This story was first published in the Davis College NewsCenter. See the original article here.
Vikram Baliga, an Assistant Professor of Practice within Texas Tech University’s Department of Plant & Soil Science, is taking on additional responsibilities as Assistant Dean for Outreach & Engagement within Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources Dean’s Office, effective Sept. 1.
“Dr. Baliga brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the position,” said Davis College Associate Dean for Outreach & Engagement Erica Irlbeck. “He has great ideas and so much experience in engaging with the public. We are excited to have him on board.”
Baliga will center his efforts on developing high quality outreach media and finding ways to empower faculty to incorporate effective outreach and engagement activities into their already outstanding education and research programs.
“I’m excited about the opportunities this position gives me to better serve Texas Tech and beyond,” Baliga said. “I have always been a firm believer that education should happen both in and out of the classroom, and, as such, strive to make outreach and engagement an integral part of my life as an educator. It’s an honor to have the chance to work with such an incredible team in the Davis College to make an even greater impact on our community.”
The Lubbock native will center his efforts on developing high quality outreach media and finding ways to empower faculty to incorporate effective outreach and engagement activities into their already outstanding education and research programs.
"As faculty, our work lives are busy and full of research, teaching, and and so many other obligations that go along with working at an amazing institute like Texas Tech," Baliga said. "As we're trying to determine how more impactful outreach and engagement fits in with our other responsibilities, we're beyond fortunate to have the guidance of leaders like Dr. Irlbeck. It's an honor to have the chance to work with her and the rest of the Outreach & Engagement team to equip our colleagues with the tools to be outstanding in this space without it feeling like "just one more thing to do" in their day. I look forward to getting to meet and partner with more people across the Davis College as we continue to strive for excellence."
An experienced horticulturist and horticulture educator, Baliga will be continuing to focus on areas of urban landscape water conservation; controlled environment horticulture; urban and small farm food production and market gardening; as well as multi-purpose landscape design; and in-person and virtual science communication and outreach. Baliga is also a long-time science communicator across a number of online platforms, an educational speaker, and the author of the non-fiction kids’ science book, Plants to the Rescue!, an illustrated collection of stories and vignettes about how plants and advances and plant science can help us fight big problems like pollution, hunger, climate change, and more.
Prior to joining the Department of Plant & Soil Science in 2018 as a horticulture research associate/lecturer and greenhouse manager of Texas Tech’s Greenhouse & Gardens Complex, Baliga served as County Horticulture Agent with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and a teaching assistant within the Department of Plant & Soil Science. In addition, he was the part owner and farm manager with Noble Farms in Lubbock, and the owner and operator with Thrive Gardens & Landscapes in Lubbock.
Baliga received his bachelor’s degree in horticulture with a landscape design emphasis from Texas A&M University. His master’s degree in horticulture, as well as his doctorate in plant and soil science are from Texas Tech. Honors include the David College Outreach & Engagement Award (2024), Davis College Instructor Award (2022) and the Texas Tech Teaching Learning & Professional Development Center Diamond Award for Innovative Teaching (2021). He is a member of the American Society of Horticultural Science, Botanical Society of America, and the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association.