Mariana Torres

Ph.D. Candidate in Environmental Health Sciences · UAlbany School of Public Health · company speakers →

I am a Ph.D. Candidate in Environmental Health Sciences at UAlbany, with a research focus on the intersection of food systems, public health, and sustainability. My work primarily examines the effects of food policy on fresh produce recovery and redistribution in New York’s Capital Region, conducted as part of the Capital Region FRESH project led by UAlbany researchers Beth Feingold and Xiaobo Xue Romeiko. Collaborating with my research team and community partners, I have assessed the effects of policies such as Nourish New York and the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law (organics waste ban) on produce surplus recovery, waste management, and environmental emissions. This involved conducting group model-building workshops with community partners and utilizing simulation modeling to identify pathways for sustainability and food security. My research has intersected with collaborative efforts in national networks and projects such as the Multiscale RECIPES network, the National Food Access and COVID Research Team (NFACT), and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) Tipping Points Grant Program.

Is this you? Claim this profile →

No public contact links on file.

Speaking history

NYS Food Summit

16 June 2026 Albany, United States “Unlocking Insights: Lessons from Community Partnerships in Research Collaborations between academics and community organizations can yield remarkable and transformative results. However, these partnerships must be rooted on trust and shared objectives. Join us for an insightful session where we delve into the lessons learned from a research project that explores the environmental and health impacts of surplus produce redistribution and policies like Nourish New York and the organics waste ban. How can academic research directly benefit practitioners and organizations? How can community organizations and academic partners can effectively connect for future collaborations? Join us for engaging discussions on practical insights and strategies to foster meaningful partnerships that drive real-world change. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, share, and network with fellow professionals and scholars. Let's work together to create impactful, sustainable solutions for our communities.”

Sectors

hospitality_travel_food

Sourcing speakers for your event?

Browse the speaker directory →