Ian Christensen
e-mail: ichristensen@nebraska.edu

Ian Christensen joined the Public Policy Center in the Fall of 2001 as an Undergraduate Research Assistant majoring in chemistry and political science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Ian is a UCARE scholar, a program which is sponsored by the UNL Office of Academic Affairs. His research focuses on "Issues of Rural Sustainability, Genetically Modified Foods and Public Policy." The purpose of this project is to create an assessment of people's knowledge of Genetically Modified Foods (GMF). There is a diversity of opinions by the public regarding perceptions of GMF safety and willingness to eat GMFs. However, there does not appear to be an assessment of what people actually know versus what they think they know. Consequently, this study will examine GMF knowledge as well as perceptions. The assessment is ultimately hoped to be a tool to assist considerations related to GMF policy making. The project is important because GMF policy is a controversial issue surrounded by both scientific and ethical concerns and questions. On a local level, the project may have importance for Nebraska's rural farm economy.

Honors/Achievments:

• 2004-2005 UCARE, research focused on "Issues of Rural Sustainability, Genetically Modified Foods and Public Policy. (8/2005)
• 2006 Policy Fellow with the Committee on Science, Engineering and Public Policy (Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship Program of the National Academies). (12/2005)