“My name is Tori, and in the spring of 2022, I had the opportunity to research the integration of soil and aquaponics at Ísponica. This project, funded by the School of International Training (SIT) and a research grant from the University of Michigan, focused on examining the impact of soil and other substrates on water chemistry in aquaponic systems. Our goal was to determine if soil could serve as a cost-effective alternative to traditional aquaponic grow mats.

My research at Isponica opened up new possibilities and sparked my interest in sustainable agricultural systems that are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and accessible to the communities that use them. I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Sustainable Development at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. Additionally, I am interning with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, working on adaptive irrigation systems in Nepal as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.

I want to thank Amber and the community at Hólar for their support and for providing me with this opportunity. Their friendship was essential to my research and development.”