Mary Paula Arends-K

Mary Paula Arends-Kuenning's projects emphasize collaborative solutions for pressing global challenges, particularly in the realms of agriculture, education, and gender equality. As an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, she holds multiple appointments in Agricultural and Consumer Economics, Women & Gender in Global Perspectives, and various centers focused on East Asian, South Asian, Brazilian, and Latin American studies. Her interdisciplinary approach allows her to address complex issues from multiple perspectives, fostering innovative strategies for sustainable development. Her research interests are diverse yet interconnected, focusing on technology diffusion, harvest and postharvest loss, investment in children's higher education, poverty among the elderly, and women's empowerment in agriculture. Mary Paula is particularly passionate about understanding how technology can be effectively disseminated to improve agricultural productivity and reduce losses, thereby enhancing food security and economic stability in developing regions. Mary Paula's work on investment in children's higher education explores the socio-economic factors that influence educational attainment and the long-term impacts on poverty alleviation. She is committed to identifying pathways that enable children, especially from marginalized communities, to access quality education and achieve their full potential. In her studies on women's empowerment in agriculture, Mary Paula examines the barriers women face in accessing resources and opportunities within the agricultural sector. She advocates for policies and practices that promote gender equality and empower women to play a pivotal role in agricultural development, which is crucial for achieving broader socio-economic progress. Through her teaching and research, Mary Paula Arends-Kuenning inspires students and colleagues alike to engage with global issues critically and creatively, fostering a learning environment that values diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Her dedication to addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development continues to make a significant impact both within academia and beyond.