CALS Online and Dean’s Message
May 15, 2023
Dean’s Message
Happy Monday CALS – The academic summer has truly begun today, with graduation exercises in the rearview mirror. We had wonderful commencement and convocation ceremonies last week, including one of the best-ever commencement addresses. It was given by Temple Grandin from Colorado State University at Iowa State’s undergraduate commencement. Grandin is a world-renowned advocate and innovator for livestock care and for the understanding of autism. She spoke about both topics, very much including that we should all embrace and include people with different ways of thinking (e.g., visual, numerical, word-based) – such as her own way of visual-thinking. I truly encourage you to do some homework on this remarkable person… More
Top Stories
The Future of Grain Continues to Evolve
To Kurt Rosentrater, agricultural and biosystems engineering, grain is everywhere. He teaches about grain, researches grain, writes books about grain, and most recently started a podcast about grain. “Our society, and other societies, are predicated and built on the grain industry,” Rosentrater said. “Whether it is in the form of ethanol, beer or Cheetos, the grain industry has been a huge part of society for millennia.” Grain is currently used primarily for feed, food, fuel and beverage alcohols. But what else can grain do? “I think the idea of moving towards bio-based products is rapidly growing,” Rosentrater said. “Whether they are a plastic, fabric or textile, there are so many things you can do with grain.” More
Teaching and Students
Podcast Highlights CALS Study Abroad Program
The CALS Study Abroad program has started a podcast – “To Infinity and Abroad” – to share stories from students who have traveled abroad, interview special guests, announce new programs, and share tips and tricks for traveling abroad. There are currently six episodes available. More
CALS Convocation Photo Album Available Online
Congratulations to the spring 2023 CALS graduating students. An online photo album is available from CALS Convocation, held May 12.
Extension and Outreach
Perennials Keep a Garden Interesting All Season
Horticulturists with ISU Extension and Outreach provide tips for selecting and planting perennials in the Iowa garden. Perennials are a way to provide flowers and color in the garden, and planting perennials with different seasons of bloom can provide interest throughout the growing season. More
Around the College
Wendel Elected to National Academy of Sciences
Jonathan Wendel, ecology, evolution and organismal biology, is one of two Iowa State faculty members elected this year to the National Academy of Sciences for contributions to scientific research. The NAS helps provide science, technology and health policy advice to the federal government and other organizations. More
MOU Signed with National Research Council of Thailand
Iowa State University has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the National Research Council of Thailand to strengthen relationships with academic and research institutions in Thailand and other countries. Both NRCT and Iowa State also wish to promote scholarly ties, increase faculty cooperation and promote graduate training in such areas of science and technology. To learn more about the agreement, contact David Acker, associate dean of global engagement. More
Applications Being Accepted for IPIC Director
Applications are being accepted through June 1 for director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The director will lead an integrated extension and research program that informs and serves the Iowa pork industry and ensures that Iowa producers receive accurate and timely information to aid in making their operations more efficient and profitable. This is an internal search open to tenure-track faculty in CALS. More
Calendar
May 17: Iowa Learning Farms Conservation Webinar
The influence of trusted advisers in conservation decision making is the topic of the Iowa Learning Farms’ conservation webinar on Wednesday, May 17, at noon. Seth Harden with The Nature Conservancy will present. More
May 17: CALS Faculty and Staff Picnic
CALS faculty and staff are invited to celebrate the end of the semester at a picnic on Wednesday, May 17, from 4:30-7 p.m. at Moore Memorial Park, Big Bluestem Shelter. Dinner, dessert and live music will be provided. Family and guests are welcome to attend. Please RSVP online.
Infograzing
2023 World Food Prize Awarded to Humanitarian and Peace Activist
Heidi Kühn, founder of the nonprofit Roots of Peace, has been named the 2023 World Food Prize Laureate for restoring agriculture in former war zones. Her farmer-focused development model revitalizes farmland, food security, livelihoods and resilience after devastating conflict. More
Marginalia
Iowa Farmers Union Releases Cookbook
The Iowa Farmers Union has released a cookbook with recipes and stories to remind readers what is in season when, and how to cook a delicious and nutritious meal at any time of the year. “Iowa Farms to Iowa Families: Farm Fresh Iowa Recipes and Stories” was made possible by funding from USDA through the Local Food Promotion Program. More
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Online
Julie Stewart, Editor
jstewart@iastate.edu, (515) 294-5616
http://www.cals.iastate.edu/news/agonline
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.