Fulbright Program Scholar

Traveling far from Chico, California, plant and soil science professor Lee Altier flew to Izmir, Turkey, in fall 2021 as a Fulbright program scholar through the U.S. Department of State and Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. He taught at Ege University, a public research university, as a visiting professor focusing in sustainable and organic agricultural production. Altier also examined local farmers and land to research the agricultural challenges of water scarcity, soil quality, and food security.  

The Fulbright program partners with more than 160 countries worldwide led through the United State government. This program provides international education and experiences to students, teachers, and professionals to study and teach their desired topics. In addition, this has provided more than 400,000 individuals to engage in new educational experiences and cultural immersion. 

Altier chose to go to Turkey through his enjoyment of traveling there on previous trips as well as the climate being very similar to Chico. The university had specific interest in sustainability which is one of his top passions. During his five-month educational experience, he taught a “Planning for Regenerative Agriculture” course that focuses on strategizing agriculture production during a time of rapid climate change.  

“Izmir has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers just like Chico,” Altier said. “Izmir and the Central Valley are facing the same agricultural issues so I was excited to compare and contrast the similarities and differences.”  

One of his favorite parts of this experience was the diversity of backgrounds each student had. He had students from all over three different continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe. Altier is excited to bring these experiences back home to Chico State to the Organic Vegetable Project and to also share new thoughts, ideas, and opportunities with his classes fall semester.