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Program Director Deep Dive- Dr. David Acker

mmgrant — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 20:20:16 +0000

In just his second year co-leading the Food, Culture, and Agriculture in Greece & Italy program, Dr. David Acker, Associate Dean for Global Engagement and Professor in Agriculture Education, has successfully curated one of the most sought-after travel courses alongside Dr. Sotirios Archontoulis. Their combined expertise in the Mediterranean countries offers students a comprehensive learning experience focusing on the production, distribution, marketing, and regulations associated with the food system while exploring farms and various cultural sights.

Dr. Acker’s love story for Italy began at a very early age when his next-door neighbor moved into town during fourth grade. Although this neighbor didn’t speak English and Dr. Acker wasn’t sure where he was from, they were able to connect through their shared pleasure of soccer, something Dr. Acker recalls him being very good at. The pair’s friendship evolved over the years, and during college, Dr. Acker went to visit him in Italy after his family had moved back. That visit ultimately turned into a European tour that they travelled on together.

Dr. Acker’s international travels were just beginning. He went on to live in both Tanzania and Greece for four years in each country, work in Rome for five summers, serve twice as a Fulbright Fellow in Greece, and in his most recent role, interact regularly with Iowa State University’s campus in Uganda in his position as Director of the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods. The ongoing list of Dr. Acker’s travel destinations spans far and wide beyond the aforementioned locations, but Greece and Italy are his countries of choice when it comes to immersing students in a new culture abroad.

“When I thought about places I’d love to take students, I thought of Italy, for sure, because I am passionate about it. The food, the culture, the history- it all comes together in an amazing way in Italy. I volunteered in Greece when I was a freshman in college for about a month on a farm that is also a school, and I fell in love with the place and have returned several times...so I’ve had a long-term relationship with Greece. I actually met my wife there and one of our kids was born there, so it goes beyond just hanging out.” - Dr. David Acker

Establishing the itinerary for travel courses is no easy task, but Dr. Acker and Dr. Archontoulis managed to squeeze in a visit to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, cooking classes, guided tours of Acropolis, farm tours, visits to both the American Farm School in Thessaloniki and the Agricultural University of Athens, and so much more. He recognized the importance of summer internships and wanted to ensure that students participating in this study abroad program could still fulfill those obligations after the conclusion of the travel in late May. The pair of program leaders were also sure to build in free time for students to explore Rome, Athens and Thessaloniki to truly make the most of their experience abroad and teach them skills for how to be independent travelers.

“I like the fact that students become challenged mentally and physically when they go on a study abroad. I also like the fact that they have to question where we come from and our system. It’s so much easier to understand our system when you have something to compare it to, and I love to see that unfold for the students... they’re just becoming more critical thinkers.” - Dr. David Acker

When Dr. Acker isn’t busy being a world traveler, he enjoys running and skiing along with staying in touch with his children and grandchildren who are spread out all the way from San Francisco, CA to Amsterdam.

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Logan Schmitt

Program Director Deep Dive- Dr. Ramesh Balayar

nicolerh — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 20:37:10 +0000

I never thought that I would eventually end up being at Iowa State University teaching or advising students...but I feel that I am here for a purpose to motivate students not only to be successful academically but also to become global citizens.

As a Nepal native and socio-economic community development practitioner, Dr. Ramesh Balayar has a deep understanding of the value that the region has to offer students both academically and personally. He hopes that Exploring Ecosystem Services and Subsistence Farming Activities in Rural Nepal exposes students to the challenges that smallholder farmers, particularly women, face each day when met with issues such as climate change and how that has contributed significantly to the collapse of their operations and livelihood.

Dr. Balayar recalls his upbringing in a very remote village in western Nepal as extremely harsh. Good schools and good teachers were difficult to come by in such a village, and he had to drop out twice when going through middle school and high school before eventually making it to college. His five siblings experienced the same hardships, making Dr. Balayar the only one to finish his schooling and make it as far as he has in his career.

“That’s why I’m so passionate about being in education. I never thought that I would eventually end up being at Iowa State University teaching or advising students...but I feel that I am here for a purpose to motivate students not only to be successful academically but also to become global citizens. Perhaps these are the reasons I sometimes feel frustrated when students don’t come to class, don’t pay attention to class activities, don’t ask questions, or don’t take their education seriously... I came from such a difficult background and worked so hard to achieve an education, which made me realize the sheer importance of education... I am increasingly realizing that there’s no other field that could make me more joyful than being in education and encouraging young people.” -Dr. Ramesh Balayar

When taking on his role as an Assistant Teaching Professor and Academic Faculty Advisor at Iowa State University, Dr. Balayar had no idea that many students here in the United States also face struggles when it comes to completing their education. Although they may be under slightly different circumstances, he validated that college presents obstacles for everyone and knew that it was an area where he could step in as an advocate.

The longing to return to Nepal has always been there for Dr. Balayar. Connecting back to his home is constantly on his mind, which was why he chose to obtain many of his degrees and conduct much of his research in Nepal and based on Nepali people. With the help of Dr. David Peters and Jodi Cornell, Dr. Balayar recognized the ability he had with the resources surrounding him to make his vision of connecting Iowan students to his home country a reality.

Both faculty advisors wanted to ensure that students were going to receive a comprehensive and authentic experience when traveling to Nepal that encompassed everything from the heritage and cultural value of the region to interactions with village farmers to the gorgeous landscapes and wildlife. They have done just that by building out an itinerary that travels between Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara. Dr. Balayar is hopeful that this program will provide a life-changing experience for students, opening their eyes to agriculture on a global scale and the challenges that developing countries face.
When Dr. Ramesh Balayar isn’t preparing for his travels later this Spring, he can be found writing and publishing poetry in Nepali and his local, native dialect. Many of these poems center around nature, humanity, and his upbringing, which Dr. Balayar finds to be very healing to write.

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Program Director Highlights

nicolerh — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 16:19:58 +0000

Our department is here to support faculty and staff that are interested in leading a program through CALS ��. Click here for a list of services that our department provides to faculty and staff to help implement new and existing programs to students.

Interested in learning more about leading a faculty-led travel course? Contact Mr. Jodi Cornell in the CALS �� Office, (515) 294-1851.

CALS �� Program Director Q & A

Emily Zimmerman, Assistant Professor in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management and Global Resource Systems in the Department of Horticulture, has been co-leading study abroad programs to Peru, U.S. Virgin Islands, The Netherlands and Uganda since 2018.

Why do you lead programs?
- I value providing students with experiential learning opportunities that broaden our understanding of our world and the people that we share it with. Study abroad programs provide opportunities to learn about and experience the value of diverse ecosystems, cultures, and ways of seeing the world. Those experiences can help to inform students’ experiences back on campus, in their communities, and in their future professions.
What would you say to faculty that are considering leading a program? How would you encourage faculty to lead a program?
- I would encourage faculty to lead programs. Some of my most enriching experiences with students and student learning has been on study abroad programs, where students are able to experience and reflect about life in a different place with a different environment and culture.
- I would encourage faculty members who are considering leading a program to reach out to CALS �� staff for resources, talk with faculty members in their department who have offered study abroad courses, and to identify potential opportunities to shadow faculty members who are leading programs.
What have you learned by leading programs?
- I have learned an immense amount about student learning and interests, and I, alongside students, have grown in my understanding of our global community. Study abroad experiences have also informed the content and way in which I teach courses on campus, and have allowed me to develop professional partnerships in other parts of the world.
What do you like to do in your free time?
- In my free time, I like to be outside, especially with my partner Nick and our two golden retrievers. I am avid runner, and I enjoy baking, refurbishing old furniture, and traveling.
Why should students study abroad?
- I would highly encourage students to participate in study abroad programs. Study abroad programs are designed to facilitate student learning, and allow students to expand and apply their on-campus learning in diverse locations around the world. Studying abroad helps students to understand the value of other resources and cultures, and increases cross-cultural communication, cultural competency, and empathy. Now, more than ever, food and agricultural careers necessitate a global understanding – and CALS study abroad provides opportunities to gain tangible experience in this context.
How would you encourage students to study abroad?
- I would encourage students to stop in CALS �� (0018 Curtiss) to find a program that will work with their academic and professional goals, and to talk about scholarship and funding opportunities. I would also encourage students to talk to faculty members in their departments to identify programs, and to chat with their peers who have participated in study abroad programs.

Dr. Ebby Luvaga, Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Economics, has been leading programs to Argentina, Spain, Australia, Panama, Belize, United Arab Emirates, and US Virgin Islands since summer 1999.

Why do you lead programs?

To help students learn about, and also appreciate other countries, cultures, and economies. I just want students to be part of some wonderful experiences during their academic career at ISU.

What would you say to faculty that are considering leading a program?

Just do it! It is a wonderful opportunity to get to know other faculty members across campus and learn more about their academic disciplines. It also helps you meet some wonderful college students.

How would you encourage faculty to lead a program?

Tag along on an already established program, or simply come and talk to some of us who have been leading programs for over 20 years! It must not be that bad if we are still doing it.

What have you learned by leading programs?

I have learned that the long term impact on students in immeasurable. I am still in touch with many of my former students that travelled abroad with me and all our talks still revolve around the places we visited and the things we saw. Some have even embarked on their own global travels and often blame me for having planted the travel bug in them. What a wonderful thing to be blamed for!

What has been your favorite program that you have led?

This is like asking me to choose a favorite child from my many. I love them all because they are unique and offer different experiences. Every time I go back to a county that I have been to many times, I still learn about one more thing that I had not noticed the past 5-6 times that I visited that country.

What has been most memorable about leading a program?

Watching students who have never been on an airplane choose Australia or one of those 8-9 hour flight countries as their first study abroad program. They quickly come to realize that the large planes are actually comfortable, have individual TVs, and have a lot of free food.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Whenever I have free time I travel some more to visit family and friends since most of study abroad programs are during breaks (spring break, Thanksgiving break, and winter break). I therefore don’t have that much free time but don’t feel sorry for me.

Is there a place that you would like to lead a program, but haven’t?

Yes, I would love to take students to New Zealand. Or maybe I should just tag along on one of the New Zealand trips.

Why should students study abroad?

It changes their lives and perspective on everything. They learn to appreciate other countries and cultures, but most importantly, they also learn to appreciate ISU and their home communities. There is nothing like being in a country to see and experience things with your friends and faculty members who have led trips to those countries for many years.

How would you encourage students to study abroad?

I would tell them to talk to other students who have participated in the program they are interested in or talk to the program directors. They should also visit the study abroad fairs as well as visit their respective study abroad office. Don’t be afraid, and don’t just focus on your home college or department. There are so many programs offered by ISU faculty and would hate for students to miss out of such wonderful experiences.

Amy Brandau, Academic Adviser in the Department of Economics has been leading study abroad programs since 2016. Amy is an incredible advocate for study abroad and said that the reason she leads programs is, “I like to share the wonder and amazement of seeing somewhere new with first time travelers and it’s a great way to get to know students better.”

When did you start leading programs?

Spring Break 2016

What programs have you led?

Scotland –1 time, UK (Brexit) 3 times and plans to continue the program at least one more time as Brexit still isn’t resolved.

Why do you lead programs?

I love traveling, I like to share the wonder and amazement of seeing somewhere new with first time travelers and it’s a great way to get to know students better.

What would you say to faculty that are considering leading a program?

We have many students at Iowa State that would benefit from a study abroad trip – if you can help broaden the horizons of our many students who have never been out of the Midwest, you will be helping to make the world a better place for both individual students and for those around those students who study abroad.

What have you learned by leading programs?

I really enjoy leading the programs, but it helps to have a good co-director too. I learn just as much as my students on the trips – there is always something to learn from the people and places we visit.

What has been most memorable about leading a program?

After I went on my first study abroad trip as a student, I never stopped traveling again. I love to see the same thing happen to the students on my trips. Many of them have gone on to other short study abroad trips, semester long study abroad trips and NSE.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Strange as it sounds, the long airplane flights and train trips while on study abroad give me time to engage in two of my favorite free time activities – reading and sewing.

Why should students study abroad?

To dispel preconceived notions and myths about other countries and cultures.

How would you encourage students to study abroad?

I tell our students that have returned to tell all their friends about the trip. I also tell my students that I am going on a trip and they are welcome to join me.

Dr. Stephen J. Dinsmore, Professor in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, has been leading study abroad programs since 2006.

When did you start leading programs?

First program was spring break 2006 to Costa Rica

What programs have you led?

Natural History courses to Antarctica (2), Costa Rica (6), Madagascar (1), and Tanzania (1).

Why do you lead programs?

I really enjoy traveling, and participating in study abroad programs is one way to share that with ISU students. Seeing the reactions of students who have never traveled internationally is especially rewarding.

What would you say to faculty that are considering leading a program?

Just do it! It can be a lot of work, but every study abroad experience of mine has been incredibly rewarding. And there are lots of resources in CALS to help with the planning and logistics, so that part of a travel course isn’t too much of a burden on faculty.

What have you learned by leading programs?

I’ve certainly gained a broader perspective on global natural resource challenges through my participation in study abroad. I’ve also learned a lot about myself – how to interact with students in an outdoor setting, better communication skills, etc.

What has been your favorite program that you have led?

A difficult choice, but probably Antarctica simply because the scenery is breathtaking and it is such a remote area.

What has been most memorable about leading a program?

Seeing students’ reactions to new ecosystems and wildlife is always rewarding. I have also enjoyed seeing new places that I might not have otherwise visited.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Lots of outdoor activities including bird-watching, hiking, photography, fishing, and hunting, and spending time with my family.

Is there a place that you would like to lead a program, but haven’t?

Churchill, Manitoba (Polar Bears) and the Galapagos Islands immediately come to mind.

Why should students study abroad?

In a nutshell, it is a life-changing experience for most students.

Lee Burras, Professor in the Department of Agronomy has been leading study abroad programs since 2002. Lee has led or co-led a total of 20 classes abroad while at Iowa State University including the most common one “Soils & Crops of Costa Rica”.

What programs do you lead?

Even though I have been leading programs since 2002, it wasn’t until 2006 when I started leading programs annually. Other programs include, France (2002), Ecuador (2011), Uruguay (2017) and Uganda (service learning in 2006-2008; Soil Formation in 2018). I plan to lead/co-lead three more this academic year (Uruguay over Thanksgiving Break; Uganda soils in January 2019; Costa Rica over Spring Break 2019).

Why do you lead study abroad programs?

I lead programs because they are easy to do, they are fun to do, and they result in tremendous student learning – both professionally and personally. They are also highly valued by ISU’s leadership (President, Provost, Deans, etc) and by the students who enrolled.

What have you learned by leading programs?

I have learned a tremendous amount of technical details about soils, agriculture, the environment, and government by leading courses. More importantly I keep improving my knowledge of why culture and how the people’s culture of a place must be understood and respected if I want anything I know to be understood, respected and – ideally – used. Every trip I take also thoroughly reinforces in me that 99.999% of people are smart, kind and interesting. That applies to our students and in-country hosts, hotel staff, etc.

What have been most memorable about leading study abroad programs?

The most memorable aspects of my classes have been great people, beautiful and fascinating locales (including impressive soil profiles), wonderful food, and great lodging. Pretty much the only negatively memorable experience has to do with the stress of getting groups through TSA-type security at airports while making sure we have enough time to catch a flight and no one gets bumped --- but that stress reflects that an airport is pretty much the part of a study abroad experience where a Program Leader has the least influence on what might go on. Obviously it is a pretty manageable stress, too. Otherwise I wouldn’t keep leading programs.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I like to travel with Lori (my wife), try interesting restaurants, read, and now and then take a fitness class.

What advice do you have for someone interested in leading or co-leading a study abroad program?

First, do it! Second, work with the CALS �� Office in setting it up.

What advice do you have for students interested in participating in a study abroad program?

A student should study abroad because it will help her/him understand who she/he really is while also better informing them about what they actually know and where they are from. As a result, their personal and professional lives gain greater perspective, which seems kind of important if someone wants to be genuinely happy. Oh – and the student will learn a lot of technical material while also making lifelong friends and eating great food in an exotic setting.

Aside from leading study abroad programs, Lee was recently highlighted in the most recent “Stories” for his exceptional work in the classroom, Creating the future, teaching to serve.

Kevin Duerfeldt, Cargill Global Resource Systems Lecturer in Global Resource Systems and the Department of Horticulture has been leading international travel opportunities since 2010. Kevin has led programs to the U.S. Virgin Islands, Uganda, China and Brazil. Below are some reasons why Kevin leads study abroad programs and how he gained an interest in international travel.

When did you start leading programs?

I started assisting with and co-leading study abroad programs in 2010 while working with the EARTH Program, St. John, USVI as a graduate assistant.

What programs have you led?

EARTH Program St. John USVI 2010-2014
Uganda Service Learning Program 2015-2018
Global Food and Agriculture China 2016 and 2017
Global Food and Agriculture Brazil 2018

Why do you lead programs?

As a student, I participated in travel programs to Europe, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica. These experiences were life changing, expanded my world view to consider perspectives of other people, allowed me to think about how global events impact people around the world, and completely changed my career path. As an instructor, I want to make those same opportunities available to my students and continue learning about the world to improve my courses.

What would you say to faculty that are considering leading a program?

Traveling with students can be both one of the most rewarding and one of the most challenging aspects of teaching at Iowa State University. On top of the regular course management responsibilities you now have to manage recruitment, travel logistics, and your personal culture/travel shock while helping students through their culture shock. But, you'll never form as strong of relationships with your students or get to know them in a more meaningful way as you do when traveling abroad with them. The CALS �� Office is awesome with helping leaders figure out all aspects of planning and leading travel programs.

What have you learned by leading programs?

Leading travel programs has also allowed me to learn about the world and agriculture production in different regions, giving me stories and information to add to my on-campus courses.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I mainly spend time in my garden and play with my Australian shepherd, Arago. I also like to go to events around Ames with friends, and work on my family’s farm in Southeast Nebraska.

How do you encourage students to study abroad?

I mainly try to get them to understand that where ever they go it will be a life changing experience and that it will never be as easy to travel as it is now. Once they’ve gone once they’re usually ready to go again!

Mary Wiedenhoeft, Professor in the Department of Agronomy has been co-leading a travel course to New Zealand since 2007. Below are some questions that we asked Mary about leading faculty-led study abroad programs through the CALS �� Office.

What program do you co-lead?

The “Agricultural Systems of New Zealand” is a 2-week program to the North Island of New Zealand. Leo Timms (Animal Science) and I have led this program in 2007, 2010, 2012, 2016 and will be leading it again this fall (2018).

Why do you lead study abroad programs?

My appreciation for international travel started in June 1978, when I was a junior in Agronomy at Iowa State University. During that time, I participated in a 4-week travel course to 13 different countries in 30 days, on a bus, planes, and ferries. The opportunity allowed me to visit historical landmarks, as well as, farms and agricultural industries in Europe. When I returned to teach at Iowa State in 1999, I was still interested in international travel, but wanted to wait until my children were older to pursue leading a travel course thru the Department of Agronomy. In the summer of 2006, I was contacted by Shelley Taylor in the CALS �� Office asking if I had an interest in co-leading a program to New Zealand with Dr. Leo Timms from the Department of Animal Science. I knew it was the right time! With my previous experience and contacts in New Zealand we started the “Agricultural Systems of New Zealand” faculty-led study abroad program.

Why should other faculty and staff consider leading a program?

Although leading a travel course can be a lot of work, many of the programs have at least one additional co-leader to help with the planning, logistics and travel. I personally have enjoyed learning more about myself while traveling abroad and working to enhance some of my personal skills. I have also enjoyed interacting with the students on a more personal level and watching them grow as they step out of their comfort zone.

What have you learned by leading programs?

Every time I travel abroad, I am reminded that there are so many different cultures and each culture has their own way of doing things. I have also had the opportunity to learn first-hand about agriculture and different farming techniques around the world. I recently had the opportunity to see an avocado tree!

What has been most memorable about leading a program?

Watching students learn about a different culture and also better understand their personal culture. I also enjoy watching students with no prior international experience step out of their comfort zone and understand that it is alright.

Is there a place that you would like to visit, but haven’t?

I have always wanted to visit (historical) Eastern European areas such as Bosnia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Prague and many others. Africa, Central America and Antarctica are also on my bucket list!

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love traveling as well as cooking, reading, biking and hanging out with people. I also like learning more about history.

Why should students study abroad?

Because they get to better understand their culture as well as learn about different cultures.
They get to step out of their comfort zone.
They get to learn about things in other countries that we don’t necessary teach about at Iowa State. For example, tropical agriculture or irrigations systems that we don’t use in the Midwest.

Dr. Jack Dekkers, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Animal Science has led 2 two-week study abroad programs to the Netherlands. The first program was in 2013, focusing on dairy science and horticulture, and the second program in 2017, focusing on animal science. Below are some questions that we asked Dr. Dekkers about leading a faculty-led study abroad program.

Why do you lead study abroad programs?

I am originally from the Netherlands and enjoy the opportunity to show our students my home country. In addition, the Netherlands provides some unique perspectives in agriculture, that are very educational for our students. The Netherlands is very strong in agriculture (# 2 exporter of agricultural products, after the US), which is remarkable, considering that fact that the Netherlands is 1/3 the size of Iowa and has 16 million people. Having so much agriculture production, including animal agriculture, in such a small country with so many people obviously brings some unique challenges with it, including issues related to odor, manure, water quality, and animal disease and welfare related issues. Although these issues are also relevant in Iowa, they are much more at the forefront in the Netherlands. In addition, the Netherlands is also at the forefront of the use of mechanization and technology in livestock production (e.g. milk robots), and in agriculture in general.

What is most memorable about leading a study abroad program?

Going on bike rides with the students through the beautiful Dutch landscape.

Why should other faculty and staff consider leading a program?

It’s a unique experience to interact with our students on a one-on-one basis and give them a unique and important educational and life experience. In addition, it is an opportunity to visit, learn, and build or maintain connections with another country (or show students about your home country, as in my case).

Why should students study abroad?

Study abroad programs provide unique educational experiences that you can’t get on campus. They open your eyes, not only to what you will see and experience in the country you visit in terms of agricultural production methods, challenges, and culture, but also, by contrast, the insight it provides you on practices and culture in your home state or country; it’s not until you see how something can be done differently that you realize why things work the way they do in your home state or country.

What do you like to do in your free time?