Mark Balschweid

Dr. Mark Balschweid is Professor and Department Head of the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. With a Ph.D. in Agricultural Education from Oregon State University, he brings extensive experience from 10 years of teaching and research at Purdue University. His international work includes a Fulbright Fellowship at Jamaica's College of Agriculture, Science, and Education, where he helped establish the country's first BSc in Agricultural Education.

• Education: Ph.D. in Agricultural Education, Oregon State University

Dr. Balschweid’s research focuses on the integration of science and agriculture in educational curricula, international program evaluation, and the impact of global experiences on student development. His recent publications emphasize inquiry-based learning, STEM integration, and teacher preparation challenges.

Key trends in his scholarly work include:

• Contextual teaching methods using agricultural frameworks
• International agricultural education program evaluation
• Teacher professional development and certification barriers
• Youth development and community engagement
• Science literacy and real-world decision-making

Scientific Awards:

• Fulbright Fellowship

Dr. Balschweid actively consults on agricultural education programs in Jamaica and the Middle East while leading his department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.