Austin Spence, he/him

michael.spence@duke.edu
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Austin (he/him/his) is joining the Sanford ranks as a joint MPP and MDIV (Master of Divinity) student from Duke Divinity School. With a background in theological ethics and social justice from Belmont University, Austin hopes to integrate policy studies toward a life of flourishing for all. Prior to Sanford, he worked in local NC policy groups, national farmworker advocacy, as well as farmer advocacy geared towards challenging the root causes of unjust food systems. Austin is concerned with fusing environmental and social justice in rural, marginalized communities. You can find Austin spending his free time reading, exploring Umstead Park (by foot or bike), building things, or learning about obscure food science like the Maillard reaction on YouTube.

Areas of Policy Interest:

• Energy & Environment
• Social Policy