International student earns doctoral degree to help develop Iraqi horticultural education curriculum

Horticulture is in Kawther Al-Jasim’s DNA. Her mother and father had a farm and always discussed how to care for their trees.

“I believe hearing this kind of conversation makes me attached to the plants,” Kawther said. “I love being with plants, treating them, growing them, taking data, doing molecular work.”

Kawther became a horticulture teacher prior to coming to the United States. As a lecturer at the University of Babylon/Iraq, she looks forward to teaching her students what she has learned while at UF. The Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research supported Kawther with a scholarship to help develop the Iraqi horticultural education curriculum. “I believe I made the right decision when I chose UF,” Kawther said.

From fellow students and community involvement, to teachers who have exemplified what Kawther believes to be an ideal professor, all of these experiences have been memorable moments during Kawther’s time in CALS as a doctoral student in horticultural sciences. She says these interactions have defined her chosen career path.

The English language has been the biggest obstacle Kawther has overcome while at UF. When asked to share her advice on overcoming hurdles, Kawther said, “Just keep going. I know it is not easy, but as long as you will never give up, one day you will make it. Your dream will be true.”

After graduation, Kawther returns to Iraq in his lecturer position. She would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Jude Grosser for “your support, encouragements and believing in me – that’s what makes me succeed.”

Kawther Al-Jasim
Horticultural Sciences Major
Spring 2020 Doctorate Degree Graduate

1


Posted: May 6, 2020


Category: Agriculture, Crops, Fruits & Vegetables, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Teaching
Tags: CALS, College Majors, College Of Ag, College Of Agricultural And Life Sciences, Horticultural Sciences


Comments:

Jonathan
December 15, 2021

Amazing job my friend! Your perseverance and success is inspiring.

Andrea Gallik
December 15, 2021

So very amazed by you Jason! You have made your family and UF so proud. Your story lights a path for others. May you continue leading the way with your perseverance and integrity!

Michele Dysna leconte
December 15, 2021

Congratulations!!! Very inspiring story, May continue to be a beacon of hope for other young men dealing with similar issues

Matt Parker
December 15, 2021

Congratulations Mr. Coby. 11 straight ‘A’s eh? Way to go. Now go forth and fix the environment. Your girls look good with the current graduate. Nicely done. Beautiful fam.

Mimi
December 15, 2021

Thank you for helping my nephew Jason I know he wasn’t a quicker but is this song I know if it’s Roman it will make it I’m proud of him and I look I love you and we always be there to support you we love you we love you aunt to Mimi

Anne Menard
September 14, 2021

You can post my comments.

Anne Menard
September 14, 2021

What a wonderful learning opportunity for the college students & it helps with their future education & career planning. Thank you Tall Timbers.

Robert
December 22, 2020

Dear sir, Thank you for your post. I Love group study.

Samuel Sam
December 10, 2020

Dear sir, Thank you for your post. Group study is the main for all students life and we learn a lot of things

Susan Weller
November 1, 2020

Congratulations for rewards well earned. Keep up this very important research. We are dependent on the honey bees. Your work is helping educate us all. The use of DDT was stopped due to scientist like you. Please continue to develop more earth friendly solutions for the good of mankind.

Georgene
August 7, 2020

Congrats-well-deserved!

suba suba
June 11, 2020

Really appreciate you sharing this article.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.

Mohammed Mahmood Mohammed
May 12, 2020

Congratulations you earned that degree

AHMED
May 7, 2020

Congrats Dr. Kawther. With your efforts you make what is difficult, been easy to get. Keep going don’t give up. Always the beginning is difficult but with the patience will be easy.

Pialang Indo
March 29, 2020

Very true this virus is very contagious, serious and potentially deadly virus hopes we can do what we can to reduce the spread of this virus and find the best solution to eradicate it. I was very scared until now and just stayed at home all day. Thank you for the information.

Pam Humphrey
December 19, 2019

Lindsey is an amazing, competent and caring young woman. She will be an asset to any company forward-looking enough to hire her.

Naomi Rose
December 19, 2019

Wow! I am so proud of her. Nana

Dagang Valas
December 14, 2019

Congratulation Rivas, hopefully the knowledge gained can be useful in the future and can help the community. Merry Christmas and happy new year too.

Ginny Reiss
October 1, 2019

So proud of you Adrian!!!

R. William (Bill) Henderson
June 21, 2019

Father figures are needed in all parts of education and in all of life. I teach GED to inmates in a local jail and many of the problems these inmates have stems from their many drop out fathers both male and female.

Amy Vasquez
June 20, 2019

Three perfect examples of men with integrity.

Bjørn
April 26, 2019

Way to go, Kendra!

Mehran
April 1, 2019

Indeed everyone need to eat, and many also complain about the food source quality. I think we all should, at least, do farming in our homes. If the lack of space is a problem, then we should use vertical farming methods. This will not only clean our environment but also reduce the peoples depression (as looking at green reduces depression and is good for mental health).

Linda Nolan
March 16, 2019

Great information! Thank you Dana for sharing Ms. Clark’s enthusiasm about Florida’s agricultural importance.

Myrna
March 22, 2018

I am sooo proud of Gallagher n the example given to her by these wonderful women encouraging others to jump in n make a difference. I say take your places with men n unite making the difference side by side. WELL DONE!!!

Edelyn Tidholm
March 17, 2018

Great article!

Karen Webster
February 21, 2018

We are very proud of you and your dedication to make agriculture better.

DARLENE
February 21, 2018

Enjoyed reading your article. It was well written and I could tell that you had put a lot of thought into what you wanted to say. Wishing you a great deal of success as you work toward your dream of becoming a lawyer. May God bless and watch over you as you embark on this journey.

Comments are closed.

Subscribe For More Great Content

IFAS Blogs Categories