As Counter Culture Coffee’s Buyer and Sustainability Manager, Kim Elena constantly strives to improve the quality of coffee she is able to buy and roast, and to develop and strengthen relationships with producing partners all over the world.
When did you discover that you wanted to be a coffee buyer and sustainability manager?
Chemistry
Brewing The Perfect Cup
Pour some science into that cup of joe! Chemistry, physics, and botany, along with hot water and roasted coffee beans, all combine to make the perfect cup of coffee.
Strawberry Mania
After an extreme winter of weather, it has been a challenging growing season for strawberry farmers. Learn how science is helping farmers grow their crops despite unusual winter weather.
Medical Metals
Researchers at North Carolina A&T State University are developing new materials that could revolutionize medical treatment. Right now, every metal that goes into the body goes in with the notion it will stay there forever, but NC A&T is developing smart implants, that would be absorbed by the body once their work is finished.
New Fields For Food
Mary-Dell Chilton's DNA discoveries launched the field of genetically modifying plants to ward off pests, use less water, and improve yields. Supporters say it could help feed the world. Opponents say it's not safe, threatening the environment and people in ways that may not be known yet. By discovering the mechanism of DNA transfer, Chilton bestowed that power to humans.
What’s My Story: Archaeologist
In middle school, David Moore read about mysterious giant stone heads on Easter Island and knew he wanted to have adventures with artifacts. Today, Moore practices archaeology with his students at Warren Wilson College as the lead researcher on the Berry Site where the Spanish explorers lost their claim on the Carolinas in a battle with the Cherokee.
Archaeology: The study of human behavior in the past, primarily through the careful recovery, dating, and analysis of the material culture and environmental clues.
Digging For History
In 1567, Spanish explorer Capt. Juan Pardo traveled the Indian trails to a town called Joara, in the NC foothills. He built a fort there. Indians later killed the soldiers and burned the fort. It was a mystery, until archaeologists found evidence of the fort while researching the village. The discovery confirms the first inland European settlement in the new world.
What's My Story: Biosystem Engineering
It was obvious to anyone that John Sheppard wanted to be an engineer when he built himself an original Mini Cooper at age 15 from junkyard pieces. But he loved biology too—the ways biological systems work together. Add those proclivities to a long and successful career and you end up with a professor of brewing at North Carolina State University.
Bioprocess Engineering: a conglomerate of mathematics, biology and industrial design, and includes the design and study of fermentors.
Science of Beer
Brewers must tap a wide range of biology and chemistry, from the pH of water to controlling yeast, to craft beer.
Fruit Infusion
Researchers have found a way to extract the "good stuff" from fruits and vegetables for use in other foods!