Dr. Isaac Lepcha is a faculty member in plant and soil science at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he shares his passion for forage agronomy with undergraduates and leads practical, hands-on research. His work explores how alternative crops, especially annual and perennial legumes, can help farmers build more sustainable, resilient, and productive forage-livestock systems.
Lepcha takes a systems-based approach to teaching and learning, viewing the classroom as an interconnected environment where teachers, students, materials, and even the physical space all play important roles. He approaches instruction as a dynamic process in which every element, from teaching methods and classroom activities to student interests and prior knowledge, contributes to a deeper understanding of the concepts. To support students, he uses tools such as pre-lecture questionnaires and ongoing feedback to learn about their backgrounds and learning styles, which helps him identify barriers and adjust his teaching accordingly. This flexible, responsive approach fosters stronger engagement and lasting success.
His research centers on diversifying pasture species, focusing on how legumes improve soil health, carbon sequestration, and overall system stability. Lepcha collaborates widely, connecting with experts in other fields to promote and create sustainable forage-livestock systems.
Outside the lab and classroom, Dr. Lepcha works with farming communities, sharing university and student-led research through field days that highlight forage technologies.