Setting Up a Food Microbiology Kiosk at the Ithaca Farmers Market

Building upon her 2021-22 Engaged Faculty Fellow project, Kathleen Hefferon is continuing to develop the idea of establishing a kiosk at the Ithaca Farmers Market, where the community can learn about food microbiology. For this year’s project, Hefferon is taking steps to incorporate the kiosk concept into a community-engaged learning course — designing a syllabus, course projects and reflection assignments.

“There is a lot going on with people and food! Misconceptions and access to information are important. I think the community outside of Cornell could benefit enormously from having a place to receive information about food microbiology.” —Kathleen Hefferon

Setting Up a Microbiology and Food Science Kiosk at the Farmers Market

Kathleen Hefferon is always trying to think of ways to get people excited about STEM disciplines. Recognizing that the Ithaca Farmers Market is a fun space for foodies, tourists and families to gather, Hefferon is developing a kiosk at the market that showcases how important microbes are in our food. Cornell students staffing the kiosk will get hands-on experience in communicating science and teaching the public. Visitors to the kiosk will learn how foods — including cheese, sauerkraut, bread and yogurt — are made using microbes.