By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr., STRATCOM Correspondent

Assistant Professor Hazel Achuela expressed eagerness to help MMSU expand its animal science education program after returning to the College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development (CAFSD). She recently completed a US fellowship program hosted by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) in 2024.

The CAFSD faculty member is one of ten veterinary science educators 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 from August 21 to December 10.

The 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.

Through the program, Asst. Prof. Achuela underwent a master teacher program in which she learned how to deliver effective instruction in veterinary or agricultural classroom settings. She also participated in a journal club wherein she presented a peer-reviewed journal article for discussion.

Additionally, she attended numerous classes, training sessions, farm and facility tours, extension activities, and cultural immersion events. To apply the knowledge gained during her fellowship, she revised two course syllabi for use at MMSU.

Returning to the university as CAFSD College Secretary, Asst. Prof. Achuela expressed her gratitude to the USDA, UTK, and MMSU for providing her with the opportunity to enhance her professional expertise through the fellowship.

With MMSU as a National University for Agriculture, Asst. Prof. Achuela is keen in further enhancing the animal science courses under the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program, developing a research proposal focused on genetic variation and inbreeding, and establishing international collaboration.

Since 1995, the USDA-FEP has supported agricultural educators from developing countries, including the Philippines, by offering training, grants, and other opportunities to advance their institutions.