By Kadence Baker
The FRESH initiative at Clemson University is a multi-disciplinary hub for research and innovation to address critical issues related to food waste and sustainability. Located in the Harris A. Smith Building, its mission is to have a major impact on the reduction of food waste. This means looking holistically at the food value chain to identify opportunities that reimagine the processes, sciences, technologies and behaviors for the greater good of society.
Kristy Pickurel, marketing and events manager
Recently, new members joined the team alongside Anne Barr, executive director of the FRESH initiative, Dr. Windsor Sherrill, Clemson’s associate vice president for health and research, and Dr. Jeff Rhodehamel, associate director of the Sonoco Institute and professor of food, nutrition and packaging science.
Kristy Pickurel was recently hired full-time as the new marketing and events manager for FRESH. She is originally from North Carolina and graduated from Elon University with a degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing. Pickurel has worked in various marketing roles for nearly two decades and joins the FRESH team from the Environmental Research and Education Foundation, a nonprofit that funds research and education for sustainable waste management practices.
Christian Hussey, administrative assistant
Christian Hussey is the new, full-time administrative assistant for FRESH. Hussey is originally from Manning, SC. In December she graduated from Clemson with a degree in parks, recreation and tourism management. In a former role at Clemson, Hussey helped manage events for the president’s box at Clemson football games. With that experience, she has been a wealth of knowledge to help plan the FRESH Food Waste & Sustainability Summit on Sept. 22-23 at Clemson.
Ana Romero, Ph.D. candidate
Ana Romero is a Ph.D. candidate in packaging science at Clemson. Romero has multiple degrees, including a degree from the University of Costa Rica as well as an M.S. in food science from Clemson. Romero’s research is focused on intelligent packaging with sustainable materials. She plans to graduate with her doctorate this August.
Caroline Trembly, social media intern
Caroline Trembly is the social media intern for FRESH. She is a senior marketing major from Greenville, SC. She enjoys working on content creation and brand strategy. Her focus is on combining logistics and strategy in a creative space. Trembly is also an intern for the Erwin Center for Brand Communications at Clemson.
Kaylea von Seggern, market research intern
Kaylea von Seggern is FRESH’s market research intern. Von Seggern is a senior marketing major and packaging science minor at Clemson. Von Seggern recently finished her term as president of the Clemson Marketing Association and is heavily involved with her sorority. Before joining the FRESH team, von Seggern interned for Sealed Air Corporation.
Visit www.sonocofresh.com to learn more about Clemson’s FRESH initiative.
