The College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST) at Illinois State University is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year! This series, CAST 50×50, is designed to highlight 50 faculty, staff, students, alumni, and organizations within CAST that make the college special. These notable people will tell you that every day in CAST is a great day to be a Redbird!

Today, #CAST50 is featuring Iuliia Protopop from the Department of Agriculture.

What is your position within CAST?

Assistant professor of agribusiness

Most unusual item in your desk drawer?

Dried plums. Nobody likes them but me.

If you go travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

First, I would start from Ukraine (where I am originally from). Then, I would like to visit UAE (United Arab Emirates) for many reasons. First, I have some friends who live there, and it’s always fun to visit a country when you know somebody from that part of the world. Second, the UAE has a very interesting history of economic development. It started off with pearling industry as a core of their economy until the oil was discovered and completely changed the direction of the country’s development.

If you could choose one exotic animal to have as a pet which one would you choose and why?

Having a monkey sounds good. Although, I do not think it will do well in the Illinois winter.

Most rewarding part about your job?

The most exciting and rewarding part of my job is to see students have the aha moment.

Think you know someone that should be featured? Contact us!