Seema Magazine

Interview – Madhura Rao

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The fields of public policy, food law, and sustainability often intersect and overlap in their efforts to promote the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and the environment.

Madhura Rao is working in this space as she pursues her Ph.D. “But at heart, what I truly am is a foodie. All my professional endeavours come from a place of wanting to understand food and food systems better. Everything I do for work, I do with a singular agenda – I want us to be able to enjoy good, nourishing food in the years to come. And while this sounds rather straightforward or even simplistic, the changing climate and looming resource scarcity make it a challenging goal to achieve.”

Public policy refers to the actions and decisions taken by governments and other public authorities to address social, economic, and environmental issues. ‘Food law’ concerns laws and regulations that govern the production, distribution, and consumption of food.

“I never expected to enjoy teaching when I began my PhD in 2019, but my experience teaching various courses at Maastricht University’s undergraduate program, which focuses on food and sustainability, changed my perspective. The small campus in Venlo, my students’ enthusiasm for these subjects, and the innovative assessment methods used by my colleagues all contributed to my newfound passion for teaching. As an educator, I find it rewarding to spark curiosity in my students and to provide them with the tools to pursue and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. I have taught courses on topics such as food safety, modelling, academic and research skills, and the political and economic aspects of the food system.”

Read the full story that first appeared in Seema’s weekly magazine here:

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