News

TerraMax joins Iowa Soybean Research Center as industry partner

The Iowa Soybean Research Center at Iowa State University welcomes TerraMax as its newest industry partner. A representative from the company will serve on the ISRC’s industry advisory council, which provides guidance on research needs and funding priorities for the center. TerraMax will also provide financial support to the center, which will be leveraged with soybean checkoff funds from the Iowa Soybean Association to support soybean research at the university.

New animal enterprise and innovation degree to prepare students for industry

The Department of Animal Science will offer a new bachelor’s degree in animal enterprise and innovation beginning in August 2026. This one-of-a-kind program will combine training in the core animal science curriculum with business acumen through classes in economics, data management, entrepreneurship and technology systems to meet the needs of an expanding industry. 

AI tutor supports student learning

“It’s like having a Zoom session with a real-life human mentor.” That’s how Karl Kerns describes the AI tutor he’s spent the past two years creating and refining with his graduate students. 

Mickelson named interim department chair of food science and human nutrition

Steve Mickelson will return from retirement to become the next interim chair of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition beginning June 1.

Planting knowledge, harvesting impact at Horticulture Research Station

The Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station provides students with hands-on experience producing fruits, vegetables and honey on 235 acres of land north of Ames. Students work year-round planting, harvesting, maintaining equipment and supporting marketing efforts, with nearly all tasks completed by hand.  

More than a degree: Pathways program helps students prepare for the future

Students, faculty, advisors, and alumni gathered at the Student Innovation Center on May 7 for the Pathways to Innovation and Leadership Showcase, an event celebrating student growth, professional development, and the impact of the Pathways program within Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Gamma Sigma Delta announces 2026 initiates, presents alum awards

Gamma Sigma Delta, the Iowa Beta Chapter of the Honor Society of Agriculture, held its annual award ceremony April 16 in Curtiss Hall’s Dolezal Auditorium. Iowa State University students, faculty and alums were presented awards, and new members were inducted into the organization. 

Dinsmore reappointed to five-year term as department chair

Stephen Dinsmore has been reappointed to another five-year term as chair of the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Iowa State University.

Undergrad to build on research experience with prestigious Fulbright internship

Third-year Iowa State University horticulture and global resource systems student Ella McGrath is bound for a new research adventure in Canada this summer, as part of a 2026 Fulbright Canada-Mitacs Globalink Research Internship program.

Exploring conifers’ potential as bioreactor wood chip source

Hardwood tree species have traditionally been used as a source of wood chips for bioreactors, but could conifers be used, as well? Two Iowa State students teamed up to find out.

Posthumous degree to be awarded to former animal science student

Alison Ciancio, a former animal science student, will posthumously be awarded her degree in recognition of her academic dedication, service to others and lasting impact on the Iowa State University community.

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