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Sharing Idea and Exploring Cambodian Culture - Meghan Mize

This week, I had a fantastic opportunity to present the initial findings of my research and our project’s activities at the Annual Asia Food Safety and Security Association (AFSA) International Conference on Food Safety and Food Security. My timing for getting this awesome opportunity to work in Cambodia couldn’t have been any better as this year, as it was my host university’s (the Royal University of Agriculture) turn to organize the conference. This year, the conference was hosted in Siem Reap, the site of the famous Angkor Wat.

Every two years, AFSA brings together scientists and practitioners from across Asia to present on their research and projects in a forum committed to exchanging ideas on a wide range of ideas on food security and food safety. Many researchers in Asia find attending large, international conferences cost-prohibitive, and the goal of AFSA is to host an accessible platform for information exchange in the region.

I was incredibly fortunately to have the opportunity to learn about the work of so many researchers from all across Asia, and I tried to contribute back by assisting in the organizing of the event as best I could and sharing some about my summer project. In giving an oral presentation about my work, I was able to practice my presentation skills and get some feedback on my project. I also was able to present a poster and see my work lined up with the amazing researchers who attended the conference (how cool!).






On the third day of the conference we also had the opportunity to visit innovative farmers in the area who are working on food safety and security issues in their community. One farmer was working with the Royal University of Agriculture to promote conservation agriculture. Other farmers were using innovative, low-cost cooling technologies to preserve food quality and deliver safe produce to their communities.





Biking through the Angkor temple complex

Lastly, the conference reserved some time for the participants to learn more about the history of Cambodia and explore the nearby cultural sites. Attempting to understand the historical and cultural context of the place in which you are working is so important when working in a new place. I took a bike trip through the temple complex as well as had the chance to learn more about the community way of life and agriculture practices in the area. I am really grateful I had the chance to learn more about the historical context of the area and explore another side of Cambodian culture.
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