Contact Information
Currant Team
Andrea Bersamin
I’m a public health nutrition scientist and professor at the Center for Alaska Native Health Research, the Department of Biology and Wildlife and the Institute of Arctic Biology at the °Ä²Êͼ¿â. My research focuses on food sovereignty, traditional foodways and community-led approaches to health in Alaska Native communities. I’m a co-founder of the Far North Currant Festival and am thrilled that we’re heading into our third year. I’m passionate about helping people eat more fruits and vegetables and love finding creative ways to spark curiosity about healthy eating. At the festival, I host the Veggie Meter station where visitors can instantly see their carotenoid scores, a proxy for fruit and vegetable intake. What excites me most about the festival is how it brings people together to celebrate currants while also exploring nutrition, food security, science, agriculture — and having fun! My favorite currant is the black currant — I love them in crisps, in salads and by the handful.
Glenna Gannon
I am an assistant professor of sustainable food systems at the UAF Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension where I focus my work on sustainable high-latitude agricultural practices and the human dimensions of climate change in northern food systems. I currently direct the Variety Trials Program at the UAF Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station which supports bringing research-based educational opportunities about currants to the public. My passion for local plants, ethical wild harvesting and engaging Alaskans to think about climate-appropriate agricultural crops is what led me to become one of the co-founders of the Far North Currant Festival. You’ll find me at the taste testing station within the festival where my team and I get to share our favorite cultivars from a variety of currant types!
Katie DiCristina
While serving as the (former) directing manager of the Georgeson Botanical Garden at the °Ä²Êͼ¿â, I realized we were sitting on a hidden gem — an impressive and diverse currant collection. The more I learned about these underappreciated berries, the more passionate I became about sharing their story and potential with a wider audience. I shifted my role at UAF and now work with the Variety Trials program, where I continue to explore the possibilities of cold-hardy crops like currants. I am thrilled to be part of this effort to bring currants into the spotlight and celebrate the community that surrounds them.
Lacey Higham
As the directing manager of the Georgeson Botanical Garden, my role is centered on cultivating a vital resource and living tapestry that enriches the lives of all our visitors. My purpose is to ensure our vibrant collections not only thrive but also serve as a source of wonder, inspiration and connection for everyone in our community. From showcasing the resilience of our native plants to exploring new possibilities, the garden is a vital resource where visitors can engage with the natural beauty and bounty of our unique environment. This work is what led me to be involved with the Far North Currant Festival. This event exemplifies our commitment to blending the intrinsic value of plants with vital themes of health, nutrition and recreation. You'll likely spot me in the thick of the festival, whether it's helping guide the festivities or sharing tips at the propagation station. My favorite currant is the red currant — I enjoy them fresh picked, baked in cookies or blended in smoothies.
Cathy Turner
I am the program coordinator for the Alaska Harvest Collaborative, whose mission is to empower Alaskans to participate in their local food systems and to make healthy life choices. Our program seeks to create experiential and collaborative learning opportunities focused on growing, preparing and sharing fresh local food while building community. The Alaska Harvest Collaborative is proud to partner with the Far North Currant Festival to promote education and awareness about this nutritious and delicious crop within the community of Fairbanks.
Tori Shoemaker
As a NextGen USDA intern, I dedicate most of my time to hands-on work in the garden, learning about the diverse plants that thrive here, and supporting community outreach and events throughout the season. I am driven by the the joy and connection that plants and the environment bring to people. This work has helped me deepen my connection with the community and I get to experience all the wonders of the growing garden and currants each day. I am feel grateful to be part of such a meaningful event — one that brings people together to deepen our knowledge on the wonderful world of currants.
For questions or additional information, please contact gbg@alaska.edu