Improving Academic Research in the Dominican Republic

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Dr. Elon and ISA students visiting an Asian vegetable exporting association
A lack of knowledge and experience when it comes to research has resulted in difficulties in the formation of professionals in the Dominican Republic. ISA University, located in Santiago de los Caballeros, was not fulfilling its potential or capacity for impact in Dominican research, despite being known for its specialized degrees in farming, natural resources and education. 

Elon Gilbert, who has a PhD in Economics from Stanford University, volunteered through Farmer-to-Farmer in September 2019 by training professors and outstanding students from ISA University's Business School. He taught them to design quantitative and qualitative studies, write research articles or papers, and select research instruments and methods of data analysis. 

Dr. Gilbert has over 50 years of international experience associated with FAO, the World Bank, USAID, private foundations, governments, and NGOs; with a focus on building capacities for agricultural research and extension. Since 2002, he has volunteered for several assignments through USAID’s Farmer-to-Farmer program. 


During his assignment in the Dominican Republic he helped the Business School outline its research strategy, made observations and recommendations to improve student research, visited producer organizations that have the potential of being research sites for agricultural economics, and evaluated a research proposal that the university is presenting to an international organization about the role of women in agricultural value chains. 

“I was very impressed with the operations of some of the producer organizations we visited. All the organizations have issues, some of which ISA might well help them address. There is considerable scope for combining services to producer and community organizations with student research projects, which is already happening to some extent.” – Dr. Elon Gilbert. 

Gabriela and Elon visiting a rabbit production facility.
Some of the most remarkable recommendations Dr. Gilbert made at the end of his assignment were: 
  • Developing a research strategy for ISA’s Business School that will improve the quality and quantity of research and in this way address the need of increasing enrollment and income, 
  • Increase opportunities for student participation in research projects, through research contracts and internships,
  • Provide students with exposure to research methodologies and good scientific writing practices through online courses that complement the existing curriculum, and 
  • Develop the ISA - University of Montana link program. 
“Personally, I loved this assignment, as I got to witness that the age of a volunteer is no measure of his/her spirit. It was incredible to see students sharing with Elon, asking him questions about everything, and wanting access to his knowledge. Some of them even helped him with translating, which shows how interested they were on the topic.” – Gabriela Rosa, F2F Field Officer.

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