Silvia Mastelan works with Professor Neil Smeck in the soil sciences lab.

Silvia Mestelan will take much more than a doctoral degree in soil sciences from Ohio State back to her home country of Argentina. She plans to develop a new graduate program in environmental sciences at the Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Unlike some people who get a degree simply to have a profession, she will be using her Ohio State training to have a positive impact on both the educational system and the environment in Argentina. She explained, “The key idea is to develop a good curriculum in environmental sciences and also prepare a distance learning program. We need to tailor a program to update people in the field of soil management.”

Silvia decided to come to Ohio State on a Fulbright scholarship after several years of teaching and conducting research in Argentine universities. She has focused on research addressing how to treat land in a way that minimizes environmental damage and conserves resources, such as water. As people continue to use more land for producing crops, it is important that the soil stays healthy so that food production can continue for years to come.

Silvia is aware of the challenges she faces in developing a new program in Argentina. But she feels that her experience at Ohio State has prepared her for the future. Silvia said, “Because this program will be new, it will be really difficult. But I thought that if I could come here and survive with a little son and a husband, and with all of the change and shock in coming from one culture and language to another, I can do anything.”

Silvia represents an example of how Ohio State really touches the world through its graduates.