Richard Cruse is a professor in the Agronomy Department at Iowa State University and Director of the Iowa Water Center, one of the nations 54 Water Resources Research Institutes. He has research, teaching, administration, and Extension responsibilities.  Cruse leads the Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework National Hub and co-leads the Daily Erosion Project, both administered by the Iowa Water Center

His program involves modeling research in soil erosion, soil management, and soil physical properties. He also teaches Advanced Soil Management in the Iowa State University Agronomy Graduate program; meets with diverse audiences to address soil management, soil erosion, and water quality issues.