Education
Dr. Nair earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala, India. He also holds a master’s degree in horticulture from the University of Maine and a doctoral degree in horticulture from Michigan State University.

Awards/Special Recognition 

• Outstanding Achievement in Extension & Outreach Award, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2024
• ASHS Extension Division Education Award (Commercial Vegetable Production Guide), 2022
• ASHS Extension Division Education Award (Extension Video), 2021
• ASHS Extension Division Education Award (Extension Video), 2019
• ASHS Extension Division Education Award (Extension Website), 2018

Teaching Responsibilities 
HORT 3760. Field Production of Horticultural Crops
HORT 4710. Vegetable Production and Mgmt.
PPEM/HORT 5810. Experience in Plant Science Extension
HORT/PPEM 4960. India Study Abroad: Crops, Culture, Food and Traditions

Global Engagement and Research
Iowa State University recognizes global competency as a necessary component to its university education. Study abroad programs allow students (and instructors) develop highly valued skills such as intercultural communication, foreign languages, adaptability, and problem solving. I am a strong supporter of study abroad programs and research collaborations around the world. I have collaborations with researchers at University of Hohenheim and University of Geisenheim. This led to development of a study abroad course on fruit and vegetable crop production in Germany. This course was developed to provide students an opportunity to study abroad in Germany and to learn about Germany’s agriculture systems and their impact on world food production. This course was team-taught with Dr. Gail Nonnecke. Similarly, I work closely with researchers and extension staff in India and have established a Study Abroad course to India. My goal with this course is to provide students with an immersive experience of fruit and vegetable production in India, help them understand global markets and supply chain and allow them to soak the culture and traditions of the land. I am currently Co-PI on a USAID project with Dr. Curtis Youngs that focuses on private sector partnerships and capacity building to strengthen higher education in Kosovo.