Ranga Appuhamy, assistant professor in animal science, is the recipient of the 2023 Early Achievement in Teaching Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. He teaches a large undergraduate animal nutrition class, advises undergraduate students, and is involved in training undergraduates in research under the Honors and Science with Practice programs. He puts considerable effort into addressing prominent diversities of animal science students, such as animal species interests (e.g. livestock vs. companion animals) and prior experience with livestock (e.g. farming vs. nonfarming background). He also teaches graduate level classes and currently advises three graduate students.
Appuhamy strives to teach effectively. He is a beneficiary of several teacher-training workshops and is continually learning new concepts, technologies and methods of teaching. He also values feedback from students and peers. A colleague states, “Mindful, deliberate and committed are three words to summarize Dr. Ranga Appuhamy and his approach to undergraduate and graduate teaching… I wish more instructors approached teaching with as much care and thoughtfulness as Ranga does.”