About Me:
I have always been fascinated by the interconnections of society and nature, and combined with my love for learning and exploration, I find my research and personal interests to always fall in this domain, specifically the food system. I originally come from California, where I found my passion for environmental and social activism, sustainability, and academia while studying for a bachelor’s degree. I initially found myself in Aotearoa to explore my familial roots here while pursuing a Master’s. This led me to a consumer and stakeholder research role at Plant and Food, and now here where I get the privilege of researching regenerative agriculture from a market and socio-ecological lens in the UC Business School- a dream come true of a project!
In my free time, you can find me further diving into sustainable food system topics, reading and writing about interesting people or phenomena, diving into a good novel, swimming at the beach, running through the forest, tramping for days on end, or simply taking a day off to unwind. I enjoy taking time to take in the world around me, and also enjoy travel when I get the opportunity.
Research Interests:
- Socio-ecological behaviour
- Actor networks
- Regenerative and Sustainable Food Systems
- Ethical consumption
Education:
Doctor of Philosophy, 2026, University of Canterbury, UC Business School, Aotearoa New Zealand
Master of Environment and Society, University of Waikato, School of Humanities, Aotearoa New Zealand
Bachelor of Environmental Communication, Minor Art History, California State University Channel Islands, United States
Supervisors:
Senior Supervisor: Dr. Joya Kemper
Co-Supervisor: Dr. Denise Conroy
Associate Supervisor: Dr. Samantha White
Publications:
Jones, H. (2022). Environmentalism for the environment's sake: Towards an understanding of the influence of the Māori worldview on Western environmental management perspectives in Aotearoa, New Zealand through a lens of nature connectivity (Master's thesis, The University of Waikato).
Conference Presentations:
Jones, H., Kemper, J. A., Conroy, D., & White, S. K. (2024, December). Off-farm food actor motivations and barriers toward the adoption of regenerative agriculture [Conference paper]. 28th Annual AFRN Conference, Tweed Heads, Australia.
Jones, H., Kemper, J. A., Conroy, D., & White, S. K. (2024, December). Exploring regenerative agriculture perspectives and consumer-farmer relationships [Conference paper]. 45th Annual ANZMAC Conference, Hobart, Australia.
Jones, H., Kemper, J. A., Conroy, D., & White, S. K. (2024, June). A systematic review on stakeholder perceptions of regenerative agriculture [Conference paper]. 49th Annual Macromarketing Conference, Helsinki, Finland.
Jones, H., Kemper, J. A., Conroy, D., White, S. K. (2024, April). Exploring Regenerative Agriculture: Stakeholder Insights and Embeddedness [Symposium presentation]. UC Business School Ecosystems Symposium, University of Canterbury Business School, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Other:
Future Farmers Aotearoa - Member
Why did you choose UC:
I chose to pursue my PhD at the UC Business School because I was offered an incredible opportunity to join a joint Postgraduate Scholarship titled, “Food Transitions 2050.” I have been a part of a cohort of students researching a plethora of food transitions topics, which is such a great experience as a PhD student. Beyond this initial choice, my supervisory team is full of bright minds and the process has been enriching in different areas of my professional and personal development. UC Business School has brought me invaluable experiences and support, and along with this and the other factors, these have made me feel proud to have chosen UC.
Best things about study at UC:
The academic resources available- from library help to seminars- you have the opportunity to be shaped into an overall better academic and professional by the time you commence.
