Marco Palma to lead ‘responsive agriculture’ programming
Joins Texas A&M AgriLife’s Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture as interim associate director
Marco Palma, Ph.D., will join the Texas A&M AgriLife Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture, IHA, as interim associate director for responsive agriculture, effective Aug. 1.
IHA’s responsive agriculture programming encompasses social and behavioral research that promotes health, reduces chronic disease and advances health equity through developing, evaluating and disseminating community-engaged intervention programs.
Palma brings 18 years of expertise cultivated over his career at Texas A&M University, including a background in agricultural economics. Additionally, he was a participant in the first cohort of LEAD AgriLife.
He is a Texas A&M Presidential Impact Fellow and current associate member of IHA with research focuses including consumer economics, food choices, experimental and behavioral economics, and neuroeconomics.
Palma’s vision for responsive agriculture
In his new role, Palma will lead IHA efforts to enhance research initiatives in responsive agriculture, expand collaboration with industry and advocate for policies that support responsive and sustainable agriculture.
Palma said IHA’s efforts related to responsive agriculture are happening at a pivotal time as scientists link the relationship between the environment, agriculture, human health and wellness, and sustainability.
“Responsive agriculture is crucial for addressing the dynamic needs of our food systems,” he said. “I look forward to working with this talented team to promote research impacting both farmers and consumers.”
G. Cliff Lamb, Ph.D., director of Texas A&M AgriLife Research and interim director of the IHA, said Palma provides valuable expertise to the institute’s collective mission to provide innovative, scientific solutions.
“Dr. Palma’s appointment reflects the IHA’s commitment to leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to address the complex challenges facing modern agriculture,” Lamb said. “His expertise in food and resource economics will be invaluable to the future of responsive agriculture at the IHA.”
A track record of leadership
Since 2017, Palma has served as director of the Human Behavior Laboratory at Texas A&M.
The lab aims to facilitate the integration of neurophysiological responses to traditional methods of studying human behavior to better understand, predict and change behavior that improves people’s health and well-being.
During his time as director, Palma has led the transdisciplinary faculty and integrated state-of-the-art technology to measure neurophysiological responses of human decision-making.
Palma began his academic career in horticulture-marketing economics. He is passionate about helping farmers and consumers create healthy, sustainable relationships and has secured more than $100 million in funding to conduct applied research and outreach efforts.
Palma holds a doctorate in food and resource economics from the University of Florida.
