Former Gov. Tom Vilsack, D-Iowa, has been named a distinguished fellow in Iowa State’s Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural Products.

“As the former governor, he has a lot of experience in policy making, which is what this position needed,” said Brian Meyer, program director of agriculture communications.

Manjit Misra, director of agricultural and biosystems engineering and BIGMAP, said Vilsack was very qualified for the position.

“He is a strong champion of using science and technology to help people, and he’s formed public policies based on science. This is his area,” Misra said.

Vilsack starts on Oct. 1, and over the next two years, one of his main tasks will be to help develop a curriculum for a new minor, Science Policy and Management. He will also be teaching courses in that field.

“With students learning about public policy in that field, our hope is that it will inspire students to consider aspects of public service,” Misra said.

Vilsack will also represent BIGMAP in conferences across the world that discuss biotechnology. The former governor’s workload seems to be increasing, as he is also currently an attorney with an international law firm and a visiting professor at Drake University.

“He will probably spend about a quarter of his time here, and the rest will be spent toward his other commitments,” Misra said.

The hope at BIGMAP is that Vilsack will be able to use his connections to increase their prestige.

“Our hope is that when he interacts with key leaders at these conferences, he will use his experience to talk with high level people, and advance us to the next level,” Misra said.

Hopes are high for what Vilsack can do for the group.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge about how science works in public applications and policy, and that’s just what we needed,” Meyer said.