Prasanta K. Kalita, PhD
Title: Associate Professor, Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Department:Agricultural & Biological Engineering
College: Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences
Interview
What classes do you teach?
- ABE 221 (Ag & Bio Engineering I)
- ABE 456 (Land & Water Resources Engineering)
- ABE 498 (Nonpoint Pollution Processes and Control)
What do you enjoy most about teaching at Illinois?
We have many wonderful students at Illinois who are eager to learn. Teaching is a privilege and it allows me to make an impact on our students. We learn and grow together and develop a lasting relationship.
Do you have a unique teaching method or project you assign?
I practice active and cooperative learning methods in my classes. I also bring a lot of real-life examples of engineering problems to the classroom, and students learn how to develop solution methods. This keeps their attention and motivates them to learn.
Describe your greatest professional accomplishment.
Yet to accomplish the greatest...
What sparked your interest in your field of study?
I was always interested in doing something with water and natural resources. With an expanding population, demand for water uses are growing. I have always been interested in suataining the quality of our environment in which we live.
What's your favorite aspect of life at Illinois?
The University of Illinois is a great institution, and working with wonderful colleagues and graduate students make life a lot easier and enjoyable.
What book, related to your field, do you recommend reading?
Water Quality: Prevention, Identification, and Management of Diffuse Pollution by Vladimir Novotny and Harvey Olem
Do you have any advice for entering students?
The best advice I can give is to get involved, seek advice, and manage your time.