CALS Online and Dean’s Message
March 31, 2025
Dean’s Message
Hello CALS – Happy Monday to all. Only six weeks until graduation exercises. Please encourage your students forward and to finish strong. For those among us who do field work and have been waiting for spring weather – despite the beautiful snowfall last evening – it’s here with daffodils up to prove it… Today in Ankeny is the 13th annual Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner hosted by Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Secretary Mike Naig, and featuring keynote remarks by the new USDA Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins…
Top Stories
Overuse Making Bt Corn Less Effective Against Rootworm
Widespread planting of corn hybrids designed to combat corn rootworm, the crop’s most damaging pest in the Corn Belt, is reducing both the technology’s effectiveness and some farmers’ profits, according to a new study of 12 years of field trials across 10 corn-growing states. “‘Too much of a good thing’ is really the key message,” said Aaron Gassmann, plant pathology, entomology and microbiology, one of three Iowa State faculty among the study’s 20 co-authors. Also from Iowa State, Erin Hodgson, PPEM, and David Hennessy, economics.
Research
African Seed Trade Association Welcomes Seed Science Center
The African Seed Trade Association welcomed Iowa State’s Seed Science Center as an affiliate member this year in ceremonies marking its silver jubilee held in conjunction with the 2025 African Seed Congress. The event, held March 3-5 in Kigali, Rwanda, attracted 284 seed traders and producers from 50 countries. Speaking as part of a panel on multi-partnership developments, Lulu Rodriguez, global programs lead for the Seed Science Center, assured delegates of the Center’s continuing capacity development partnerships with African seed systems and industries.
Teaching and Students
Thamodaran Award Supports Study of Bird Use on Constructed Wetlands
Jayden Jech, a graduate student in wildlife ecology, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Thamodaran Family Innovation in Agriculture Student Award. Each year, the award is presented to an undergraduate or graduate student in CALS working on an innovative scientific, technological or business idea related to a grand challenge in agriculture. Jech is investigating how wetlands help water, wildlife and farmers.
‘Wine is an Art, but Science-Based’
When Drew Tuttle graduates in May, he’ll embark on an adventure of “following the vintage,” traversing between the northern and southern hemispheres during grape harvest seasons. A senior in horticulture, Tuttle’s post-graduation journey will start at Abacela Winery in Roseburg, Oregon, where he will apply what he’s learned at Iowa State and various internships. Come late fall, he’ll look for a position at a vineyard or winery in the southern hemisphere where it’s peak grape harvest time, hence “following the vintage” or grape harvest.
Student Club Spotlight: Agricultural and Rural Policy Studies Club
The goal of the Agricultural and Rural Policy Studies Club is to increase Iowa State students’ knowledge of people and policy challenges related to agriculture by providing programs and events that highlight them.
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.
ISRC to Host Free Student Omelet Breakfast, April 8
The Iowa Soybean Research Center, Iowa Food and Family Project, Iowa Egg Council, North Central Poultry Association and Humble Donut Co. will host a free omelet breakfast for Iowa State students on April 8 at the Student Innovation Center in recognition of Soy Foods Month. The event runs from 7:30-9:30 a.m. and is aimed at educating students about soy and poultry while providing students with some free food, fun activities and giveaways. The soybean connection to eggs is that soybean meal is the dominant protein supplement used in poultry diets.
Block and Bridle Club to Host Animal Learning Day, April 12
Iowa State’s Block and Bridle Club will hold its annual Animal Learning Day on April 12 from 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.
Extension and Outreach
Five Questions with Extension’s Leader
Jason Henderson, vice president for ISU Extension and Outreach, has been in his position for nearly two years. He talked with Inside Iowa State about extension's positive impact in Iowa and its future.
Around the College
AAAS Honors Iowa State Innovators for ‘Scientific Excellence’
The American Association for the Advancement of Science, one of the world’s largest scientific societies and publisher of the journal Science, has announced its class of 2024 fellows. Included are:
- Amy Andreotti – Roy J. Carver Chair and University Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Dan Nettleton – Distinguished Professor in Liberal Arts and Sciences and Laurence H. Baker Chair in Biological Statistics
- Lisa Schulte Moore – professor of natural resource ecology and management and co-director of the Bioeconomy Institute
- Amy Toth – professor of ecology, evolution, and organismal biology and chair of the graduate program in ecology and evolutionary biology
Vollbrecht Named Pioneer Hi-Bred Chair
Erik Vollbrecht, genetics, development and cell biology, has been named the Pioneer Hi-Bred Chair in Molecular Biology of Maize. His research focuses on improving the yield and crop resilience of maize for peak performance during less-than-ideal growing conditions. The named chair position will provide funding for Vollbrecht’s research and graduate student positions.
Leadership Change for FSHN Department
The colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Health and Human Sciences, which together administer this department, have initiated a change in the leadership for FSHN. Ruth MacDonald, CALS associate dean for personnel and finance and former FSHN department chair, will begin service as the interim department chair, while also continuing her work as an associate dean. An open search for the next department chair will begin soon, co-led by CALS associate dean Danny Singh and CHHS associate dean Deb Sellers. The current chair of the department, Lorraine Lanningham-Foster, will continue her work as professor of nutritional sciences, and the colleges thank and recognize her for work and accomplishments in the leadership role.
Innovation at Work: Meats Laboratory
For Jordan Bremer with Tiefenthaler Quality Meats, launching new flavors and products is key to growth for the family business, and trial and error is all part of the research and development process. It’s a passion that Bremer discovered as a student at Iowa State. Growing up in the family business gave Bremer an early introduction to Iowa State. Her father, John Tiefenthaler, has worked closely with Iowa State experts through short courses offered by the Meats Laboratory. For decades, meat processors in Iowa and around the world have partnered with Iowa State’s Meats Laboratory to grow their business and provide quality products for consumers.
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
CSRL Released 2024 Impact Report
The Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods has released the 2024 annual donor impact report "Innovation and Sustainability." It reflects on the 20-year history of CSRL and highlights innovative projects made possible by donor support.
STORIES Magazine Coming in August 2025
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is bringing back STORIES, the college-wide alum magazine, set to hit mailboxes in August. While readers will notice much of the same content they’ve come to love, some fun, new additions will be incorporated. Follow #CALSstories on social media for the latest updates and opt-in to receive the print or digital version of the magazine.
In Memoriam: Roger Leininger
Roger Leininger, agricultural education and studies, passed away March 5. He was 84. Leininger worked for 30 years at Iowa State’s Ag450 Farm.
Calendar
April 3: Fear and Opportunity in Disruption’s Wake
The Department of Economics is co-sponsoring a lecture on Thursday, April 3, at 6 p.m. in the Memorial Union Sun Room. Glen Hubbard, Columbia Business School, will present “The Wall and the Bridge: Fear and Opportunity in Disruption’s Wake.”
April 9: CALS Chat with the Dean
Dean Robison will host a CALS Chat on April 9 from noon to 1 p.m. in 3105 Snedecor Hall, with special guest Dean Ben Withers, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The informal, drop-in event will be an opportunity for casual conversation.
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.
April 15: Hertz Lecture on Emerging Issues in Agriculture
The Carl and Marjory Hertz Lecture on Emerging Issues in Agriculture is April 15 at 4:30 p.m. in Dolezal Auditorium, 127 Curtiss Hall. Mark Stutsman, chief operating officer and third-generation family member of Eldon C. Stutsman, Inc., will present “The Stutsman Journey: What We’ve Learned Over 90 Years in Ag Business.” CALS students attending the lecture will be eligible to receive one of five $500 Hertz Lecture scholarship awards by swiping their student ID at the lecture’s conclusion.
April 16-17: Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Symposium
The third annual Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Symposium is April 16-17 in the Memorial Union Great Hall and South Ballroom. This year’s theme is “NextGen Biology: Exploring Emerging Technologies.” Faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students are encouraged to attend. Registration is free, but participants are asked to register by April 7.
More Events Listed on CALS Website
Find more events on the CALS Events webpage. Submit events for inclusion on this list to madelyno@iastate.edu or jstewart@iastate.edu.
Infograzing
Forever True Day 2025 Begins at Noon on Wednesday
Join the Cyclone community on Wednesday and Thursday, April 2-3, for 24 Hours of Cyclone Power during Forever True Day, Iowa State’s 24-hour online giving event. Forever True Day is an Iowa State tradition that encourages Cyclones around the world to come together to support the places and programs they love most at Iowa State University. It will kick off at noon on Wednesday, April 2. Various challenges and matches will be announced via email and social media and, new this year, Cyclones can sign up to be a Forever True Day influencer by spreading the word through social media, emails, texts and word of mouth. Faculty and staff may pay for their gifts through payroll deduction.
Marginalia
Iowa State Art – Fully Integrated into Campus and Curriculum
Where would you begin a public tour of Iowa State Art on Campus? The university is home to two art museums, a National Historic Landmark site, a public art collection, the library’s 17-foot Grant Wood murals and a growing sculpture garden. The spring 2025 issue of the Iowa Stater magazine features Iowa State’s art collection and how it is fully integrated into campus and curriculum.
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.