Reece Knapic
Research Scientist I, Perennial Cultures Lab
As a longtime Lawrence, Kansas resident, Reece completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Kansas in 2019. After completing this degree, Reece continued his education at KU and received a Master of Arts degree in Geography as well as a graduate certificate in Geographic Information Sciences in 2022. During this time, Reece worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for 3 years, instructing courses for the Environmental Studies and Geography departments at the university. While teaching, Reece worked collaboratively with teachers and students and gained valuable experience in presenting and creating educational materials.
These skills will assist Reece in collaborating with a wide range of civic science participants and creating compelling educational materials for use by citizen scientists and other teams at The Land Institute.
Q&A
What’s most inspiring about your specific position at TLI?
I’m inspired both by being able to work with, educate, and learn from civic scientists. I also find it inspiring that I am doing my part in furthering the goal of perennial agriculture.
What drew you to work at TLI?
My desire to work at The Land Institute was initially spurred by a TLI researcher coming to speak at the University of Kansas. His research inspired me while I was working on an undergraduate research project about the bioimplications of agricultural conservation projects. I then continued to focus on social agricultural research in my M.A. and continued to carry a torch for TLI until I graduated.
What else are you passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work, I love hiking and learning how to use film cameras! My favorite subject to photograph is my corgi, Frances! My fiancée and I also love to obnoxiously overanalyze movies. We love watching everything from old-school Dracula to all the newest movies in theaters.
What’s your motto/favorite quote?
My favorite quote is by the poet Rumi:
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,
doesn’t make any sense.”
What were you like at age 10?
At the age of 10, I spent most of my time trudging around in a creek that ran behind my family’s home, building “forts” and chasing what little wildlife can be found in the suburbs.
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