A UF Faculty delegation visited Kurdistan during a week-long trip funded by IREX. The team included Nargiza Ludgate (PI), Diwakar Vyas, Jennifer Clark, and Michael Kung (International Center). The group partnered with the University of Garmian’s College of Agricultural Engineering Science in Iraqi Kurdistan to help with a curriculum needs assessment and workforce development gap study. Other activities involved participating in an online capacity development program in agriculture entrepreneurship and animal production.
"During my trip, I was able to meet with various stakeholders to discuss the current job market in the agricultural sector and what the university can do to help their students find employment. Stakeholders included university faculty, local farmers and small business owners, and the regional Directorate of Agriculture. We also had the chance to view local agricultural facilities, such as hatcheries, fisheries, and even a feed manufacturing plant.", said Dr. Kung, Acting Director at the Office for Global Research Engagement.
Future plans include sending another UF team to the University of Garmian as well as welcoming the Garmian faculty team to UF.