AG AND LIFE SCIENCES ONLINE
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The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Newsletter
Iowa State University
Jan. 18, 2010 No. 634
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COLLEGE NEWS
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LEOPOLD CENTER DELIVERS LOCAL FOOD AND FARM PLAN TO LEGISLATURE
A new statewide plan would boost the local food economy and increase opportunities for those who want to buy or sell Iowa-raised meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fruit, vegetables and other crops in local and regional markets. These recommendations are part of the Iowa Local Food and Farm Plan, submitted this week to the Iowa Legislature by the Leopold Center. More: http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/newsreleases/2011/011111_plan.html
FOOD SAFETY WORKSHOPS FOR FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS
Growers interested in improving food safety and post-harvest handling of fruits and vegetables can learn both at ISU Extension workshops this winter. Held during January and February at seven Iowa locations, the workshops will also cover the implications of recent federal food safety legislation on small growers. The first workshop is scheduled for Jan. 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Des Moines. The workshops are funded by a two-year competitive grant from the Leopold Center. More: http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/newsreleases/2011/010411_foodsafety....
FOUR CALS FACULTY NAMED AAAS FELLOWS
Four CALS faculty members have been named fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science:
* Bryony Bonning, entomology. "For distinguished contributions to research and teaching in the fields of insect virology, baculoviruses, insect pathology and insect molecular biology."
* Steven Fales, agronomy. "For distinguished contributions to agricultural science through administrative leadership, and service to professional/scientific societies and industry."
* Patrick Schnable, agronomy. "For distinguished contributions to our understanding of the structure, function and dynamics of the maize genome and the development of genomic tools and resources."
* Jonathan Wendel, ecology, evolution and organismal biology. "For distinguished contribution to our understanding of the phylogeny and genome evolution of higher plants, particularly the evolutionary fate of genes duplicated by polyploidy."
More: http://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2011/jan/AAASfellows
ISU-BASED RESEARCH LEADS TO JUMBO SHRIMP AGREEMENT
ISU-based shrimp research has led to an international licensing and marketing agreement for two vaccines to be used in shrimp farming around the world. Hank Harris, animal science, has reached an agreement with one of Asia's dominant aquaculture producers for collaborative research support and marketing of the products resulting from the research throughout Asia and major shrimp-producing countries in the Americas. More: http://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2011/jan/harrisshrimp
CALS SUPPORTS FACULTY TO ATTEND NSF REGIONAL GRANTS CONFERENCE
CALS will provide up to $750 each for five faculty members to attend the 2011 National Science Foundation Regional Grants Conference to be held in Nashville, Tenn., on March 21-22. The conference will provide insight into a wide range of current issues at NSF, including the state of current funding, new and current policies and procedures, and pertinent administrative issues. Interested faculty should contact Joe Colletti by e-mail by noon on Friday, Jan. 21. Preference for this support will be given to new faculty. Selected participants will be notified by Jan. 24. More: https://www.signup4.net/public/ap.aspx?EID=NATI358E&OID=50
IOWA WOMEN FARMERS HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP COUNTERPARTS IN UGANDA
Iowa women farmers have an opportunity to help women farmers in Uganda by volunteering to work with ISU's Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods, ISU Extension and VEDCO "“ Volunteer Efforts for Developmental Concerns, a Ugandan non-government organization. Iowa volunteers will spend approximately two weeks in Kamuli District working directly with smallholder farmers. The application deadline is Jan. 31. More: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2011/jan/161001.htm.
"SOY YOU THINK YOU CAN COOK" COMPETITION
The Soyfoods Council, in cooperation with ISU Dining and the food science and human nutrition department, have created a challenge for students to creatively cook with soy. Each team is required to prepare an entree and side dish from scratch within a one-hour time limit. Three judges in each round will be looking for unique applications of soy products within the dishes prepared. Nine teams will be selected from the applicants to compete in round one based on the use of soy products in each recipe. Applications are due Feb. 1. More: http://www.fshn.hs.iastate.edu/news/soyyouthinkyoucancook.php.
CALS FACULTY DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR ON FSHN STUDENT OUTCOMES, FEB. 7
A faculty development seminar on "Student Outcomes Assessment: What have we learned from the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition?" will be held on Feb. 7, 12 to 1 p.m. in the Memorial Union Cardinal Room. Presenters from FSHN are Cheryll Teitmeier, Eunice Bassler and Anne Oldham. The seminar is co-sponsored by the CALS committees on faculty development, curriculum and outcomes assessment. Bring your lunch; beverages will be provided.
CALS P&S EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE PAY REQUESTS DUE APRIL 1
ISU has established Exceptional Performance Pay Program Guidelines for Non-Organized P&S Employees. CALS has implemented this policy and has developed guidelines that can be found on the CALS Policies and Best Practices website. Exceptional Performance Pay Disbursement Request forms for P&S employees are due to the CALS dean's office April 1. The CALS administrative team will evaluate requests before submitting to human resources and the provost office for their review and approval. More: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/facultystaff/policy/
EGG INDUSTRY ISSUES FORUM, APRIL 6-7
The Egg Industry Center at ISU has announced the third annual Egg Industry Issues Forum to be held April 6-7 in Columbus, Ohio. The program is available on the website and registration information will be available soon. More: http://www.ans.iastate.edu/EIC/?pg=2011forum
SAVE THE DATE: BIGMAP FOOD AND FUEL SYMPOSIUM, APRIL 19-20
The Eighth BIGMAP Food and Fuel Symposium on "Co-existence, Choice and Sustainability for Crop Production" will be held April 19-20 at the Gateway Conference Center. More information will be available soon.
CALS COLLECTING RECYCLABLE BATTERIES AND USED CELL PHONES
A drop-box for used rechargeable batteries and old cell phones has been set up in 130 Curtiss Hall. Please note that only rechargeable batteries are being accepted for recycling at this time. Single-use alkaline batteries should be discarded in the trash. ISU's Environmental Health and Safety coordinates recycling of used portable rechargeable batteries and old cell phones through a national program, Call2Recycle. The collection point is part of CALS efforts to enhance sustainability within our college and university. More: http://www.fpm.iastate.edu/recycling/battery_cellphone.asp.
NREM GRADUATE STUDENTS PUBLISH MAGAZINE
"Field Notes" is a new publication about and by graduate students in natural resource ecology and management. It showcases research accomplishments and awards of graduate students, as well as their jobs following graduation. More: http://www.nrem.iastate.edu/documents/Field-Notes-2010.pdf
DEADLINES AND REMINDERS
Jan. 19: Iowa Learning Farms Webinar Series begins, http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/news/webinar1.htm
Jan. 29: ISU Tradition of Excellence Heifer and Bull Sale, http://www.ans.iastate.edu/events/news.php?nbr=137
Feb. 23: Proposals due for ISU On-Farm Research and Demonstration Grant Program, http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/newsreleases/2011/010711_onfarmgrant...
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EXTERNAL FUNDING
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USDOE SEEKING INPUT REGARDING ALGAE SUPPLY SYSTEMS
The U.S. Department of Energy is seeking input from industry, academia and other biofuels stakeholders regarding supply systems and services for the production, handling, storage, transport and delivery of algae. The information may be used by DOE for program planning. Deadline for comments is March 1. More: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=61393
INTERNAL CALL FOR PROPOSAL SUMMARIES: FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY GRANTS
Firefighter Safety Research and Development Grant activities are aimed at improvements to firefighter health and safety. Projects must address injury outcomes or provide a strong justification that the proposed outcomes can be linked to injury outcomes. Behavioral, clinical and social science studies; database/data collection and analysis; technology and product development; and research regarding dissemination and implementation of effective programs are examples of eligible projects. ISU can submit one application. Interested PIs should submit a brief (limit of two pages) description of the project to Dorothy Pimlott (dpimlott@iastate.edu) by close of business on Jan. 20. More: http://www.firegrantsupport.com/content/html/fps/default.aspx
CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR ISU DIVERSITY GRANTS AND WOMEN'S ENRICHMENT FUND MINI-GRANTS
The ISU Diversity Grants Program is designed to support diversity in the university's mission areas of education, research and outreach to positively impact and advance faculty, staff and student minorities and under-represented groups. Funds also may be requested for seed money to leverage resources for scholarly projects in support of diversity. The overarching goals are to accelerate institutional change and contribute to scholarly activity in education and research related to diversity. More: http://www.provost.iastate.edu/fad/grants.html. The Women's Enrichment Fund supports initiatives that will enrich the experiences of women faculty, staff and students at ISU. Funds are available to support initiatives affecting women on the ISU campus or for seed money to stimulate additional funding from other sources in support of women. More: http://www.provost.iastate.edu/fad/minigrant.html. Proposals for both programs are due Feb. 1.
UNITED SOYBEAN BOARD RFP FOR REGIONAL SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS
The United Soybean Board's Sustainability Initiative conducts programs that support soy sustainability performance and help achieve the Board's objectives regarding sustainable soybean production. USB funds high-quality projects that obtain data on a regional (multistate) or national scale, related to farm economic performance/profitability, on-farm energy use, or farm contributions to surface water quality. Proposals are due Sept. 30, 2011. To receive the RFP and submission instructions, contact Roxanne Clemens, rclemens@iastate.edu.
Continuing basis: Fiscal Year 2010 Measurement Science and Engineering Research Grants Programs; award amounts vary by program. More: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=61193
FUNDING INFORMATION, OPPORTUNITIES AND DEADLINE REMINDERS
Dates listed are application deadlines. Contact: Roxanne Clemens, rclemens@iastate.edu
Feb. 1: ISU 2011-12 Diversity Grant http://www.provost.iastate.edu/fad/grants.html and Women's Enrichment Fund Mini-grants http://www.provost.iastate.edu/fad/minigrant.html
Feb. 4: USDA Higher Education Challenge Grant; $30,000 to $750,000, 25% match required. More: http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/educationchallengehigheredhep.cfm
Feb. 22: Emerging Infections Sentinel Network Research Grant; one award, $407,000. More: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=62333
March 2: OPE Business and International Education Program; 31 awards, $50,000 to $95,000 per year. More: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=64553
March 3: NIFA Research Grants Program - Pest Management Alternatives Research; six to eight awards, $100,000 to $200,000. More: http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/pestmanagementalternatives.cfm
March 18 (letter of intent): Personalized Genomics for Symptom Management: Bridging the Gaps from Genomic Discovery to Improved Health Outcomes (R01) Grant. More:
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=63713
Aug. 1-Oct. 15: SBE Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants. More: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13453&WT.mc_id=USNSF_39&...
2011: U.S. Army 2011 Broad Agency Announcement; various research and development topic areas. More: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=63113
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COMMUNICATIONS KIOSK
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MEDIA SPOKESPERSON TRAINING OFFERED IN FEBRUARY
ISU News Service provides media spokesperson training to faculty and staff who regularly serve as expert media sources, as well as those who would like to interact and communicate more effectively with reporters. Sessions are being offered Feb. 15 (afternoon) and Feb. 21 (morning). There's no fee to attend the workshops, but space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Plan on a time commitment of 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Sessions for several members of a department or unit also can be arranged upon request. If you're interested in attending one of the February sessions, e-mail Annette Hacker, annette@iastate.edu, for more details.
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INFOGRAZING
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UNIVERSITY-WIDE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY CELEBRATION, JAN. 20
A university-wide Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday celebration will be held Thursday, Jan. 20, at 4 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Hall. The program features musical performances by Shy of a Dozen, an all-male a cappella student ensemble, and the violin duo of Jordan Trachtenberg and CALS senior in global resource systems Claire Wandro. The Advancing One Community awards will be presented to Mary Sawyer, religious studies professor; Natasha Croom, educational leadership and policy studies graduate student; and Brad Freihoefer, LGBT student services coordinator. More: http://www.iastate.edu/Inside/2011/0113/mlk.php
LIVE HEALTHY IOWA CHALLENGE BEGINS JAN. 20
ISU Human Resource Services is encouraging participation in the 2011 Live Healthy Iowa challenge by reimbursing $5 of the registration fee for those who complete the 100 day challenge. Registration is open and the challenge begins on Jan. 20. To participate, form a team of two to 10 members, choose a captain and creative team name, and register at http://www.livehealthyiowa.org/ with group ID "LHISTATE."
ISU STUDENT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS DUE FEB. 11
Nominations for the annual 2011 Iowa State University Student Employee of the Year award are due Feb. 11. The award is based on the student employee's reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism, interpersonal skills and unique contributions to the employer. More: http://financialaid.iastate.edu/employment/employeeoftheyear.php
SYMPOSIUM ON SUSTAINABILITY, FEB. 21-22
The 2011 Symposium on Sustainability at ISU will be held Feb. 21-22 at the Memorial Union. This event provides the platform for students, faculty and staff to take ownership in determining their specific interests, opportunities and commitment to a sustainable future for ISU through interactive sustainability visioning sessions and a number of education and awareness building presentations and panel discussions. The call for posters deadline and the award nominations deadline is Jan. 21. More: http://www.livegreen.iastate.edu/symposium/2011/
WEBINAR ON INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES
"Ecosystem Services: The Significance of Contributions by Invasive Plant Species" is the topic of a webinar to be presented by Stephen Young, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, at 1 p.m. on Jan. 19. Participants can join this session of the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development webinar series at http://breeze.msu.edu/ncrcrd/.
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INTERNAL VOICES
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PIROG ON IOWA LOCAL FOOD AND FARM PLAN
"Iowa has the potential to grow the local food economy with strategic but modest investments, incentives and better coordination of existing resources." Rich Pirog, associate director of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, led development of the Iowa Local Food and Farm Plan. More: http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/newsreleases/2011/011111_plan.html
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MARGINALIA
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WITH CONCERT-STYLE POSTERS, ROCK STAR PROFESSORS GET THEIR DUE
Science speakers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have been getting the rock-star treatment. To promote its distinguished seminar series, the university's biology department creates custom posters resembling those used to advertise rock concerts. Bob Goldstein, a biologist who designs the posters on his computer, sends a few copies of each poster to the speakers before their talks and says most have been amused. The best form of recognition Goldstein has received: "I got really excited when they got stolen." More: http://chronicle.com/article/With-Concert-Style-Posters/125956/?sid=at&u...
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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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