑history methodology, including interviewing, audio recording, transcription, and narrative documentation. The work captures stories about the farm’s people, agricultural practices, cultural landscapes, and ecological changes across the 20th and 21st centuries.

 

Communication and Social Media

Interns: 1

Primary Mentor: Chris Carman

This internship focuses on digital communication, public engagement, and the development of online educational resources. Interns support the creation and maintenance of the farm’s website, social media platforms, and outreach materials. The work emphasizes clear communication of scientific research, community programming, and the mission of the Greendale‑Couch Organic Farm Company.

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Microplastics in the orchard: Organic agriculture and sustainable solutions

Interns: 1 

In modern agricultural practices, commonly used plastics break down into microplastics, which fall into the orchard soil. Organic farming practices offer an alternative, whilst still requiring some plastics in weed mulches.  Working at both FCOF and the Organic Chemistry lab at Hiram College, interns learn sampling and extraction techniques, chemical and data analysis. The project centers on analyzing apple samples from the orchard to test for microplastics and comparing them with samples grown via conventional methods.