A PROFESSOR of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) has completed her US fellowship program hosted by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) in 2024, enhancing the university’s animal science education
Returning to the MMSU College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development (CAFSD), assistant professor Hazel Achuela expressed eagerness to help the university expand its animal science education program.
Assistant professor Hazel Achuela of the Mariano Marcos State University (center) has completed her US fellowship program hosted by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. MMSU PHOTO
A CAFSD faculty member, Achuela is a veterinary science educator from the Philippines who participated in the Faculty Exchange Program (FEP) sponsored by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Services Office on Global Programs last year.
Daniel Tapaoan Jr. of the MMSU Office for Strategic Communication said the US fellowship introduced new teaching practices to participating fellows and supported them in developing up-to-date veterinary and animal science curricula for their students and institutions.
Tapaoan noted that through the program, Achuela underwent a master teacher program from which she learned how to deliver effective instruction in veterinary or agricultural classroom settings.
He said Achuela also participated in a journal club wherein she presented a peer-reviewed journal article for discussion as well as attended numerous classes, training sessions, farm and facility tours, extension activities and cultural immersion events.
Tapaoan added that Achuela also revised two course syllabi for use at MMSU to apply the knowledge gained during her US fellowship.
As she returns to the university as CAFSD college secretary, Achuela expressed her gratitude to the USDA, UTK and MMSU for providing her with the opportunity to enhance her professional expertise through the fellowship.
Tapaoan also noted that with MMSU as a National University for Agriculture, Achuela is keen on further enhancing the animal science courses under the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program.
“This includes developing a research proposal focused on genetic variation and inbreeding, and establishing international collaboration,” he said.
The USDA-FEP has supported agricultural educators from developing countries, including the Philippines, by offering training, grants and other opportunities to advance their institutions since 1995.
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