ASSISTANT Professor of Mariano Marcos State University recently completed an animal science education program hosted by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Assistant Professor Hazel Achuela was among 10  veterinary science educators from the Philippines who participated in the Faculty Exchange Program, sponsored by the US Department of Agriculture-Foreign Agricultural Services Office on Global Programs for four months.

The fellowship introduced innovative teaching practices and supported participants in developing updated veterinary and animal science curricula for their respective institutions.

During the program, she undertook a master teacher program to improve instructional delivery in veterinary and agricultural education and participated in a journal club to present and discuss peer-reviewed articles.

Her experience included attending classes, training sessions, farm and facility tours, extension activities, and cultural immersion events, culminating in the revision of two course syllabi for use at MMSU.

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

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