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AG AND LIFE SCIENCES ONLINE
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The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Newsletter
Iowa State University
Sept. 24, 2012 No. 719
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COLLEGE NEWS
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FALL ONLINE ENROLLMENT IN CALS HITS RECORD
The College's online learning program hit record enrollment numbers this fall, with 1,228 registrations, an increase of 43 percent over fall semester 2011. Online classes offer an alternative for students who return home, study abroad or participate in internships. Departments with the largest enrollment include agronomy, food science and human nutrition, and agricultural education and studies.
FRANKLIN TO SPEAK AT ERRINGTON LECTURE, SEPT. 27
Jerry Franklin, professor of ecosystem analysis at the University of Washington, will present the 48th Errington Memorial Lecture on Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Hall. Franklin is widely known for his scientific forestry research following the controversy over spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest. Errington was a professor of wildlife biology at ISU from 1932 until his retirement in 1962. The lecture pays tribute to his special qualities as a person and as a scientist. There are 13 sponsors of the Errington Lecture, including CALS, the Henry A. Wallace Endowed Chair for Sustainable Agriculture, and the departments of agronomy, NREM and EEOB.
CARVER BBMB RESEARCHER SEEKS TO UNDERSTAND DNA REPAIR
Scott Nelson, Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, is studying the process organisms use to repair DNA damage, opening up implications for human health and cancer research. A single system, using two proteins or enzymes, has been identified as having a role in fixing damaged DNA. Nelson received an $823,000 National Science Foundation grant to study the proteins and their biochemical structure.
HYPOXIA TASK FORCE VISITS BIOCENTURY RESEARCH FARM
Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and co-chair of the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force, coordinated a meeting of the two organizations at the ISU BioCentury Research Farm on Sept. 12. The joint meeting provided an opportunity for more than 40 exhibitors to showcase new technologies and emerging sciences that offer ways to reduce nutrient transport into waterways. Attendees were joined by Iowa farm and conservation leaders and ISU faculty and staff to learn about efforts to combine profitable production with environmental protection.
ALUM TO WORK ON INDUSTRY RELATIONS ISSUES FOR COLLEGE
David Wright is a new visiting professor in the Department of Agronomy who will work on industry relations issues for the college, including work to increase the number of key relationships with potential industry sponsors of research. He will help identify areas of common interest between companies and the university and will serve as a liaison for the college in facilitating industry partnerships. He will work with faculty to facilitate interactions with industry, including the development of sponsored research agreements. Wright also will help the college in developing public-private relationships that benefit opportunities for student achievement in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and creating a stronger STEM workforce. Wright earned ISU bachelor's and master's degrees in agronomy and a PhD. from Kansas State University. In 2009, CALS awarded him the Henry A. Wallace Award in recognition of his leadership in helping university researchers across the United States prioritize research to improve profitability for soybean producers.
CALS BOOK SALE FOR UNITED WAY, SEPT. 26-27Â
Two separate book sales sponsored by the college will take place on Sept. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in 111 Curtiss Hall and Sept. 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the atrium of the Molecular Biology building. Donations of paperback and hardcover books, comic books and DVDs will be accepted at 111 Curtiss Hall and 1210 or 2102 Molecular Biology building until the sale dates. All proceeds go to the 2011 ISU United Way Campaign. Contact Carla Persaud with questions, cpersaud@iastate.edu , 4-1823.
LASLEY TO PRESENT ANR AT NOON, SEPT. 28
Paul Lasley, sociology, will discuss the importance of agriculture to the rural economy and the role of the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at the September ANR at Noon session on Friday, Sept. 28, at 12 p.m. More: https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/anr
GRS STUDENTS PRESENT AT GLOBE INTERNSHIP EXPO
Twenty-seven Global Resource Systems students presented their 2012 internship experiences from 15 countries across the globe at the second Globe Internship Expo, held Sept. 23 at the Memorial Union. ISU's Global Resource Systems program began in the fall of 2009 and was the first major of its kind in the nation. The coursework for GRS is offered by CALS. Goals for the program include creating an appreciation for cultural diversity, teaching technical skills on global matters and preparing students for international careers by strengthening leadership skills. More: http://www.globe.iastate.edu.
SWINE TEACHING FARM WINS AWARDS AT NATIONAL BARROW SHOW
The swine teaching farm won several awards from the National Barrow Show held Sept. 9-12 in Austin, Minn. They received the Grand and Reserve Grand crossbred loads awards and the Grand Overall award. Their Berkshire Boar and Gilt won their classes in the breeding stock competition.
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
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JEFFERSON SCIENCE FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE JAN. 14
Tenured or similarly ranked academic scientists, engineers and physicians from U.S. institutions of higher learning are eligible for selection as Jefferson Science Fellows. Each Fellow will spend one year at the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Agency for International Development in Washington, D.C., with possible extended stays at U.S. embassies and/or missions. During the one-year assignment, the Fellow's salary and benefits are paid by their academic institution. Fellows are paid a per diem to cover local living expenses and $10,000 for travel associated with their assignments. Fellows must be U.S. citizens. More: http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/Jefferson/PGA_046612
NSF MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION PREPROPOSALS DUE OCT. 15
The Major Research Instrumentation program provides support for either the acquisition or development of major research instrumentation. Proposals may be for a single instrument, a large system of instruments, or multiple instruments that share a common or specific research focus. Preproposals should be submitted to the college of the lead principal investigator by Oct. 15. For CALS, email preproposals to Joe Colletti (colletti@iastate.edu).
IOWA ENERGY CENTER SEEKS RESEARCH AND DEMONSTRATION PROJECT PREPROPOSALS
The Iowa Energy Center invites preproposals for research and demonstration grants. Projects must have near-term impact on energy efficiency and/or renewable energy in Iowa. General research focus areas are energy efficiency in buildings, wind energy, biorenewables and innovation. Preproposals are due Oct. 31.
FUNDING INFORMATION, OPPORTUNITIES AND DEADLINE REMINDERS
Dates listed are application deadlines. Contact: Roxanne Clemens, rclemens@iastate.edu
Additional information is posted at CALS Funding Resources, http://www.ag.iastate.edu/research/fundingResources/
Proposals anytime: NSF Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI). More: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12513/nsf12513.pdf
Nov. 4 (letter of intent):Â NIH Research Answers to NCI's Provocative Questions - Group A (RO1), solicitation includes links to Groups B, C and D; 10 to 15 four-year awards. More: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CA-12-015.html
Nov. 26:Â NSF Science, Engineering and Education for Sustainability Fellows; 15 to 20 awards, $7 million total anticipated funding. More:Â http://goo.gl/fa9NH
Dec. 11:Â NSF National Robotics Initiative small proposals; 20 to 30 awards, $100,000 to $250,000 in direct costs per award. More: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12607/nsf12607.htm
Dec. 22 (letter of intent):Â NIH Advanced Development of Informatics Technology (U24); $500,000 direct costs per year, up to five years. More:Â http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-12-287.html
Dec. 22 (letter of intent):Â NIH Early-Stage Development of Informatics Technology (U01); $250,000 direct costs per year, up to three years. More: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-12-288.html
Jan. 17:Â NSF Coastal Science, Engineering and Education for Sustainability (Coastal SEES); 15 awards, $15 million total anticipated funding. More:Â http://goo.gl/63sDk
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COMMUNICATIONS KIOSK
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2012 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE: THERE'S STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service is looking for partners in their effort to help every farmer understand the ways the 2012 Census of Agriculture benefits their life, their operation and their community. The Census of Agriculture is the nation's leading source of information on U.S. agriculture and is used to shape many local, state and national farm services, programs and policies. Note links on left-hand column of the website listed, for data and fact sheets. More: http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Partners/
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INFOGRAZING
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FACULTY, STAFF MEET AND GREET WITH GRADUATE STUDENTS, SEPT. 25
The Black Graduate Student Association and the Latino Graduate Student Association are hosting a Faculty and Staff Meet and Greet on Tuesday, Sept. 25, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in the Memorial Union Gallery Room. The event will be a semi-formal gathering to help incoming graduate students of color interact and connect with faculty and staff. Attendees are encouraged to introduce their office and the services provided to students. To confirm your participation, contact Aja Holmes, BGSA, aholmes1@iastate.edu; Susana Hernandez, LGSA, susanah@iastate.edu; or Manuel Del-Real, LGSA, mdelreal@iastate.edu.
FILM ABOUT RISING SEA LEVELS PRESENTED AT ISU, SEPT. 25
An Academy Award-nominated film that shows the human face of climate change will be presented on Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Union Sun Room. "Sun Come Up" is a film about the relocation of a community of South Pacific islanders threatened by rising sea levels. A discussion about climate change will follow. More: http://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2012/09/19/lp-sunup
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS EXPERT TO PRESENT AT ISU, OCT. 3
Paul Wapner, a professor of global environmental politics in the School of International Service at American University, will present "Environmentalism Without Nature" on Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. in the Memorial Union Sun Room. Wapner is the 2012-13 Helen LeBaron Hilton Endowed Chair in Human Sciences. More: http://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2012/09/20/wapnerlecture
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR ANNUAL IOWA ORGANIC CONFERENCE, NOV. 18-19
The 12th Annual Iowa Organic Conference will be held on the University of Iowa campus on Nov. 18-19. Farmers, extension staff, industry representatives and students are invited to learn about science-based research in organic agriculture and practical applications for Iowa farms.
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INTERNAL VOICES
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SWENSON AND EATHINGTON ON CONSEQUENCES OF DROUGHT
"The initial impact of a drought is a sharp reduction in the state's water supply, which in turn has immediate impacts on agricultural productivity commercial activities that require water, and public goods that are water-based," said David Swenson and Liesel Eathington, economics, in an article for Drovers Cattle Network. In terms of secondary consequences, the economists report, "The widespread reduction in crop yields in Iowa will reduce harvest times, it will decrease grain hauling and there will be less demand for grain storage. Farther on, reduced yields, especially in the eastern part of Iowa, will decrease the demand for barge transport. In the nearer term, warehousing and shipping might see the greatest impacts from reduced farm quantity production."
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MARGINALIA
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THE GREAT BACON BARTER
Comedian Josh Sankey is traveling across the United States on behalf of Oscar Mayer, which has supplied him with a trailer full of bacon. In order to secure lodging, food, gas and all the essentials, the people he meets must be willing to accept bacon as currency. Many haven't had a problem with it. More: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/popcandy/post/2012/09/20/oscar-…
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AG AND LIFE SCIENCES ONLINE
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EDITOR
Julie Stewart
jstewart@iastate.edu, (515) 294-5616
http://www.ag.iastate.edu/aginfo/
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