Donal Bissante
Donal Bissainte is a dedicated agronomist specializing in Natural Resources and Environment. With a diverse academic background and experience spanning Haiti, Belgium, and the United States, Donal offers a unique perspective on global food systems, community science, climate change, natural disaster, and environmental protection.
Donal holds a Master of Science degree in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences from the University of Florida, where his thesis was nominated as the second-best thesis in the area of nonprofit research in 2023. He also earned a Master’s degree in political science with a focus on Development, Environment, and Societies from the University of Liège, Belgium, and a Bachelor's degree in Agronomy with a focus on Natural Resources and Environment from the State University of Haiti.
Throughout his career, Donal has worked with various community groups, for government entities, NGOs, and the United Nations. His research includes studying the resilience of immigrant small entrepreneurs in Florida's food system and exploring the participation of local farmers in decision-making within watershed management in Haiti. Currently, Donal is focusing his research on the social vulnerability and resilience of immigrants, farmworkers, and other communities regarding to climate change and natural hazards.
Donal has been recognized for his achievements, including receiving the second-place best writing award at the "English Language Institute" student voice at UF and an award for his social research presentation at the Kappa Omicron Nu conclave in 2023. He possesses strong skills in project development, data analysis, and communication across three languages: English, French, and Creole.
Donal is proficient in using advanced software tools such as ArcGIS, SPSS, and R, which enable him to conduct in-depth data analysis and geospatial research. His passion for community development and his commitment to creating sustainable, inclusive food systems make him a valuable asset in his field.