Matt Darr, associate professor in Iowa State University's ag and biosystems engineering department, has received a fellowship recently created by the founders and owners of Kinze Manufacturing Inc. in Williamsburg.

Jon and Marcia Kinzenbaw established the Kinze Manufacturing Fellowship in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. “We are thankful for the generosity and support of the Kinzenbaws,” says Wendy Wintersteen, endowed dean of the Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. "This is another example of the supportive leadership they offer for the agricultural industry.”

Darr earned a bachelor's in food, agricultural and biological engineering from Ohio State University in 2002, a master's degree in biosystems and agricultural engineering from the University of Kentucky in 2004, and a doctorate from OSU in 2007. Darr began his career at Iowa State University in 2008 and teaches courses related to precision agriculture and machinery electronic systems within both the ag and biosystems engineering and the agricultural systems technology program.

Focus on precision ag
Darr’s research focuses on the use of electronic technology and data analytics to solve applied engineering challenges in agriculture. He manages a team of university professionals who provide leadership in ag machinery, ranging from precision agriculture, telematics data analytics, unmanned aerial systems and next-generation machinery automation.

The fellowship will be used to enhance teaching methods and further research in precision agriculture, says Darr. “This is an incredible gift that will ensure students in our program are trained on the latest technologies and prepared to make a positive impact in the digital agriculture industry,” he adds.

The Kinze Manufacturing Fellowship in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering will be funded by annual gifts from the Kinzenbaws, which was awarded to Darr in October.

Leader in ag engineering education
The Kinzenbaws say ISU is the leader in agricultural engineering education, and providing this faculty fellowship will enhance the agricultural machinery industry.

"If there is a difference in what we do, it's having the ability to apply the experiences and knowledge we've acquired into creative problem-solving through solutions no one has thought of before," says Jon Kinzenbaw.

Kinze Manufacturing began in 1965 as a welding, repair and custom metal fabrication shop. The business evolved into one of the largest, privately held ag equipment manufacturers in the U.S., designing and building innovative row crop planters and grain wagons. The firm employs 540 people, and its products are sold in 20 countries.

The gift was made through the ISU Foundation, a private, nonprofit corporation dedicated to securing and managing gifts and grants that benefit Iowa State University.

Source: Iowa State University