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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. 8, 2014 No. 815
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COLLEGE NEWS
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AG ENGINEERING/AGRONOMY FARM TO MARK 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Faculty, staff and students are invited to the Ag Engineering/Agronomy Research Farm 50th anniversary celebration open house Wednesday, Sept. 10. It begins at 11 a.m. with lunch served at noon. A brief program is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. and the open house will conclude at 2 p.m. Farm facilities and machinery will be available to tour. The farm is located at 1308 U Ave., Boone, on Hwy 30 across from United Community School.
ALUMS SHARE JOHN DEERE EXPERIENCE ON SEPT. 16
A new web banner shares a Q&A with Todd Ramaeker, an alum who will be working to share his John Deere experience on Sept. 16. John Deere will host exhibits at two locations on campus. One Marston Hall, just south of the library, and a second tent will be located on central campus near Curtiss Hall. More than 50 alums will be on campus to share their John Deere experiences and speak with students.
CALS CO-SPONSORS LECTURE ON CRITICAL THINKING STRATEGIES
CALS is co-sponsor of a lecture on critical thinking strategies in the classroom on Thursday, Sept. 11, 12:10 to 1 p.m. in the Alliant Energy – Lee Liu Auditorium in Howe Hall. Barry Stein, chair and professor of psychology at Tennessee Technological University, will discuss how fostering critical thinking skills impacts students, as well as the importance of assessing it. More: http://www.event.iastate.edu/event/33633/?featured=1&s=d&sd=11&sm=09&sy…. The lecture is part of a larger Critical Thinking Symposium scheduled for Sept. 11-12 on the ISU campus.
SWOBODA TO SPEAK ON BORLAUG AT FEEDING THE WORLD SEMINAR SERIES
The fall 2014 seminar series, “Feeding the World: Are We Making Progress,” continues Sept. 11 at 3:40 p.m. in the Ensminger Room, 1204 Kildee Hall. Catherine Swoboda, director of planning for the World Food Prize Foundation, will present “Dr. Norman E. Borlaug’s Legacy: The Next Generation of Leaders in the Fight Against Hunger.” The annual seminar series is sponsored by the M.E. Ensminger International Chair in Animal Agriculture and the Raymond and Mary Baker Chair in Global Agriculture.
PHENOMICS WORKSHOP SERIES BEGINS SEPT. 12
The Plant Sciences Institute will sponsor a weekly interdisciplinary phenomics workshop series beginning Friday, Sept. 12, 12 to 2 p.m. in the Ensminger Room, 1204 Kildee Hall. The goal is to promote interaction among faculty in diverse disciplines and help forge new collaborations that will lead to the submission of successful grant proposals, ground-breaking research and the formation of new companies.
FUDGE FOR SALE ON “FOODIE FRIDAY”
The Food Science Club is hosting “Foodie Friday” on Sept. 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Lebaron Hall. Fudge will be available for sale; one pound for $10, one-half pound for $6 and two pieces for $1. Choose from chocolate, mint, peanut butter, cookies ‘n cream and cappuccino.
HART ADVISES VIGILANCE IN MARKETING GRAIN
Marketing corn and soybeans promises to be a challenge for Iowa grain producers who expect to harvest record crops this fall, according to Chard Hart, economics. Hart advises farmers to prepare for harvest, ready their bins for storage and work out bread-even prices. More: https://www.cals.iastate.edu/news/releases/isu-economist-advises-vigila…
NEW FRUIT SPECIALIST FOR ISU EXTENSION AND OUTREACH
Diana Cochran has joined ISU as an assistant professor in horticulture and the new fruit specialist for ISU Extension and Outreach. Cochran will focus on commercial fruit production and provide support to Iowa producers.
NORTHWEST RESEARCH FARM HOSTS 500 STUDENTS
Last week the Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm near Sutherland, Iowa, hosted a series of events targeting high school and college students in northwest Iowa to learn about career opportunities related to precision agriculture. More than 500 students representing 20 schools in 10 northwest Iowa counties participated in five events featuring equipment, technology and the possibilities of modern precision agriculture. The events were organized by the 4-H extension youth staff from O’Brien and Sioux Counties in conjunction with the research farms.
RETIREMENT RECEPTION FOR LEE KILMER
A retirement reception for Lee Kilmer will be held Sept. 20, 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center. A program will take place at 3 p.m.
NORTHEY TO PRESENT DEAL LECTURE, SEPT. 30
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey will present the 2014 William K. Deal Endowed Leadership Lecture on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. in the Dolezal Auditorium, 127 Curtiss Hall. The lecture is organized by the Department of Agricultural Education and Studies. More: https://www.cals.iastate.edu/news/releases/secretary-agriculture-bill-n…
LECTURE FOCUSES ON COMMUNICATING SCIENCE THROUGH FILM
This fall, the Pesek Colloquium on Sustainable Agriculture and the Pierre Soil Science Lecture will collaborate to explore the craft and discipline of science communication. The Pesek-Pierre Colloquium will be held Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Hall. Speakers are filmmaker Deborah Koons Garcia and soil microbiologist Kate Scow.
DEADLINE FOR STUDENT FILMMAKING CHALLENGE SEPT. 22
The 2014 Pesek-Pierre Student Filmmaking Challenge is open to teams of ISU students. The challenge is to create a two-minute video that draws attention to under-appreciated issues related to sustainability, including food, soil and other natural resources. The top team receives a $300 prize. The deadline is Sept. 22.
ROTHSCHILD ON AN ADVENTURE TO FEED THE WORLD
A banner on the front page of the ISU website features Max Rothschild, distinguished professor of animal science and co-director of ISU’s Global Food Security Consortium. Rothschild has been studying livestock genetics for more than 40 years in the name of putting an end to world hunger. He recently received the Illumina Agricultural Greater Good Initiative Grant to continue his research.
CLASS TO HELP WITH EFFORT TO FIGHT ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE
Microbiology students at ISU are taking part in the Small World Initiative, an effort that allows science students at universities all over the world to seek out novel microorganisms that produce antimicrobial compounds that could become the basis for new antibiotics. Claudia Lemper, a lecturer in plant pathology and microbiology, is the course instructor. More: http://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2014/09/08/antibioticresist
ISU VET MEDICINE COLLEGE MOURNS PASSING OF TRAMPEL
Darrell Trampel, extension poultry veterinarian active in Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension programs and professor in the department of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine, died Aug. 31. The College of Veterinary Medicine has posted a memorial in his honor.
DEADLINES AND REMINDERS
Sept. 11: Errington Lecture on Yellowstone Wolves, 7 p.m., Memorial Union Great Hall
Sept. 18: New Graduate Student and Post-doc Welcome, 5-7:30, Harl Commons, Curtiss Hall. RSVP to Ruth MacDonald by Sept. 15 (ruthmacd@iastate.edu).
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
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IOWA SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM ANNOUNCES FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
The Iowa Space Grant Consortium is soliciting proposals for two programs. The Iowa NASA EPSCoR Program will provide seed funding for travel grants, research grants and partnership development grants. The Opportunities for Hands-on Experiences for students will aid in funding undergraduate student projects in areas of importance to NASA. More: http://www.iaspacegrant.org/news
NSF VISUALIZATION CHALLENGE
The Vizzies, formally known as the International Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge, aim to recognize some of the most beautiful visualizations from the worlds of science and engineering. The challenge is cosponsored by the National Science Foundation and the journal “Popular Science.” Participants can submit entries in one or more of five categories: photography, video, illustration, posters and graphics, and games and apps. The Experts’ Choice winner in each category will be awarded $2,500, and a People’s Choice prize of $1,000 goes to the best overall entry. Entries are due Sept. 30. More: http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/scivis/index.jsp
INFORMATION SESSIONS SCHEDULED FOR GLOBAL INNOVATION INITIATIVE COMPETITION
The Institute of International Education will hold two online informational sessions for individuals planning an application to the U.S. competition for the Global Innovation Initiative. Grant administrators will provide a brief overview of the initiative, address frequently asked questions, and take questions from the audience. The sessions will be held on Sept. 23 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. A recording will be posted for future reference.
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/
NSF Dear Colleague Letter: Special Guidelines for Submitting Collaborative Proposals under the U.S. NSF/BIO/DEB – U.S.-Israel Binational Science Foundation International Opportunity. More: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14094/nsf14094.jsp?WT.mc_ev=click
NSF Dear Colleague Letter: Special Guidelines for Submitting Collaborative Proposals under the U.S. NSF/BIO/DEB - UK Natural Environment Research Council Lead Agency Opportunity. More: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14098/nsf14098.jsp?WT.mc_ev=click
Various Due Dates: NSF FY 2015 Clean Energy Technologies Funding Opportunities. More: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14115/nsf14115.jsp?WT.mc_ev=click
Oct. 1 (online funding inquiry): John Templeton Foundation Core Funding Areas; if interested, contact the ISU Foundation. More: http://www.templeton.org/what-we-fund/core-funding-areas
Oct. 6 (fall competition), April 6 (spring competition): ISU Publication Subvention Grants.
Nov. 3: Dept. of Commerce FY 2014 Regional Innovation Grants; three programs - i6 Challenge (match required), Science and Research Park Development Grants, Cluster Grants for Seed Capital Funds. More: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=263990
Nov. 5: NSF Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering. More: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=501024
Nov. 7: National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance Sustainable Vision Program; $50,000, if interested, contact ISU Foundation. More: Sustainable Vision Program http://nciia.org/grants/sustainablevision, NCII Course and Program Grants
Nov. 21: NSF Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation - Research Experience and Mentoring Program; $100,000. More: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14114/nsf14114.jsp?WT.mc_ev=click
Dec. 5: NSF Small Business Technology Transfer Program Phase I Solicitation (STTR); $225,000, PI must be a small business. More: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505129
Dec. 16: EPA 12th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet; $15,000 Phase I, $75,000 Phase II.
Jan. 16 (pre-proposals): NSF Division of Integrative Organismal Systems – Core Programs. More: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2013/nsf13600/nsf13600.htm?WT.mc_ev=click
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COMMUNICATIONS KIOSK
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THE TREND TOWARDS CLOSED COMPOUNDS
A common spelling question for writers and editors concerns compound terms – whether to spell as two words, hyphenate or close up as a single word. The first place to look is the dictionary. With frequent use, open or hyphenated compounds tend to become closed (on line to on-line to online). The Chicago Manual of Style offers occasional exceptions to Webster’s when the closed spellings have become widely preferred by writers and pronunciation and readability are not at stake (e.g., website). The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th ed., 2010 (pg. 373)
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INFOGRAZING
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LUNCH ON CENTRAL CAMPUS TO SUPPORT VETERANS AND HOMELESS
Lunch will be available on central campus this Wednesday, Sept. 10, to support veterans and the homeless. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, fruit and water will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5 for students, $10 for faculty and staff. Proceeds will be donated to Operation Blanket, a homeless care initiative that provides the local homeless community with clean clothing, blankets and shelter. There will also be a freewill donation to support funding for this year’s second annual Veteran’s Day dinner honoring veterans and their families. The meal is sponsored by student organization We Cypport Our Troops and the Student Veterans of America.
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INTERNAL VOICES
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BIORENEWABLES COMPLEX WITH ABE’S SUKUP HALL AND ELINGS HALL COMPLETED
Steve Mickelson, chair of the department of agricultural and biosystems engineering, spoke with the Ames Tribune about the completion of the biorenewables complex including the department’s new home in Sukup Hall and Elings Hall on the ISU campus. “The bioeconomy is booming,” he said. “From agricultural machinery growth to higher corn prices, there’s a demand out there for these students and their work.”
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EXTERNAL VOICES
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FORMER GMO CRITIC: IMPROVE LIVELIHOODS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Mark Lynas co-founded an anti-GMO movement in the United Kingdom out of a sincere concern they might be dangerous. On Sept. 3 he spoke with Public Radio International about how he has recently changed his mind, deciding that his anti-GMO conviction rejected sound science. “It’s important for people in developing countries – subsistence farmers in particular who have got their families to feed – to be allowed to access better crops and agricultural innovations which could improve their livelihoods.” More: http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-09-03/former-critic-genetically-modifie…
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MARGINALIA
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JOIN MELON MANIA ON CENTRAL CAMPUS, SEPT. 11
Melon Mania will take place on central campus Thursday, Sept. 11, from 4 to 9 p.m. Activities include melon bowling, hammer vs. melon, melon eating competition, melon sculpture, catapulting melons and melon guillotine. Whole melons will be available for purchase along with a melon recipe book. Several student clubs and faculty members are involved in this effort. Proceeds will go to Establish and Grow, an ISU organization that is committed to assisting those in the Kamuli District of Uganda in securing safe food and an education. Victor Theng, junior in global resource systems and nutritional sciences, serves as president of Melon Mania, a new club at ISU.
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AG AND LIFE SCIENCES ONLINE
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EDITOR
Julie Stewart
jstewart@iastate.edu, (515) 294-5616
https://www.cals.iastate.edu/news/agonline
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