CALS Online and Dean’s Message
March 24, 2025
Dean’s Message
Good Morning CALS – For those of you who took advantage of spring break – welcome back! For the rest – thanks and carry-on… This week and all the way through commencement in May, things start to get busier and busier… Last week on Monday was also the hand-off of leadership from David Acker to Francis Owusu… They spent the last week together in Uganda at our Mpirigiti Training Center. Congratulations to them both!
Top Stories
Three CALS Students Receive Barron Award
Three CALS students are recipients of the 2025 Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior award – Jennifer Holliday, senior in agricultural studies, journalism and mass communication and international agriculture; Madeline Stadtmueller, senior in biochemistry; and Mackenzy Ruff, senior in animal science and agricultural studies. This award, established in 1968, recognizes six graduating seniors who exemplify excellence in character, high academic achievement and remarkable involvement on and off campus.
Research
Study Shows Ideal Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates in Corn Belt Climbing
The amount of nitrogen fertilizer needed to maximize the profitability of corn production in the Midwest has been increasing by about 1.2% per year for the past three decades, according to new Iowa State research. The study was conducted by: Sotirios Archontoulis, Mitchell Baum, Michael Castellano, Mark Licht, Marshall McDaniel and John Sawyer, agronomy; Dermot Hayes, economics; and Matthew Helmers, agricultural and biosystems engineering.
INRC Accepting Proposals for Water Quality Projects
The Iowa Nutrient Research Center is accepting new proposals for research projects designed to reduce nitrate and phosphorus in Iowa’s water. Proposals are due May 2.
Teaching and Students
Micro-Credentials Offer New Opportunities for Students
Students involved with the CALS Pathways to Innovation and Leadership program can earn micro-credentials by participating in hands-on workshops, completing real-world experiential learning opportunities and enhancing their career-readiness skills. Micro-credentials are short, focused programs that allow students “to gain and showcase specific skills or knowledge through various learning experiences,” according to Iowa State’s Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching. CALS is holding a seminar on incorporating micro-credentials and digital badges into the college’s work on April 25 from noon to 1 p.m. in 2226 Bessey Hall. Registration deadline is April 18.
Cyclone Stampede Rodeo at Hansen Center this Weekend
The annual Cyclone Stampede Rodeo is Friday, March 28, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 29, at 1 p.m. in the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center. Sanctioned by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, more than 250 college athletes from the Great Plains Region come to Ames each year to compete. Entry is $20 at the door. ISU students can get in free with a valid student ID.
The Science Behind the Meat Counter
Stephanie Major, a senior in animal science, is featured in the March issue of Fresh Pickings, published by the Iowa Food and Family Project. She has completed a research project with Terry Houser, animal science. They looked at how retail lighting affects the color of bacon depending on the packaging type. “Consumers buy with their eyes,” said Major, which is why there’s so much opportunity to research this topic.
Lawn Mower Service Days Set for April 4-5
The Agricultural Systems Technology Club will hold its annual lawn mower service days April 4 (1 to 6 p.m.) and April 5 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.) on the west side of Sukup Hall. Use the online sign-up to schedule service. Payment can be made by check or cash.
Nominations for Senior Awards Due April 7
The CALS Student Council is seeking nominations for spring 2025 senior awards. Every spring and fall semester, CALS Council recognizes graduating seniors through five different awards: leadership and innovation, academic achievement, distinguished service, outstanding ambassador of agriculture and life sciences, and outstanding senior. Nominations are due April 7 at 11:59 p.m.
Ag Business Student Spends Summer Interning in Washington, D.C.
After spending a summer interning in Washington, D.C., Ella Hommel is certain the big city is where she wants to be. A senior in agricultural business, Hommel spent last summer interning with the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry for six weeks and with Senator Chuck Grassley’s office for an additional six weeks.
Student Club Spotlight: Food Science Club
The mission of the college’s Food Science Club is to educate, innovate and inspire students to explore the world of food science while building lasting connections with peers and industry leaders. Learn more about the club, its events, activities and fundraisers in this student club spotlight.
Extension and Outreach
Iowa Farm Custom Rate Survey Results Released
The 2025 Iowa Farm Custom Rate Survey has been released by ISU Extension and Outreach. Survey results are based on 193 responses and 3,703 custom rates provided by Iowa farmers, custom operators and farm managers. Farm tasks in the report include everything from planting to harvest, with cost data that reflects the average, median and range for each task.
Report Shows How ISU Extension and Outreach is Creating an Impact in Iowa
ISU Extension and Outreach has released its Real Impact 2024 Report. This report shares examples of ISU Extension and Outreach creating real impact in Iowa.
Schwab Named New Water Quality Measurement Coordinator
Elizabeth Schwab is Iowa’s new water quality measurement coordinator to support the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. She is coordinating the ongoing effort to make data representing the status of the Nutrient Reduction Strategy available online in accurate and engaging ways.
Integrated Crop Management Website Updated
The Integrated Crop Management website from ISU Extension and Outreach has received its first major update since 2017. The redesign enhances navigation, improves access to key resources and ensures compliance with university requirements.
Request System Open for Conservation Station Trailer
The system to request an appearance of Conservation Station educational trailers during summer 2025 is now live, according to ISU Extension and Outreach programs “Water Rocks!” and Iowa Learning Farms. Online requests need to be submitted by March 31.
Around the College
Iowa State Launches Integrated Health Sciences Bachelor’s Degree
The Iowa Board of Regents approved the Iowa State undergraduate degree – Bachelor of Science in integrated health sciences – on Feb. 28. The program is the first undergraduate degree in Iowa to offer a fully integrated, interdisciplinary approach to health sciences. The comprehensive program focuses on health and wellness from multiple angles, with classes in life sciences, behavior and social sciences, data sciences and the humanities. Yanhai Yin and Karri Haen Whitmer, genetics, development, and cell biology, and Elizabeth McNeil, food science and human nutrition, teamed up to develop the degree with collaboration from 12 other Iowa State academic departments in three colleges, including CALS.
Three Candidates to Interview for Director of Seed Science Center
Three candidates for director of the Seed Science Center will provide a public seminar on “A Future Vision for the Multiple Roles of the Seed Science Center at ISU, a Land-Grant University.” All seminars will take place from 9-9:50 a.m. in the Ensminger Room, 1204 Kildee Hall. An open forum will follow from 10-10:50 a.m. in the same room. The seminars will be recorded and posted in CyBox. Candidate information will be released one day before their interview and available online.
- Candidate #1 Seminar – Tuesday, April 1
- Candidate #2 Seminar – Thursday, April 3
- Candidate #3 Seminar – Monday, April 7
Owusu Begins Tenure with CALS Global Engagement Programs
Francis Owusu, former department chair and professor of community and regional planning at Iowa State’s College of Design, has moved across campus to Curtiss Hall as CALS associate dean for global engagement and director of the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods, effective March 17.
Creamery Receives Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that 15 Iowa dairy projects have been awarded Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grants. The cost-share grants will help expand on-farm dairy processing and incorporate labor saving technology, both of which will help to increase the availability of Iowa dairy products for consumers. The announcement was made at the Iowa State University Creamery, which was awarded a grant to expand cheese processing at their on-campus facility.
Overwintering Numbers for Monarch Butterflies Released
The latest official report of monarch butterflies overwintering in Mexico has just been released and offers some encouragement to those working to save the species. The overwintering monarchs occupied 4.4 acres during the 2024-2025 winter season in Mexico – nearly doubling last year’s acreage, according to the World Wildlife Fund-Telcel Foundation Alliance. Scientists think the favorable weather monarchs experienced during their fall 2024 migration led to the increase in overwintering numbers.
George Washington Carver Posters on Display in Dean’s Gallery
Student posters from the George Washington Carver “I Can” competition are on display for the next month in the Dean’s Gallery on the first floor of Curtiss Hall.
Calendar
March 24: Pollen Power
During the first spring in the New Perennial Movement Sample Garden in the Anderson Sculpture Garden, thousands of bulbs and plantings will be emerging to benefit pollinators. Today, March 24, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Anderson Sculpture Garden between Morrill Hall and the Hub, learn from the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium about how perennials affect pollinator populations in Iowa, and what can be done to encourage these species.
March 25: Reception for Nursing Students from Norway
Iowa State Nursing is holding a welcome reception Tuesday, March 25, from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Reiman Gardens Hunziker House, to celebrate the arrival of nursing students from Norway who will be at Iowa State for a month. Join for an evening of warm welcomes, conversation and light refreshments.
March 25: The Mathematics of Quantifying Gerrymandering
The Department of Economics is co-sponsoring a lecture on Tuesday, March 25, at 6 p.m. in the Memorial Union Sun Room. Jonathan Mattingly, Duke University, will present “Hearing the Will of the People in the Vote: The Mathematics of Quantifying Gerrymandering.”
April 1: Dahm Memorial Lecture
The Paul A. Dahm Memorial Lecture in Entomology is April 1 at 3:10 p.m. in 1330 ATRB. Mary Gardiner, The Ohio State University, will present “Community Engaged Research to Yield Urban Greening Benefits for People and Pollinators.”
April 3: Arthur Memorial Lecture
The Department of Economics is co-sponsoring the I.W. Arthur Memorial Lecture on April 3, at 5:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Sun Room. Glenn Hubbard, Columbia Business School, will present “The Wall and the Bridge: Fear and Opportunity in Disruption’s Wale.”
April 10: CALS Town Hall
Join Dean Robison for a Town Hall meeting on April 10, at 1:30 p.m. in 1414 Molecular Biology Building.
Find more events on the CALS Events webpage. Submit events for inclusion on this list to madelyno@iastate.edu or jstewart@iastate.edu.
Infograzing
Iowans Invited to Celebrate Iowa Ag Week
Gov. Kim Reynolds has proclaimed March 24-31 as Iowa Agriculture Week, and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is inviting every Iowan to participate in the statewide celebration. The weeklong event highlights agriculture’s many significant contributions to the state’s economy and way of life.
Research Park Topic of March Innovation Impact Lunch Club
The ISU Research Park and how it drives connection and innovation in the community is the topic of the virtual March Innovation Impact Lunch Club on Friday, March 28, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. RSVP to receive the meeting link in an email.
Ambassador Quinn to Speak at Iowa State
Ambassador Kenneth Quinn, diplomat and humanitarian, will speak at Iowa State on March 31 at 6 p.m. in the Memorial Union Sun Room. He will present “Vietnam 50 Years Later: Insurgency, Genocide, Dissent and Peace through Agriculture.”
CELT Celebration Set for April 3
The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching is holding its annual celebration on April 3 from 3:30-5 p.m. at the Student Innovation Center Stepatorium. The program begins at 4 p.m. and will include the announcement of CELT awardees.
Marginalia
CALS Students Enjoy Greenhouse Laboratory
Having a Horticulture Hall greenhouse as a laboratory is especially nice as winter wanes and the days lengthen. Agricultural education and studies students Gabi Robertson, Layne Putnam and Kaya Knipper said they have enjoyed their spring semester project inside. They are discussing outcomes of the research in their Principles of Horticulture Science class: monitoring the growth of basil, corn, impatiens and tomato plants under different conditions to learn what can cause growth deficiencies.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Online
Julie Stewart, Editor
jstewart@iastate.edu, (515) 294-5616
https://www.cals.iastate.edu/cals-online
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 Thursday.