Faculty and Staff News

Iowa State names Lonergan inaugural Topel Endowed Chair in Meat Science

Steven Lonergan, a Morrill Professor of animal science, was named the inaugural holder of the endowed chair during the Topel Medallion Ceremony on Monday, Aug. 31, on the Iowa State campus.

Empowering leaders through CALS Staff Champions Program

The CALS Staff Champions Program is a cohort-based professional development initiative designed to cultivate informed, engaged and forward-thinking staff leaders within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

CALS Career Services team ready to help students prepare for what's next

Students will find two new faces in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Career Services office this semester.

Peace Corps and Iowa State announce renewed Peace Corps Prep Program

Students in the Peace Corps Prep program combine targeted coursework with hands-on experience, building the competencies needed to be effective Peace Corps volunteers and make a lasting impact.

Diving into reproductive microbiology

Lucille Jonas did not set out to become a microbiologist. In fact, she arrived at Iowa State University with a very different goal in mind: to become a veterinarian. A general microbiology course in her first year shifted that trajectory and set her on a path toward graduate research examining a little-understood aspect of animal biology.

Iowa State University Digital Ag Innovation Lab Launches Inaugural Combine University

The Iowa State University Digital Ag Innovation Lab, in collaboration with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will host the inaugural Combine University, a new hands-on educational program designed to help operators, producers and agricultural professionals maximize harvest performance through practical education and technology-focused learning.

Building a network to bring authentic research experience into the classroom

What do you get when you bring together tropical biology researchers, educators and software developers? Interactive and immersive learning modules for students!

New slate of economics professors hired at Iowa State University

Four new faculty members will join the Department of Economics at Iowa State University later this month, with a fifth arriving in January 2027.

Smelser selected as next executive director of Iowa Crop Improvement Association

Andrew Smelser has spent more than 20 years working in crop genetics, germplasm licensing, field research and seed-industry partnerships. Now, he has been named the next executive director of the Iowa Crop Improvement Association.

Zhu named interim chair of Department of Statistics

Zhengyuan Zhu, professor of statistics, Kingland Fellow in Data Analytics, and director of the Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology (CSSM), has been selected as the interim chair of the Department of Statistics, effective July 1.

New feed trailer expands feed delivery opportunities

Delivery of bulk feed produced at the Iowa State University Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex to Iowa State’s animal science farms is now possible, thanks to a new high-tech feed trailer.

Brewing and winemaking blend research, education and community impact

At Iowa State University, fermenting grapes and grains serves a broader purpose than just producing alcohol products. 

New animal enterprise and innovation degree to prepare students for industry

The Department of Animal Science will offer a new bachelor’s degree in animal enterprise and innovation beginning in August 2026. This one-of-a-kind program will combine training in the core animal science curriculum with business acumen through classes in economics, data management, entrepreneurship and technology systems to meet the needs of an expanding industry. 

AI tutor supports student learning

“It’s like having a Zoom session with a real-life human mentor.” That’s how Karl Kerns describes the AI tutor he’s spent the past two years creating and refining with his graduate students. 

Mickelson named interim department chair of food science and human nutrition

Steve Mickelson will return from retirement to become the next interim chair of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition beginning June 1.

Planting knowledge, harvesting impact at Horticulture Research Station

The Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station provides students with hands-on experience producing fruits, vegetables and honey on 235 acres of land north of Ames. Students work year-round planting, harvesting, maintaining equipment and supporting marketing efforts, with nearly all tasks completed by hand.  

Gamma Sigma Delta announces 2026 initiates, presents alum awards

Gamma Sigma Delta, the Iowa Beta Chapter of the Honor Society of Agriculture, held its annual award ceremony April 16 in Curtiss Hall’s Dolezal Auditorium. Iowa State University students, faculty and alums were presented awards, and new members were inducted into the organization. 

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.