Learn more about our sustainability team and how you can get involved in our ongoing efforts.
Meet the Team
Cecila Raatz
Cecilia Raatz serves as the UHD sustainability manager. She oversees all sustainability initiatives, with a focus on developing sustainable operations across housing and dining programs.
Ceci received her bachelor's degree in Sustainability Studies from The University of Texas at Austin and previously interned with UHD Sustainability. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Sustainability Studies with a focus in Agricultural Sciences from Texas State University, where she also helped establish and manage the university's student farm, before returning to the Forty Acres.
Her favorite things to do on campus are discovering Charles Umlauf sculptures and exploring campus gardens to listen to the chorus of grackles.
Andrew Scott Blackburn
Scott Blackburn is the UHD garden program coordinator. He is responsible for overseeing operations for the UT Farm Stand student gardens.
Scott combines two decades of management experience with an extensive background in horticulture, regenerative agriculture and educational programming.
One of his favorite things to do is to save seeds from his home vegetable garden, where he cultivates climate-adapted varieties for Central Texas.
Ways to Get Involved
Volunteer with Us
Get involved with sustainability initiatives on campus by volunteering with us as individual or as an organization. We provide several volunteer opportunities in different areas of UT Farm Stand. Check out our Linktree for the most up-to-date volunteer and work days.
Markets
UT Farm Stand markets are biweekly events where the campus community can purchase locally sourced food. Volunteers can help with set-up and tear-down, hand out pastries and merch, and assist with customer educational engagement. Environmental-focused student organizations are also welcome to table at our markets to gain exposure and connect with customers.
Gardens
Our on-campus gardens are at Kinsolving Hall and behind Brackenridge Hall, next to Jester Center. Students can sign up to attend educational work days and engage in learning tours. Student organizations can register for a garden work day as a group and learn about ecological gardening, composting, and how food grows. No experience is required to volunteer in the gardens.
Work with Us
Our sustainability team offers student employment opportunities in zero waste, sustainable gardening and market operations. These positions offer hands-on experience, professional development and the opportunity to help shape sustainability efforts across the Forty Acres. Visit our Student Positions webpage to view current openings when positions become available.
Connect with Us
Be the first to hear about sustainability events, UT Farm Stand markets, volunteer opportunities, workshops and student job openings. Follow our UT Farm Stand account on Instagram, explore our Linktree and contact our sustainability team or UT Farm Stand team with any questions.