Meet the Team

Rob Newell is the Chair of the Advisory Committee of the BC Food Web, where he leads Committee meetings and provides guidance on the direction and activities of the BCFW initiative. Newell is also a Canada Research Chair (tier 2) in Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainability at Royal Roads University, and a Research Associate at the Food and Agriculture Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley. Newell's research focuses on integrated planning and policy, stakeholder engagement and sustainable community development, and his work includes studies on challenges and opportunities around different approaches and strategies for transitioning to sustainable and resilient food systems.

Melanie oversees the branding and communications strategy of the BC Food Web. Melanie is a strategic communicator experienced in multi-platform communications and knowledge mobilization. She has been working in communications for over 10 years, previously working in journalism and the arts including at CBC Radio. She holds a Master’s in Journalism and a BFA in dance. She is passionate about food and environmental sustainability, and in making complex information accessible, usable and compelling.

Juliana is the BC Food Web Coordinator, responsible for planning and executing activities, coordinating the transfer of research ideas from farmers to researchers, convening the Advisory Committee, and managing social media. She is a recent UBC grad with a BSc in Natural Resources Conservation, during which time she was a long-time volunteer with UBC Sprouts, a member of UBC Common Energy's Emerging Green Builders team, and the Zero Waste Squad. She is passionate about the intersections between food, culture, and sustainability.