Directory

Kevin Erickson, MS

About

Kevin Erickson has an extensive background in soil-based food production and agriculture as well as controlled environment agriculture systems (hydroponics, aquaponics, mushroom production). Erickson began his career working on organic farms in Georgia and California in 2006 before transitioning to urban agriculture in Chicago in 2009. With more than 15 years of experience in crop production and distribution at various scales, Erickson brings a diverse knowledge of farming systems, methods, and innovations to help improve the sustainability of our food system.

Erickson helped manage several Chicago urban farms and youth training programs in Chicago from 2009-2013 as a Manager for Windy City Harvest, which included leading the design and construction of the 2 acre Rodeo Farm at California/26^th and developing a job training and placement program for incarcerated and post-incarcerated individuals in the Cook County Department of Corrections. During this time he also consulted new farm businesses on site design and operations, training methods and curriculum, as well as led an urban soil remediation project. 

At Loyola University Chicago, Erickson leads a cohort of 60 Interns and Program Assistants annually in the Urban Agriculture Program.  The program operates several teams of students working in Aquaponics, Hydroponics, Mushroom cultivation, Outdoor production, Greenhouse operations, and Farmers Market sales. This allows students to get hands-on experience and training in food production while also contributing towards advancing innovation and sustainability in the operation. Along with students, Kevin has conducted research and led projects in areas including mushroom production, cannabis production, Lead-Pb remediation, organic fertilizer production, aquaponics water quality data management, anaerobic digestion, beekeeping, compost management, microgreens production, and more. 

He currently advises the Growers Guild and Food Recovery Network student clubs as well as Nourish LUC, an transdisciplinary nutrition and wellness based education program.  Erickson has also worked extensively with Chicago area farmers, policy groups, and local stakeholders to develop collaborative research and initiatives focused on advancing local, regenerative, and equitable food systems.

Degrees

• BS of Business Management and Administration, Bradley University
• MS of Environmental Science and Sustainability, Loyola University Chicago

Professional & Community Affiliations

• Permaculture Design Certificate, Midwest Permaculture Institute
• Master Level Aquaponics Certificate, Nelson and Pade
• Engaged Learning Teaching Certificate, LUC Center for Engaged Learning, Teaching, and Scholarship
• FSMA Food Safety Manager Training, Food Safety Alliance
• Advancing Youth Development, Chicago Area Project
• Youth Garden Leadership Training, The Food Project