Announcing the 2025 Organic Center Science Program Fellows

The Organic Center (TOC) is thrilled to introduce the three exceptional fellows selected for our 2025 Science Program Fellowship offered in partnership with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). 

These fellows will contribute to advancing TOC’s mission of conducting and communicating credible science on the health and environmental impacts of organic farming, while empowering urban and faith-based communities in Kentucky. The fellowship focuses on supporting community gardens and fostering collaboration to increase awareness of organic practices and their benefits. 

Fellowship Highlights: 
Over a three-month appointment from through August 2025, fellows will work under the mentorship of TOC’s Senior Director, Dr. Amber Sciligo, and Dr. Elias Miller, Manager of Science Programs. They will gain hands-on experience in research, community engagement, and program development while supporting the development of accessible organic gardens and building community through shared stories and recipes. 

The Science Program Fellowship recipients are: 

Nutrition and Recipes Specialist, Jamari Turner

Jamari Turner was born and raised in Lexington, KY. She is a community-based researcher and storyteller with a BA in History and an MA in Community and Leadership Development from the University of Kentucky. She uses oral history, collaborative film, and grassroots media to help communities share their stories and continue their culture. Jamari has worked with nonprofits like the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning, Community Inspired Lexington, and AmeriCorps VISTA, where she has focused on service, storytelling, and community connection. She’s also contributed to research and history projects like LiKEN Knowledge, the Bitter Aloe Project, and Personal Writes the Political, which center memory, justice, and community voice. Her work blends media, education, and community development to support more self-determined futures. 

Outreach and Marketing Specialist, Amelia Talluri

Amelia Talluri is a recent graduate from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where she studied Biochemistry & Molecular Biology with a Business Minor. Amelia was involved in the breast cancer prevention nonprofit, Protect Our Breasts, where she learned to lead and communicate scientific information to captivate a general audience about environmental toxic chemicals and how to reduce everyday exposure. The experience sparked a passion for not only scientific research, but also for the importance of sharing it to guide the ways we live and care for our world. As an incoming Chemical & Systems Biology PhD student at Stanford University, Amelia aspires to do just that, by engaging in critical research and using it to create a safer and healthier future.   

Organic Production Specialist, Erika Everest

Erika Everest completed her Master’s degree in Soil and Crop Science at Cornell University in 2025 after graduating from Wheaton College in 2022 with a degree in Biology and a certificate in Human Needs and Global Resources. Her graduate research focused on sustainable organic dry bean production systems and she is passionate about science education and environmental stewardship. Erika is eager to apply her background in biological and agricultural research to support education and outreach efforts in organic agriculture. In her role, she will lead the development of a national database of science-based resources designed to support the adoption and success of organic practices in community gardens in urban and faith-based settings.