Carmen M. Bain

Dr. Carmen M. Bain is a Professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Iowa State University (ISU), and serves as Associate Dean for Academic Innovation and Executive Director of the ISU Agricultural Endowment. She holds affiliations with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the Student Innovation Center, and the Gene Edited Foods Project. Her research focuses on the governance of agricultural systems, gender in international development, and the social dimensions of biotechnologies, with fieldwork in Uganda, Ghana, Chile, and the EU.

Education:

• Ph.D. Sociology, Michigan State University (2007)
• M.A. Sociology, University of Canterbury, New Zealand (2001)
• B.A. Sociology and Geography, University of Canterbury, New Zealand (2000)

Research Interests:

• Sociology of agriculture and food systems
• Gender equity in development
• Biotechnology governance
• Rural livelihood strategies
• International development policy

Leadership Roles: Bain leads ISU initiatives such as the Pathways to Innovation and Leadership program, the Dean’s Global Agriculture and Food Leadership program, and manages the CALS Collaborative Learning Labs. She co-directs the CALS Innovation and Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows program and oversees the Student Innovation Center.

Teaching Contributions: Advises the undergraduate Agriculture and Society major and teaches courses on food systems, rural sociology, and gender in agriculture.

Collaborations: Leads the Gene Edited Foods Project and collaborates with institutions like SUNY-ESF and Penn State. Her work intersects with organizations such as the Rural Sociological Society and the Women and Gender Studies program.