Professor awarded Fullbright grant [to teach and research in Cambodia]

Prof. David Hole: 2012's Fulbright Fellow - Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The Utah Statesman
Published: Thursday, October 13, 2011

A professor in Utah State University's department of plants, soils and climate was awarded a Fulbright grant to teach and research in Cambodia beginning February 2012.

David Hole (pictured) is one of seven faculty members at Utah State University who received the grant this year. He hopes the award and subsequent research will contribute to ending food shortages around the world.

"This is an opportunity to make a difference in agricultural education in an area of the world that suffers from high levels of poverty and where food security is not some buzzword but is a very real concern," Hole said.

A goal of Hole's research is to create food security around the world, including the state of Utah. His current project focuses on creating wheat and barley that is resistant to disease and insects. By traveling around the world and searching out the best genetic traits of a species of plant, Hole is able to create new breeding systems. This leads to better quality and a higher yield of crops which, in turn, feeds more people higher quality food.

He said the Fulbright grant is a big step in helping him fine-tune his research and enhance his teaching experience.