Fulbright Scholar Erika Berg Joins Hólar University’s Equine Science Department

Hólar University is pleased to welcome Dr. Erika Berg, a U.S. Fulbright Scholar and Associate Professor of Animal Science at North Dakota State University, who will be joining the Equine Science Department from January through June 2026.

Erika is visiting Iceland through the Fulbright Iceland program and will be working alongside Sveinn Ragnarsson, Professor of Equine Science, and Henri Julius, Affiliated Professor, at Hólar University to support the development of a new academic curriculum in Equine Assisted Services. This emerging field includes equine-assisted learning, interventions and therapeutic practices that support human physical, psychological and educational well-being.

During her stay at Hólar, Erika will contribute to both teaching and curriculum development. Her primary role will focus on the design of a new graduate-level diploma program in equine-assisted activities, helping to ensure that the curriculum meets international standards and reflects best practices developed in the United States, as well as Nordic countries. In addition, she will teach and supervise students at both undergraduate and graduate levels and support early-stage research in human–horse interactions.

The visit represents an important step for Hólar University, which is preparing to expand its academic offerings in equine-assisted services. While equine-based therapeutic activities have been practiced informally in Iceland for some time, there is a growing need for structured, research-based education in this area. Erika brings with her 30 years of experience partnering horses and humans in both community and educational settings. She is the director of Bison Strides, an equine program which serves individuals with physical, cognitive, and mental health diagnoses at her home institution where she also oversees an academic program for undergraduate students working towards a certification in therapeutic horsemanship instruction.

The collaboration offers valuable opportunities for long-term cooperation between Icelandic and U.S. institutions. The university envisions that this Fulbright visit may serve as the foundation for continued academic exchange and future research collaboration in Equine Assisted Services. We look forward to working with Erika and warmly welcome her to our university and community.