D.F. Forster Doctoral Medal Awarded to SEDRD PhD Graduate Dr. Charlotte Potter
Congratulations to Dr. Charlotte Potter, a graduate of the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development’s Doctor of Philosophy in Rural Studies program, on being awarded the 2026 D.F. Forster Doctoral Medal.
The D.F. Forster Doctoral Medal is the University of Guelph’s highest graduate convocation honour, recognizing one doctoral student each year who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement alongside outstanding contributions to extracurricular and community activities. Dr. Potter has been selected for this prestigious award in recognition of her academic excellence, motivation, and leadership citizenship.
Dr. Potter is a cross-disciplinary researcher and socio-cultural anthropologist whose work explores food systems, knowledge systems, and the processes that produce, sustain, and connect them. She is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development at the University of Guelph working with Dr. Silvia Sarapura, where she collaborates with land managers, farmers, non-governmental organizations, corporations, and government agencies in Alberta on prairie grassland conservation. Her current research examines the governance structures, decision-making processes, and incentives that influence conservation outcomes.
Dr. Potter completed her PhD in Rural Studies in December 2025, advised by Dr. Silvia Sarapura. Her dissertation, Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Food Systems: A Multi-Case Analysis of Indigenous Food Systems in Peru and Canada, investigated Indigenous food systems in Northern Ontario and the Andean Highlands of Peru. Through close collaboration with Indigenous communities and organizations in both countries, she examined how Indigenous Knowledge Systems are produced and sustained to support food security and food sovereignty. Employing participatory and systems-thinking approaches, her research co-produced knowledge grounded in community priorities and aspirations.
During her doctoral studies, Dr. Potter also demonstrated exceptional leadership in major research initiatives. She served as a key research lead on large-scale, externally funded, multi-partner projects, including the Braiding Food Systems initiative and collaborative research focused on best management practices within Ontario’s agricultural sector. Her ability to bridge disciplines, foster meaningful partnerships, and contribute to impactful research has distinguished her as both a scholar and a leader.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Charlotte Potter on this remarkable achievement.