College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Online
April 2, 2018
Top Stories
Wintersteen’s Portrait Added to Dean’s Gallery in Curtiss Hall
President Wendy Wintersteen’s portrait as Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences was installed in the Dean’s Gallery in Curtiss Hall on March 30. With seven new portraits, University Museums recently presented them in the exhibition, “Face Value: Portraits of Leaders.” They are now being installed in their permanent campus locations. The portraits include former president Steven Leath; college deans Wintersteen, Sarah Rajala, Jonathan Wickert and David Spalding; and department chairs Kendall Lamkey and Perry Holden (posthumous).
ISU Report Shows Future Promise for Cedar Rapids’ Processing Industries
ISU, in cooperation with the City of Cedar Rapids, has released a report identifying new, emerging technologies that could be a starting point for increased economic activity, jobs and start-up companies in the city’s agricultural and bioprocessing industries. The report is an outcome of a partnership begun in 2015 between Iowa State and Cedar Rapids to explore opportunities for expanding the success of the region’s industries. More
Research
Discovering How Much Low-Socioeconomic Women Know about Beans
While healthy diets can decrease a person’s likelihood of developing chronic health conditions, having the means and resources to purchase nutritious foods can prove a challenge for low-socioeconomic populations. Pulses, which include dry beans, chickpeas, lentils and split peas, may provide a solution to this problem, as they have a positive nutrient profile, store easily, are versatile and are widely accessible. However, Donna Winham and graduate student Shelly Palmer, food science and human nutrition, have discovered that there are knowledge gaps among low-socioeconomic individuals regarding perceptions and knowledge of pulses.
Teaching and Students
Agronomy Student Takes First Place in National Soils Contest
Kelli Roush, junior in agronomy and member of the ISU Soils Team, took first place individual at the National Soils Contest held March 18-23, hosted by the University of Tennessee at Martin. Roush is headed to Brazil in August for the International Soils Contest. More
Student Works as a Monarch Butterfly Caretaker
Hailey Arthur, a junior in animal science, is assisting a butterfly caretaker with the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium, a community-led effort based in the entomology department. The goal is to contribute long-term to restore and retain the butterfly species and milkweed plants they feed on in Iowa. More
CALS Undergraduates Showcase Research at Annual Capitol Event
ISU undergraduates will present their research to legislators and others during the annual Research in the Capitol event, Tuesday, April 3, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the rotunda of the State Capitol building in Des Moines. Below are the CALS students that will be presenting. More
- Alexander Karnish, biology – “How Does Seed Dispersal Affect Population Growth?”
- Colette Manley and Gabrielle Dirusso, animal science – “The Potential of a Novel Technology to Positively Impact Iowa Beef Production”
- Hannah Fisher, agriculture and society; James Weatherly, community and regional planning; Matthew Lechowicz, architecture – “Quality of Life in Iowa’s Thriving Small Towns”
CALS Students Chosen to Present at National Undergraduate Research Conference
For the second year, ISU students will present their research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, April 4-7 at the University of Central Oklahoma. Below are CALS students that will be presenting. More
- Thomata Doe, nutritional science – “Evaluation of a Nutrition Education Program: Buy Eat Live Healthy’s Suitability and Usefulness to Refugees”
- Sydney Edwards, biology – “Center of Excellence, In-Core Cross Disciplinary Glossary”
- Grace Gasser, biology – “Characterization of Immortalized Wildtype Microglial Cells”
- Lucas Goodman, animal ecology – “Effects of Flowering Plant Species Richness on Arthropod Order Richness in Grassland Ecosystems”
- Thomas Hansen, animal ecology – “Effect of Cull Tags on Stress Levels of Largemouth Bass”
- Autumn Rudlong, food science – “Effect of Ultra Violet Light Blocking Film Technology on the Retention of Vitamin C and Beta-Carotene in Fresh Spinach”
- Aimee Schulz, genetics – “Inbreeding Depression in Wild Maize Populations Subject to Habitat Degradation in Southwest Mexico”
- Neel Solanki, horticulture – “A Low-Input Alternative Healing System for Grafted Tomato Transplants”
- Faleesia Willis, biology – “Examining the Architecture of Focal Adhesion Kinase”
Lawn Mower Service Days Set for April 6-7
The Agricultural Systems Technology Club will hold its annual lawn mower service days Friday and Saturday, April 6-7, at Sukup Hall. Routine service includes an oil change, a new spark plug, blade sharpening, air filter cleaning, deck cleaning and a power wash. Pricing is $35 for a push mower, $50 for a riding mower and $15 for a weed eater. Pickup and delivery (Ames only) is available for $15 and $20; call (515) 708-8672 or send an email request to astservicedays@gmail.com. More
Block and Bridle Club to Host Animal Learning Day on April 7
The ISU Block and Bridle Club will hold its fifth Animal Learning Day on Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center. The event is free and provides an opportunity for the public to learn about animals in agriculture. There will be activities for all ages, including a Taste of Iowa segment. More
CALS Council Seeking Nominations for Senior Awards, Due April 9
The CALS Student Council is seeking nominations for spring 2018 senior awards. Every fall and spring semester, CALS Council recognizes graduating seniors through six different awards: outstanding senior, leadership excellence, academic achievement, distinguished service, outstanding ambassador of agriculture and life sciences, and commitment to diversity. Nominations are due April 9.
Xi Sigma Pi to Host Maple Syrup Day on April 14
Xi Sigma Pi is hosting its annual Maple Syrup Day on Saturday, April 14, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Iowa Arboretum. Activities include a timber sports demonstration, a nature walk with foresters and all you can eat pancakes for $8.
FSHN Student Semifinalist in Food Solutions Challenge
A team of ISU students, including Samuel Kiprotich, graduate student in food science and human nutrition, was selected as semifinalists in the 2018 Food Solutions Challenge. They will present their solution to reduce waste of the root vegetable, cassava, at the Net Impact Accelerator in Oakland, Calif., on April 5-7.
Nominate Graduate Students for Sigma Xi Membership
Faculty are asked to consider nominating graduate students for membership in the ISU Chapter of Sigma Xi, an international honor society for research scientists and engineers. The local chapter will host an initiation banquet on April 26 at 5:30 p.m. in the Scheman Building. Contact Don Beitz (dcbeitz@iastate.edu) with questions. More
Extension and Outreach
Video: Impact of Long-Running Farm and Rural Life Poll
Every year the Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll provides relevant information on agriculture and rural life in the state. The ISU Extension and Outreach resource helps researchers and agricultural stakeholders receive a better understanding of the current agricultural practices, attitudes and opinions of Iowa farmers. The Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll, the longest-running survey of its kind, is highlighted in the extension video “IMPACT: Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll.” More
Around the College
VanDerZanden and Horticulture Student Receive INLA Awards
Ann Marie VanDerZanden, Associate Provost for Academic Programs and professor of horticulture, received the Iowa Certified Nursery Professional of the Year award from the Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association. VanDerZanden began her career at ISU as a faculty member in the horticulture department with teaching and extension responsibilities. She has taught more than 20 different subject matters and served as a horticulture extension specialist. Justin Wigdahl, a junior in horticulture, received the Haber Scholarship. This $2,000 scholarship is awarded to a student who has graduated from an Iowa high school and is at ISU studying horticulture. More
2018 Curtiss League Kick-Off Brings Young Alums to Campus
Members of the 2018 class of the college’s young alumni initiative, Curtiss League, were on campus March 23 for their annual kick-off event. Members spent the afternoon touring facilities and learning about efforts to advocate, raise awareness and recruit on behalf of the college. Curtiss League involves 258 young alumni from across the nation. More
Calendar
April 3: David Staniforth Memorial Lecture
The 2018 David W. Staniforth Memorial Lecture will be April 3 at 4:10 p.m. in 0127 Curtiss Hall. Fred Gould, co-director of the Genetic Engineering and Society Center, and William Neal Reynolds Professor of Agriculture and University Distinguished Professor of Evolutionary Biology in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University, will present “Will Genetically Engineered Pests Protect Health, Biodiversity and Crop Production?” More
April 4: Hertz Lecture on Emerging Issues in Agriculture
Amy Asmus, vice president of Asmus Farm Supply, will present the 2018 Carl and Marjory Hertz Lecture on Emerging Issues in Agriculture on April 4 at 7 p.m. in the Dolezal Auditorium, 127 Curtiss Hall. More
April 13: Clark Ford Retirement Reception
A retirement reception for Clark Ford, food science and human nutrition, will be held April 13, 3 to 5 p.m. in the Memorial Union Campanile Room. A program is scheduled for 4 p.m.
April 16: Rossmann Manatt Lecture
The Rossmann Manatt Lecture is scheduled for April 16, 11 to 11:50 a.m. in 2019 Morrill Hall. Kevin Schalinske, food science and human nutrition, will present “Impact of Egg Consumption on Hyperhomocysteinemia, an Independent Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease.” Schalinske received the 2017 Rossmann Manatt Faculty Development Award for exceptional creativity and productivity in scholarship, teaching and service.
April 16: “Blindspot” Book Discussion
The next event in the CALS Cultural Competency Lunch and Learn Series is April 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in 13 Curtiss Hall. It will be a book discussion on “Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People.” A limited number of books are available in 138 Curtiss Hall. Contact Carla Persaud, cpersaud@iastate.edu. RSVP by noon on April 12.
Research Development Announcements and Funding Opportunities
NSF Dear Colleague Letter: Growing Convergence Research
Research relying on convergence is needed to solve complex scientific and engineering problems that require integrating knowledge, methods and expertise from different disciplines and forming novel frameworks to catalyze scientific discovery and innovation. NSF identifies convergence research as having two primary characteristics: research driven by a specific and compelling problem and deep integration across disciplines. Interested researchers who would like to compete for FY 2018 and FY 2019 funding must submit a prospectus describing a new area of research and an exploratory research project within it. A prospectus may be submitted at any time to help NSF identify new areas of research that require convergence, but to be considered for FY 2018 support, the prospectus must be submitted by May 1. For FY 2019 funding, a prospectus must be submitted by October 15. More
Iowa Nutrient Research Center Request for Proposals
Iowa Nutrient Research Center at ISU is requesting proposals from faculty and staff at ISU, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa to address nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient losses to surface waters. Proposals must address the legislation-defined purpose of the center and are due by April 30. For application information, contact Hongwei Xin (515-294-4240, hxin@iastate.edu) or Malcolm Robertson (515-294-2490, malcolmr@iastate.edu).
FFAR Virtual Briefing April 5
Sally Rockey, executive director of the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, will present an update on the Foundation's progress to date including a review of programs launched in 2017 and new programs and priorities for 2017. Learn more about how FFAR joins with co-funders to support innovative research and development that advances agriculture. The presentation will be followed by an open Q&A. The briefing is scheduled for April 5 at 12 p.m. A recording of the briefing will be available on-line. Register
Funding Information, Opportunities and Deadline Reminders
Dates listed are application deadlines. Contact: Roxanne Clemens, rclemens@iastate.edu. Additional information is posted at CALS Pre-Award Resources.
May 11 (letter of intent): NIH and USDA NIFA - Food Specific Molecular Profiles and Biomarkers of Food and Nutrient Intake, and Dietary Exposure (R01). More
May 29: USDA NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants for FY 2018 – Iowa; $75,000; 1:1 matching funds required. More
May 30: Migratory Bird Joint Ventures Midwest Region - FY2018; science-based bird conservation projects in the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Joint Venture region; up to $50,000, 1:1 matching funds required. More
May 30: USAID Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Legume Systems Research; $13.6 million Leader Award and $21.4 million potential additional funding, one application per institution. More
March 28 (expressions of interest): Feed the Future Global Food Security Broad Agency Announcement. More
Communications Kiosk
Five Tips to Be Confident and Give a Great Presentation
Confident speakers connect better with their audiences because listeners see them as authentic, relaxed, open and honest, says communication coach Robin Kermode. Many people put on a public mask and use a different voice when speaking to an audience or presenting in unfamiliar situations in part because they are nervous, says Kermode. “You don’t have to be a brilliant presenter, but you have to be yourself.” In an April 2 article for Advancement Weekly, published by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Kermode offer five tips to combat anxiety and speak authentically.
Infograzing
VPR’s Office to Host Science Policy Talk on April 3
The Office of the Vice President for Research is holding a science policy talk on Tuesday, April 3, 4:10 to 5 p.m. in the Memorial Union Cardinal Room. Tobin Smith, vice president for policy at the Association of American Universities, will present “The Lion in the Path: U.S. Science Policy in an Era of Political Polarization and Alternative Facts.”
Marginalia
CALS Horticulture Faculty Quilt in their Off Hours
Earlier this semester, the Iowa State Daily asked students to submit names of professors who they thought has an interesting hobby. The March 29 posting of “Off Hours” features Ann Marie VanDerZanden, Associate Provost for Academic Programs and professor of horticulture, and Cindy Haynes, horticulture. They started quilting together in 2003. Their shared interests in horticulture have been reflected in their quilting through color combinations, shapes, patterns and the use of designs that incorporated flowers and plants.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Online
Julie Stewart, Editor
jstewart@iastate.edu, (515) 294-5616
https://www.cals.iastate.edu/news/agonline
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Online, the newsletter for faculty and staff in Iowa State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, is published by email every Monday. The deadline for submitting content is 12 p.m. on Friday.
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