News

New organic farming study tackles questions of soil health, economics and more, with input from farmers

A new, two-year project led by Iowa State University builds on decades of work at two organic research sites in Iowa. It will also add a third on-farm research site that brings a new layer of engagement with interested stakeholders. The research is funded by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and The Organic Center.

Macias ready to help Iowa State faculty, students organize research data

Elizabeth Macias, newly hired data analyst, will work with faculty and staff researchers, as well as students to collect, organize, analyze and share their data in standardized formats so it is easy to understand, replicate and reuse in future studies. Her primary focus will be collaborating with CALS researchers, but her services are available to any Iowa State faculty member.

Organic Pioneer John Reganold presents 2024 Shivvers Memorial Lecture, March 18

Award-winning researcher, educator and author John Reganold, Regents Professor of Soil Science and Agroecology at the Washington State University, will present the 2024 Shivvers Lecture on March 18, at 7:30 p.m., in Room 2226 Bessey Hall, 2200 Osborn Drive, on the Iowa State University campus. 

Into the woods: Ethics class immerses students in conservation

Shawn Dorius' Study USA course SOC 234: Conservation Ethics & Values lets students learn about the history of American conservation in the heart of the Mountain West. 

Study explores long-term crop, soil and water influences to help farmers adapt Corn Belt cropping systems

“Everything starts with an idea,” according to Sotirios Archontoulis, professor of agronomy at Iowa State University, who will co-lead a five-year, $16 million project to explore some big, interconnected questions impacting agriculture in the Corn Belt and Great Plains. 

Ramirez named interim director of Egg Industry Center at Iowa State

Brett Ramirez has been appointed interim director of the Egg Industry Center at Iowa State University. He has served as the center’s assistant director since April 2023, leading alongside former EIC director Richard Gates, who passed away in November 2023.

New Vine and Wine Club looking to grow membership

Last fall, the Vine and Wine Club officially became an Iowa State University-recognized student organization. Open to any student 21 years of age or older, the club meets monthly to discuss viticulture (the science of growing grapes), taste different wines and learn about the winemaking process.

Nettleton reappointed as Department of Statistics chair at Iowa State

With a demonstrated record of building community within the department and effectively managing resources, Dan Nettleton has been approved to continue leading Iowa State University’s Department of Statistics.

Iowa State, Cedar Rapids partnership continues to benefit bioprocessing industries

Increased job opportunities and higher median pay are among the highlights included in a newly released report on the economic impacts of the bioprocessing industry in Cedar Rapids. The report is the result of a unique public-private partnership between Iowa State University and Cedar Rapids, established in 2015 to understand and support further development of the bioprocessing and manufacturing industries in the eastern Iowa town.

Three animal science faculty named to endowed positions

Department of Animal Science faculty Jim Dickson, professor, Nick Gabler, professor and associate chair of research, and Juan Steibel, professor, were all recognized during a medallion ceremony Jan. 19 in Kildee Hall for their appointments as holders of named and endowed positions.

Empowering students to communicate more effectively about contemporary issues in agriculture

Conversations about contemporary issues in agriculture can be intimidating for students, especially when they involve controversial topics. An important goal for Fally Masambuka-Kanchewa is to empower her students to feel more confident addressing and communicating about such issues before they graduate.

Singh joins Iowa Soybean Research Center at Iowa State University as co-director

Asheesh “Danny” Singh, professor of agronomy with expertise in soybean breeding and phenomics at Iowa State University, has joined the Iowa Soybean Research Center (ISRC) as a co-director. He will work closely with founding director Greg Tylka and the ISRC's partners as the center prepares to observe its 10^th anniversary in July.

Persistence reaps rewards

Catarina Bittencourt exemplifies the phrase, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Her drive to not give up led to her winning a national award for research in immunology.

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.