chellwin

I grew up in Olathe, KS, attended St. Olaf college in Northfield Minnesota, where an agronomy class got me interested in Wes Jackson's research. After college, I was fortunate enough to spend several years working and learning at the Land Institute in Salina, Kansas. There, I was introduced to the ideas of Wes Jackson, Wendell Berry, John Todd, Bill Mollison and others. These years set my internal compass toward working on the problems of agriculture and human livelihood. After completing a Masters Degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Tennessee in 1996, I spent several years walking back roads, living in fire towers, and building trails in our national forests. I also got married (to Tracie Hartman) and we served as a Peace Corps volunteers in Panama. In 2001 I returned to Knoxville to begin working, once again, for the Agricultural Policy Analysis Center. I recently completed a PhD in Geography from the University of Tennessee and continue to work for APAC as a research assistant professor. My wife, 6 year old son and I live in the Parkridge Neighborhood of Knoxville, which is an uban area with quite small lots (50x150feet). In the near future, I hope to devote more of my time and efforts to what I really love doing--practicing and sharing permaculture.