Teaching & Learning in Agriculture
Exploring student-centered approaches, course design, and learning experiences that make agricultural topics meaningful for diverse learners.
Agricultural Education · Communication · Sustainable Agriculture
Connecting research, classrooms, and communities in agriculture.
Mamata Adhikari is an MS student in Agricultural Education and co-major in Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University. Her work focuses on how people learn about agriculture, how we communicate science, and how to build public trust in food and farming.
About Mamata
Mamata Adhikari is a graduate student in Agricultural Education with a co-major in Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University. She brings a B.Sc. in Agriculture from the Agriculture and Forestry University in Nepal and several years of experience working at the intersection of agricultural extension, development projects, and classroom teaching.
As a Graduate Research Assistant with the Real Pork Trust Consortium, she studies how consumers encounter and respond to information about pork and other animal-source foods. Her research interests include science communication, public trust in food systems, consumer perceptions, and learner-centered approaches in agricultural education.
Long-term, Mamata aims to pursue a PhD and contribute to research and teaching that help students, farmers, and consumers engage more confidently with complex agricultural issues.
At a glance
- Current program: MS in Agricultural Education, co-major in Sustainable Agriculture – Iowa State University
- Research themes: science communication, public trust, consumer behavior, teaching & learning in agriculture
- Methods: qualitative & quantitative research, surveys, focus groups, thematic analysis
- Previous work: extension & development projects in Nepal, agricultural instruction, and IPM training
Focus areas
Mamata’s work sits where agricultural education, extension, and communication meet.
Science & Public Communication
Studying how messages about food and farming are framed, interpreted, and trusted by consumers, with a focus on animal agriculture and food safety.
Extension & Community Engagement
Supporting outreach programs, demonstrations, and trainings that connect research with farmers and communities in both the U.S. and Nepal.
Selected projects & publications
A sample of Mamata’s research, communication, and educational work.
Encountering Negative Pork Information
Led a qualitative study on how U.S. consumers encounter negative or misleading information about pork, and how this influences their communication behaviors and consumption decisions. Conducted and analyzed focus groups using thematic coding to identify key concerns and message strategies.
View conference post →
Pork Knowledge Gap Among U.S. Consumers
Contributed to a mixed-methods study examining how socioeconomic status and perceptions shape consumer knowledge about pork. Presented findings at the 2025 Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education Conference, where the team received the Distinguished Oral Presentation award.
View conference highlight →Impact of IPM Training on Vegetable Farmers
Designed and implemented survey research on how Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training influences pest management practices among vegetable growers in Palpa, Nepal. Collected and analyzed data from IPM-trained and non-trained farmers, and shared findings through reports and presentations.
Produce Safety for Nepali-Speaking Growers
Reviewed educational materials, transcripts, and videos for a project focused on addressing produce safety needs of Nepali-speaking growers in the Midwest. Evaluated cultural relevance, clarity, and effectiveness of educational content aimed at immigrant and refugee farmers.
Conference highlights
Selected conferences, symposia, and events where Mamata has presented or engaged with the agricultural education and communication community.
NC-AAAE Conference 2025
Presented “Encountering Negative Pork Information: A Qualitative Study of U.S. Consumer Communication and Consumption Behaviors,” and participated in sessions focused on agricultural education research and teaching.
View LinkedIn post →
AIAEE Conference 2024
Authored and presented the oral paper “Pork Knowledge Gap Among U.S. Consumers: The Role of Socioeconomic Status and Perception,” contributing to a team that received the Distinguished Oral Presentation award.
View LinkedIn post →
IAAS International Dinner
Participated in an event focused on global perspectives in agriculture, engaging with students, faculty, and industry professionals on sustainability and international agricultural initiatives.
Experience & education
Graduate Research Assistant – Agricultural Education & Studies
Member of the Real Pork Trust Consortium research team, focusing on science communication and public trust related to pork production. Designed and facilitated consumer focus groups, conducted quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and contributed to multiple manuscripts and presentations.
Graduate Teaching Assistant – Agricultural Education
Supporting AGEDS 4120 (Internship in Agricultural Education and Studies) and AGEDS 2110 (Agricultural Industries and Agencies), assisting with instruction, student support, and course logistics.
Program Officer – Social Development Forum (RePLANT Project)
Coordinated activities to reduce post-harvest losses through hermetic storage technologies, IPM demonstrations, and financial literacy trainings. Worked with farmers, community business facilitators, and local stakeholders to implement extension-focused interventions.
Agriculture Instructor – Namuna Technical Education Academy
Taught courses in Agricultural Extension and Agribusiness Management, developing lesson plans and assessments for diploma-level agriculture students.
Learning for Entrepreneurial Experience Intern – Agriculture Knowledge Center
Conducted survey research on the impact of IPM training on vegetable farmers, including data collection, analysis, and reporting, while supporting extension and field activities.
MS in Agricultural Education (co-major Sustainable Agriculture)
Graduate studies focused on agricultural education, communication, and sustainable agriculture, with coursework and research integrating social science approaches and agricultural systems.
B.Sc. in Agriculture
Completed foundational training in crop production, soil science, and agricultural extension, including an undergraduate thesis on IPM training impacts in vegetable production.
Let’s connect
For research collaborations, internships, teaching assistantships, or PhD program inquiries related to agricultural education, extension, or science communication, you can reach Mamata here:
Email: mamata@iastate.edu
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mamata-adhikari