News

Skills gained from navigating the unknown 

In moments of panic, Emma Davidson learned that asking for help isn’t a weakness but a key to success. Davidson, a senior in agronomy and seed science, exemplified resilience and courage when unexpectedly stepping into a leadership role at the Iowa State University Seed Science Center. Her critical action of noticing her supervisor’s absence led to a lifesaving wellness check at his home. 

Jolcey Santana selected as spring 2026 CALS Student Marshal

Jolcey Santana, graduating senior in microbiology, is the spring 2026 CALS marshal.

Q&A with Ryan Wolf, spring 2026 student speaker

Ryan Wolf, graduating senior in animal science, is the spring 2026 CALS Convocation speaker.

New research shows finding the 'sweet spot' is key to successful groundcover systems

Honoring the spring 2026 CALS Council awardees

Huff-Lonergan, Hansen, Keating selected for endowed positions in animal science

Elisabeth Huff Lonergan, University Professor of animal science, was named the Morrison Chair in Meat Science. Stephanie Hansen, professor of animal science, and Aileen Keating, professor of animal science, will hold the title of Tyrone D. Artz, M.D., Chair for Faculty Excellence in Animal Science.

Observations show Trumpeter swans find constructed wetlands appealing

Jayden Jech spent last summer taking measurements above, around and under water in constructed wetlands throughout Iowa – and he’s gearing up to do it again.

On the pursuit of optimal pesticide use

Hyewon Lee is working to bridge the gap between pesticide applications and farmer behavior, as the 2026 recipient of the Thamodaran Family Innovation in Agriculture Student Award. Lee’s goal is to identify the factors that drive farmers’ decisions about pesticide use.

New study quantifies large increase in Corn Belt maize residue

Carbon inputs from maize residue in the Corn Belt increased almost 50% from 1980 to 2020, according to a new Iowa State University-led study. The increase, driven by higher productivity and expanded corn acreage, has significant implications for crop management, farm economics and environmental sustainability across the region. 

Unique certification prepares future agriculture teachers

Darla Romberger, a graduate student in agricultural education, is leading teacher certification students through the CASE AgXplore certification training. After completing the training, future ag teachers will have the skills and knowledge to implement a curriculum based on the AgX concepts.

Exploring opportunities for backyard conservation

Fanny Riand, graduate student in wildlife ecology, sees the potential that everyday homeowners and renters have in the grand scheme of conservation. Her thesis, focused on how urban environments can help support birds and pollinators, examines how the smallest yards can make the biggest difference.

Iowa State’s ag, forestry programs climb to No. 7 in 2026 worldwide rankings

Climbing five spots from last year, Iowa State University’s agriculture and forestry programs now rank No. 7 globally among 475 institutions, according to the 2026 QS World University Rankings. Compared to U.S. institutions offering the same programs, Iowa State ranks No. 4.