The USAID initiative aims to strengthen higher education by bringing together Iowa State University and universities in Kosovo. This collaboration focuses on agriculture. Professors from the University of Prishtina, University of Peja “Haxhi Zeka,” and University of Prizren “Ukshin Vokshi” are working closely with Iowa State’s Animal Sciences Department. Their goal is to enhance research skills, improve teaching methods, and create hands-on learning experiences for agriculture students.
By participating in workshops, Kosovan professors have learned new techniques that enhance student learning and better prepare them for the workforce. Two notable workshops focused on integrating practical experiences into education and using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture.
In the “Science with Practice” workshop led by Dr. Mike Retallick and Dusti Ingles, participants explored how to connect research with practical application in the classroom. They tackled financial and operational hurdles and discussed strategies for utilizing university research to enhance student experiences. A key highlight was Iowa State’s mentorship model, which spurred ideas for similar initiatives at the partner universities.
Granit Kastrati, an assistant professor at the University of Peja, expressed the workshop’s impact: “Research provides hands-on experience that helps students choose their career paths. This workshop gave us insights to better engage our students in research and practical applications.”
Another workshop, led by Joshua Peschel, showcased how AI can transform agriculture. Professors learned to apply AI for research purposes, detect plagiarism, prepare classes, and support private-sector initiatives. They also examined how AI can improve farming practices by monitoring and optimizing production.
Blerta Mehmedi Kastrati, a professor at the University of Prishtina, noted, “In today’s world, technology changes everything in agriculture. This training opened my eyes to how AI can enhance farming processes. I look forward to sharing these insights with my students and industry partners.”
These workshops represent a continuous drive to strengthen university programs in curriculum design, applied research, and hands-on learning. The partnerships established through this initiative aim to empower students and businesses alike, ensuring they benefit from university resources. Looking ahead, the initiative will focus on creating applied research projects that involve students and private companies to deliver innovative agricultural solutions in Kosovo.
The Private Sector Partnerships to Strengthen Higher Education is a USAID-funded project managed by the University of Iowa, in collaboration with Iowa State University and the Kosova Education Center (KEC).
