CALS Online
Sept. 21, 2026
Top Stories
Celebrating CALS Week
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council is celebrating CALS Week Sept. 20-25. Throughout the week, students can look forward to daily meals on central campus, philanthropy events, professional development opportunities and chances to network with peers. See a full list of events on the CALS Week website.
CALS Week: Block & Bridle Hunger Fight, Sept. 21
The Block & Bridle Club’s annual Hunger Fight is today, Sept. 21, from 3-6 p.m. in the Iowa Farm Bureau Pavilion, Kildee Hall. All volunteers are welcome. The club partners with Meals for the Heartland.
CALS Week: Mr. CALS Competition, Sept. 21
Sigma Alpha, the professional agriculture sorority, is hosting its annual Mr. CALS competition today, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. in the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center. Tickets are $5 (cash only). Contestants represent student organizations within the college and in this year’s Diamonds and Denim event, will be competing for four titles: Grand Champion Mr. CALS, Reserve Grand Champion Mr. CALS, Top Fundraiser and Mr. Congeniality. Proceeds go to SHOP, the student run food pantry at Iowa State.
CALS Week: CALS Connect Career Mixer, Sept. 23
CALS Connect is an industry mixer on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center. Students are invited to connect with industry professionals. Free headshots will be available.
CALS Week: Study Abroad Fair, Sept. 24
CALS will hold its annual study abroad fair on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 2-4 p.m. on central campus. Program directors will be available to talk with students interested in study abroad or Study USA travel courses.
Research
Research Strives to Ensure a Higher Corn Yield
Joshua Strable, genetics, development and cell biology, received $1,035,762 from the National Science Foundation Plant Genome Research Program to investigate fundamental questions in plant biology concerning floral patterning and meristem termination in maize (corn).
Roundtable Seeks Faculty Interested in Water Research
The Office of the Vice President for Research is holding a Research and Innovation Roundtable for faculty across campus who would like to help shape Iowa State’s future in water research. Iowa State has a long-standing depth and breadth of expertise in water-related issues. However, university leadership believes the institution can take a bold step forward by supporting an overarching initiative that brings intentionality and common purpose to research focused on water quality for working lands and rural communities. Register by Oct. 2 to participate in the “Catalyzing Iowa State’s Water Research Future” roundtable on Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Alumni Center Ballroom.
Teaching and Students
Seed Science Center Accepting Applications for ‘Hunger Fighter’ Scholarship
The Seed Science Center is accepting applications for the 2026 annual David Lambert “Hunger Fighter” scholarship, to be awarded to one CALS sophomore or junior who demonstrates a strong commitment to seed science, global food security and childhood nutrition. Applications are due by Friday, Sept. 25, at 5 p.m.
Landscape Club to Hold Design Session Oct. 10
The Landscape Club is holding a student design session on Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Horticulture Hall. Sessions include a basic site overview, plant recommendations and a landscape perspective drawing. Each one-hour session is $160. Slots are limited and are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. The event is a fundraiser to support the club’s participation in the National Collegiate Landscape Competition.
FSHN and Culinary Science Club Present Cake Decorating Workshop
The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and the Culinary Science Club are holding a Cake Decorating Workshop on Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. in 117 MacKay Hall. Participants will learn decorating and frosting techniques and practice on a small cake that they can take home. The workshop fee is $50.
Extension and Outreach
Extension Releases New Disaster Readiness Website
Iowans face a wide range of disasters each year, and preparation is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk. To support communities statewide, ISU Extension and Outreach has launched a new Disaster Readiness website – a one-stop hub for trusted information and resources to help Iowans prepare, respond and recover from disasters.
Final Solar Farm Open House of the Season, Sept. 26
Iowa State is concluding its series of open house events at the Alliant Energy Solar Farm at Iowa State University south of Ames on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10-11:30 a.m. Participants will tour the farm and learn about agrivoltaics — the integration of solar energy and agriculture. This opportunity is available at no cost to participants, but pre-registration is required online to attend.
Around the College
CALS Faculty, Staff to Receive Top University Awards
Several CALS faculty and staff are among the recipients of the university’s most distinguished awards, to be given at the ISU Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 3:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Hall. The following individuals from CALS departments and centers are recognized:
- James Reecy, animal science, associate vice provost for research – Distinguished Professor
- Jianming Yu – agronomy, director of the Raymond F. Baker Center for Plant Breeding – Distinguished Professor
- Thomas Brumm, agricultural and biosystems engineering – University Professor
- Sarah Francis, food science and human nutrition – Morrill Professor
- Jodi Sterle, animal science – Morrill Professor
- Aileen Keating, animal science – Regents Award for Faculty Excellence
- Geetu Tuteja, genetics, development and cell biology – Regents Award for Faculty Excellence
- Dawn Bowker, food science and human nutrition – Award for Impact on Student Success
- Carly Manz, genetics, development and cell biology – Award for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching
- Cheryl Morris, animal science – Award for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching / Louis Thompson Distinguished Undergraduate Teacher
- Michael Shogren-Knaak, biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology – James Huntington Ellis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Introductory Teaching
- Kan Wang, agronomy – Margaret Ellen White Graduate Faculty Award
- Yanhai Yin, genetics, development and cell biology – Award for Departmental Leadership
- Kelsey Powell, animal science – Award for Academic Advising Impact
- Chase Olsen, natural resource ecology and management – Award for Early Achievement in Academic Advising
- Dipali Sashital, biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology – Award for Mid-Career Achievement in Research
- Nick Crumpton, biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology – P&S Outstanding New Professional Award
- Anna Johnson, animal science – Award for Distinguished Service in Extension and Outreach
- Jacob Manternach, animal science – Award for Early Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice
- Richard Roth, agronomy – Award for Early Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice
Francis Builds Programs that Work in the Real World
For Sarah Francis, food science and human nutrition and a 2026 Morrill Professor, the instinct to improve what isn’t working and combine classroom with community has defined her career. As a state specialist in food and health with ISU Extension and Outreach, her programs reflect a pragmatic approach, built around what educators can deliver and what participants can realistically adopt. Francis was featured in a special Inside Impact newsletter, highlighting a few of this year’s university-level awardees.
Johnson Advocates for Animal Welfare
Anna Johnson, animal science, is the 2026 recipient of Iowa State's Distinguished Service in Extension and Outreach Award. Millions of pigs are transported, housed and cared for using animal welfare practices shaped in part by Johnson's work. Through a combination of teaching, research and extension work, she has helped producers improve animal care and build customer trust. Johnson was featured in a special Inside Impact newsletter, highlighting a few of this year’s university-level awardees.
Listening Sessions Scheduled for CALS Dean Search
The CALS dean search committee will host two listening sessions in September for faculty, staff and students to share their feedback on the college, preferred attributes of its next endowed dean, and to answer any questions on the search process:
* Sept. 29 at 8 a.m. in 127 Curtiss Hall
* Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. virtual session
Iowa State ‘Tom’ Named Champion Turkey
For the first time, Iowa State exhibited poultry at the Iowa State Fair Open Poultry Show, showcasing two toms raised at the Stanley L. Balloun Turkey Teaching and Research Facility. One of the Iowa State turkeys, “Ty,” was named the 2026 Iowa State Fair Open Poultry Show Champion Turkey.
Calendar
Sept. 23: Iowa Learning Farms Webinar
Making Water Quality Conservation Practices a Win-Win for Wildlife is the topic of the Iowa Learning Farms conservation webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at noon. Mic Rohde, doctoral student in wildlife ecology at Iowa State, will present.
Sept. 23: Nitrogen Management in the Face of Super El Niño
Nitrogen Management in the Face of Super El Niño is the topic for a virtual field day on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 1 p.m., hosted by Iowa Learning Farms. The event will feature a live discussion with Mike Castellano, agronomy, and Justin Glisan, Iowa’s state climatologist, moderated by Matt Helmers, Iowa Nutrient Research Center director.
Sept. 24: Feeding the World Seminar Series
The Feeding the World seminar series continues Thursday, Sept. 24, from 3:40-4:55 p.m. in the Ensminger Room, 1204 Kildee Hall. Carlos Gomez, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina in Peru, will present “Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Livestock.”
Sept. 24: Peace Corps Prep Meeting
Students can learn about the Peace Corps Prep Program at Iowa State during a meeting on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 5:30 p.m. in 110 Horticulture Hall. Claudale Daniels, Peace Corps Office of Volunteer Entry and Return, will present about Peace Corps volunteer service and information about the Peace Corps application process. Light refreshments will be provided. All Iowa State students are welcome. Questions about the event can be directed to Catherine Swoboda, Iowa State Peace Corps Prep Program co-coordinator, cswoboda@iastate.edu.
Sept. 25: Animal Breeding and Genetics Seminar
The Animal Breeding and Genetics fall seminar series continues Friday, Sept. 25, from 1:10-2 p.m. in 203 Kildee Hall. Melissa Monson, National Animal Disease Center in Ames, will present “Transcriptomics and Single-Cell to Capture the Poultry Immune Response and its Role in Food Safety.”
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.
Communications Kiosk
Reminder About Iowa State’s Artificial Intelligence Guidelines
Iowa State’s Artificial Intelligence website includes AI usage guidelines for researchers, instructors, communication and marketing professionals, as well as university-approved AI tools. Find best practices for data protection on the Safely Use AI website. Additionally, University Library AI Fireside Chats will bring together experts and community members from across Iowa State to explore how AI is being used in their different disciplines and industries. The first AI Fireside Chat is Wednesday, Sept. 23, at noon in the Catalyst Room, 199 Parks Library.
Infograzing
President Cook’s Installation Scheduled for Oct. 1
David Cook will be installed as Iowa State’s President on Oct. 1 at 9:30 a.m. in Stephens Auditorium, with a reception to follow. A livestream option will be available for those unable to attend in person. Please RSVP online.
Preparing Effective Award Nominations Topic of Virtual Webinar
The Provost's Office is hosting a virtual webinar on Preparing Effective Award Nominations for the upcoming university awards cycle on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 2-3 p.m. The session will provide an overview of recent changes and updates to the university awards program and offer guidance on developing strong nomination packets.
Marginalia
Fat Bear Week Begins Sept. 22 – Place Your Vote
Fat Bear Week returns to Katmai National Park Tuesday, Sept. 22, through Sept. 29, giving bear fans around the world another chance to decide which of Katmai’s brown bears has done the best job packing on the pounds for winter. Fat Bear Week, which started in 2014, is an annual competition that celebrates the remarkable transformation of Katmai’s brown bears as they feast on salmon and build the fat reserves they need to survive the winter.
Words to Learn Before Fat Bear Week Starts
- Hefty — Packing extra poundage
- Hoss — Has its own gravitational pull
- Wide Load — Please allow extra room at Brooks Falls
- Built Different — Mostly made of salmon
- Mega Chonk — Final boss of chonks
- Big Back — Self-explanatory
- Winter-ready — Fat. Glorious. Prepared.
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.