FRE Stories
Professor and Chair
Dr. Lisa House
Graduated from FRE Undergraduate Program: 1991 Joined as Faculty: 2001
Who Helped You the Most When You First Started at UF?
It is hard to pick just one. I still remember walking into Dr. Burl Long's office as a freshman and asking "what do you do with a degree in food and resource
economics". I smile when students ask me the same question now. Then there is Dr. Ev Drummond. He taught the first class I took in FRE - Principles of Food and Resource Economics. He noticed I was doing well in class and encouraged me to consider majoring in FRE. Later, he helped connect me with faculty at Kansas State, where I went to graduate school. Last, but not least, is Dr. Rick Weldon. I remember taking his class the first semester he taught at UF (in 1142 McCarty A - a classroom I later taught in!). He was so energetic and enthusiastic, and he advised the NAMA team and Alpha Zeta, two organizations I was part of that helped create such a positive learning experience for me at UF.
What excites you the most in your current role?
What excites me most about my work right now is the people I get to work with. Our new faculty bring a fresh energy and perspective to the department, while longtime colleagues have become genuine friends and trusted collaborators. I also continue to enjoy working with students as they discover their passion for the economics and business of agriculture and natural resources. And finally, in my role as Chair, I’ve had more opportunities to engage directly with industry and alumni. Being able to support such an essential and dynamic industry is both inspiring and deeply rewarding.
What are your hopes for the future of the FRE Department?
I hope that we are able to expand our impact by growing our teaching programs, and that we are able to leverage the FRE100 fund to provide experiences outside the classroom to help students, alumni, faculty, and industry build meaningful connections.
How Do You Think FRE will Impact the World in the Next 100 Years?
Through our people. By training leaders who understand the economics of food and agriculture, we help address the complex challenges facing the global food system. Our work strengthens Florida agriculture in particular, but the insights and solutions reach beyond as well.
Instructional Assistant Professor
Dr. Caleb Stair
Joined FRE in:2018
Who helped you the most when you first started at UF?
Christa Court and Alan Hodges really helped me when I started out as a Postdoc for the Economic Impact Analysis Program. Since I came here from WVU, both made sure I
250 got to experience Florida. Alan took me to his farm, and Christa took me to see alligators.
What excites you the most about your work right now?
Getting to meet new students every semester! It’s my favorite part of what I do, and I am always excited when I get to see students come back to the department and freely share their stories about how much FRE meant to them.
What excites you the most about your work right now?
I love hosting the department's Halloween events each year with the Ag. Econ Club. They are always so fun, it would be hard to choose one!