11/13/2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Heather Fisher, a Michigan State University student from South Lyon, will attend the International Students Summit on Food, Agriculture and the Environment In the New Century in Tokyo, Japan, Nov.14-21.
Fisher is a dietetic intern and part-time master's student at MSU. She received her bachelor of science degree in dietetics from MSU.
"This trip will be of benefit to me in that I will gain valuable knowledge on the agricultural practices and problems that countries and families face in monsoon Asia," Fisher said. "I'll also be able to experience Asian culture, which will teach me a great deal about how Asians view the world and the problems they face."
The summit was organized to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the founding of the Tokyo University of Agriculture and provides an opportunity for students from throughout the world to discuss and exchange ideas on food and environmental issues.
"When I was younger I had a hard time deciding if I should save the rain forest or save the world from sickness and disease," Fisher said. "I decided working with people was a better fit for me."
There will be two days of discussions. The first day's focus will be on food production and the environment, and the second day will focus on food safety.
Fisher will serve as a commentator on the second day of the summit, summarizing the presentations and discussions that day. The summit participants will then work on the "Tokyo Declaration," which will be adopted and made public.
The declaration will include a summary of the two sessions, future directions in international cooperation with respect to the major issues that were discussed during the summit, the roles young people play and appeals to the world in terms of development in the new century.
Fisher has been preparing for her role as a commentator by learning Japanese, reading about Japanese culture and paying attention to world issues.
"I am trying to read the papers of everyone in my session to help me summarize the food safety sessions in advance," Fisher said. "Everyone who is presenting had to write a 10-page paper on the topic they are presenting."
Fisher was chosen to attend the summit after she attended the International Food Laws and Regulations study abroad program in Europe. She was encouraged to write an essay on food safety. The essay was submitted to MSU faculty members Tom Watson, Ewen Todd and Rhonda Crackel who participated in Fisher's study abroad program. From the essay, Fisher was chosen to attend the summit.
"She is articulate, has international experience, relates well with people, is a good speaker and has good perceptions on food related issues," said Vincent Hegarty, professor of food science and human nutrition. "She also travels well overseas."
The Tokyo University of Agriculture is providing Fisher airfare, accommodations and a living allowance while she is there.
"I really appreciate the opportunity to represent MSU at the student summit," Fisher said. "By understanding what the issues are, I believe we as students can work with other countries to fight sickness and disease, as well as world hunger."