News & Featured Stories Archive

Iowa State University scientists lead breakthrough to understand contents of plant cells

Iowa State University scientists has made a significant breakthrough in scientists’ ability to identify specific proteins within individual plant cells. Professor Justin Walley and Christian Montes, a research scientist, in the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, led the work to develop a method for single-cell proteomics, or SCP. Their findings were reported recently in the New Phytologist, one of the leading journals in the world of plant sciences.   

Kaleita named to new endowed chair position established for Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

Amy Kaleita, professor and chair in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, was presented the inaugural Larry and Bunita Buss Department Chair in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering during a medallion ceremony Jan. 8 in the Sukup Atrium of the Biorenewables Complex on Iowa State’s campus.

Iowa State University faculty and staff support leadership for sustainability

Iowa State University faculty and staff have a strong commitment to on-campus sustainability efforts, according to a survey conducted by Iowa State researchers.

Jonathan Lundgren to present 2025 Shivvers Memorial Lecture, Feb. 5

Award-winning scientist and pioneering farmer Jonathan Lundgren, will present the 2025 Shivvers Lecture on Feb. 5, at 7:30 p.m., in the Sun Roon of Iowa State University’s Memorial Union. The event is free and open to the public. Lundgren, an agroecologist, farmer, rancher and beekeeper, is executive director of Ecdysis Foundation and CEO of Blue Dasher Farm. The event is hosted by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture (LCSA) and the Graduate Program in Sustainable Agriculture (GPSA) at Iowa State. Light refreshments will be provided. 

New study shows miscanthus’ greater potential for productivity, economic returns

New research at Iowa State University shows that using advanced planting techniques can triple the amount of biomass produced by the perennial, bioenergy crop miscanthus in its establishment year. This would significantly increase the plant’s potential to store carbon and improve its economic viability for producers.   

Graduating senior takes a chance on major change

Two years into his college career, Caleb Spry, graduating senior in horticulture, realized that while his passion for science was still there, the major of biomedical illustration was no longer the route he wanted to take. He took the chance on horticulture and found his place on campus.

Culinary Boot Camp equips students for a healthier future

Iowa State University students of all majors had the opportunity to enroll in Culinary Boot Camp, gaining valuable food safety, meal prepping and grocery shopping tips and tricks. The class was made possible by Erica Beirman’s involvement in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Innovation and Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows (IEFF) program. 

Singh named CALS Associate Dean for Research and Discovery

 Asheesh "Danny" Singh has been named the new associate dean for research and discovery and associate director of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station for Iowa State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, effective Jan 1, 2025. 

Vetter selected as Fall 2024 CALS Student Marshal

Madison Vetter, graduating senior in biology, was chosen as the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Fall 2024 Student Marshal. She maneuvered through her unique academic journey and created a path of her own. 

Student speaker takes passion to the field and beyond

Christopher Meyer’s passion for agronomy and feeding the world through agriculture led him to Iowa State. A graduating senior in agronomy and agricultural business while concurrently pursuing an MBA, Meyer will serve as the student speaker at the fall 2024 CALS Convocation on Dec. 20 in Hilton Coliseum.

Keep an open mind, explore every opportunity

From judging soil profiles to swimming at nationals to learning to play the Campanile, Elizabeth Severson has done it all during her time at Iowa State. A graduating senior in agronomy and horticulture, Severson is the fall 2024 recipient of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council Outstanding Senior Award.

Rossmiller’s leadership recognized by CALS Outstanding Ambassador Award

Hailey Rossmiller believes that good things come to good people. The acts of kindness she has shown to others during her time at Iowa State led her to be named the fall 2024 recipient of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council Outstanding Ambassador of Agriculture and Life Sciences Award.

Senior Samantha Noteboom receives College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Distinguished Service Award

As she graduates, Samantha “Sami” Noteboom, a double major in agricultural business and animal science, will receive the Distinguished Service Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council.

‘Don’t underestimate yourself,’ academic achievement awardee advises

When Gillian Anderson, fall 2024 recipient of the Academic Achievement Award, first received the email about the Dean's Global Agriculture and Food Leadership Program to Rome, her first instinct was to think, “I couldn’t possibly be qualified for this,” and delete it.

Taking the lead on her educational journey

Jackie Miller's passion for collaborating and connecting with others led to her being selected for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council Leadership and Innovation Award.

Iowans make progress towards monarch habitat conservation goals

Over the past few years, Iowa has consistently invested in monarch butterfly conservation by adding new areas of monarch habitat throughout the state. The Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium (IMCC) has recently updated its Monarch Conservation Effort Report, which offers a summary of monarch habitat establishment through 2022 in all 99 counties across the state.

Outstanding ambassador finds purpose in the field

As a then-27-year-old non-traditional student trying college out again after a big move, Lia Schippers, a graduating senior in forestry, wasn’t sure what to expect at Iowa State University

Food Insecurity Challenge puts innovative minds to the test

On Nov. 6, Iowa State University students from all backgrounds filled the Memorial Union, eager to kick off the 2024 Food Insecurity Challenge. The event teaches students about food insecurity and challenges them to come up with innovative solutions.

New study finds conservation and farmers' job satisfaction are related

An innovative study has shed light on the factors that influence job satisfaction among farmers. The study, “What’s Good for the Land is Good for the Farmer: Investigating Conservation-Related Variables as Predictors of Farmers’ Job Satisfaction,” explores how economic dynamics, farm financial health, soil and water conservation, and climate change concerns impact farmers’ job satisfaction and dissatisfaction.

Teacher in Residence strives to make an impact on students

Ashley Wolfe was on Iowa State University’s campus Nov. 11-12, participating in the Department of Agricultural Education and Studies’ Teacher in Residence Program. As an alumni of the department, she spoke to current students about what life as an agriculture educator is actually like.