By Andi Anderson
Amy Kaleita, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Larry and Bunita Buss Department Chair and Professor at Iowa State University, has been named a fellow of the International Academy of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (iAABE) from CIGR (Commission Internationale du Génie Rural).
The fellowship is a prestigious lifetime achievement recognition awarded to individuals who have made major contributions to agricultural and biosystems engineering worldwide.
As leader of Iowa State University's Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Kaleita has played a key role in advancing research, education, and student achievement. Under her leadership, the department has consistently ranked among the top agricultural engineering programs in the United States and has continued to offer innovative programs that meet industry needs.
Kaleita is only the second Iowa State University faculty member to receive this international distinction. The first was Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor Rameshwar Kanwar, who was recognized in 2024.
Speaking about the honor, Kaleita said, “It’s truly an honor, and a humbling one, to be in the outstanding company of the other engineers who received this recognition with me, and those who have received it in the past.”
Kaleita earned her bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering from Pennsylvania State University, followed by a master's degree in civil engineering with a focus on hydrology and a doctorate in agricultural engineering from the University of Illinois.
She joined Iowa State University in 2003 and has dedicated her career to research in precision agriculture, agricultural sustainability, water quality, and soil health.
Over the years, she has published 65 peer-reviewed research articles and secured more than $11 million in research funding. Her work has focused on developing sensing and monitoring systems for agricultural fields and watersheds and using data to support better management decisions.
Kaleita has also contributed to major collaborative projects, including the Regenerative Perennial Grass Cover Project (RegenPGC). The initiative supported more than 38 graduate student research projects and strengthened partnerships among universities, Extension programs, and agricultural stakeholders across the Midwest.
In addition to research, Kaleita is widely respected as a mentor, educator, and leader. She has served in national and international professional organizations and has received several honors for excellence in teaching, leadership, and engineering education.
The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University has a long history of providing solutions for agriculture and industry. The department continues to evolve through programs such as Biological and Biomanufacturing Systems Technology and the Digital and Precision Agriculture major, which were developed to address emerging industry demands.
Reflecting on the department’s mission, Kaleita said, “Our history gives us a strong foundation, but our continued leadership comes from preparing students and delivering solutions for the challenges that agriculture and society will face tomorrow.”
She also emphasized the importance of practical education, stating, “Our goal is to give students experiences that help them connect technical knowledge with practical applications. The specific technologies will change over time, but the ability to learn, adapt and solve meaningful problems will always be important.”
Kaleita’s recognition highlights her lasting impact on agricultural engineering, higher education, and sustainable agriculture while reinforcing Iowa State University's reputation for excellence and innovation.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, General, Sustainable Agriculture