News

Nair announced as next Department of Horticulture chair at Iowa State

Ajay Nair will bring an across-the-board enthusiasm for all aspects of horticulture and global resource systems, and more than a decade of experience as a faculty member as he takes the helm of Iowa State University’s Department of Horticulture next year.

Researchers discover bacteria use light cues to anticipate, prepare for coming stress

Iowa State University researchers are illuminating the role of light sensing in the lives of simple bacteria. The scientists discovered that several types of bacteria that grow on plants and in soil can use light to anticipate an imminent, potentially deadly loss of water from their environment. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, demonstrate a level of sophistication not usually attributed to bacteria. 

Students take on the Food Insecurity Challenge

Students across Iowa State University teamed up to tackle food insecurity in the second annual Food Insecurity Challenge. The competition, hosted by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the Ivy College of Business and the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, aims to teach undergraduate and graduate students about the multitude of issues those who are food insecure face by challenging them to find reachable solutions. 

Decker recognized for outstanding achievements

Megan Decker, senior in agricultural and rural policy studies, and international agriculture, credits her success at Iowa State University to the peers and mentors she had to lean on and draw inspiration from. She is the fall 2023 recipient of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Council Outstanding Senior Award.

Driven to care for others

Volunteering has been an important part of Grace Spindler’s life since she was 13. She has continued giving back to others as an Iowa State University student, resulting in her being selected for the CALS Council Distinguished Service Award.

Holdgrafer has big impact on Iowa State

When Colton Holdgrafer began at Iowa State University, he didn’t expect how far his impact would stretch. He has been selected as the fall 2023 recipient of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council Outstanding Ambassador of Agriculture and Life Sciences Award.

All things dairy for graduating senior

For Nicole Gudenkauf, senior in dairy science, it has been all things dairy since stepping foot on Iowa State University’s campus. She has been selected to receive the fall 2023 CALS Council Leadership and Innovation Award in recognition of her many leadership roles.

Gerdts celebrated for high academic achievements

You’ll get out of school what you put into it, so give it your best effort. That’s Erik Gerdts’ advice for students seeking guidance on academic success. Gerdts is the fall 2023 recipient of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council Academic Achievement Award.

International experiences changed graduating senior for the better

In her pursuit to gain international experience during college, Grace Reiss' outgoing and friendly personality has fostered a welcoming environment at Iowa State University and around the world. Those efforts earned her the CALS Council Inclusive Excellence Award.

Award-winning innovation in growing mushrooms

Earlier this fall, the Controlled Environments Club received honorable mention accolades in a competition and $5,000 to put toward their project to grow mushrooms in portable, highly controlled environments, such as container farms. They feel this growing system would be particularly useful in Iowa’s urban areas that have less land for growing produce.

New book by father, son reviews status of Iowa’s wildlife: ‘Some things are getting better’

“Iowa's Changing Wildlife: Three Decades of Gain and Loss,” written by a father/son Iowa State University faculty duo, arrives on bookstore shelves and online this week - the perfect holiday gift for your favorite hunter or outdoor enthusiast. 

New Innovation and Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows cohort announced

A group of 11 faculty representing eight departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University have been selected to participate in the 2024 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows program. Each of the faculty will receive funding to support their proposed projects.

Graduating senior returns to Iowa State to honor late wife

On Dec. 15, Mark Coverdale will join the rest of the fall 2023 graduating class as he earns his degree in agricultural business. Though his journey to the stage differed from most of his classmates’, his time at Iowa State University has been special.

Researchers comment on proposed EPA models for predicting broiler operation emissions

Proposed federal draft models designed to guide emissions forecasting for broiler operations need improvement and clarification, according to an in-depth analysis led by Iowa State University scientists. 

Using creativity, innovation to solve problems

If there is a common theme to Alyssa Brown’s time at Iowa State University, it’s that it has taught her to think outside of the box.

Cheesemaking class to culminate in tasting event

Students in FSHN 376X: Science and Practice of Cheesemaking will host a showcase event on Dec. 8, from noon to 2 p.m. in 2379 Food Sciences Building. During this event, attendees can taste the two cheeses the students made this semester.

Joint program aims to recruit future production animal medicine vets

A joint program between the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Department of Animal Science in Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has been established with the goal of educating more veterinarians who wish to practice production animal medicine.

Teacher in residence program brings glimpse of the future to students

Michael Haden has spent the last 13 years teaching students about agriculture at Independence High School in Independence, Iowa. Through the variety of classes he teaches, Haden is impacting the lives of his students through his love for agriculture and teaching. 

Student organization contributes 2 tons of produce to SHOP

For the past two years, Good Earth Student Farm has been donating various fruits and vegetables grown by its student members to SHOP (Students Helping Our Peers), Iowa State’s on-campus food pantry. The donated produce has amounted to 4,000 pounds, or 2 tons.

Iowa State leaders champion women’s leadership in ag and AI technologies

Arti Singh, a plant breeder and associate professor in Iowa State University’s Department of Agronomy, has organized Women in Agriculture and Artificial Intelligence (WIAA), a new student group inspiring women in STEM disciplines to create a better future for agriculture using AI tools.