Laura Cochrun, a Saranac native, decided to get involved with projects in South America after graduating from Central Michigan University (CMU) in 2009.
Cochrun got a degree in dietetics at CMU, and now works for Creative Dining Services in Grand Rapids as a registered dietician. Before launching into her present career, she devoted her time and energy to bring resources, education and nutritious foods to individuals throughout South America.
She first served as an English language instructor in Argentina last year before moving on to becoming a community development specialist for the Arajuno Road Project in Ecuador's Amazon Basin region.
"The Arajuno Road Project started because when they built the roads leading into the Amazon Rain Forest, all of these schools and communities popped up along the way," said Cochrun.
One of the issues in the region, according to Cochrun, is growing plants in a rainforest environment.
"Because of the rain, if the plants aren't covered, then they get washed out. So, the community garden aspect of the project started up, and it's a really good program," Cochrun said.