MsZoe de Castro

(she/her)

Graduate Research Student

Institute for Sustainable Futures

BIO

Zoe is an interdisciplinary researcher interested in the transition towards food systems which are resilient, ecologically sound and socially just. 

 

She is a current PhD candidate at the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF), University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Her research explores the ways in which culturally diverse communities procure food in Greater Western Sydney. Zoe aims to interrogate how local food environments promote food justice outcomes for community. This research will be guided under the supervision of Dr Federico Davila Cisneros, Laure-Elise Ruoso and Dr Anja Bless. 

 

Her previous research work with various university bodies and civil society organisations has given her a keen interest and specialisation in agri-food systems sustainability, food security, food justice, food sovereignty, regenerative agriculture, and environmental governance. 

 

Zoe holds a double degree in a Bachelor of Arts and Politics and International Relations from the University of Sydney. She also holds a Masters of Agricultural Science, specialising in Food Sustainability, from the University of Melbourne. 

UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY APPOINTMENTS

  • Casual Tutor
    University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Design and Society, Sydney, Australia2 Mar 2026 - 9 Jun 2026

ACADEMIC POSITIONS

  • Casual Research Assistant
    The University of Sydney, Sydney Law School, Sydney, Australia1 Feb 2025 - 31 Jan 2026
  • Senior Research Support Officer
    The University of Sydney, School of Geosciences, Sydney, Australia1 Jul 2024 - 25 Jul 2025
  • Casual Research Assistant
    University of Tasmania, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, Australia1 Aug 2024 - 28 Feb 2025
  • Casual Research Assistant
    University of New England, Armidale Climate and Health Project, Armidale, Australia1 Apr 2024 - 31 Jul 2024

DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Politics and International Relations)
    The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia1 Feb 2018 - 30 Nov 2021
  • Masters of Agricultural Science (Food Sustainability)
    University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia1 Feb 2022 - 30 Nov 2023

UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

  • 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • 2 Zero Hunger
  • 3 Good Health and Well Being
  • 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
  • 5 Gender Equality

PROFILE TYPE

  • Higher Degree by Research

DISCIPLINES