AG AND LIFE SCIENCES ONLINE
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The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Newsletter
Iowa State University
Jan. 9, 2012 No. 682
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COLLEGE NEWS
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MICROBIOLOGIST TO DIRECT LEOPOLD CENTER
A microbiologist with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been named the next director of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Mark Rasmussen, supervisory microbiologist and director of the Division of Animal and Food Microbiology at the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine in Laurel, Maryland, will begin by June 1. More: http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/01-05-2012/isu-names-microbiologist-...
BOGDANOVE'S RESEARCH NAMED 2011 METHOD OF THE YEAR
In the two and a half years since Adam Bogdanove, plant pathology and microbiology, along with Matthew Moscou, a former graduate student, discovered how a class of proteins find and bind specific sequences in plant genomes, researchers worldwide have moved fast to use this discovery. The research has been named the 2011 Method of the Year by the journal Nature Methods. More: http://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2012/jan/Bogdanove
RESEARCHERS LOOK TO MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF PLANTS
Eve Syrkin Wurtele, genetics, development and cell biology, and Basil Nikolau, biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology, together with colleagues at institutions around the country, have developed resources that may lead to discovery of new, medicinally important compounds found in plants. More: http://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2011/dec/wurtelenikolau
CATT CENTER UNVEILS 2012 CALENDAR, JAN. 12
The Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics will unveil its sixth annual Women Impacting ISU calendar on Thursday, Jan. 12, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Memorial Union Campanile Room. Women from CALS who will be in the 2012 calendar: Molly Heintz, a senior in animal science; Alejandra Navarro, a senior in animal ecology; and Shelley Taylor, assistant director of Global Agriculture Programs. More than 1,000 copies of the calendar will be distributed free after the reception. More: http://www.las.iastate.edu/CattCenter/index.php?option=com_content&view=...
TAKLE PRESENTS CLIMATE CHANGE AND ANIMAL AG, JAN. 13
Gene Takle, agronomy, will present "Climate Change and Animal Agriculture: The Overlooked Vulnerability in Global Food Security" at an animal science departmental seminar on Friday, Jan. 13, at 3:10 p.m. in the Ensminger Room, 1204 Kildee.
MENTORS SOUGHT FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
CALS is accepting proposals for faculty to serve as mentors for the George Washington Carver Internship Program for summer 2012. The eight-week summer research program for undergraduates exposes students to research by matching them with a faculty mentor in their area of interest. Faculty mentor proposals are due Jan. 14. More: Aurelio Curbelo, acurbelo@iastate.edu, 4-3231, http://www.ag.iastate.edu/diversity/gwc/mentorExpectations
CALS FACULTY/STAFF SELECTED FOR EMERGING LEADERS ACADEMY
The Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost has selected 30 participants (17 faculty and 13 staff members) for the 2012 Emerging Leaders Academy. From CALS are: Bryony Bonning, entomology; Ray Hansen, director of the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center; and Hongwei Xin, agricultural and biosystems engineering and animal science, and director of the Egg Industry Center. The 2012 cohort will meet monthly beginning Jan. 26.
KIRSCHENMANN RECEIVES PRACTICAL FARMERS OF IOWA AWARD
Practical Farmers of Iowa has named Fred Kirschenmann, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, as recipient of its 2012 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award. Kirschenmann will receive the award at PFI's annual conference in Ames on Jan. 13. More: http://www.practicalfarmers.org/assets/files/news/article_11dec22.pdf
NEW OFFICERS FOR CALS STUDENT COUNCIL
New officers for 2012 for the CALS Student Council are:
* Daweyn Albertson, junior in animal science, president
* Nathan Johnston, senior in agricultural business, vice president
* Sabrina Leahy, sophomore in biology, secretary
* Jared Epley, junior in agricultural business, treasurer
BIOCENTURY RESEARCH FARM LAUNCHES REDESIGNED WEBSITE
The BioCentury Research Farm website has been redesigned. The new website provides easier navigation and more information about BCRF services, facilities and research activities. Visitors can find descriptions and photos of equipment available for scheduled use. More: http://www.ccur.iastate.edu/news/newsletters/2011/nov_dec/bcrf_website.html
CCUR NEWSLETTER ONLINE
The November/December 2011 issue of the Center for Crops Utilization Research is available online. More: http://www.ccur.iastate.edu/news/newsletters/2011/nov_dec/nov_dec.html
DEADLINES AND REMINDERS
Jan. 16: Application deadline for CALS Diversity Programs Officer, https://www.iastatejobs.com/applicants/jsp/shared/position/JobDetails_cs...
Feb. 17: Deadline for Computation Advisory Committee call for proposals, http://www.cio.iastate.edu/committees/cac/proposals/2012-2013/cac_cfp_20...
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
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FAS INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service International Internship Program provides an opportunity for graduate students to gain first-hand experience working at an FAS overseas post. Past interns have served at locations ranging from Beijing to Brussels. Ideal candidates will have some experience (paid or volunteer) in agriculture, international affairs, business, information technology or a related field. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 20. More: http://www.fas.usda.gov/admin/student/iaip/index.asp
TEN STEPS TO A WINNING NIH APPLICATION
A series of short articles from the National Institutes of Health presents 10 steps to a winning application. The current newsletter features the fourth step"”identifying a study section"”and links to the first three steps. More: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/researchfunding/newsletter/2012/pages/0104.aspx...
CIP INTERNATIONAL GRANTS PROGRAM FOR 2012
The ISU Council on International Programs has issued a call for proposals for grants of up to $5,000 each to fund individual and group projects led by faculty and staff to enhance the infusion of international perspectives into the learning, discovery and/or engagement activities of ISU. It is anticipated that CIP will fund 12 to 15 projects that either strengthen an existing program (or international site) or that support the development of new initiatives. Proposals should be submitted to Penni Bryant, pabryant@iastate.edu, by Feb. 1. More: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/research/fundingResources/
SYMBI ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR NSF GK-12 FELLOWSHIPS
Symbi, Iowa's GK-12 Program, plans to award $30,000 stipends to nine doctoral students conducting interdisciplinary research in areas associated with biorenewables. Qualified doctoral student (post-prelims) must have a major professor associated with the Bioeconomy Institute, NSF Engineering Research Center for Biorenewable Chemicals, Plant Sciences Institute or College of Engineering. Applicants must have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Applications are due March 1. Contact: Adah Leshem, adah@iastate.edu, 294-8453. More: http://www.gk12.iastate.edu/
BIOBASED INDUSTRY CENTER REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The Biobased Industry Center is requesting grant proposals for projects beginning July 1. Funded projects will receive up to $50,000 for a typical duration of 12 months. Any tenured or tenure track faculty or staff (P17 and above) may apply. Proposals are due Feb. 29. Proposals will be reviewed by ISU's BIC management team and the BIC advisory board. PIs with a proposal selected for full review will be asked to present at the BIC board meeting to be held April 19-20. Contact: Ryan Smith, (515) 203-1640, rgsmith@iastate.edu. More: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/research/fundingResources/
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WOMEN'S AND DIVERSITY GRANTS PROGRAM CALL FOR PROPOSALS
The Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost is pleased to announce the call for proposals for the Women's and Diversity Grants Program. The competition combines what were previously separate grant programs. Individual grants will be awarded for up to $5,000 which must be expended between July 1 and June 30. Proposals are due March 1. More: http://www.provost.iastate.edu/apad/grants.html
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/
Jan. 24 (letter of intent): Climate Change Education Partnership Program, Phase II. More: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503465&WT.mc_ev=click
Jan. 26 (pre-release date): DOD Small Business Technology Transfer. More: http://www.acq.osd.mil/osbp/sbir/
Jan. 30: Methodology, Measurement and Statistics. More: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5421&WT.mc_ev=click
Jan. 30: DoEd Upward Bound Program (Regular Upward Bound/UB); $250,000 for new awards. More: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-12-19/pdf/2011-32452.pdf
Jan. 31 (preproposal): USDA NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants; does not support research projects, 50 percent cost share required. More: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1046330.pdf
Feb. 1: ISU 2012/2013Â Miller Faculty Fellowships. More: http://www.celt.iastate.edu/grants_awards/fellowships/miller/
Feb. 1: NSF Fundamental Research Program for Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (FRP). More: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503434&WT.mc_ev=click
Feb. 1: NSF Science, Technology and Society. More: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5324&WT.mc_ev=click
Feb. 13: USDA Policy Research Centers Grant Program; $450,000 to $960,000. More: http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/policyresearchcenters.cfm
Feb. 17, July 20 and Dec. 7: NIH Minor Use Minor Species Development of Drugs (R01); FDA and Center for Vet Med, $75,000 to $125,000 over three years. Grant. More: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=137013
Feb. 29: USDA Regional Integrated Pest Management Program - North Central Region. More: http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/rfas/pdfs/12_ripm_north_central.pdf
March 1: International Research Scientist Development Award (K01). More: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-10-066.html
March 21: Morris Animal Foundation Established Investigator Award, small companion animal health and welfare, $50,000 average award. More: http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/for-grant-seekers/established-inve...
May 11: Decadal and Regional Climate Prediction using Earth System Models; joint NSF, USDA and DOE, $300,000 to $1M per year. More: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503399
May 16 (letter of intent): NIH Improving Diet and Physical Activity Assessment (R21). More: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-09-225.html
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INFOGRAZING
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2012-2013 MILLER FACULTY FELLOWSHIP REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The Faculty Advisory Board of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching invites applications to this year's Miller Faculty Fellowship program to support innovative projects that enhance undergraduate programs at Iowa State. The deadline for Miller Faculty Fellowship proposals for the 2012/2013 academic year is Feb. 1. Contact: Jan Thompson, CELT Faculty Intern, jrrt@iastate.edu. More: http://www.celt.iastate.edu/grants_awards/fellowships/miller/
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NEW CONFLICT OF INTEREST REQUIREMENTS
Significant amendments to the U.S. Public Health Service Financial Conflict of Interest Regulation will go into effect Aug. 24. The new PHS rules include lower thresholds for significant financial interests, new requirements to report travel reimbursements and new training requirements. Researchers who currently receive funding from, plan to apply for funding from, or have salary funded by a grant from any PHS agency must comply with the new FCOI Regulation. Researchers must complete a new Annual Conflict of Interest and Commitment Disclosure in a timely manner after Jan. 9. Training that meets the new requirements will be announced by the Office for Responsible Research this spring. Current and future information about the rules and new PHS public accessibility can be found at http://www.compliance.iastate.edu/coi.html. Contact: coi@iastate.edu.
STUDY: AG MAJORS HAVE ONE OF LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATES
A new study released by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce finds that risk of unemployment varies by college major. While a college degree gives job seekers an advantage over those without, the study points out that not all degrees are created equal. Recent college graduates with the lowest rates of unemployment had degrees in health, education and agriculture and natural resources. More: http://cew.georgetown.edu/unemployment/
FORBES: AG HEARTLAND IS A REGION TO WATCH IN 2012
Last week, Joel Kotkin of Forbes named the Agricultural Heartland as one of five regions to watch in 2012 "” regions that are most poised to flourish and help boost the national economy. "Demand from developing countries "” especially China, which is expected to supplant Canada as our No. 1 agricultural market "” should boost the nation's farm income to a record $341 billion," Kotkin said. ""¦Places like Iowa are doing very well indeed and are likely to continue doing so. Urban economies like Des Moines are also benefiting and expanding into finance and other non-farm related activities." More: http://www.forbes.com/sites/joelkotkin/2012/01/04/the-u-s-economy-region....
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INTERNAL VOICES
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HART ON MEGA TRENDS IN AGRICULTURE
Foreign countries offer U.S. farmers a number of opportunities, including economic growth. Not only are populations growing outside the U.S. borders, but incomes are also rising in other nations around the globe. The growth of the middle class is occurring in South America, North Africa and Asia Pacific. India's middle class, for example, already outnumbers the total U.S. population, said Chad Hart, economics.
"These trends mean we'll have more customers with more money to buy our goods." Hart spoke in Storm Lake during a recent Mega Trends in Agriculture seminar. More: http://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/544893/Assessing-meg...
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EXTERNAL VOICES
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THINGS LEARNED ABOUT TEACHING BY BECOMING A STUDENT
"Teachers ought to take courses more often. Apart from being intellectually satisfying, it's useful to be on the receiving end of academic teaching in one's own discipline every now and then because it helps you remember what it's like to be in the shoes of your own students. Here are some things I've re-learned about being a student:
* There's a discernible physical component to learning. The body plays as much a role in learning as the brain does. I have to remember this as a teacher whose main constituency is 18- to 22-year-old young adults who are not necessarily taking the best care of themselves or their time.
* Learning works best when it's active. I can't leave it up to my students to self-engage during a lecture. They need, like I needed, something to do that will wake them up and get them thinking.
* The fear of looking like an idiot is real, and it prevents learning. I have to be sensitive to this and to think of creative ways to get students involved in non-threatening ways in the intellectual life of the class."
Robert Talbert is affiliated with the mathematics department at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich. More: http://chronicle.com/blognetwork/castingoutnines/2012/01/03/3965/?sid=at...
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MARGINALIA
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"OCCUPY" IS 2011 WORD OF THE YEAR
The American Dialect Society voted "occupy" (verb, noun and combining form referring to the Occupy protest movement) as the word of the year for 2011. "It's a very old word, but over the course of just a few months it took on another life and moved in new and unexpected directions, thanks to a national and global movement. The movement itself was powered by the word." Ben Zimmer, chair of the New Words Committee of the American Dialect Society and a language columnist for the Boston Globe. More: http://www.americandialect.org/2011-Word-of-the-Year-PRESS-RELEASE.pdf
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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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