Kristi-Warren Scott, a doctoral student in housing and consumer economics, is studying the impact of food deserts on HUD clientele, and during her academic career at UGA she has picked up several honors and awards.
Hometown:
Chicago, Ill.
High School:
Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences
Degree objective:
Ph.D. in housing and consumer economics
Expected graduation:
Spring 2015
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
I’m currently doing research on the impact of food deserts on HUD clientele. I’m also working with Velma Zahirovic-Herbert, Sofia Anong and the Griffin Housing Authority on the Personal and Household Social Mobility program where public housing residents receive financial coaching and are evaluated based on any personal or social changes that have occurred after being coached.
Honors and awards:
—Blue Key, University of Georgia Chapter
—Glenn and Helen Burton Feeding the Hungry Scholarship
—NAACP Outstanding Campus Leader Image Award
—Scholars of Excellence Award
Current Employment:
Graduate assistant in the Department of Housing and Consumer Economics
Family Ties to UGA:
I am a first generation Dawg!
I chose to attend UGA because…
… the HACE faculty, staff and students were so warm and welcoming during my visit in October 2010. I instantly knew this was where I wanted to be.
My favorite things to do on campus are…
… walk through the Trial Gardens and truly admire the beauty. UGA’s campus is absolutely beautiful, so I try to take every opportunity to appreciate everything this university has to offer.
When I have free time, I like…
… to attend boxing class followed by quality time with close friends/fellow grad students. I believe that both are necessary to cultivate a well-rounded self.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
… move 775 miles away from my home to pursue a Ph.D. This experience has been the most difficult yet rewarding of my life … hands down.
My favorite place to study is…
… the second floor of Miller Learning Center, where you can luck up on a quiet study room and have Jittery Joe’s coffee available just steps away.
My favorite professor is…
I’ve been fortunate to have some of the most amazing professors, especially in FACS and HACE. So, it is extremely difficult to identify one as a favorite. Every professor I’ve worked with or sat in a class for has challenged me in a way that inspires an inner appreciation for every lesson learned. But if I have to name someone, it would have to be my major professor, Velma Zahirovic-Herbert. I admire so much about her from her teaching style, to her style of communication, flexibility and her straightforward disposition. I find myself inspired by who people are, more than what they’ve accomplished. This is how I intend to model my development as an aspiring scholar.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
… my great-grandmother, Valtena Larkin-Scott, a trailblazer in my family and former “Woman of the Year” for a national funeral directors association; Daisaku Ikeda, global educator and promoter of peace, culture and education; and Brene Brown, professor at the University of Houston and famous speaker on vulnerability, courage and worthiness. An afternoon with these three …
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
… give a TED talk on overcoming obstacles or be a co-host on a panel talk show, like “The View” or “The Real.”
If money was not a consideration, I would love to…
… buy my parents a vacation home in a warm climate and sponsor one underrepresented graduate student of color through his or her academic career.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
… meeting Mary Frances Early. Her determination and wisdom are endless! She blazed a trail for graduate students of color and represents the greatness that we can achieve despite our obstacles.
