Zimbroff receives Fulbright Scholar Award to Brazil

cehs.unl.edu; University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Zimbroff image from entry

Brad Stauffer, cehs.unl.edu

Andrew Zimbroff, assistant professor and extension specialist in the Department of Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design, has been selected for a Fulbright Scholar Award to Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ) in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil from Sept. 1-Dec. 31. During his time at ESALQ, a unit of the University of San Paulo, Zimbroff will be teaching, researching and promoting innovative agribusiness entrepreneurship.

“Many countries, much like Brazil, are beginning to adopt large-scale farming models like those seen in the U.S. I believe a Fulbright Award is a perfect opportunity to lean into this global trend and help both myself and UNL prepare for leadership in this future globalized world,” said Zimbroff.

Zimbroff noted that Brazil has much in common with U.S. agricultural production, especially in corn, soybeans and beef. He looks forward to opportunities for shared entrepreneurial innovations and insights.

“Brazil is rapidly developing and growing, and it is currently a very interesting period to spend time there,” said Zimbroff. “How entrepreneurs respond to this rapid change and growth can be highly insightful, not only for Brazilian startups, but all new businesses, that are forced to respond rapidly to changing market conditions.”

Zimbroff also looks forward to developing a network of Brazilian collaborators that will result in future partnerships that will strengthen Nebraska’s international presence and allow the university and state to benefit.

“The public diplomacy [JB emphasis] and cultural exchange mission of the Fulbright Scholar program has never been more important to education and global relations,” said Chancellor Ronnie Green in his letter of congratulations to Zimbroff. “A Fulbright Scholar's work is good for the world, and it will certainly impact the way you approach your teaching and scholarship at home.”

“I am confident the agricultural entrepreneurship education research and programming that I deliver at ESALQ will be adaptable for U.S. audiences both on and off campus,” Zimbroff said. “I look forward to sharing what I learn with others at UNL.”

Zimbroff’s research in Brazil will include analyzing the agribusiness entrepreneurship landscape in Brazil and examining interventions to promote innovative agribusiness entrepreneurship. He looks forward to partnering with ESALQ for this research and sharing the results with stakeholders in academia, industry and government worldwide.