College News

 

CELEBRATE CALS GROWING LEADERS FEB. 10

You're invited to join the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in celebrating the college's role in growing leaders at the Cyclone women's basketball game vs. Oklahoma State Feb.10. The college will be featured throughout the game, including an on-court award presentation of the 2017 CALS Emerging Iowa Leader to Jacob Hunter (’11 ag and life sciences education), North Scott agriculture teacher and FFA adviser. CALS alumni and friends are invited to a complimentary reception prior to the game at 3:30 p.m. in the Alumni Center. Tip-off is at 6:30 p.m. Discounted tickets are available for CALS guests online for $5/each. View photos from last year's event. Register online to attend by January 16. More

 

IOWA FARMLAND VALUES INCREASE


The average value of an acre of farmland in Iowa saw an increase in 2017 after three years of decline. The average statewide value of an acre of farmland is now estimated to be $7,326. This represents an increase of 2.0 percent from the 2016 estimate. Land values were determined by the 2017 ISU Land Value Survey, which was conducted in November by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development and ISU Extension and Outreach. More

 

PREPARING GROWERS FOR 2018
Farmers and crop advisers will hear about current research and crop production information from ISU at the 2018 Crop Advantage Series. The meetings will be held at 14 Iowa locations Jan. 3-26 with ISU Extension and Outreach specialists providing updated management options and recommendations on current and future crop production issues. More

 

BEE EXPERT JOINS ISU EXTENSION AND OUTREACH
Entomologist Randall Cass has joined ISU Extension and Outreach to examine bee health in prairies and soybean fields. “This is an exciting and unique opportunity for ISU Extension and Outreach as we haven’t had an extension specialist focused on beekeeping and pollinators before,” Cass said. “The main project I will be working on is examining the health of honey bees and native bees in prairies and soybean fields. We are looking at the impact bees have on soybean production and the bees’ health as they move from fields to prairies at the end of the season.” More

 

AG BUSINESS CLUB HONORS ARTZ WITH GIFT TO BLISS CANCER CENTER
Georgeanne Artz (’05 PhD economics), assistant professor of economics, was diagnosed with melanoma cancer in August 2017. Artz is co-adviser of the Agricultural Business Club. Her character of helping others is vital to the success of the club and its members. Club members made a donation of $3,100 to the Bliss Cancer Center in her name. Nearly 160 club members each donated $5 or more to “Jeans for Georgeanne” for the option to wear jeans at the monthly meeting. Those funds were matched by the club and augmented with donations from program alumni. More

 

WE ALL SCREAM FOR “CYSCREAM”

Cyscream, a rich, peanut butter ice cream with a fudge cyclone swirl and chocolate-covered rice crisps was the winner of the Iowa State University Signature Ice Cream Contest, announced Dec. 8. It was created by Team PB Crisp, which is composed of Mikaela Galdonik, Tim Lott, Evan McCoy and Geena Whalen, all seniors in food science. In a promotional video created by the team, they explained the flavoring of the ice cream pays homage to influential people and concepts at Iowa State: The peanut butter flavor honors George Washington Carver, the fudge swirl is a nod to the Iowa State Cyclones and the chocolate-covered rice crisps honor Iowa Stater Mildred Day, who created the Rice Krispie Treat. More

 

AQUAPONICS GUIDES HELP HOBBYISTS, COMMERCIAL GROWERS
ISU Extension and Outreach has released a pair of publications designed to provide information and guidance for anyone thinking of constructing his or her own aquaponics system. “Building and Caring for a Miniature Aquaponics System,” is written for the hobbyist. “An Overview of Aquaponic Systems: Aquaculture Components," is for those interested in using aquaponics commercially. More 

 

CALS GRADS SHARE THEIR STORIES IN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES VIDEOS

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is committed to diversity, inclusion and equitable practices as a means to achieving an inclusive campus environment and excellence in higher education. Theressa Cooper, CALS assistant dean of diversity, created the Creating Inclusive Communities Video Project as an opportunity to bring together stories and portraits to help people envision community in a different way. The project features CALS students, faculty, staff and several alumni: Wendy Wintersteen (’88 PhD entomology), president of Iowa State University; Byron Sleugh (’97 MS crop production and physiology, ’99 PhD), technical portfolio strategy leader at DuPont; Ben Chamberlain (’99 ag studies) adviser in agricultural education at Iowa State; Amanda Fordyce (’13 animal science), national account manager with Land O’Lakes; Anastasia Bodnar (’11 PhD genetics), policy analyst with the USDA; Dedrick Davis (’05 MS soil science, ’12 PhD), assistant professor at Alabama A&M University; Angela Shaw (’03 animal science, ’06 MS meat science and food science and technology), associate professor of food science and human nutrition at Iowa State; Darrin Rahn (’12 ag business and marketing), student at Harvard Business School; Antoine Alston (’00 PhD ag education and studies), associate dean and professor at North Carolina A&T; Wendy Mesa (’17 ag and life sciences education), educator with HeadStart and University of Florida Agroecology; and Steve Mickelson (’82 ag engineering, ’84 MS, ’91 PhD), professor and chair of agricultural and Biosystems engineering at Iowa State University. More 

 

MORE COLLEGE NEWS

  • Archontoulis Honored for Innovation by Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research
  • Rothschild Honored for Genetic Discoveries
  • ISU Updates Game That Helps Students Learn Land-use Concepts

Social Media Spotlight

 

THE EXTENSION PROFESSIONAL’S CREED

Check out ISU Extension and Outreach’s holiday video on YouTube.“In Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, our people live the Extension Professional’s Creed every day -- and sometimes we recite it. We are honored to serve the people of Iowa and we look forward to continuing to work together for a strong Iowa.”

 

Alumni News

 

SHAO ELECTED TO CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Mingan Shao (’96 PhD soil physics) has been elected to the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Shao, with the Institute of Soil and Water Conservation and Ministry of Water Resources in Yangling, Shaanxi, China, was one of 61 Chinese Academy of Sciences academicians elected. Shao’s research focus is in water, heat and mass transport in soil. He has worked in soil water flow, soil water uptake by root, soil water availability, soil and water conservation, water flow in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum and water transfer in soil vegetation-atmosphere transport. More

 

HATFIELD NAMED USDA MERITORIOUS PROFESSIONAL

Jerry Hatfield (’74 PhD agronomy) of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) received a Meritorious Professional award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Hatfield, director of ARS’ National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment in Ames, Iowa, received the Meritorious Professional award for his extensive research on agriculture’s influence on environmental quality. Hatfield leads the agriculture sector for the National Climate Assessment, part of the Nobel Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. More

 

SOUTHEAST POLK AG RECEIVES NATIONAL HONOR

The Southeast Polk agricultural department, led by Matthew Eddy (’99 ag and life sciences education, ’09 MS), was selected as the inaugural Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) Model School Award by the National Association of Agricultural Educators. The award recognizes schools with an excellent record in teaching CASE curriculum. More 

 

ASMUS FARM SUPPLY HONORED WITH RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Holden Asmus (’14 ag business), seed treatment department manager for Asmus Farm Supply in Rake, was recognized as a Rising Star by the Ag Retailers Association at the organization’s 2017 Expo. Asmus Farm Supply, managed by the Asmus family including parents Harlan (’87 business) and Amy (’87 design), and sons Holden and Garrett (’16 ag studies), also was honored at the event with the 2017 Retailer of the Year Award. More

 

ALUMNI RECOGNIZED AS WOMEN OF INNOVATION

Several college alumni were recognized by the Technology Association of Iowa as Women of Innovation finalists or awardees. Alicia Carriquiry (’89 PhD animal science), distinguished professor of statistics, received the Research Innovation and Leadership AwardAward finalists included: Angela Shaw (’03 animal science, ’06 MS meat science, food science and technology), associate professor in food science and human nutrition; Mikayla Sullivan (’17 global resource systems, public service and administration in ag), co-founder of KinoSol and Cayla Taylor (’12 MS ag and life sciences education, ’15 PhD), program manager for Iowa 4-H Youth Development. More

 

CHRISTENSENS HONORED WITH IOWA BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE AWARD

Christensen Feedlot and Royal Beef has been recognized by the Iowa Beef Industry Council with the 2017 Iowa Beef Quality Assurance Feedyard Award. The recipient is owned and managed by Jim (’80 farm operations) and Julie Christensen (pictured); Wes (’13 ag studies) and Jackie (’12 marketing) Christensen and Mark (’10 ag business) and Lee (’10 animal science) Pierce of Royal, Iowa. Their management techniques include training of all employees, acclimating calves to their feedyard with low-stress, effective stockmanship handling practices, implementing Beef Quality Assurance Standard Operating Procedures throughout their family’s operation, working closely with their local veterinarian and sharing information with surrounding beef producers. More

 

CALS GRADS RECOGNIZED BY IOWA FARM BUREAU

Several College of Agriculture and Life Sciences graduates were recently honored during the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation's 99th annual meeting. Beth Rachut (’04 ag and life sciences education), farmer near Osage, was honored with the 2017 Young Farmer Leadership Award. John Greig (’60 animal science) and his wife, Connie, of Estherville, received the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award. Justine Stevenson (’10 animal science), farmer near Knoxville, won the Young Farmer Discussion Meet and will compete in the national contest hosted by the American Farm Bureau in January.

 

CONGRATS TO NEWEST CALS ALUMNI

New College of Agriculture and Life Sciences graduates were recognized at convocation Saturday, December 16. Among the 320 fall graduates, CALS Student Council presented awards to: Paige Cannella, agronomy, for outstanding senior; Lauren Sendelbach, agricultural business, for leadership excellence; Merritt Polomsky, genetics, for academic achievement; Taylor Wilkins, agricultural and life sciences education teacher certification, for outstanding ambassador of agriculture and life sciences; and Allison Jaeger, food science and human nutrition, for distinguished service. Miguel Rangel, industrial technology, was the commencement speaker. Ana del Pilar Collazo Martinez, genetics and nutritional science, was the CALS student marshal at the university commencement. More

 

Young Alum of the Month

Danielle Gallet de St. Aurin

Title: Registered dietitian, Veterans Affairs Health Care System - Iowa City

Hometown: Atkins, Iowa

Degree: '16 dietetics

Major responsibilities: Serves patients in the inpatient acute care setting and outpatient onocology/chemotherapy suite.

 

 

STORIES of Small Science, Big Impact​

The latest issue of STORIES in Agriculture and Life Sciences from Iowa State University will introduce you to a number of our remarkable students, distinguished faculty and staff and outstanding alumni. This issue of the college’s alumni magazine highlights faculty and staff uncovering scientific breakthroughs through their work in small plots and with small organisms or molecules. Articles illustrate Iowa State University’s efforts to battle antimicrobial resistance, uncover the secrets of soybean’s root microbiome and inspire future scientists. Look for your issue to arrive in your mailbox before the first of the year. Not receiving STORIES? Email stories@iastate.edu to subscribe.

 

Happy Holidays from your pals at CALS!

You may travel to many locales
And make yourself plenty of pals.
But for intimate knowledge
Of ag, life and college
You’ll find that there’s no place like CALS!

We wish you the best of the season.
Dress warm and make sure you’re not freezin.’
From all of your pals
In the college called CALS
Have fun! Celebrate! (Within reason.)

When the winter wind cuts like a knife
And Dead Week and finals bring strife.
Stay strong and recall
What Cy tells us all:
You cannot spell CALS without “life.”

(Courtesy of CALS Communications Service.)

 

Class Notes

 

Did you land a new job? Receive an honor or award? Reach a milestone? We’d like to know! Submit your class note via e-mail to stories@iastate.edu.

 

2010s

Katlyn Kahler (’17 animal science) has been hired as a regional services representative for Tonisity, Inc.

 

Scott Westra (’17 ag business) has been hired as a regional services representative for Tonisity, Inc.

 

Jenna Lansing (’16 ag business), territory manager-specialty products for Northern Ag Suppliers, has been elected communications chair for the Young Professionals in Agriculture board of directors.

 

Ben Carr ('14 ag meteorology), has been hired as an environmental specialist for the Washington Department of Ecology's Office of Columbia River in Yakima, Washington.

 

Molly Foley (’14 public service and administration in ag, ag and life sciences education) has accepted a position as confidential assistant for Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, C.J. Mahoney.

 

Sam Showalter (’14 ag studies), farmer near Hampton, received the New Leader Award from the Iowa Soybean Association.

 

Ethan Nielsen (’12 ag systems technology), a farmer near Avoca, was featured by the Iowa Soybean Association.

 

Elizabeth Burns-Thompsen (’11 ag business, international ag), government relations manager for the Iowa Corn Growers Association, was elected president of the Young Professionals in Agriculture board of directors.

 

2000s

Cassie Johnson (’08 ag business), farmer near Cushing, was honored with the Women Impacting Agriculture Award from the ISU Extension and Outreach Women in Ag program.

 

Andrew Brown (’07 ag biochemistry, ’08 MS) has accepted a position as an assistant professor in applied health science at Indiana University Bloomington.

 

Nathan Katzer (’07 public service and administration in ag, agronomy), chief financial officer for Eagle’s Catch, LLLP, was elected member-a-large for the Young Professionals in Agriculture board of directors.

 

Anna MacDonald Golightly (’07 animal ecology, ’12 MS), project coordinator for the Badger Creek Lake Watershed in Madison County, was honored with the Women Impacting Agriculture Award from the ISU Extension and Outreach Women in Ag program.

 

Nick Hermanson (’06 agronomy, ag systems technology), farmer near Story City, was featured by the Iowa Farm Bureau.

 

1990s

Ben Johnson (’99 ag studies), farmer near Floyd, was featured in Iowa Learning Farm’s Conservation Chat podcast and blog.

 

Mike Stahr (’97 MS crop production and physiology), program manager for the Iowa State University Seed Science Center Experiment Station, was featured in a story by Harvest Public Media.

 

David Shapiro-Ilan (’94 PhD entomology), research entomologist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Byron, Georgia, was selected as Fellow of the Society of Nematologists. Shapiro-Ilan was also selected as the next editor-in-chief for the society’s Journal of Nematology.

 

1980s

Kim Erusha (’82 horticulture), managing director for the U.S. Golf Association’s Green Section, was featured by Golf Course Industry.

 

Tom Oswald (’81 farm operation,’95 MS professional ag), farmer near Cleghorn, was featured by the Iowa Soybean Association.

 

Sheila Dotts Hebenstreit (’80 horticulture), retired field sales agronomist for Landus Cooperative in Jefferson, was honored with the Women Impacting Agriculture Award from the ISU Extension and Outreach Women in Ag program.

 

1970s

Mark Jackson (’74 farm operation), farmer near Rose Hill, was honored with the Legacy of Leadership Award from the Iowa Soybean Association.

 

Les North (’71 agronomy), broker and growout manager for MayerSeedLine was featured in a story by Harvest Public Media.

 

1960s 

Jim Hultren (’68 ag engineering, ’71 MS), farmer near Alta, was honored for his service on the ISU Agricultural Endowment board of trustees.

 

In Memoriam

View alumni memoriams

 

 

ISU Extension and Outreach 2018

Garden Calendar

Throughout the year we celebrate holidays and special events with family gatherings and traditional foods. From poinsettias at Christmas, to roses on Valentine's Day, to Jack o'lanterns on Halloween, horticulture is an integral part of many celebrations. This monthly calendar features a striking holiday-inspired horticulture image and the story behind the tradition. More

 

About STORIES Online

STORIES Online is a supplement to STORIES magazine. The e-newsletter delivers college and alumni news, class notes and relevant links each month. If you have news or story suggestions or would like to subscribe please contact editor Melea Reicks Licht at mreicks@iastate.edu.
 

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Iowa State University 

303 Curtiss Hall

Ames, Iowa 50011

(515) 294-5616

stories@iastate.edu

http://www.cals.iastate.edu