Goshen College professor to research sustainability in Indonesia via Fulbright fellowship

Dr. John Mischler of Goshen College has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright fellowship that will allow him to continue sustainability research in Indonesia for six months in 2025. Dr. Mischler has been involved in various research projects focusing on analyzing phosphorus levels in various ecosystems and this research has included farm-based work, studying crops, and looking at food availability.

According to an article on Goshen College’s website, Ann Vendrely, who serves as the vice president for academic affairs at Goshen College, was quoted explaining why this experience will be beneficial for Dr. Mischler as well as for the college as a whole: “This project will allow Dr. Mischler to expand his current research with professional colleagues and students in a new context. Additionally, he is expanding relationships with Goshen College partners that he met during his leadership of the Study-Service Term in Indonesia.”

The Fulbright Scholar Program is, according to its website, “the United States government’s flagship program of international educational and cultural exchange,” and that it “offers passionate and accomplished students and scholars in more than 160 countries the opportunity to study, teach, conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to mutual understanding.”

Dr. Mischler has proven to be curious about and mindful of other cultures as he has set upon his research throughout his academic career. He has already formed relationships with scholars in Indonesia, which he will continue with his Fulbright research. Additionally, Dr. Mischler has worked on researching Tanzanian crops alongside Rebecca Stoltzfus, the president of Goshen College, and studied food quality in Indiana.

“There is a wide range of existence outside this country that allows a global community to flourish. It aids in thinking about problems more deeply and working towards solutions,” said Dr. Mischler.

Of his Fulbright win, Dr. Mischler said, “It is a great honor to be awarded a Fulbright fellowship. I see it as a time to refocus on larger questions within farm-based university curriculums and lay the groundwork for continued collaboration.”

For more information about Goshen College, visit the school’s website.