Evan Starnes
Soil Ecology Intern
Evan was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and has spent most of his time in Arlington, Texas, for the past two years as a student of UT-Arlington. Evan graduated from Westlake High School in 2022, where he prioritized his studies in math and science by taking advanced classes in these subjects. He is now in his second year of college at The University of Texas at Arlington working on his BS in Environmental Science, taking courses in General Chemistry, Calculus, health in the environment, and ecology-based biology. Evan also advocates for the value of the education that he received as a Boy Scout (now Scouting America), where he practiced leadership, first aid, conservation, and camping skills. Prior to joining The Land Institute, Evan worked at a plant nursery to pursue tasks like watering, pruning, cashiering, and customer service. Because his position at The Land Institute will involve both heavy lifting and caring for plants in the summer heat, he feels prepared based on his past work experience. His work as a counselor at a
scout camp last summer has also prepared him to work outdoors in the heat with other people with a variety of personalities.
Q&A
What’s most inspiring about your specific position at The Land Institute?
I am most inspired by collecting the data from the soil samples used to grow the wheat crops. This is because I care deeply about ensuring that the perennial grain that The Land Institute is developing has the ability to be used to support communities struggling with food shortages. On top of that, I am excited to be working out in the Kansas prairie, a beautiful and underappreciated sight.
What drew you to work at The Land Institute?
As an environmental science major with an interest in food security, I wanted an internship that would allow me to see what a job in this field would be like hands-on. After I read the job description, I knew that the work would help me discover what I want to do long term.
What perennial grain do you look forward to eating most, and how would you prepare it?
I am excited to try Kernza in the form of bread so that I can compare it to bread made with traditional wheat. I’m sure there’s nothing like freshly baked bread made from a fresh harvest!
What else are you passionate about outside of work?
I am a unicyclist and juggler! Whether it be riding my one wheel off road, throwing some combos, or combining the skills, I’m all in and excited to share what I can do with others who take interest.
If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
As I have a passion for protecting the environment and am interested in the well-being of foreign communities, I think it would be interesting to shed light on how cultures who live with subsistence agriculture or those who hunt and gather live their daily life and what challenges they have
especially with climate change. If my career involves working with these individuals, perhaps I could document and advocate for these people through my writing. If I don’t work in this field, I may be able to write a fictitious narrative supported by research.
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