Welcome to the first themed issue of Envision! We’re sharing the international connections cultivated in the College of Agriculture in research, teaching and extension.

Coincidentally, I’ve edited most of this issue from my international home office in Naples, Italy, where my spouse is on sabbatical this year. (I’m visiting the Royal Palace of Caserta in this photo.)

Our host in Italy is a scientific colleague we’ve known for almost 30 years. Many of the partnerships we profile in these pages developed the same way, over many years and generations of scientists, like those set in motion by D. Woods Thomas, the first director and associate dean for international programs in the College of Agriculture.

Other relationships blossomed quickly, like those formed by Leah Thompson. You can read more about her doctoral research in international food safety, as well as her Cambodian colleagues who stepped up during Thompson’s medical emergency there — volunteering to donate blood and bringing fruit during hospital visits.

Each of the stories in this issue demonstrates how valuable international collaboration is for students, staff, faculty and alumni of the College of Agriculture working to make the next giant leap at home and across the globe.

We also value our relationship with you, our readers. We want stories about the College of Agriculture to inform and inspire you. Please complete the reader survey online to let us know how Envision magazine can best do so.