Permaculture is a design science that models itself on the patterns found in nature while applying them to human forms. By observing the natural state of a sustainable ecosystem, then by substituting food-producing plants for non-food producers, permaculture food forests supply the human need for food while keeping the balance of a natural ecosystem.
As a religious studies major, one would assume Sam Bell's research had some connection to the field. Instead, he spent his summer studying ESB construction of bent functions in conjunction with math professor James Davis.
“When people see that they are not alone, and are part of a community, people engage in a way that wouldn’t have otherwise been possible. It brings people together.”