Karl Kerns, assistant professor in animal science, is the recipient of the faculty 2025 Early Achievement in Teaching Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. He has demonstrated exemplary teaching performance, innovative pedagogy, a profound commitment to student success and development, and significant contributions to the animal science curriculum.
As a Miller Faculty Fellow, Kerns is developing an AI tutoring system designed for ANS 2140L: Domestic Animal Anatomy and Physiology Lab and being expanded to TSM 2100: Fundamentals of Technology in collaboration with Tom Brumm. It features a digital human that interacts with students to review course content, assess their knowledge and provide personalized feedback. The AI tutor also provides real-time reporting to instructors, enabling them to identify key concepts requiring further emphasis or alternative teaching methods.
Kerns has also fundamentally transformed the approach to anatomical studies with the introduction of the Anatomage Table, a state-of-the-art virtual anatomy tool. The Anatomage Table allows students to delve into complex anatomical structures with unprecedented detail and clarity, making the intricate aspects of animal biology more accessible and understandable. While this technology is common in medical and nursing schools, Iowa State is believed to be the first animal science and pre-veterinary program in the nation to incorporate such technology in animal science anatomy and physiology teaching labs.
In addition, Kerns recently developed and launched the Entrepreneurship in Animal Science Farms course, which empowers students to explore revenue-generating opportunities and partnerships within Iowa State’s animal science farms. This innovative class challenges students to apply entrepreneurial concepts to real world scenarios, such as identifying sustainable business models, niche markets and operational improvements for Iowa State’s teaching farms. A colleague stated, “The course links teaching, research and extension, embodying Iowa State’s land-grant mission and preparing students for leadership roles in agriculture.”
Kerns’ innovation in education extends beyond campus. He coordinated with Iowa PBS Education to create a series for elementary students in Iowa and nationally to discuss how genetics and animal breeding practices are used to improve animal food production, featuring Iowa State’s dairy farm and Robert T. Hamilton Poultry Teaching and Research Farm.
Kerns' leadership extends beyond his assigned teaching responsibilities. He has been instrumental in the strategic direction of the animal science department, particularly in areas related to curriculum development and his work on the Degrees of the Future task force. This includes helping develop a suite of new majors that are related to the field of animal science. A colleague stated, “His input has been invaluable in shaping the future of animal science education at Iowa State, ensuring that our programs remain competitive and relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.”