Swan Ray

UMN Extension: Regional Sustainable Development Partnership

Email: [email protected]

Joined the lab in: 2019

Education history

BS, Applied Economics, University of Minnesota, 2010

MS, Supply Chain Management, University of Minnesota, 2019

Responsibilities

My work lies at the 3-way intersection of industry, academia, and community development. As Supply Chain Development Specialist for UMN Extension’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP), I provide technical assistance for community-engaged projects in Greater Minnesota and work on supply chain and market development for emerging specialty, grain and oilseed crops, including: hulless barley, winter camelina, asparagus, and hemp. After spending 15+ years working in supply chain and marketing roles within the natural foods industry, I crossed over to academia in 2019. 

In the Smith Barley Lab, my work focuses on promoting current barley research with small grains producers, engaging with industry partners and stakeholders, and supporting the integration of hulless barley into farm-to-school culinary training program curricula.

Fun Fact

I have a true allergy to rye, but am not allergic to wheat or barley.

Links

University of Minnesota Extension contact information

Article: "Swan Ray joins RSDP as supply chain development specialist"

Linkedin

Swan Ray