Rafael Landaverde, graduate associate and doctoral student in the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) at the Ohio State University, has received the University’s Presidential Fellowship.

The Presidential Fellowship recognizes outstanding scholarly accomplishments and potential graduate students entering the final phase of their dissertation research or terminal degree project. It provides financial support so the candidate can devote one year of full-time study to the completion of the dissertation or degree project.

“Rafael has worked extremely hard as a doctoral student in our department and is deserving of this prestigious award,” said Dr. Shannon Washburn, professor and chair of ACEL. “As he enters his final phase of his education, this award will allow Rafael to focus on the completion of his dissertation project that explores how to strengthen the post-harvest capacities among small-scale farmers in rural Central America.”

His research project could have a substantial effect on the future adoption of technologies that will in turn make a large impact on the lives of small-scale famers in low- and middle-income countries.

Landaverde is a graduate of Texas Tech University where he earned a masters in agricultural education and is also a graduate of Zamorano University in Honduras with a bachelor’s degree in environment and development.

Students in the ACEL graduate program at Ohio State may specialize in agricultural communication, agricultural education, community and extension education, international development, or leadership. The agricultural communication, education, and leadership graduate program offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science, Master of Education and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. The Doctor of Philosophy degree prepares students for careers as administrators, specialists, university faculty and researchers.

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