Robert Blake, a noted expert on livestock production and sustainable food systems in developing countries, has joined Michigan State University as director of the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
Blake comes to MSU from Cornell University, where he has served as director of the Latin American Studies Program since 2007 and professor of animal science since 1986.
“For more than four decades, MSU has provided regional expertise and leadership in Caribbean and Latin American studies,” Blake said. “This world region will continue to be a significant source of inquiry as faculty and students work to understand the relationships between some of the most pressing global issues such as health, environment, education and food. I am proud to have the opportunity to be part of MSU’s work in this world region.”
After Peace Corps service in Peru and graduate studies at North Carolina State University, Blake began his academic career in 1977 at Texas A&M University, accepting an international professorship with Cornell University in 1986. While at Cornell he held a variety of positions – director of graduate studies in the field of international agriculture and rural development, chairperson of undergraduate program steering committee, member of the Advisory Committee for the Cornell International Institute for Food, Agriculture and Development and director of the Latin American Studies Program.
Much of Blake’s research emphasizes economic, nutritional and genetic management of livestock in mixed farming systems in the developing world, especially in Latin America and Africa. He has taught about livestock in tropical farming systems, agriculture in developing nations and contemporary issues in Latin America.
Blake has produced numerous Web-based and electronic materials. His interest in multi-media production has made his work widely available through several digital libraries.
Since its founding more than 40 years ago, MSU’s Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies has provided language education and outreach support to the mid-Michigan community through partnerships with more than 29 institutes of higher education in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The center supports research and training projects in numerous countries including Brazil, Chile, Peru, Costa Rica and Mexico, with many being led by one of the center’s more than 150 core and consulting faculty. In collaboration with MSU colleagues, Blake is leading an innovative new initiative, Experience Latin America. This two-course experiential learning package comprises videoconferencing with MSU and Cornell students and faculty and researchers from institutions in southern Mexico.