AG AND LIFE SCIENCES ONLINE
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The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Newsletter
Iowa State University
June 27, 2011 No. 657
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COLLEGE NEWS
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STORIES MAGAZINE SHOWCASES COLLEGE'S ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
The latest issue of the college's alumni magazine, STORIES in Agriculture and Life Sciences, is available and focuses on entrepreneurship. The online version is available at: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/stories/. For a print copy email stories@iastate.edu.
POWELL-COFFMAN NAMED INTERIM DEPARTMENT CHAIR OF GDCB
Jo Anne Powell-Coffman will become interim department chair of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology effective July 1. She joined ISU in 1998 and her research concentrates on using a genetic model system to study how animals sense and adapt to their environments. She replaces Martin Spalding, who has been named interim associate dean for research in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology is co-administered by CALS and the College of Liberal Arts and Science. More: http://www.las.iastate.edu/LASnews/interimchairs.shtml
SCHROETER NAMED INTERIM DEPARTMENT CHAIR OF ECONOMICS
John Schroeter will become interim department chair of Economics effective July 1. He came to ISU in 1983 and his research focuses on industrial organization and using applied econometrics for economic forecasting. He replaces GianCarlo Moschini who remains on the ISU faculty. The Department of Economics is co-administered by CALS and the College of Liberal Arts and Science. More: http://www.las.iastate.edu/LASnews/interimchairs.shtml
SPURLOCK STUDIES FEED EFFICIENCY IN DAIRY CATTLE
Diane Spurlock, animal science, is one of the geneticists on a team of researchers that will work to improve the feed efficiency of dairy cattle. The $5 million project is funded for five years by a grant from USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture. More: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/news/releases/943/
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR IOWA STATE FAIR
Volunteers are needed to help roll and hand out more than 30,000 football posters to ISU fans and help apply more than 35,000 temporary ISU tattoos to visitors at the Iowa State Fair. There are two shifts per day, 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 9 p.m., August 11-21. Contact Katie Belvin in the University Marketing office, lmrktgstd@iastate.edu or 4-3969 by Wednesday, June 28.
ANIMAL SCIENTISTS TO STUDY HEAT STRESS IN POULTRY
ISU animal scientists Susan Lamont, Max Rothschild and Michael Persia are collaborating on a study of poultry genetics and management to help chickens deal with increased heat. A $4.7 million grant from USDA's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative is funding the five-year project. More: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/news/releases/945/
PLANT SCIENCES INSTITUTE INTRODUCES BLOG
The Plant Sciences Institute has launched PSci-blog focused on science communication. This summer, undergraduate intern Borlaug bloggers, Mari Valderrama, a senior in biology, and Erich Sneller, a junior in environmental science, report from Patancheru, India, and Viterbo, Italy, respectively, where they are completing Borlaug Summer Internships. Later, graduate student Scott Boyken, biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology, will report from Lindau, Germany, as he attends the 61st meeting of Nobel Laureates. More: http://blog.plantsciences.iastate.edu/
"˜DIRT WARRIORS' RETURN FROM AFGHANISTAN
Iowa National Guard's 734th Agribusiness Development Team, known as the Dirt Warriors, came home Saturday after nearly a year in Afghanistan. They started or expanded six demonstration farms in Kunar Province along the border with Pakistan, underwrote the planting of 70,000 trees for orchards and reforestation, trained hundreds of Afghan men and women in farming and started a paid internship program for young Afghan agricultural professionals. Col. Craig Bargfrede, commander of the 734th, worked closely with ISU to design a training program for the ADT in June 2010, prior to deployment. A STORIES article on the training is available online: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/stories/2010/11/dirt-warriors-deploy-isu-train.... A Des Moines Register article on their return is available online: http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2011/06/25/national-gua...
ONLINE LIVESTOCK TROPHY SALE CONTINUES THROUGH JULY 22
The online livestock trophy sale to raise money for the Pavilion will continue through July 22. Willoughby Sales has donated their services to run the auction. More: http://www.maxanet.com/cgi-bin/mndetails.cgi?willoughby6
QUICK REFRESHER TO YOUR ONLINE COURSE
The Brenton Center and the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching are collaborating to offer training on Aug. 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 240 Bessey. The training will focus on practical tips and the selection of tools for designing and developing an online course, as well as a discussion of BlackBoard Learn, the new course management system on campus. Maximum enrollment is 25. Register for the training through the employee tab in AccessPlus; select HRS Training and "CELT/CALS "“ A Quick Refresher to your Online Course for College of Ag & Life Sciences Faculty."
GASSMANN NAMED DUPONT YOUNG PROFESSOR
Aaron Gassmann, entomology, is one of 18 scientists from around the world to receive a 2011 DuPont Young Professor Award. Gassmann will use the award money for cross-disciplinary research aimed at countering the threat of pest resistance to transgenic corn. More: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/news/releases/942/
CORDRAY RECEIVES AMSA SIGNAL SERVICE AWARD
Joe Cordray, animal science, received the American Meat Science Association Signal Service Award at the annual Reciprocal Meat Conference held in Manhattan, Kan., last week. The award is given to members in recognition of devoted service and lasting contributions to the meat industry and to the association.
CLARKE RECEIVES PUBLISHING AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Sandy Clarke, communications manager for the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, received the 2011 ACE Publishing Award of Excellence in Denver, Colo. earlier this month. The Association for Communication Excellence is an international association of communicators, educators and information technologists working in the areas of agriculture, natural resources and life and human sciences. Other College staff that received awards include:
* Melea Licht, CALS Communications Service "“ Gold Award in promotional writing and Silver Award in graphic design, print.
* Ed Adcock, CALS Communications Service "“ Gold Award in promotional writing.
* Barb McBreen, CALS Communications Service "“ Gold Award in script writing and Bronze Award in electronic media, video.
* Amy (Upah) Williams, Brenton Center for Agricultural Instruction and Technology Transfer "“ Bronze Award in electronic media, video.
BUTTER COW SCULPTOR LYON DIES AT 81
Norma Lyon, the "butter cow Lady" whose sculptures were a primary Iowa State Fair attraction for decades, died June 26. She was 81. Lyon first sculpted a cow from butter for the fair in 1960. She crafted 46 of the butter cow sculptures the fair has displayed over the past 100 years. Lyon studied animal science at Iowa State College, graduating in 1951. More: http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2011/06/26/butter-cow-s...
SEARCH OPENS FOR NEXT LEOPOLD CENTER DIRECTOR
ISU has begun a nationwide search for the next director of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. The research and education center comprises statewide programs to develop sustainable agricultural practices that are both profitable and conserve natural resources. More: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/news/releases/944/
ISU ECONOMISTS TACKLE TOPICS IMPORTANT TO IOWANS
ISU economists research issues important to Iowans. Recent reports have addressed the state of Iowa manufacturing and entrepreneurship of recent Iowa State grads. An economics class also came up with their solution to fix the federal deficit. More: http://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2011/jun/econtips
DEADLINES AND REMINDERS
June 27: Retirement reception for Jerry Miller, 3 to 5 p.m., Reiman Gardens.
July 19: Lauren Christian Pork Chop Open, Veenker Memorial Golf Course, ipic@iastate.edu
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EXTERNAL FUNDING
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SIGN UP TO SERVE AS A PEER REVIEWER FOR NIH
Investigators can gain a better understanding of the proposal review process by serving as a peer reviewer for the National Institutes of Health. The Center for Scientific Review provides information for investigators considering service as reviewers. More: http://cms.csr.nih.gov/PeerReviewMeetings/StudySectionReviewers/Servicea...
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FUNDING INFORMATION, OPPORTUNITIES AND DEADLINE REMINDERS
Dates listed are application deadlines. Contact: Roxanne Clemens, rclemens@iastate.edu
Additional information is posted at CALS Funding Resources, http://www.ag.iastate.edu/research/fundingResources/
June 30: Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Rivers Unit "“ Research to look at establishment of stakeholder networks for DOI Climate Science Centers and associated Landscape Conservation Cooperatives; one award, $78,068. More: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=JdN3TB4GwNvv12grq3nVGv...
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June 30: Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Rivers Unit Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity. More: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=CQn5TB7LX7SKKsJBbrkJrM...
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July 18: Software Infrastructure for Sustained Innovation; $500,000 to $5 million. More: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2011/nsf11539/nsf11539.htm
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July 20: NOAA Science Collaboration Program. More:Â http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=CQn5TB7LX7SKKsJBbrkJrM...
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Aug. 1: Critical Issues: Emerging and New Plant and Animal Pests and Diseases (Bagrada bug, rat lungworm and groundnut ringspot virst in tomato). More: http://nifa.usda.gov/fo/criticalissuesfy20102011bagradahilarisratlungwor...
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Aug. 1: CDC Promoting Health Policy and Disease Prevention, $125,000 to $1 million. More: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=99795
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Aug. 1: U.S. Fulbright Scholar Programs. More: http://catalog.cies.org/index.aspx
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Aug. 22: USDA Higher Ed Multicultural Scholars Program. More: http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/msp/msp_success.html
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Aug. 25: Research and Demonstration of Innovative Drinking Water Treatment Technologies in Small Systems. More: http://www.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2011/2011_star_drinkingwater.html
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COMMUNICATIONS KIOSK
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AMPERSAND
Use the ampersand when it is part of a company's formal name or composition title: House & Garden, Procter & Gamble, Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway. The ampersand should not otherwise be used in place of "and."
(The Associated Press Stylebook, 45th ed., 2010)
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INFOGRAZING
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR JULY 9 COLLEGE CREEK CLEAN UP
Live Green! and Keep Iowa State Beautiful are collaborating for the third annual College Creek Clean Up on July 9. Volunteers are sought to remove debris and trash from the on-campus portion of College Creek. Volunteers may also work with Environmental Health and Safety to mark campus storm drains to remind people not to dump pollutants into the drain. Pre-registration requested. More: http://www.sac.iastate.edu/index.cfm?nodeID=24781&audienceID=1
GARDENS GALORE AND MORE BUS TOUR, AUG. 22-25
Reiman Gardens has scheduled a Gardens Galore and More Wisconsin Bus Tour for Aug. 22-25. The tour includes travel to Madison, Kohler, Milwaukee, Greendale, Lake Geneva and Janesville, with many locations and features usually not open to the public. More: http://www.reimangardens.iastate.edu/index.cfm?nodeID=5693&audienceID=1&...
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INTERNAL VOICES
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ARBUCKLE ON AGRICULTURAL LAND TENANCY AND CONSERVATION
"One of the frustrations that led me to this research is that we really have very few programs that focus on non-operator landowners. Our research shows they are concerned about the environmental impacts of agriculture, but many don't know how well or poorly their farms are doing environmentally." J. Gordon Arbuckle Jr., sociology, on researching agricultural land tenancy and conservation issues. More: http://www.amestrib.com/articles/2011/06/25/ames_tribune/news/doc4e06a04...
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EXTERNAL VOICES
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ROOT COMMENTS ON CALS SPRING CONVOCATION
"If I had seen Norman Borlaug or George Washington Carver receive a diploma, would I have realized their future fame? If I had seen Wendy Wintersteen, the ISU Dean of Agriculture, when she was a red-haired entomology student of the 1970s wearing granny glasses and skinny jeans, would I have known that she'd be standing in the middle of the stage and congratulating this generation on their achievements?" Ken Root, daily radio and television programming and columnist. More: http://www.hpj.com/archives/2011/may11/may16/0511RootZoneMRsr.cfm
FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS GET HELP FROM RETIRED PROFESSORS
"When you're a first-generation student, no one in your family can advise you on what to do when you get on campus. You sign up for courses and you go to class and you think that's all there is to it. But you're preparing for life experiences at college and you need to take advantage of all the university has to offer." Mel Green, retired professor of biology and founder of the Emeriti Mentoring Program at the University of California-San Diego. More: http://chronicle.com/article/At-UC-San-Diego/127944/?sid=pm&utm_source=p...
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MARGINALIA
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NEW JERSEY FAMILY TO EXPERIENCE IOWA FARM LIFE
The owner of a family-operated food market and catering business in suburban New Jersey has been named the winner of the Iowa Food and Family Project's "Be Our Guest, Be a Farmer" contest. Nancy Conturso and her family will visit two farms and take part in the Iowa State Fair as part of their trip to Iowa, Aug. 17-20. More: http://www.iowafoodandfamily.com/news/new-jersey-family-be-our-guests
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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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