Jared Dees
Mississippi State University
Tell us about your background and international/research-for-development interests.
I received my bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mississippi State University. This is my first role in a research type of environment, but it has certainly captured my interest, and I’ve been in awe at how much I know now about the world of research that I was unaware of when I first took on this role.
How does your background in business administration inform your approach at the Fish Innovation Lab?
Since a large part of the role is fiscal management, having my background makes most of it second nature. It helps to be able to focus on other matters that aren’t necessarily business-oriented, such as keeping track of progress for the projects and working with them to resolve institutional issues. My background also allows me to provide insight to the team from a nonresearch perspective.
In your view, what are the most pressing challenges related to food and nutrition security worldwide and what are some ways we can overcome these challenges?
I’m not a researcher by any means, but I feel like the biggest challenges of reaching food security are both growing and sustaining the availability of food resources, especially in countries with exponentially expanding populations, and making sure that communities in those areas understand the importance that nutrition has on growth and development. We can help overcome these challenges by not only assisting in the creation of farms for resources, such as fish, but also educating populations on the benefits of fish nutrients.
What do you wish other people knew about fish and/or food security?
That food security is a much more pressing issue in lesser developed countries and communities than most people realize and that fish could have an impact in combatting these issues.
If you weren’t a contracts and grants specialist and higher ed professional, what other careers might you have pursued?
I most likely would have pursued something else in the realm of business, such as accounting or investments, but I could have pursued something closer to my interests like archeology.
What are your hobbies or activities outside of work?
A lot of my time outside of work is spent with a good book or researching various topics of interest. I spend a lot of time at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, which is near Mississippi State, or on campus when the weather is nice, and I try not to miss an MSU baseball game from left field.
What is on your bucket list? (What do you hope to do, accomplish, see, experience, etc. in your lifetime that you haven’t yet?)
I’m a big fan of history, travel, and the outdoors, so most of my items contain something to that effect: hike through some of the major national parks, visit every continent, try snowboarding – the list goes on!
If you would like to, tell us about your family, where you are from, and any personal details you would like to share.
I was born in Georgia, which is where my family still resides. My father inspired a lot of my personal attitude and interests, and I thank him and the rest of my family for challenging me and believing in me.