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AG AND LIFE SCIENCES ONLINE
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The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Newsletter
Iowa State University
Oct. 4, 2010 No. 622
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COLLEGE NEWS
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VILSACK TO OPEN GLOBAL FARMER MEETING ON BIODIVERSITY AT ISU ON OCT. 12
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will be on campus Oct. 12 to provide opening remarks for a Global Farmer Town Hall Meeting on Sustainable Agriculture and Biodiversity Practices in the Alliant Energy-Lee Liu Auditorium, Howe Hall. The meeting assembles panelists at ISU representing areas around the globe to discuss sustainable agriculture practices and their role in biodiversity preservation. The event is in conjunction with next week's World Food Prize celebration and is part of the United Nations' International Year of Biodiversity. The meeting will run from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended, but not required, by visiting http://ISUTownHall.Eventbrite.com. Secretary Vilsack also will participate in the discussion. Gary Munkvold, Seed Science Endowed Chair, will be a member of the panel, which also includes farmers from India, Honduras and the United States, and Judy Chambers, a senior advisor for U.S. Agency for International Development. The meeting will be livestreamed and the panel will take questions electronically. Sponsors are ISU, Crop life of America and Truth about Trade and Technology.
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR CALS EQUITY ADVISOR EXTENDED TO OCT. 8
CALS seeks internal applicants for the position of equity advisor. The position is open to tenured faculty in the College as a one-year renewable term at one-third time. To guarantee consideration for this position, apply by Oct. 8. More: Joe Colletti, colletti@iastate.edu, 4-1823.
CALS AND IDALS DEVELOP STATEWIDE NUTRIENT REDUCTION STRATEGY
CALS and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship have launched a new initiative to develop a statewide strategy to reduce nutrients to streams and the Gulf of Mexico. Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, outlined the initiative last week in Washington, D.C. during a meeting of the EPA's Farm Ranch and Rural Communities Advisory Committee and during a video presentation to the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force.
STUDY ABROAD BARBECUE ON WEDNESDAY, OCT. 6
The CALS Study Abroad Office is holding its annual barbecue for all CALS students on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Kildee Pavilion. The barbecue is a great opportunity for CALS students to learn about various study abroad programs offered by the college. Many faculty group leaders for the spring and summer 2011 study abroad programs will be there promoting their programs and answering questions from students. In addition, students will get free burgers and Dairy Science ice cream. Please distribute this among your students.
LEOPOLD CENTER AND EXTENSION INVOLVED IN IOWA HUNGER SUMMIT
The Leopold Center and ISU Extension have organized a session titled "Local and Regional Food Systems: Countering Food Insecurity in Iowa" for the 2010 Iowa Hunger Summit, scheduled for Oct. 12 at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown. The event is free and open to the public. More: http://www.iowahungersummit.org/
WORLD FOOD PRIZE LAUREATE CEREMONY DINNER, OCT. 14
The Northeast Iowa Agricultural Experimental Association, the local group of farmers and businesses that owns ISU's Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm, will hold a World Food Prize Laureate Ceremony dinner party at the Borlaug Learning Center at the research farm on Oct. 14. The evening will begin with a social hour at 5 p.m., a catered meal at 6 p.m., followed by a live viewing of the World Food Prize Laureate Ceremony from Des Moines at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30. More: Dennis Carney, dacarney@omnitelcom.com, (641) 816-4734.
FEEDING THE WORLD SEMINAR SERIES CONTINUES OCT. 15
The international seminar series, "Feeding the World: Are We Making Progress?" will continue Oct. 15 at 12 to 1 p.m. in the Ensminger Room, 1204 Kildee Hall. The second seminar will feature M.S. Swaminathan, chairman of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and UNESCO Cousteau Chair in Ecotechnology. His seminar topic is "Food Security in an Era of Climate Change." The seminar series is sponsored by the M.E. Ensminger International Chair in Animal Science, Raymond and Mary Baker Chair in Global Agriculture, and the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods. Dates and topics for the fall series can be found online.
RUSSIAN SENATOR SPEAKS ON U.S./RUSSIAN COLLABORATION, OCT. 18
Senator Vladimir Plotnikov, a member of the Upper Chamber of the Russian Parliament and president of the Association of Private Farmers and Cooperatives of Russia, will be speaking on Family Farms in Russia and U.S./Russian Collaboration on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m., South Ballroom, Memorial Union. The lecture is cosponsored by CALS.
EEOB SCIENTISTS' RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTED IN NY TIMES
Researchers in the lab of Fred Janzen, ecology, evolution and organismal biology, recently published a paper in the American Naturalist journal on their work on geographic variation in gestation of lizards and turtles. The published research, led by Wei-Guo Du, a visiting scientist from Hangzhou Normal University, China, and ISU postdoc Dan Warner, was highlighted in a New York Times article, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/31/science/31oblizard.html. The journal article is at http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/656270. (See a May 2010 CALS release on Janzen and Warner's involvement with students in "Turtle Camp")
CALS SENIOR PRESENTS RESEARCH IN CHINA THIS WEEK
Senior Emily Zimmerman could have graduated in three years. Instead, she will graduate in four with a second major that has enabled her to conduct research last summer in Rome and present it this week in China. Zimmerman, of Marinette, Wis., likes school, and didn't want to finish her biology major "too fast." So she took on global resource systems, a new major in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. After all, she likes travel, science, languages and world cultures. She could combine all of those "into one cohesive forward movement," she said. Global resource systems -- or global, as Zimmerman calls it -- requires completion of an internship in another country. More: http://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2010/oct/Zimmerman
PHOSPHORUS RUNOFF CAN BE SLOWED BY CHANGING FARMING PRACTICES
Two recent studies by ISU researchers show that phosphorus runoff into Iowa's rivers, streams and lakes can be slowed by farmers changing how they plant and fertilize their crops. Antonio Mallarino, agronomy, and Matt Helmers, agricultural and biosystems engineering, found that increased ground cover and no-till farming can dramatically reduce phosphorus runoff into Iowa's waterways. More: http://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2010/sep/mallarino
BARTHOLOMAY EXAMINES MOSQUITO GENES FOR NEW DISEASE RESPONSES
Lyric Bartholomay, entomology, is searching for new genes that are turned on during infection in a type of mosquito that is not only a pest, but transmits disease-causing pathogens. Bartholomay is the first author on a paper published in the Oct. 1 issue of the journal "Science." More: http://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2010/sep/lyricSci
KLEIN RECEIVES ISU FOUNDATION GOVERNORS STAFF AWARD
Ray Klein, executive director of CALS Development, received the 2010 ISU Foundation Governors Staff Award on Oct. 1. During his two-year leadership of the college's development team, Klein has led the unit in securing more than $38 million. More: http://www.foundation.iastate.edu/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=10348
WEISER JOINS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Beth Weiser, program assistant in the CALS Development Office, has been elected to the ISU Alumni Association Board of Directors. Weiser has worked at ISU for 38 years. In her current position with CALS Development, her responsibilities include prospect coordination, budget management, and planning for alumni events and donor appreciation events, dinners and receptions. More: http://www.isualum.org/index.cfm?nodeID=26353&audienceID=1
IOWA CORN TO BE FEATURED IN JAPANESE DOCUMENTARY
Iowa corn will soon be featured in a documentary to be aired on Japanese national television. On Sept. 16, a film crew representing NHK, Japan's national public broadcasting network, visited campus to interview ISU corn experts Kan Wang and Roger Elmore on the history of corn breeding, the global importance of genetic improvements to corn, and how the plant has become one of the dominant U.S. and global crops. Elmore, ISU Extension corn specialist, discussed corn physiology and how hybridization has helped improve the plant, including for new uses such as ethanol. Wang, agronomy professor and director of the ISU Plant Transformation Facility, discussed transgenetic research on corn.
PORK MONTH BRINGS SWINE PRODUCTION STORY IDEAS
The Iowa Pork Industry Center has assembled a list of projects, research and programs related to swine production in time for pork month.
BIDDING OPEN FOR CALS UNITED WAY ONLINE AUCTION
CALS is sponsoring an online auction in an effort to raise money for the 2010 ISU United Way Campaign. Bidding on the 36 auction items is open until 5 p.m. on Oct. 22.
LIVESTOCK JUDGING TEAM SECOND AT AKSARBEN
The ISU Livestock Judging Team was second high team overall at the Aksarben contest in Omaha, Neb. on Sept. 26. There were 13 colligate teams in attendance with the ISU team also winning the Reasons and Sheep Divisions. Individually, Ashley Wiebe was first overall, Cameron Luedtke third overall, Levi Johnson fourth overall, Jalane Alden eighth overall and Jason Lents ninth overall.
BEITZ ELECTED PRESIDENT OF FASS
Don Beitz, animal science, was elected president of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Animal Science Societies.
DEADLINES AND REMINDERS
Oct. 11: Norm Borlaug Lecture at 8 p.m., Memorial Union Sun Room
Oct. 14: Pesek Colloquium at 8 p.m., Memorial Union Great Hall, http://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2010/sep/McKibbenLecture
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FUNDING INFORMATION
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NEW JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND SCIENCES
The National Council for Science and the Environment and the Association for Environmental Sciences and Studies announce the launch of the Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences. The new journal provides a peer-reviewed, academically rigorous forum for the publication of explicitly interdisciplinary environmental research, policy analysis and advocacy, educational discourse, and other related matters. Submission categories include research and theory, research briefs, environmental education, policy analysis, and commentary and opinion. Contributions are welcome from any discipline or combination of disciplines, vocation or professional affiliation, and national, ethnic or cultural background. Information about submission and instructions for authors are available at
http://www.springer.com/environment/journal/13412?detailsPage=editorial…
VPR/ED FACULTY ORIENTATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: RESEARCH PROGRAMS IN EDUCATION AT ISU
Carl Smith, chair of curriculum and instruction; Barbara Dougherty, director of the Center for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Education; Corey Drake, associate professor of mathematics education; Larry Ebbers, professor of educational leadership and policy studies; and Linda Hagedorn, director of RISE, will talk about funding opportunities at the National Science Foundation, federal and state departments of education in the area of education. The speakers will highlight the STEM programs within the agencies and opportunities for developing collaborative research groups at ISU will be discussed. The program will be held on Oct. 13 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Memorial Union Gallery. Advance registration is not required.
OSPA TO CLOSE DURING WINTER BREAK
OSPA will be closed from Dec. 23 through Jan. 2, 2011 for the winter break period. During the four working days that the university is partially closed (Dec. 27- 30), the OSPA main phone line (4-5225) will be monitored and researchers can email grants@iastate.edu for award-related activities or questions and ospa-proposals@iastate.edu for proposal-related activities or questions.
* For proposals with deadlines from Dec. 22, 2010 through Jan. 4, 2011 and budgets under $2 million, researchers should initiate Gold Sheets in time for arrival at OSPA by Dec. 15. Typically, these Gold Sheets should begin routing three to four days before Dec. 15, depending on the number of co-PIs.
* For proposals with deadlines from Dec. 22, 2010 through Jan. 4, 2011 and budgets over $2 million, researchers should initiate Gold Sheets to ensure receipt of the proposals by OSPA by Dec. 1. PIs should be aware that submitted Gold Sheets may not route to OSPA in a timely manner due to the potential closing of departments, centers, colleges and other university divisions over the winter break. PIs should monitor the routing of Gold Sheets in the Liquid Office system to ensure they route to OSPA by the dates noted.
OSPA Timeline Summary:
* Dec. 1, 2010: Gold Sheets should arrive in OSPA for proposals with budgets over $2 million and due dates between Dec. 22, 2010 and Jan. 4, 2011.
* Dec. 15, 2010: Gold Sheets should arrive in OSPA for proposals with budgets under $2 million and due dates between Dec. 22, 2010 and Jan. 4, 2011.
* Dec. 23, 2010: OSPA closed for winter break through Jan. 2, 2011.
* Jan. 3, 2011: OSPA open.
SEPT. 22 CAYUSE WEBINAR POSTED ON OSPA WEBSITE
The Cayuse webinar from Sept. 22 is now posted on OSPA's website, http://www.ospa.iastate.edu/. The "Cayuse Webinar" link can be found on the right-hand side of the page under Quick Links. The webinar is more than an hour long but informative. Please contact OSPA (grants@iastate.edu) with questions.
NSF 2011 GRANT PROPOSAL, AWARD AND ADMINISTRATION GUIDES RELEASED
The NSF January 2011 Grant Proposal Guide is available at http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf11001/gpg_index.jsp?WT…, and the January 2011 Award and Administration Guide is available at http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf11001/aag_index.jsp?WT…. A summary of changes is also available at each site. Both guides are effective for NSF proposals submitted on or after January 18, 2011.
RESOURCES FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASE RESEARCH
Researchers looking for organisms and reagents can use the NIH/NIAID Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Biological Resources Repository. Approximately 15,000 authenticated, quality-assured, unique products are ready for distribution at no charge; investigators pay only shipping and handling fees. An NIAID grant is not required, but the PI or research director must be at an institution with facilities and safety programs appropriate for the product being ordered. Investigators must register with the repository and, once registration is processed, can shop from the online catalog. For links to the catalog and information on eligibility, assurances, user requirements, a program contact, and the application and approval process, visit http://www.niaid.nih.gov/labsandresources/resources/dmid/midbrr/pages/d….
CONCEPTS: POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES AT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Concepts represent early planning stages for NIH NIAID initiatives: program announcements, requests for applications and solicitations. Approval of a concept does not guarantee it will become an initiative. That decision is made by the NIAID's Advisory Council based on scientific and programmatic priorities and the availability of funds. However, concepts do reveal possible initiatives and provide ideas for an investigator-initiated application. NIAID Concepts are posted online. To receive an email alert when new concepts are posted, sign up at the NIAID Funding News and Email Alerts Subscription Center website and select Concepts as a topic of interest.
FUNDING INFORMATION, OPPORTUNITIES AND DEADLINE REMINDERS
Dates listed are application deadlines. Contact: Roxanne Clemens, rclemens@iastate.edu
Oct. 19: SBE Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowships and Follow-up Research Starter Grants; up to 12 fellowships and follow-up research starter grants, $1.25 million per year total anticipated funding. More: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503424&WT.mc_id=USNSF_3…
Oct. 27: Resource Related Research Projects for Development of Animal Models and Related Materials (R24); size and duration of awards will vary, but will not exceed four years. More: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-10-289.html
Oct. 31 (annually): Biomaterials (BMAT). More: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13699&WT.mc_id=USNSF_39…
Nov. 4: EPA Pesticide Incident Surveillance Program (PSP); three awards, $75,000 per year for five years, $1.125 million total anticipated funding.
Nov. 15: AAUW Fellowships and Grants "“ Summer/Short-Term Research Publication Grants, Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowships, Dissertation Fellowships.
Nov. 22: USDA Regional Integrated Pest Management Competitive Grants Program "“ North Central Region; $495,000 for research, $80,000 for extension, and $495,000 for integrated projects.
Dec. 9: Fall 2011 EPA Greater Research Opportunities Fellowships for Undergraduate Environmental Study; 40 awards, $48,900 over two years (junior and senior years and paid summer internship), $1.96 million total anticipated funding.
Dec. 22: EPA 8th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet; $15,000 for Phase I (64 awards), $90,000 for Phase II (15 awards), $2.31 million total anticipated funding.
Jan. 17: Cyberlearning: Transforming Education "“ Exploration Projects and Design and Implementation Projects; 14 to 18 EXP awards and 7 to 12 DIP awards, $30 million total anticipated funding for FY 2011 and FY 2012 combined including INDP awards. More: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2010/nsf10620/nsf10620.htm?WT.mc_id=USNSF_25&WT…
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COMMUNICATIONS KIOSK
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VETTING SOURCES FOUND THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA
In general, apply the same principles used in vetting a source found any other way. There can be additional challenges, though, since it can be difficult to verify the identity of sources found online. For example, Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia whose entries are created and edited by its users, regardless of a person's expertise. May contain useful links, but should not be used as a primary source of information. Also, if you come across photos, videos or other multimedia content that you would like to use, you'll need to verify the authenticity of the piece of content. You'll then need to determine who controls the copyright of the material and get permission from that person/organization to use it. (The Associated Press Stylebook, 45th ed., 2010)
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INFOGRAZING
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WORLD FOOD DAY MEAL AND INTERNATIONAL FARMER PANEL, OCT. 16
Oxfam America presents "Farmers Leading the Way from Crisis to Resilience," a meal and international farmer panel, on World Food Day, Oct. 16, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at High Hopes Gardens in Melbourne, Iowa. Join farmers from Iowa, Africa, Haiti, India and Vietnam to hear about their projects to reduce hunger while protecting natural resources. The event is free and open to the public.
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INTERNAL VOICES
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LAWRENCE ON EXTENSION'S ROLE IN METROPOLITAN FOOD SYSTEMS
"Metropolitan food systems is something that I think we will hear more about in the coming years. Local foods and farmers markets in cities and suburbs are a part of the discussion, but so are community gardens, food cooperatives, nutrition education and youth gardens to address poverty and food deserts." John Lawrence, associate dean for Extension Programs and Outreach and ANR Extension director, on attending the North Central Extension Deans/Directors and State Program Leaders conference in Milwaukee in September.
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MARGINALIA
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CAKES FOR CALIFORNIA DELIVERED TODAY
The ISU Agronomy Club has been selling cakes to raise money for their trip to the American Society of Agronomy meeting in Long Beach, Calif. Offerings included Better Than Pollination Cake, Cyclone Cake, Albic Horizon Cake, I'm an Agronomist Cookies and Iowa's Finest Cheesecake. Twenty-one undergraduates will be traveling to California for the ASA meetings.
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AG AND LIFE SCIENCES ONLINE
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EDITOR
Julie Stewart, jstewart@iastate.edu
Phone: (515) 294-5616 Web site: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/aginfo/
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