Andy VanLoocke, associate professor of agricultural meteorology in agronomy, is the recipient of the faculty 2024 Mid-Career Achievement in Research Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. His research focuses on how use of the land might impact agro-ecosystem processes in tandem with global change. He successfully leads a large and diverse group of five graduate students, three undergraduate students, three research scientists and three postdocs.
VanLoocke’s research has changed the understanding of what bioenergy might mean for the Midwest. He addresses aspects of diversifying the corn/soy agroecosystem with biomass crops, and predicting the likely air, soil, water quality and profit implications. He works closely with industry leaders, coupling field and modeling research to assess links between climate, soils, vegetation and biogeochemistry, while also training transdisciplinary students in agricultural meteorology, plant physiology and photosynthesis research skills.
His dedication to advancing research in the field is evidenced by his leadership in establishing a state-of-the-art subsurface drainage field experiment coupled with high-tech instrumentation. This field experiment is the cornerstone of the Department of Energy’s $15 million Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, in which he is deputy leader of the sustainability theme. This experimental location has become a noteworthy attraction for anyone seeking a firsthand look at cutting-edge agricultural research. Over the years, several hundred people have visited the field including university students, industry leaders and congressional delegations.
VanLoocke’s advocacy for early career scientists is another unique strength. He has trained 15 graduate students and taught more than 600 undergraduates to understand the power of crop models to inform paths to a sustainable bioeconomy. “Given that early career scientists are critical for the current success of our research and are the future of science, Andy’s attention to mentorship and support of their professional development is a key aspect of his strengths as a leader,” states a colleague.