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The EdEN Lab: Education, Evaluation, and Nutrition at the University of Texas at Austin

May 18, 2024 5 min. read

Who Are They? EdEN Lab has drawn research insights from the Austin School Garden Project, which involves more than 100 schools, to identify successful strategies that help overcome challenges faced by school gardens. They support school gardens, teachers, and communities through research, evaluation, and training.

EdEN Lab Team

“The heart of EdEN Lab is to empower teachers and connect students to nutrition through education in school gardens.

EdEN Lab

EdEN Lab Students

Get involved

Are you interested in incorporating outdoor lessons into your school program? The EdEN lab offers two training programs: SproUTing Teachers and the EdEN Interns Program. 

SproUTing Teachers is an individualized training program that focuses on guiding instructors in adapting their curriculum for outdoor learning. It also aids schools in creating permanent organizational structures for garden sustainability. 

The EdEn Interns Program links undergraduate students in UT’s nutrition program with mentor teachers. The interns are tasked with developing and delivering outdoor lessons adapted from their mentors’ ‘indoor’ curriculum. 

For more information about how to apply to the EdEN lab programs visit https://www.edenut.org/

 

The Team 

The EdEn Lab team is composed of five women who contribute unique qualities to the success of the program.

 

Dr. Davis
Dr. Jamie Davis, PhD, RD, is the director of the EdEn Lab. Her research involves creating and testing school and community-based gardening and cooking programs. She enjoys contributing to research that helps people live healthier lives.
 Michele Hockett Cooper, MS, is the Lecturer/School Garden Trainer for the EdEN lab . She directs the EdEN Interns Program and is passionate about supporting a healthy global food system.
Michele Hockett Cooper, MS, is the Lecturer/School Garden Trainer for the EdEN lab . She directs the EdEN Interns Program and is passionate about supporting a healthy global food system.
Bonnie Martin serves the School Garden Coach for the EdEN lab and serves as an instructional coach and consultant. She helps train teachers and volunteers to effectively use school gardens.
Bonnie Martin serves the School Garden Coach for the EdEN lab and serves as an instructional coach and consultant. She helps train teachers and volunteers to effectively use school gardens.
Katie Nikah, MPH, is the Lab Manager/Senior Research Project Coordinator for the EdEN lab. She has over a decade of experience working in community-based health initiatives and believes that learning outdoors connects children to nature and fosters adventurous spirits.
Katie Nikah, MPH, is the Lab Manager/Senior Research Project Coordinator for the EdEN lab. She has over a decade of experience working in community-based health initiatives and believes that learning outdoors connects children to nature.
Valerie Cordes, MS, is a School Garden Coach for the EdEN lab. She serves as a teacher mentor for SproUTing Teachers and is passionate about improving student health with Texas educators.
Valerie Cordes, MS, is a School Garden Coach for the EdEN lab. She serves as a teacher mentor for SproUTing Teachers and is passionate about improving student health with Texas educators.

Visit https://www.edenut.org/resources to find resources about starting and maintaining a school garden, forming and training a team, and how to engage your extended school community. 

 

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