Today we’d like to introduce you to Eleanor Lopez.
Hi Eleanor, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am an agriculturist, plant health scientist, science communicator, and advocate for resilient food systems. My work sits at the intersection of science, agriculture, community, and social justice, guided by a simple belief: everyone deserves access to healthy, safe, and affordable food.
I currently serve as the Director of Communications for the Southeastern Grasslands Institute at Austin Peay State University, where I also coordinate the nationwide America’s Grasslands Coalition and contribute to national awareness efforts around the importance of grasslands. I am particularly interested in working alongside people who share a vision for creating meaningful jobs, ethical employment opportunities, and food systems that are resilient for both people and the environment.
My path to this work began with a deep curiosity about the natural world. I earned a BA in Environmental Studies and Spanish, followed by master’s degrees in Entomology and Nematology and Sustainable Food Systems. In December 2020, I earned a Doctor of Plant Medicine (DPM), an interdisciplinary professional doctorate that brought together intensive study of Entomology, Nematology, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, Weed Science, and Plant Sciences. My doctoral training centered on developing the diagnostic skills necessary to identify plant diseases, insect damage, and other causes of plant injury.
I later spent two years with University of Tennessee Extension at the Nashville Soil, Plant and Pest Center, where I diagnosed plant pathogens, identified insect pests, and occasionally assisted with soil analysis. I especially enjoy helping homeowners, gardeners, farmers, and other growers understand what causes damage to their plants and, more importantly, what they could do about it. Translating complex scientific information into practical, accessible solutions remains one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
But science is only one part of my story.
During my undergraduate years at the University of San Diego, I competed as a Division I swimmer, eventually competing in the Olympic Trials in the 200-meter butterfly. Athletics taught me lessons that continue to shape my professional life: discipline, visualization, resilience, goal setting, and the ability to work toward something long before the outcome is visible. I bring that same determination to my work today. I am also highly extroverted and team-oriented, and throughout my career I have loved mentoring student researchers and helping people discover their own potential.
My greatest passion, however, is food.
I am fascinated by bugs, plants, soil, science, and the systems that connect them—but ultimately, what drives me is the question of who has access to food and who has the power to shape our food systems. I am interested in food justice and sovereignty, agricultural policy, and the ways agricultural systems can serve both rural and urban communities. I constantly look for ways to contribute to a society where nutritious food is accessible and affordable, where farmers and agricultural workers can build sustainable livelihoods, and where communities have meaningful voices in decisions about their food and environment. Part of this work – a commitment to sustainable agriculture and cooperative economics – has led me to learn from lead organization in the cooperative space including the Southeastern Center for Cooperative Development and the Big We. I foresee Nashville as a future hub of cooperative economic development, worker-ownership, and intentional sustainable development across sectors.
That commitment has also led me into community work beyond my professional roles. I volunteer with organizations and initiatives including the WilCo Pow Wow, IndigeNash, Neighbor 2 Neighbor Nashville, The Empowerment Accelerator, The Afrokokoroot Foundation, and the Nashville Voices of Resilience Homeless Choir. These experiences have reinforced my belief that meaningful change happens when people from different backgrounds bring their knowledge, skills, cultures, and lived experiences together.
I currently live in Tennessee, on the traditional homelands of the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, Muscogee (Creek), Shawnee, Seneca, and Yuchi Peoples. Because these Nations no longer have tribal land bases within Tennessee, I believe it is especially important to recognize and support the continuing presence and contributions of Native people in our state. Through my community involvement, I seek to support Native people who have returned to Tennessee and to contribute to greater public understanding of Native history and culture.
At the heart of everything I do is a desire to connect people—with science, with food, with the land, and with one another. Whether I am communicating about grasslands, diagnosing a sick plant, mentoring a student, supporting a community event, or working toward more equitable food systems, I am motivated by the same question:
How can the knowledge and resources we have be used to create a healthier, more just, and more resilient future for everyone?
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have been fortunate to have led an active and healthy external life. However, I have had my struggles with my mental health. I have found myself in situations where my degrees, qualifications, work ethic were not enough. Thankfully, when one door closes, more open. Luckily, I have had amazing spiritual teachers since I was very young. If not for my supportive family, daily yoga, reiki, and meditation practice, and my ability to continue to swim everyday, I would not be where I am today. It is hard to stay grounded, but I do strongly believe in the healing power of the natural world. I am an herbalist and farmer, and I believe strongly in the healing properties of plants, soil, and sunlight.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I offer plant pest management services and grant writing services. I also offer private yoga and herbalism guidance.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a good mentor is very important. In the academic and career field, it is important to find a mentor who will be honest with you, and who will push you to realize your goals. In the personal, internal growth and development path, they say when you are ready the teacher appears! If you see a class or event that looks interesting to your own internal growth and personal journey, don’t hesitate to sign up and see where it takes you.
Pricing:
- Sliding scale
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eleanorfp42.wixsite.com/website
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tn_plant_dr/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-eleanor-lopez-716a2085/
