Dr. Janet Mullins, Associate Extension Professor in the Department of Nutrition & Food Science, has been accepted to participate in the "Globalizing Agricultural Education: Sustainable Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development" initiative. She will be in one of three groups of agricultural educators trained in international agriculture, food-related issues, and global perspectives.
This is a competitive grant program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture International Science Education (ISE) and will endure from 2010-13.
This three-year integrated research, instruction, and outreach project builds upon the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture's long-time partnership with the University of Lampung and Syiah Kuala University in Indonesia. The project aims to enhance the curricula of agricultural education at the secondary and post-secondary levels and agricultural education programs conducted by community organizations.
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture faculty members will develop five on-line learning modules of global agriculture and food on: (1) Regulations and Certifications in International Trade, (2) Food Safety and Health, (3) Sustainable Agriculture and Resource Management, (4) Local Community Development, and (5) World Hunger and Food Justice.
These learning modules will also be incorporated into a professional development program for agricultural education teachers and community agricultural educators, titled "KyAg: Growing Global Ideas." Scholars from universities in Indonesia will provide their expertise in training these agricultural educators in global perspectives.
In May or June 2011, the group will travel to Indonesia to develop curriculum and to participate in a research project about how faculty attain a global perspective. They will also participate in an experiential short course developed by faculty members of the University of Lampung.