Hands-on learning

Michael Cahill wrapped up his first year of college and headed to an organic farm in Virginia for the summer.

“I really fell in love with the whole process — from cultivating the soil, planting seeds, tending to them and seeing them grow,” he said. “It’s magical.” That passion for growing things led Michael first to a mission trip in Peru for two years — “That really solidified my love and passion for agriculture and the people who practice it,” he said — and, ultimately, to SUNY Adirondack, where he teaches in the science and business divisions.

Michael earned a bachelor’s degree in Horticultural Science from Brigham Young University, then master’s degrees in Agricultural and Extension Educational and International Education and Development from Penn State. He started teaching high school, but found that limiting.

“What I wanted to do and teach SUNY Adirondack presented on a silver platter,” he said of his decision to move into higher education.

“The Farm and laboratories are two big things that make this rich with opportunities for teaching and learning,” he said. “I have a passion for hands-on experiential learning.”