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AG AND LIFE SCIENCES ONLINE
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The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Newsletter
Iowa State University
Dec. 1, 2014 No. 827
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COLLEGE NEWS
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100 YEARS OF MAKING FORESTRY CURRICULUM REAL AND RELEVANT
Making forestry curriculum relevant and applying land management concepts and skills to real-world situations has been the role of ISU’s annual forestry camp since 1914. Two thousand-nine hundred students have attended Forestry Camp since 1914, which has been held every year expect 1943-45 due to low enrollments during World War II. More: https://www.cals.iastate.edu/news/releases/100-years-making-forestry-cur...
FORESTRY CLUB SELLING CHRISTMAS TREES
The Forestry Club is holding their annual Christmas tree fundraiser at the Reiman Gardens Parking Lot. Sales are: Fridays, Dec. 5 and 12, 3 to 6 p.m.; Saturdays, Dec. 6 and 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sundays, Dec. 7 and 14, 12 to 6 p.m. The club will have Fraser fir, balsam fir, and white and Scotch pine, as well as balsam fir wreaths. Proceeds go towards club activities and student development.
TUGGLE NAMED AAAS FELLOW
Christopher Tuggle, animal science, was named a 2014 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is being honored “For distinguished contributions to the field of animal genetics and genomics, particularly for the application of transcriptional profiling to study networks controlling porcine immune response.” More: http://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2014/11/24/aaas14
MULLEN COMPLETES 2014 FULBRIGHT PROJECT
Russ Mullen, agronomy, was selected for a Fulbright Specialists project in Panama at Oteima University, David, Panama, in 2014. He initiated foundational work and conducted on-site visits with university personnel to establish the Batipa Field Institute for research and educational programs in conservation and sustainability. The new institute is located in an ecologically diverse area in the Chiriquí province that contains agricultural activities, a wildlife preserve, marine and mangrove ecologies, and a rich diversity of biological species. For his current and past work with the university, Mullen was awarded Profesor Internacional Destacado, Oteima University, Panamá, in special ceremonies in August by the university’s Board of Directors.
TANG WORKING ON PROTOTYPE WEEDING ROBOT
An article in the Nov. 30 issue of The New York Times details how farmers are working not only the land, but also the data. For some farmers, technology offers a lifeline, a way to navigate the boom-and-bust cycles of making a living from the land. The article mentions Lie Tang, agricultural and biosystems engineering, and a prototype weeding robot that he hopes to have in fields by next spring. The robot may use infrared data to help identify weeds it then plucks. More: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/01/business/working-the-land-and-the-data...
ROTHSCHILD WRITES GUEST COLUMN ON FEEDING THE WORLD
In a guest column for the Nov. 29 issue of The Gazette, Max Rothschild, animal science, addresses the challenge of feeding the world. “When that foundation of an adequate, nutritious food supply is lacking, it limits nations’ economic growth potential and creates conditions for social and political unrest,” he said. “This is a threat not only for the countries involved, but in this interconnected world, to our way of life as Americans.” More: http://thegazette.com/subject/opinion/guest-columnists/todays-challenge-...
ISU RESEARCHERS HOPE TO MAKE BIOPLASTIC ADHESIVES STICK IN THE MARKETPLACE
Researchers at ISU, including David Grewell, agricultural and biosystems engineering, are working to prove that adhesives made from a byproduct of biodiesel production can offer consumers a cheaper, more environmentally friendly alternative to the acrylic adhesives currently on the market. The project has received a grant from USDA to show that the technology can be competitive in the marketplace. More: http://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2014/11/20/bioplastics1114
HORTICULTURE CLUB SELLING POINSETTIAS
The Horticulture Club will be selling poinsettias grown in the Horticulture Hall greenhouses on Dec. 3 at the Gerdin Business Building, Dec. 4 at the Memorial Union, Dec. 5 at Beardshear Hall and Dec. 6 at Reiman Gardens. Poinsettias may be preordered via email or fax. Funds raised will be used for club travel to competitions, conference and other events. More: http://www.horticultureclub.stuorg.iastate.edu/?page_id=12
BIOLOGY IT TEAM CREATES CUSTOM-MADE SERVER
Staff in Biology IT (a collaboration of CALS and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences) created a custom-made server optimized for serial processing. It ran a genome sequence on wild maize by Arun Seetharam, a post-doctoral researcher working with Matt Hufford, ecology, evolution and organismal biology. More: http://www.las.iastate.edu/biology-it-team-helps-researchers-cut-many-ho...
BIG DATA PRESENTATION AVAILABLE ONLINE
CALS and several departments within the college co-sponsored a lecture on big data on Nov. 11. The presentation by Viktor Mayer-Schonberger, founder of the data security company Ikarus Software in Austria, is available to ISU faculty, staff and students by clicking “download podcast” at http://www.lectures.iastate.edu/lecture/32022.
DEADLINES AND REMINDERS
Dec. 1: Deadline for orders of gourmet popcorn through the National Agri-Marketing Association student club, http://www.agei.cals.iastate.edu/nama-popcorn.
Dec. 10: Science With Practice poster presentation and reception, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Kildee Atrium.
Dec. 11: Retirement reception for Diane Birt, 2-4 p.m., Memorial Union Campanile Room.
Dec. 12: Deadline for orders of Block and Bridle Club’s summer sausage and cheese, http://www.ans.iastate.edu/clubs/bbclub/.
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
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SP@ISU WORKSHOP: BROADENING PARTICIPATION IN STEM SCHEDULED FOR DEC. 8
SP@ISU is offering a workshop intended to make current and future faculty aware of opportunities readily available to them to increase participation of underrepresented groups. These opportunities can be simple extensions of their work or in concert with programs on campus. The workshop will be Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Memorial Union Sun Room, and includes two morning sessions, a lunch speaker and two afternoon sessions. The workshop is open to all faculty, staff, postdocs and graduate students, and attendees can participate in any number of sessions. More: http://www.spisu.iastate.edu/events/spisu-workshop
NIH FUNDING WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNERS TO BE HELD DEC. 15
The Office of the Vice President for Research will host a two-hour workshop about the National Institutes of Health for researchers and support staff that are new to this funding agency. Anumantha Kanthasamy will discuss the NIH mission, funding programs and the review process. He will also walk workshop participants through an NIH solicitation and share suggestions on how to write a successful grant proposal to NIH. The workshop will be held on Dec. 15 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Memorial Union Campanile Room. Registration is not required to attend.
UPDATED NSF PROPOSAL AND AWARD POLICIES GUIDE EFFECTIVE ON DEC. 26
The National Science Foundation has released a revised Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (NSF 15-1) for proposals submitted or due on or after Dec. 26, and to awards and funding increments to existing awards made on or after Dec. 26. More: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf15001/index.jsp
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/
Dec. 1 (expression of interest): NIH Academic-Community Partnership Conference Series (R13); one application per institution. Message sueship@iastate.edu if interested. More: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-15-032.html
Dec. 22: Rauschenberg Foundation Climate Change Solutions Fund; $25,000 to $150,000, does not fund research. More: http://www.rauschenbergfoundation.org/grants/art-grants/art-environment/
Dec. 29 (pre-application): USDA NIFA-DOE Plant Feedstock Genomics for Bioenergy: A Joint Research Funding Opportunity Announcement; $600,000 to $1.2 million. More: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=269801
Jan.5: Annie's Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship; $100,000, undergraduate and graduate students. More: http://www.annies.com/giving-back/agricultural-scholarships
Jan. 9: USFWS Joint Venture Improving the Science Foundation for Bird Conservation; $50,000, 1:1 match required. More: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=269737
Jan. 16: NSF Geomorphology and Land-use Dynamics. More: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13690
Jan. 16: The Advisory Board Company, de Beaumont Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation – The Build Health Challenge; $75,000 to $250,000, academic institutions may participate as a partner, webinars Dec. 2, 4 and 9. More: http://www.buildhealthchallenge.org/
Jan. 16: NSF Dear Colleague Letter: Safe Implementation of Innovative Nanoscience and Nanotechnology; joint U.S. - European collaboration focusing on the environmental and health effect of manufactured nanomaterial. More: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2015/nsf15022/nsf15022.jsp?WT.mc_ev=click
Feb. 2 (letter of intent): NSF National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure; $500,000 to $2 million per year for five years, one application per institution. More: http://nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505149
Feb. 2: EPA Environmental Education Model Grants; $192,200, 25 percent cost share. More: http://www2.epa.gov/education/environmental-education-ee-grants
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COMMUNICATIONS KIOSK
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WHAT MAKES A GOOD SCIENCE STORY – YOUR PASSION
Not everyone is interested in science, but people are interested in other people. Journalists love stories about scientists and their passion for their work. People are curious to know what it’s like to be you. Why are you willing to spend years studying one particular thing? What did all of that dedication reveal? Character-driven narratives allow journalists to delve more deeply into the juice and joy of science instead of just recounting the facts. The audience is drawn to the person doing the work – you. (Escape from the Ivory Tower: A Guide to Making Your Science Matter, 2010, pg. 43 – part 2 of 8)
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INFOGRAZING
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APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR BROWN GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS
Applications for Brown Graduate Fellowships are available to graduate students performing research in agriculture, science or space science. Preference is given to Ph.D. candidates. Application deadline is Jan. 16. Announcement of awards is Feb. 13. More: http://www.vpresearch.iastate.edu/en/funding/brown_graduate_fellowship_p...
USDA OPENS VIVO RESEARCH NETWORKING TOOL TO PUBLIC
VIVO, a Web application used internally by USDA scientists since 2012 to allow better national networking across disciplines and locations, is now available to the public. USDA VIVO will be a “one-stop shop” for federal agriculture expertise and research outcomes. More: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2014/141120.htm
WORKSHOP PROPOSALS NEEDED FOR 4-H YOUTH CONFERENCE
The 2015 4-H Youth Conference is scheduled for June 30 to July 2 at ISU. With more than 900 high school students from across Iowa attending, it is an opportunity for departments to share what they have available for potential students. Workshop proposals are due Jan. 7. Contact Brenda Allen (bsallen@iastate.edu, 4-1567) with questions. More: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/iowa4hyouthconference
2015 “WHIMSY” GARDEN CALENDAR GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA
The 2015 Annual Garden Calendar, “Whimsy,” is available to purchase from ISU Extension and Outreach Online Store or at a county Extension office. The 12-month calendar offers a whimsical journey through the seasons with photography, garden quotes and gardening tips. More: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/Whimsy-2015-Garden-Calendar
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INTERNAL VOICES
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IBARBURU: HIGH EGG DEMAND LINKED TO MORE RESTAURANTS OFFERING EGGS
High demand has kept egg prices at record levels, even as production soars. “A lot of it has to do with quick service restaurants offering breakfast now and many of them include egg whites and some whole eggs in their breakfasts,” said Maro Ibarburu, associate scientist and business analyst at ISU’s Egg Industry Center in an article for the Nov. 25 issue of StarTribune. More: http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/taste/283867931.html
ROTHSCHILD: WE ARE LEARNING WHAT INDIVIDUAL GENES DO
Selecting and breeding better livestock will soon be less about how the animals look to the eye and more about the secrets in their genes. In an article for agriculture.com, Max Rothschild, animal science, said increased efficiency of animal and meat production will be a big part of this focus. “We have a first draft of the genomic sequencing for all species of livestock. We are learning what individual genes do,” he said. More: http://www.agriculture.com/livestock/cattle/technology/technology-will-t...
SCHULTE MOORE: DISPROPORTIONATE BENEFITS OF PRAIRIE STRIPS
Lisa Schulte Moore, natural resource ecology and management, has been working on the principles behind STRIPS (science-based trials of rowcrops integrated with prairie strips) for more than 10 years. In a recent interview with Mark Bittman, contributing op-ed writer for The New York Times, she said, “It’s well-known that perennials provide a broader sweep of ecological function than annuals, so our hypothesis was that if you put a little bit of perennials – a little bit of prairie – in the right place, you get these disproportionate benefits. That is, without taking much land out of production, you get a lot of environmental benefit.” More: http://nyti.ms/11ChBmc
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MARGINALIA
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DEAN’S GALLERY DRAWINGS SUBJECT OF WEDNESDAY’S ART WALK
The Dean’s Gallery on first floor of Curtiss Hall is the location of Art Walk: A Celebration of Seasons, to be held Wednesday, Dec. 3, 12 to 1 p.m. The focus will be on Ellen Wagener’s pastel drawings depicting the four distinct seasons that are hallmarks of living in Iowa. More: http://www.event.iastate.edu/event/33491/?s=8&featured=1&sy=2014&sm=11&s...
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AG AND LIFE SCIENCES ONLINE
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EDITOR
Julie Stewart
jstewart@iastate.edu, (515) 294-5616
https://www.cals.iastate.edu/news/agonline
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