10 Questions with Manoj Shukla, incoming department head of Crop and Soil Science. He is currently a professor of soil physics at New Mexico State University (NMSU), where he leads and manages the soil physics program.

What drew you to Oregon State University?

Oregon State University is a top-tier research institution (R1) with an outstanding online program. Its global online presence is crucial for success in the challenging years ahead. OSU collaborates closely with a diverse range of stakeholders to address agricultural challenges, with the goal of improving the lives of people in the state. The campus is beautiful, and the surrounding landscape is breathtaking. While my previous job responsibilities were similar, the scale at OSU is much larger, providing a perfect opportunity to push myself further.

What makes you passionate about higher education?

I strongly believe that higher education is fundamental to improving the lives of people. Being able to work with students, teach them and learn from them, and just having an opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives is what makes me passionate about higher education. 

You have a strong passion for mentoring both faculty and students. How will you bring that passion to Oregon State?

Early in my career, I worked hard to build a solid foundation, and along the way, many people helped me achieve my goals. As I progressed in my career, I realized that it is now my turn to engage with younger faculty and students in a meaningful way and support them in achieving success. In the Department of CSS, there are many early-career faculty members and students. I plan to reach out to them, listen to their needs, and find ways to motivate and guide them as they navigate their own paths to success.

What advice would you give the younger version of yourself who was just starting college?

Education is an opportunity that they must avail themselves of. They should always try to give their 110% because when you move in the right direction with sincerity and dedication, success takes care of itself.

Crop and soil science includes many faculty both on the Corvallis campus and in Extension and experiment stations across the state. In your role as a department leader, how will you balance the unique needs of those various groups?

You are right, the CSS department is highly diverse, both in terms of expertise and geographic location, with each member bringing unique expertise. However, many departments within U.S. colleges of agriculture face similar issues. My prior experience as both a member and chair of the college’s promotion and tenure committee has given me a deeper understanding of the strengths that faculty in teaching, research, extension and outreach at both main and branch campuses possess. I am also familiar with some of the connectivity issues and other challenges faced by faculty at branch campuses. While there are no easy solutions, I believe that by leveraging technology and available resources effectively, I can reach out to these faculty members and hopefully inspire and motivate them. The bottom line is that a department can only make meaningful progress when everyone is fully engaged and on board. 

What was your favorite course in college?

It was hydrology. I was always interested in water.

Research funding is essential to your department. How do you plan to work with faculty to increase grants?

I will focus on increasing awareness of funding opportunities and, whenever possible, alert faculty to relevant grants. Additionally, I will work to foster connections between senior, more established faculty members and early-career faculty. Early-career faculty are often highly motivated to secure external grants, and I will collaborate with them to identify and overcome any obstacles to applying for large grants.  

You lived in Las Cruces for almost two decades. What will you miss the most about New Mexico?

I will miss my neighbors. I live in a community where many people have migrated from different places, and we have formed a close-knit group. We interact frequently and support one another like family.

What places or experiences are you most looking forward to when you move to Oregon?

I am looking forward to visiting the east side of the state to have a better understanding of the rain shadow effect and irrigation practices to mitigate it. 

What is your favorite non-academic pursuit or passion?

I would say hiking or going for long walks.