Zhenzhong Si | Sustainable Food Systems | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Zhenzhong Si | Sustainable Food Systems | Best Researcher Award

Research Manager at Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada.

Dr. Zhenzhong Si is a dedicated researcher and academic professional with a wealth of experience in sustainable food systems, food security, and rural development. His journey in academia has seen him hold various positions, including Project Research Manager at Wilfrid Laurier University and Adjunct Faculty at the University of Waterloo. With a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Waterloo, Dr. Si’s research interests span across sustainable food systems, food security, alternative food networks, and rural development. He has received numerous awards and scholarships for his academic excellence and has successfully led and participated in several research projects funded by prestigious organizations. Dr. Si’s teaching experience includes instructing courses on topics such as global food governance, food ethics, and sustainability. His diverse skill set encompasses research methodology, project management, grant writing, and proposal development, making him a valuable asset in addressing critical challenges in food systems and agriculture.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

Dr. Zhenzhong Si pursued his academic journey with a keen focus on Geography, culminating in a PhD from the University of Waterloo, Canada, where he delved into the intricacies of Alternative Food Networks and Rural Development Initiatives in China. Under the guidance of Dr. Steffanie Scott, his research explored the characterization, contestations, and interactions within these networks. Prior to his doctoral studies, he obtained a Master’s in Land Management from Beijing Normal University, China, where his research investigated the opportunity cost of food production input in Beijing’s countryside. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science, specializing in Resource Management and Urban-Rural Planning, from the same institution. Through these educational pursuits, Dr. Si has developed a deep understanding of geographical phenomena, particularly in the context of sustainable food systems and rural development initiatives.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Zhenzhong Si brings a rich blend of academic expertise and research acumen to his professional endeavors. Currently serving as a Project Research Manager at Wilfrid Laurier University, he spearheads initiatives aimed at advancing knowledge in sustainable food systems. With previous roles as an Adjunct Faculty at the University of Waterloo and a Sessional Lecturer at the University of Toronto, Dr. Si has actively contributed to the education and training of future scholars. His journey in academia began as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Wilfrid Laurier University, where he made significant research contributions. Additionally, his experience as a Research Associate at the University of Waterloo underscores his commitment to scholarly inquiry. As a Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Scholar, Dr. Si was recognized for his dedication to research excellence. Through these diverse roles, Dr. Si continues to make meaningful contributions to the fields of sustainable food systems, food security, and rural development.

Research Interest:

Dr. Zhenzhong Si’s research interests span several critical areas within the realm of sustainable development and food systems. His primary focus lies in exploring sustainable food systems, delving into issues of food security and safety. Dr. Si is particularly interested in alternative food networks and their role in fostering resilience in rural communities. His research also extends to the intersection of food systems with broader themes such as rural development and environmental sustainability. Through his work, Dr. Si aims to contribute to the development of innovative solutions that address contemporary challenges in food production, distribution, and consumption, ultimately promoting more equitable and sustainable food systems globally.

Award and Honors:

Dr. Zhenzhong Si has garnered significant recognition throughout his academic and professional journey, marked by a series of prestigious awards and honors. His contributions to academia and research have been acknowledged with distinctions such as the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship-Advanced Scholars and the Outstanding Achievement in Graduate Studies Award from the University of Waterloo. Dr. Si’s excellence extends beyond his research endeavors; he has also been recognized for his teaching prowess, evident in his appointments as Adjunct Faculty at the University of Waterloo and Sessional Lecturer at the University of Toronto. Additionally, his success in securing research grants, including those from the New Frontiers in Research Fund, CIHR Operating Grant, and SSHRC Partnership Grant, underscores his commitment to advancing knowledge in critical areas such as sustainable food systems and food security. These accolades reflect Dr. Si’s dedication, expertise, and profound impact in his field.

Teaching Experience:

Dr. Zhenzhong Si has demonstrated his passion for education through his extensive teaching experience at various academic institutions. Serving as an instructor at Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Toronto, he has designed and delivered courses on topics ranging from global governance to sustainable food systems. In these roles, Dr. Si developed comprehensive syllabi, conducted lectures, facilitated seminars, and supervised student projects. His teaching style emphasizes interactive learning, incorporating participatory activities and discussions to engage students effectively. Moreover, Dr. Si’s commitment to fostering a stimulating learning environment is evident in his efforts to provide constructive feedback and support to students throughout their academic journey. Through his teaching endeavors, Dr. Si not only imparts knowledge but also inspires and empowers the next generation of scholars and practitioners in fields related to global governance, food ethics, and sustainability.

Research Skills:

Dr. Zhenzhong Si possesses a diverse set of research skills honed through his extensive academic and professional experience. His proficiency encompasses various methodological approaches and analytical techniques crucial for conducting rigorous research in the fields of sustainable food systems, food security, alternative food networks, and rural development. Dr. Si is adept at qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation. He demonstrates proficiency in conducting literature reviews, qualitative interviews, surveys, and statistical analyses to generate insightful findings and contribute to scholarly knowledge. Moreover, Dr. Si has strong skills in research project management, grant writing, and proposal development, as evidenced by his successful involvement in securing research funding from prestigious organizations. His interdisciplinary background and collaborative approach enable him to engage with complex research questions effectively and produce impactful research outcomes that address pressing global challenges in food systems and agriculture.

Publications:

  1. “Contradictions in state-and civil society-driven developments in China’s ecological agriculture sector” by S Scott, Z Si, T Schumilas, A Chen
    • Citations: 180
    • Year: 2014
  2. “Characterizing alternative food networks in China” by Z Si, T Schumilas, S Scott
    • Citations: 162
    • Year: 2015
  3. “The transformation of trust in China’s alternative food networks: disruption, reconstruction, and development” by RY Wang, Z Si, CN Ng, S Scott
    • Citations: 77
    • Year: 2015
  4. “Achieving urban food security through a hybrid public-private food provisioning system: the case of Nanjing, China” by T Zhong, Z Si, J Crush, S Scott, X Huang
    • Citations: 62
    • Year: 2019
  5. “COVID-19 containment and food security in the Global South” by J Crush, Z Si
    • Citations: 61
    • Year: 2020
  6. “Wet markets, supermarkets and alternative food sources: consumers’ food access in Nanjing, China” by Z Si, S Scott, C McCordic
    • Citations: 60
    • Year: 2018
  7. “The convergence of alternative food networks within “rural development” initiatives: the case of the New Rural Reconstruction Movement in China” by Z Si, S Scott
    • Citations: 58
    • Year: 2015
  8. “Organic Food and Farming in China: Top-down and Bottom-up Ecological Initiatives” by S Scott, Z Si, T Schumilas, A Chen
    • Citations: 52
    • Year: 2018
  9. “The Impact of Proximity to Wet Markets and Supermarkets on Household Dietary Diversity in Nanjing City, China” by T Zhong, Z Si, J Crush, Z Xu, X Huang, S Scott
    • Citations: 43
    • Year: 2018
  10. “Food safety in urban China: Perceptions and coping strategies of residents in Nanjing” by Z Si, J Regnier-Davies, S Scott
    • Citations: 35
    • Year: 2017