Engage: Northeast Learning Sessions

This session explores emerging research on the health and environmental impacts of plastics across their life cycle—from production and everyday use to disposal and microplastic accumulation. Participants will review current findings related to chemical additives and their potential effects on human health, as well as broader considerations such as recycling limitations, climate implications, and the growth of global plastic production. The session will also examine policy discussions and industry efforts, including developments surrounding the proposed Global Plastics Treaty, and consider what these shifts may mean for institutions and dining operations. It will conclude with consideration of the practical steps that individuals and institutions can take to reduce plastic use and plastics' harms to health.

Dr. Landrigan is a pediatrician and epidemiologist. He is a Professor at Boston College where he directs the Global Observatory on Planetary Health. His research examines the impacts on human health, especially children’s health, of hazardous exposures in the global environment — climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. He co-chaired the Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health, which found that pollution causes 9 million deaths per year. He led the Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health, which found that plastics cause disease, disability, and premature death at every stage of their life cycle; that these harms fall disproportionately on the poor and the vulnerable; and that they result in global economic losses exceeding $1.2 trillion per year. He currently co-leads The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics, a multi-year, health-focused, indicator-based global monitoring system that will track plastics’ health impacts and monitor progress against plastic pollution as the UN Global Plastics Treaty comes into force. Dr. Landrigan is a member of the National Academy of Medicine. He is deeply committed to translating science to public policy to protect health, save lives, and advance the common good. 

Sam Garwin is the Director of Market Development at GreenWave, a nonprofit that builds scalable, equitable equitable markets for regenerative ocean farmers. Through education, commercial R&D pilots, and value chain support, she enables companies to get kelp from sea to sale as ingredients in food, beauty, and beyond. Since 2019, Sam has led Seaweed Source, an app with wraparound business development support that connects over 100 seaweed across eleven U.S. states and Canadian provinces. The Kelp Innovation CoLab, launched in September 2025, provides fully-funded collaborative R&D for brands interested in developing products with functional kelp ingredients. Sam draws on more than 15 years of experience building sustainable supply chains and socially responsible business models. Before GreenWave, Sam was the CEO of Fleishers, a pioneer of pasture-raised whole-animal retail butchery; and an early employee of Maya Mountain Cacao, a direct trade bean-to-bar cocoa supplier. Sam also serves on the National Advisory Board for the Union of Concerned Scientists.

As today’s students crave a taste of home, campus dining programs are uniquely positioned to build a culture of belonging through food. We will explore BC Dining’s Global Flavors Program, a scalable, student-driven model that invites culture clubs into the menu development process. This presentation includes a live Q&A with BC Dining Assistant Managers on implementation, challenges, and impact. By the end of this session, participants will have the tools to elevate global cuisines through meaningful student partnerships.

Sharon Sprague is Senior Associate Director, Marketing and Communications, overseeing strategic marketing and communications initiatives for Boston College’s Auxiliary Services division. Before joining BC, she spent over 20 years in marketing, advertising, and digital strategy with major consumer brands, higher ed, and nonprofits, and is recognized for her passion in food, cooking, and nutrition.

Ryan Lombardi is the Assistant General Manager at McElroy Commons, overseeing staff, production, and financial operations for Carney Dining Room, the Faculty Dining Room, Eagle’s Nest, and CoRo Cafe & Market. He holds a B.A. in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management from Johnson & Wales University and previously served as Production Manager for BC Catering and was a Sous Chef with Marriott.

Jeffrey Davenport is the Assistant Manager at McElroy Commons, managing daily operations including staffing, scheduling, temp management, and BOH menu coordination. Having been with BC Dining for over 20 years, Jeff also leads campus catering events, develops cycle menus, and proudly provides professional development and mentorship for full-time employees, temps, and student workers.

Beth Burns serves as the Associate Director of Human Resources for Auxiliary and Dining Services, a role she has held since 1999. Since beginning her Boston College career in 1991 as the General Manager of Concessions, Beth has been a cornerstone of departmental growth, notably establishing the volunteer workforce model still used for athletic events today. She currently directs a three-person HR team managing recruitment, retention, and employee relations for a diverse workforce of full-time staff, temporary employees, and students. A dedicated educator, Beth is a Servsafe Food Safety instructor and serves on the Industry Advisory Boards for both Newton North and Madison Park Vocational Technical High Schools.

As General Manager of Corcoran Commons, Chris Bove oversees a high-volume operation that includes Lower Live, Addie’s Loft, The Market @ Corcoran, the seasonal Farmers Market, and catering for various event spaces. Chris leads a team of 8 managers and over 230 total staff members—including front-line, student, and on-call employees—to manage an average of 6,000 transactions daily. His team prides itself on delivering innovative menus and popular special events, ranging from culinary pop-ups to collaborative programs with student organizations.

As General Manager, Brian Pinarreta provides operational leadership for the Newton Campus dining experience, overseeing Stuart Hall Dining and the Legal Grounds café at BC Law School. His work focuses on creating a welcoming environment for first-year students through comprehensive meal services and a robust Late Night program. Brian manages a diverse portfolio that includes high-volume residential dining and VIP catering for the Law School community. Under his leadership, the Newton team prioritizes culinary consistency, menu innovation, and tailored grab-and-go options designed to meet the fast-paced needs of the campus community.

Jacob Citron serves as the General Manager of McElroy Commons, where he oversees the high-volume operations of the Carney Dining Room, Eagle's Nest, College Road Cafe, and the Faculty Dining Room. Managing an average of 5,600 transactions daily, Jacob leads a massive operational footprint and a diverse team of 250 employees. His leadership extends across full-time, temporary, and student staff, supported by a direct management team of eight salaried professionals to ensure seamless service and quality across some of the university's busiest dining locations.

A seasoned leader with 23 years of experience in higher education dining spanning seven different universities, Gregory manages the majority of Boston College’s retail business.  His portfolio includes Lyons Hall, four satellite operations, our late night operation on middle campus and the campus laundry services.  He successfully manages a high-volume environment - averaging 5700 daily transactions through strong communication with his team.  Gregory empowers his management team and frontline staff to prioritize and deliver exceptional food and maximum guest satisfaction.