Allan Hruska, an expert in international development, has joined the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) as a lecturer. With over thirty years of global experience leading, researching, teaching, and advising at universities, the United Nations, NGOs, civil society, and funding organizations, including USAID, Hruska brings a wealth of knowledge about issues related to sustainability and development.

We asked him five questions to learn more about his work and why he's excited to join SEAS.

What brought you to SEAS, and what do you most look forward to in your work with SEAS students?
Returning to my alma mater is an absolute delight. Completing my undergraduate degree here at U-M left an indelible mark on me, and I hold a deep affection for this institution. Joining the vibrant SEAS community—its students, staff, faculty, and leadership—is truly exciting. I’m thrilled to be back in the classroom, engaging with motivated, curious and purpose-driven students. This semester, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and working with many SEAS students, sharing my experiences and knowledge in meaningful ways. My goal is to support their journeys, both in exploring the critical topics of sustainable international development and in navigating their career paths.

You have lived and worked in eight countries. Tell us how this has shaped your work and impact.
Living and working in diverse countries, communities and institutions has been an immense privilege, deeply enriching both my professional and personal life. These experiences have taught me the universal value of positive human emotions and behaviors that foster inclusivity, diversity, equity, transparency and trust. Building on these principles has been foundational to achieving impactful, collaborative outcomes. I’ve had the honor of bridging gaps between scientific researchers, students, community organizations, NGOs and farmers, fostering partnerships that drive sustainable development.

What are some of the ways that you have worked to advance evidence-based policies and practices that enhance food systems' resilience, equity and sustainability?
My work has focused on empowering smallholder farmers with accessible, effective and ecologically sustainable approaches to crop management and pest control. By advocating for solutions that don’t rely on costly or toxic inputs, I’ve helped challenge the dominant narratives shaped by corporate interests, which often fail to serve smallholder farmers’ needs. Instead, my efforts emphasize food security, resilience, equity and sustainability, aligning with the aspirations of farming families and their communities.

Aside from being a lecturer and advising SEAS students, are you working on any projects or studies at the moment?
I’m actively collaborating with global colleagues to strengthen the scientific foundation for low-cost, sustainable crop production and protection methods. One of my key projects is a research and demonstration initiative in Kenya focused on agroecological management of the fall armyworm, a major pest affecting corn. Additionally, I’m working to develop alternative narratives that highlight the promise of agroecological practices, showing how these approaches meet the needs of smallholder farmers, their families, and the broader global community.

You’ve had many accomplishments during your career, including securing millions of dollars in funding and publishing over 40 peer-reviewed articles. What is something that you’re especially proud of?
One achievement I’m particularly proud of is the suite of publications, farmer’s field school guides, videos and training materials I helped develop during my time with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. These resources have been utilized in dozens of countries and hundreds of communities, reaching thousands of farmers and their families. I also authored a peer-reviewed overview of the scientific foundation for these practices, which continues to be widely cited and applied, extending the impact of this work to new audiences.