Global connections: A case for international perspectives

Abstract

I am a soil scientist and my research experience is mainly in soil chemistry and fertility, and nutrient and pollutant transport in soils. Following my academic career, I worked 20 years at USDA as a national program leader (NPL) in the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, running research grant programs in soils, water, and watersheds, and then initiating the programs in carbon (C) cycle science, land use, and climate change in the context of environmental conservation and food security. As NPL, I also participated in international programs related to climate change and agriculture, again broadening my perspective of the issues and interconnectedness of the topics of soil and water conservation, biodiversity, food, health, and climate change. It also gave me the opportunity to hear many different points of view from the scientists from different countries.