Brian Castro (‘14, global resource systems) is used to adapting. He is a first-generation American and his first language is Spanish. His love of animals led him to Chicago High School of Agriculture and a connection with the Multicultural Liaison Officer in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences brought him to Iowa State. But it was a trip with peers to Uganda as part of the Iowa State – Makerere University Uganda Service Learning Program that altered his career plans.
The study abroad trip to Uganda broadened his understanding of the problems related to nutrition around the world and led him to change focus from animals to international human nutrition, specifically protein deficiency in children. As a Community Health Volunteer in Burkina Faso through the Peace Corps, Brian works with community leaders on projects that contribute to health advancement. He coordinates with the Ministry of Public Health of Burkina Faso or grassroots organizations on projects like malaria prevention and control, deconstruction of HIV/AIDS stigmatization, family planning, nutrition and hygiene.
No matter if you are passionate about agriculture or health, in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State, you can develop your interests through out-of-the-classroom experiences like study abroad, internships, and student research.
Create your own adventure!
Read more about Brian’s work in the Peace Corp and Iowa State adventure in STORIES.