THE TEAM
Started in 2002, the team members that contribute to the Global Horticultural Markets research and extension programs in MSU Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics come from a wide diversity of backgrounds and experience. Each person brings unique talents and skills to the projects. We continue to operate in the spirit of a team which allows us each to work on multiple projects, and to maximize our combined impacts. globalmkt@anr.msu.edu
Suzanne Thornsbury PhDSuzanne Thornsbury joined the faculty at Michigan State University as a Agri-Food Systems and Markets Economist in 2002. Her particular research and extension focus is global produce markets and trade. Prior to moving to East Lansing, she was on the faculty at the University of Florida where she specialized in food policy and trade. She has served on the AAEA International Committee and is a past board member of the Food and Agricultural Marketing Policy Section of AAEA. Dr. Thornsbury teaches a senior level undergraduate course on vertical coordination in the supply chain.
Lili Gao Lili Gao is currently a graduate student and a research assistant for Dr. Suzanne Thornsbury in Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics at Michigan Sate University. What she is doing now is case study, “Apples imports from China" for the project “Design of Systems Approaches to Invasive Pest Risk Management".
Maria-Paz Gonzalez Maria-Paz Gonzalez is currently a PhD student in the School of Packaging. She has a Background in Industrial Design and a Masters in Packaging. She has a seven years experience in developing products in different areas of the industry including food products and general goods. She has also worked on distribution channels, marketing planning and retailing in Latin America.
Lourdes Martinez Lourdes joined the team in October 2003. She is a Master in Agricultural Economics and is pursuing a PhD in Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resources Studies. She is a marketing research specialist working on issues related to supply chain and policy affecting the fresh fruit and vegetable industry in Michigan and the world.
Mollie WoodsMollie Woods has worked as a research specialist in the department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics at MSU since 2000. Currently, Mollie is completing a project on the economic impacts of on-farm adoption of practices targeted to reduce microbial contamination risks in fresh produce, continuing to work on international fruit markets in Central and Eastern Europe, and is always interested in horticultural trade, and more broadly, trade policy.
