CALS Online and Dean’s Message
November 10, 2025
Dean’s Message
Hello CALS – I hope you’ve all had a great weekend, enjoyed the Cyclone football win, and the beautiful snowfall! This week, we’ll learn about the future of the presidency at Iowa State, and that’s surely the big news we’re all waiting on… This week, I am at the annual national meeting of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities in Philadelphia…
Top Stories
Art by Deb Berger, Iowa State University, for CSA News (Crop Science, Soil Science, Agronomy)
Articles Describe Genomic Selection’s Potential to Meet Future Challenges in Agriculture
Developing high-yielding, nutritious and climate-resilient crops is vital to safeguard the future of global food production. To meet the challenges ahead, Iowa State scientists are working with crop breeders to look for approaches that can efficiently speed up crop improvement programs. “Genomic selection is an important part of the answer,” according to Jianming Yu, Pioneer Distinguished Chair in Maize Breeding and director of the Raymond F. Baker Center for Plant Breeding at Iowa State.
Research
Smith Helps Rewrite Mosquito Evolution Story and
Deepen Understanding of West Nile Virus Transmission
Ryan Smith, plant pathology, entomology and microbiology, is part of the global “PipPop Consortium” that conducted a groundbreaking study on the human-biting mosquito. The discovery, published in Science, reveals that the mosquito form known for transmitting West Nile virus to humans didn’t evolve in modern European cities as long believed, but likely originated 1,000-10,000 years ago, likely in ancient Egypt.
Early Bacterial Gut Treatment Improves Chick Immunity, Disease Resistance
An experimental gut treatment led by Melha Mellata, food science and human nutrition, demonstrated that using host-specific bacteria improved overall immunity and resistance to bacteria in young chicks. Her research is posted on the Modern Poultry website.
Courtney Studies One of Earth’s Most Efficient Killers
Greg Courtney, plant pathology, entomology and microbiology, contributed his photography and expertise to “Flight of the Dragons,” the feature article in the fall issue of Iowa Outdoors magazine. Dragonflies are among Earth’s most efficient killers, boasting a 95-97% hunting success rate.
Iowa State AI Research is Shaping the Future of Farming
Research teams across the United States are leading the charge in finding ways to reduce disease and increase yields at the nation's farms through AI. A video posted on Oct. 29 by the Washington Post features Pat Schnable (1:02), director of the Plant Sciences Institute, Arti Singh (2:03 and 7:02), agronomy, and Soumik Sarkar (2:30), director of the Translational AI Center.
Tylka Featured in State of Soy Video
Greg Tylka, director of the Iowa Soybean Research Center, was featured on the Iowa Soybean Association’s Oct. 10 extra edition of The State of Soy. He explains the impact the soybean cyst nematode has had on Iowa farm fields. With support from the soybean checkoff, Tylka has helped develop SCN-resistant varieties.
Teaching and Students
Encourage Students to Attend Pathways Connection Week
Students are invited to attend this week’s Pathways Connection Week activities in Harl Commons, Curtiss Hall. Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Nov. 10, 12 and 14, from 1-2 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday, Nov. 11 and 13, from 11 a.m. to noon. Students can connect with the Pathways to Innovation and Leadership team, complete materials and collect badges, as well as take part in mock interviews. Snacks, drinks, music and free stickers will also be available.
Three Minute Thesis Final Competition is Nov. 11
Presentations for the 10th annual Three Minute Thesis final competition are Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m. in the Memorial Union Sun Room. The 3MT celebrates research being conducted by current Iowa State graduate students as they describe their research, in three minutes, in a relatable and relevant way to a non-specialist audience. Six of the eight finalists represent CALS departments.
Student Club Spotlight: Farm Operations Club
The Farm Operations Club at Iowa State helps students prepare for agricultural careers while building connections with peers and industry professionals. Through speakers, trips and hands-on activities, members gain experiences beyond the classroom and form lasting friendships.
Extension and Outreach
Iowa Beef Center Launches New Video Podcast
ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist Patrick Wall is the host of a new video podcast from the Iowa Beef Center called the Iowa Beef Collective. All sessions are available on the new Iowa Beef Collective YouTube channel.
Fall Composting Tips for Gardeners
Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, encourages gardeners to compost leaves this fall to improve soil health. With plenty of leaves, grass clippings and garden debris available, residents can create compost piles that benefit the environment, recycle yard waste and nourish their gardens.
Around the College
CALS Alums to be Honored in Gold Star Hall Ceremony
Four Iowa State alums who died while serving their country in wartime will be honored during today’s Gold Star Hall Ceremony, Nov. 10, at 4:15 p.m. in the Memorial Union Durham Great Hall. Two of the alums fall within CALS:
- Navy Lt. Thomas Smith graduated in 1942 with a degree in horticulture.
- U.S. Marine Corps Capt. David Myers graduated from Iowa State in 1961 with a degree in fish and wildlife management.
Seed Science Center Addresses Actionable Seed Solutions for Africa
The Seed Science Center brought together the Africa Agriculture Technology Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and several Iowa State departments at the World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue to tackle getting high-quality, pest-free, disease-free and climate-resilient seed into the hands of the African farmers who need them most. By combining the Gates Foundation’s commitment to funding actionable solutions, AATF’s deep experience in technology deployment and Iowa State’s proven record in seed science and capacity building, the meeting signaled a shared determination to turn bold ideas into measurable impact.
CALS Welcomes International Visitors During World Food Prize
The CALS Office for Global Engagement and Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods welcomed several international visitors to Iowa State in October, coinciding with the Global Youth Institute, Borlaug Dialogue and other World Food Prize events in Des Moines. Among the guests were John Paul Ngolobe, a high school teacher from Uganda, and Anna Papaevangelou, a high school principal from Greece. Both visitors share a strong interest in the World Food Prize Youth Institutes and in creating opportunities for youth engagement in global food security.
Deadline Next Week for CALS Award Nominations
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences recognizes the excellence and dedication of its faculty and staff through the conferring of college awards. Nominations are due to the college by Nov. 18 through the online submission portal. Nominations will be reviewed in December, and award recipients will be notified in January. Awardees will be honored during the annual CALS Awards Program in the spring. Contact your departmental awards committee, or Julie Stewart (jstewart@iastate.edu), for additional information.
Iowa State Launches New Cidery
The Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute, home of the Iowa State University Winery, has launched the Iowa State University Cidery. There are two hard ciders – original apple cider and carbonated cider and rosé wine – crafted with apples grown at the ISU Horticulture Research Station, reinforcing the program’s dedication to Iowa and value-added agriculture. The cider is available for purchase at Cyclone Liquors.
Pre-Order Wine and Cider for Pick-Up at the Meat Lab
The Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute is holding its annual holiday wine sale at the Meat Lab in Kildee Hall. Pre-orders can be placed online for pick-up from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following Fridays: Nov. 14 and 21, and Dec. 5, 12 and 19. Limited edition bottles of the new cider are also available for pre-order.
Calendar
Nov. 12: Water Quality Research Seminar
The Iowa Nutrient Research Center’s next water quality research seminar is Nov. 12 at 3:10 p.m. Sara McMillan, agricultural and biosystems engineering, with collaborators at Polk County Conservation and JEO Consulting, will present "Engineering with Nature: Co-Designing Two-Stage Channels for Cleaner Water and Resilient Landscapes." Participants can attend in-person at 1306 Elings Hall or online.
Nov. 17: World Without Cows
The Sustainable Agriculture Program is co-sponsoring a screening of “World Without Cows” on Nov. 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Sun Room. The filmmakers traveled to more than 40 global locations to examine the cultural and economic significance of cows, their role in nourishing the world and their impact on climate. A post-screening panel will include Rodrigo Tarte, animal science and director of Certificate Studies in Meat Science.
Nov. 20-21: Apple Sale at Horticulture Research Station
The Horticulture Research Station is holding an apple sale on Nov. 20-21 from 3-6 p.m. at the station, 55519 170th St., Ames. A variety of apple cultivars will be available for $5 for a 5-pound bag and $30 for a 30-pound box (by request).
Dec. 10: Retirement Reception for Brenda Emery
A retirement reception for Brenda Emery, graduate student services specialist in food science and human nutrition, is Dec. 10 from 3-5 p.m. in the Culinary Discovery Lab, 2379 Food Sciences Building. There will be a program at 3:30 p.m.
Dec. 11: CALS Holiday Party
Dean Robison and the CALS leadership team are hosting a faculty/staff holiday party on Dec. 11 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Sukup Atrium, Elings Hall. Enjoy food, drinks and live music. RSVP by Dec. 4.
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
Learn Proper Tree-Pruning Technique from Campus Experts
As part of Iowa State's annual application for membership in the national Tree Campus USA program, horticulture professor Jeff Iles and campus services' tree maintenance staff are hosting training on how to properly prune trees on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 11 a.m. to noon. Meet at the northeast doors to Troxel Hall. The training is open to any Iowa State employee or student interested in learning about proper pruning techniques for small trees.
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.