Meet Our Team

Multidisciplinary professionals collaborating toward one goal.

The ISAID Grant embodies a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together diverse teams composed of

faculty, extension educators, alumni, and students.

This collaborative effort, guided by a range of expertise from different fields, is dedicated to the common goal of transforming dairy practices through sustainable solutions. The collective work of these teams ensures a comprehensive exploration of innovative technologies and practices, demonstrating the grant's commitment to addressing complex challenges and fostering positive change within the dairy industry.

Faculty and Staff

Mark McGuire, Ph.D.

University Distinguished Professor

ISAID Program Director

Christina Otto

ISAID Program Manager

Mireille Chahine, Ph.D.

ISAID Extension Team

Professor and Extension Dairy Specialist

Animal, Veterinary and Food Science, Extension

Savanah Nunes Carpenter

ISAID Director of Media and Communications

Erin Brooks, Ph.D.

ISAID Soil Chemistry Team

Professor- Agricultural Engineer

Soil and Water Systems

Lide Chen, Ph.D.

ISAID Bioproducts & Extension Teams

Professor- Waste Management Engineer

Soil and Water Systems

Erik Coats, Ph.D.

ISAID Bioproducts Team

Professor- Sorenson Endowed Chair in Water Resources

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Mario de Haro-Marti, Ph.D.

ISAID Extension & Bioproducts Teams

Extension Educator

Zachary Kayler, Ph.D.

ISAID Soil Chemistry Team

Associate Professor

Soil and Water Systems

Daniel Strawn, Ph.D.

ISAID Soil Chemistry Team

Professor

Soil and Water Systems

Greg Möller, Ph.D.

ISAID Bioproducts Team

Professor

Soil and Water Systems

Michael Strickland, Ph.D.

ISAID Soil Chemistry & Bioproducts Teams

Research Associate Professor

Soil and Water Systems

Patrick Hatzenbuehler, Ph.D.

ISAID Economics Team

Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist

Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology

Hernan Tejeda, Ph.D.

ISAID Economics Team

Associate Professor & Extension Specialist

Agriculture Economics & Rural Sociology, Extension

Alexander Maas, Ph.D.

ISAID Economics Team

Assistant Professor

Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology

Kattlyn Wolf, Ph.D.

ISAID Education Team

Interim Department Head

Agricultural Education Leadership & Communications

Jason Winfree, Ph.D.

ISAID Education Team

Professor

Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology

Jared Spackman, Ph.D.

ISAID Agronomy Team

Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist

Barley Agronomy, Plant Sciences

Albert Adjeiwor, Ph.D.

ISAID Agronomy Team

Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist

Plant Sciences

Alex Crump, Ph.D.

ISAID Bioproducts Team

Research Specialist

Soil and Water Systems

Martin Baker, Ph.D.

ISAID Bioproducts Team

Research Specialist

Soil and Water Systeams

Lindsey McGowen, Ph.D.

ISAID External Evaluator

NC State University

Psychology

Our Education Pillar

Each student is paired with a faculty member to assist them and gain hands on research experience.

In an innovative stride towards nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders, the ISAID grant serves as a vital platform for graduate students to immerse themselves in hands-on research. This unique opportunity equips students with the essential tools needed to complete their theses and contribute to scientific publications. Annual retreats, a cornerstone of the ISAID grant, not only provide targeted bioeconomy training but also foster an environment conducive to collaborative learning and interdisciplinary engagement. Graduate students actively participate in the development and implementation of real-world projects, gaining practical insights that extend beyond traditional academic boundaries. The grant's multifaceted approach, encompassing professional development, market feasibility studies, and primary market research, amplifies the impact of graduate education by linking academic endeavors to real-world challenges. As a result, the ISAID grant not only propels students towards academic excellence but also empowers them to make tangible contributions to the broader agricultural community.