{"id":226012,"date":"2025-04-30T11:13:16","date_gmt":"2025-04-30T15:13:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=226012"},"modified":"2025-05-07T10:17:31","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T14:17:31","slug":"montclair-life-class-of-2025-graduate-connor-godek-grows-a-sustainable-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2025\/04\/30\/montclair-life-class-of-2025-graduate-connor-godek-grows-a-sustainable-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Montclair Life: Class of 2025 Graduate Connor Godek Grows a Sustainable Future"},"content":{"rendered":"

As he wraps up his final semester at Montclair State University, Connor Godek is already digging into the roots of his future \u2013 literally.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Nutrition and Food Studies<\/a> major with a concentration in Food Systems, Godek is gaining hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture at Lifecap Farms<\/a>, an urban mushroom propagation operation in Jersey City. There, he\u2019s harvesting gourmet mushrooms for local restaurants and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) customers.<\/span><\/p>\n

With Commencement around the corner, he reflects on his internship, the challenges and rewards of farming, and how Montclair helped him grow into his purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Godek
Godek trims mushrooms to remove dirt and substrate at the bottom, ensuring a quality product for customers. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cMy goal after graduation is to work in agriculture and food systems, learning how food makes its way from farm to table. I want to help make that process more sustainable and efficient \u2013 especially as our population grows and climate challenges worsen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Godek
Godek moves a rack full of mushroom blocks before using a power washer to sanitize the greenhouse. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Interning at Lifecap Farms<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u201cAt Lifecap, we grow about a dozen different types of mushrooms. Some days I\u2019m preparing bags for growth, others I\u2019m harvesting or maintaining the greenhouses. There\u2019s a rhythm to it \u2013 a patience you develop when your work may not show results for weeks. <\/span>I\u2019ve learned to identify growth issues, harvest properly, clean the greenhouses, and use tools like the power washer. But most of all, I\u2019ve learned to keep going \u2013 even when it\u2019s hard, dirty or exhausting. That\u2019s how I know I\u2019m serious about this work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n