Faculty and Staff News

Dinsmore reappointed to five-year term as department chair

Stephen Dinsmore has been reappointed to another five-year term as chair of the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Iowa State University.

Skills gained from navigating the unknown 

In moments of panic, Emma Davidson learned that asking for help isn’t a weakness but a key to success. Davidson, a senior in agronomy and seed science, exemplified resilience and courage when unexpectedly stepping into a leadership role at the Iowa State University Seed Science Center. Her critical action of noticing her supervisor’s absence led to a lifesaving wellness check at his home. 

Jolcey Santana selected as spring 2026 CALS Student Marshal

Jolcey Santana, graduating senior in microbiology, is the spring 2026 CALS marshal.

Q&A with Ryan Wolf, spring 2026 student speaker

Ryan Wolf, graduating senior in animal science, is the spring 2026 CALS Convocation speaker.

Huff-Lonergan, Hansen, Keating selected for endowed positions in animal science

Elisabeth Huff Lonergan, University Professor of animal science, was named the Morrison Chair in Meat Science. Stephanie Hansen, professor of animal science, and Aileen Keating, professor of animal science, will hold the title of Tyrone D. Artz, M.D., Chair for Faculty Excellence in Animal Science.

Assistant director to join CALS Career Services team

Driven by a desire to prepare students to navigate a dynamic and ever-changing career landscape, Katy Griner is excited to step into her new role as assistant director for Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Career Services office on June 1.

Professor brings industry experience to new digital and precision agriculture major

Students are getting an early look at a new digital and precision agriculture major launching this fall, where technology, data and agronomy converge. With hands-on experience using drones, sensors and mapping tools, the program prepares students to help farmers make smarter decisions and to lead the future of modern agriculture.

Graduate student’s research aims to provide solutions for organic vegetable growers

Smriti Chaudhary, a graduate student in sustainable agriculture and horticulture, has had great success studying vegetable crops at Iowa State University. So much that she was awarded a 2026 Graduate Program Research Excellence Award. With her May 2026 graduation on the horizon, Chaudhary plans to continue working in horticultural science and specialty crop production. She wants to develop research-based management strategies that help growers improve crop performance while maintaining sustainable production systems. 

New pasteurizer increases production capacity at Iowa State Creamery

The new combo batch pasteurizer/cheese vat is up and running at the Iowa State University Creamery, just in time for peak ice cream season.

Beirman named inaugural Degner Teaching Professor in Culinary Food Science

Known for her creativity, energy and commitment to students, Erica Beirman has been named the inaugural Nancy and Rich Degner Teaching Professor in Culinary Food Science.

The lasting impact of Stupka Symposium

The Stupka Symposium, an event that has touched the lives of many, will celebrate its 20th anniversary on April 9-10.The Stupka Symposium, an event that has touched the lives of many, will celebrate its 20th anniversary on April 9-10. Over the years, hundreds of students have had the opportunity to present their research, assist in planning and continue keeping the legacy of Stupka Symposium alive.  

Monarch overwintering numbers show encouraging continued increase in population size

The recent announcement of monarch overwintering numbers for the 2025-26 season shows a population increase for the second year in a row. While the continued population increase is encouraging news for monarchs, the current population still falls well below the levels scientists estimate will be sustainable.

A hidden campus gem

Imagine if you could escape the Iowa winter weather and enjoy warmer temperatures, sunlight, and beautiful plant growth without leaving campus. Thousands of students don’t know this possibility is right above them.

Schmitz transitions to interim director of Iowa Crop Improvement Association

Leadership of the Iowa Crop Improvement Association will change on March 16, when Doan Schmitz becomes the organization’s interim director during a search for a new director.

Iowa State pursues partnership to establish academic programs in Greece

Harris reappointed as chair of Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology

After an impactful first five years at Iowa State University, Steven Harris has been reappointed for another five-year term with the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, effective April 1.

Iowa Valley Community College and Iowa State University announce nursing articulation agreement

Iowa Valley Community College District and Iowa State University have established a new articulation agreement that aligns the nursing curriculum at IVCCD’s Marshalltown Community College and Ellsworth Community College with Iowa State’s RN-to-BSN program.

Inaugural Wentz-Griswold Scholars cohort announced

Twelve students will enhance their research skills this semester thanks to a newly funded scholarship, the Wentz-Griswold Agricultural Undergraduate Research Scholars Award.

Long-time horticulture educator, advisor Barb Clawson named Golden Owl awardee

Coincidentally wearing a gray FFA quarter-zip, Barb Clawson was dressed appropriately for a surprise announcement that she is one of this year’s Golden Owl awardees.