State of Origin: USA
Degree Program: PhD
Entered Program: Fall 2022
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Dissertation Topic: Lacey’s research focuses on livestock trade networks in West Africa and studies how external shocks such as border closures, disease outbreaks, droughts, and other climatic factors affect regional trade activities.
Research Interests: Trade networks, livestock, West Africa, Sahel.
Research Statement: I am a PhD student in the Department of Geography at the University of Florida. I am interested in agriculture and food security and my research will examine livestock trade networks in West Africa. By examining how trade flows rely on existing market linkages and trade communities, this research has the potential to contribute to research efforts to understand informal institutions in West Africa and support efforts aimed at strengthening agricultural and market development in the region. Prior to enrolling in the PhD program, I worked on international agriculture and nutrition projects such as the USAID-funded Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Livestock Systems and the Integrating Gender and Nutrition within Agricultural Extension Services project. Through these projects, I gained experience in the areas of project management, communications, and graphic design. In addition, I supported the Gender and Youth Cross-Cutting Theme of the Livestock Systems Innovation Lab in both research activities and technical advice for gender integration.
Adviser: Dr. Olivier Walther
Educational Background
- MDP Masters of Sustainable Development Practice, University of Florida, 2017
- B.A. in Environmental Biology, Columbia University, 2013
Publications and Presentations
Harris-Coble, L. (2023). Mapping Seasonal Livestock Trade Movements in West Africa. American Association of Geographers (AAG) Annual Meeting, Denver, Co, March (poster).
Harris‐Coble, L., Balehegn, M., Adesogan, A. T., & Colverson, K. (2022). Gender and livestock feed research in developing countries: A review. Agronomy Journal, 114(1), 259-276.