2023 International Awards: Callista Rakhmatov

Charles A. Gliozzo International Award for Public Diplomacy

Published: Tuesday, 26 Mar 2024 Author: Jonathan Gibson

Callista Rakhmatov

Callista Rakhmatov is the 2024 recipient of the Charles A. Gliozzo International Award for Public Diplomacy, which recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to public diplomacy through educating, training or promoting knowledge and understanding between MSU faculty and staff, community members and international students, scholars and visitors.

Rakhmatov is an international development professional of over 15 years. She is currently a global scholar at Michigan State University (MSU), working as a Global Network Specialist in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) International Programs, World Technology Access Program (WorldTAP), and the Department of Entomology.

Rakhmatov's work is focused on agricultural capacity strengthening and training programs in the areas of agricultural science communication and innovation, technology transfer, entrepreneurship and commercialization. She has organized numerous trainings and workshops in these areas at MSU, overseas, and online. Currently, she is developing a new program and global platform on agricultural science communication with the goal of removing barriers to technology adoption caused by disinformation and the court of public opinion. She also organizes networking and professional development activities for the CANR Global Scholars and Global Fellows Programs.

Rakhmatov is originally from northern Michigan and holds three degrees from MSU: a B.S. in agriculture and natural resources communication, an M.S. in crop and soil science, and a Ph.D. in plant breeding and genetics.

“It's my mission in life to be part of the solution to ending world hunger and poverty - global issues that will only be solved through working with partners and collaborators around the world; and while meeting, getting to know each other, interacting, and experiencing each other's cultures is all important for bridging gaps and enabling the understanding necessary to work together, it's also extremely rewarding and fun!.” - Callista Rakhmatov

Rakhmatov was nominated by Karim Maredia, assistant dean and director of international programs at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “Callista shares the character and qualities of excellence in promoting public diplomacy that Dr. Charles Gliozzo embodied at MSU and globally. The programs and activities that Callista is engaged in are building global knowledge partnerships and enhanced collaboration and cooperation with stakeholders and institutions globally,” said Maredia.

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