Executive Director of Education, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
Kris Callis-Duehl is the Sally and Derick Driemeyer Executive Director of Education at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, where she is developing innovative research and outreach programs to bring STEM education to more students while also improving the way we teach those concepts. She is a founding member of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Food Agriculture Nutrition Innovation Center and serves on the Board of Directors of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. Kris received her bachelor’s and master’s in plant biology from North Carolina State University and completed her PhD in Biology at the University of Florida.
Food security is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, requiring bold innovation at the intersection of agriculture, technology, and community resilience. This panel brings together leaders working on the frontlines of food security, from geospatial-driven research and urban agriculture to community-driven nutrition initiatives. Join Rachel Opitz (Taylor Geospatial Institute / Food Security Challenge), Amy Funk (Jackie Joyner-Kersee Food, Ag, and Nutrition Center), and General John Michel (Food is Love & Currency is Caring) as they explore cutting-edge strategies to combat food insecurity in St. Louis and beyond. The discussion will cover the role of technology in food system resilience, the power of community-driven solutions, and how collaboration across sectors is essential for ensuring regional food access. Whether you’re in Agtech, sustainability, or policy, this panel will offer powerful insights into how we can collectively build a more food-secure future.