My research focuses on how people learn and how educational experiences can be designed to create meaningful and lasting impact. I am particularly interested in experiential learning and high-impact educational practices. I study how these experiences influence students’ intellectual development, critical thinking, and personal growth.

I am also interested in sustainability education, food systems, international development, and the ways students make sense of complex global challenges. What excites me most is the intersection of teaching and research, where insights from research help improve learning environments and where teaching experiences generate new research questions.

I teach because education has the power to change lives. Some of the most meaningful moments in my career have come from watching students discover a new interest, gain confidence in their abilities, or find a path they had not previously imagined for themselves. I am passionate about helping students connect ideas, ask meaningful questions, and see themselves as capable of contributing to positive change in their communities and professions.

What I enjoy most is working with students from diverse backgrounds and interests and helping them find personal relevance in what they are learning. Whether students pursue careers in agriculture, education, business, public health, science, or another field, I hope they leave my courses with a deeper understanding of the world and a stronger belief in their ability to make a difference.

My teaching philosophy is student-centered and grounded in the belief that learning is most powerful when students actively engage with ideas, connect concepts across disciplines, and apply their knowledge to real-world situations. I encourage students to think critically, explore different perspectives, and make meaningful connections between course concepts and their own experiences through discussion, reflection, experiential learning, case studies, and collaborative activities.

I believe that education is a partnership between students and instructors. I strive to create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, challenging assumptions, and exploring new perspectives. I also see teaching as an ongoing process of learning and improvement, and I regularly seek feedback, reflect on my teaching, and draw on educational research to refine my courses and better support student success.

I also want students to know that I care about their success beyond a single course. Whether they are exploring career options, considering furthering their formal education, developing research interests, or simply trying to figure out their next steps, I am always happy to help students think through opportunities and connect them with resources that support their goals.

I hope students leave my classes with more than knowledge of a particular subject. I want them to develop curiosity, confidence, critical thinking skills, and the ability to approach complex problems from multiple perspectives.

I hope students learn how to ask good questions, evaluate information thoughtfully, communicate their ideas effectively, and work collaboratively with others. I also want them to recognize the interconnected nature of global and local challenges and understand how their own experiences, values, and actions can contribute to positive change.

Ultimately, I hope students leave my courses as more reflective learners who are prepared to continue learning long after the course ends.

Dr. Maria Navarro is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication at the University of Georgia. Her teaching, research, and mentoring focus on experiential learning, study abroad, sustainability education, and international agricultural development.

Dr. Navarro’s scholarship examines how educational experiences can be designed to enhance student learning, engagement, and personal development. She has received numerous university, national, and international awards for teaching, including the University of Georgia Richard B. Russell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, Josiah Meigs Distinguished Professorship, and the USDA National New Teacher Award.

She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses related to food systems, international agricultural development, and global learning while mentoring students across a wide range of academic and professional interests.