This fall, RIPE’s communications team will be joined by David Hong, a senior at the University of Illinois. David is majoring in operations management and information systems at the Gies College of Business and also getting a minor in law studies. He will be working closely with Allie to share RIPE research news and also take part in job shadows and career preparation experiences.

Read the Q&A below to learn more about RIPE’s newest team member!

What made you interested in the RIPE project?
Food insecurity has always been a problem that I have been interested in and I’ve done projects tackling food deserts in the Chicagoland area in the past. As I was looking for Fall internship opportunities, RIPE’s mission stood out to me as innovative and inspiring.

What are you looking forward to about the RIPE internship program?
I am excited to get started and make an impact on such a large project. I view this internship program as an opportunity to come out of my comfort zone, learn the basics of crop engineering, and enhance my career by improving my writing, presentation, and design skills. I look forward to meeting cool people and getting the opportunity to learn from the best. Through this experience, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of what motivates me.

What experiences will you bring to RIPE?
I have work experience in the financial services and nonprofit industry, and while they are not directly related to the work done at RIPE; a lot of the skills developed during those experiences will help me succeed during my time at RIPE. Presenting to clients and building professional relationships will translate smoothly to my role at RIPE.

What are some fun or interesting facts about you? What do you like to do for fun?

• I am a first-generation Korean American and first-generation college student
• I like to explore caves and have explored over 10 so far
• I enjoy trying new food

David may be reaching out to you in the coming months to talk about your research, please help us welcome him to the team!