Dr. Kirsten Roe

WASH Technical Advisor and University Partnerships Liaison

Kirsten provides technical guidance for the effective assessment, implementation, and incorporation of best practices for sustainability for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) projects. This includes water wells, rainwater harvesting systems, community water systems, and irrigation for agriculture. She is also part of the technical advisory group tasked to redefine Food For The Poor’s (FFTP) role in addressing Food and Nutrition Security. As the University Partnerships Liaison, Kirsten assists the Partnerships Department in developing and maintaining partnerships with academic institutions. This includes acting as an agency mentor to students doing research, collaborating with faculty to develop research opportunities and developing new partnerships.

FFTP has a successful partnership with Florida International University with their graduate students studying Global Affairs and Policy, and researching agricultural risk management for smallholder farmers and water policies for communities. 

Kristen holds a Ph.D. in Aquaculture and Fisheries with a specialization in International Development and Food Security from Purdue University. She also holds a master’s degree in Entomology (specialization in Agricultural Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Integrated Pest Management) and a master’s in Agricultural Economics (specialization in International Agricultural and Economic Development & Food Security), both from Purdue University. She has a certificate in Tropical Agriculture Development, Sustainability Science, and GIS/Remote Sensing. During her seven years in graduate school, Kristen worked as a Research Assistant, doing research experiments for different faculty members, ranging from work with wheat and insect pests to developing locally adapted tilapia fish feed for developing countries.

Kirsten lives in Orlando, has two dogs, is writing a novel and plays piano in her free time.