College News

 

‘MANAGING THE N FACTOR’ LINKS EXTENSION OFFERINGS 

Visitors to a new webpage are invited to explore land use options that protect soil and water as they navigate their way through an interactive landscape. This resource-rich version of the “Managing the N Factor” infographic, which recently appeared in STORIES magazine, includes links to science-based nutrient management resources from ISU Extension and Outreach including videos, publications and websites. Look for it on the ISU Extension and Outreach Water Quality Program website

 

ON THE FLY: BIRD FEEDERS AND DISEASE

To understand disease transmission among birds, Jim Adelman, assistant professor in natural resource ecology and management, studies the role of bird feeders in spreading an eye infection similar to pink eye in humans. His discoveries will help reduce the spread of the disease and provide insights into how pathogens are shared across species, even in our own backyards. Hear more from Adelman in this video and learn how to keep birdfeeders safe. 

 

UNCOVERING CLUES TO BATTLE COSTLY SOYBEAN DISEASE

Agronomy and plant pathology researchers have narrowed the search for genes that help soybeans resist sudden death syndrome, guiding the way for crop breeders to develop more resilient and profitable soybean cultivars for farmers. More

 

DON’T SKIP THE YOLK: PROMISE FOR VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

A simple change in diet could boost vitamin D levels for millions of Americans suffering from Type 2 diabetes, according to new research from Iowa State published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Kevin Schalinske, Matthew Rowling and Samantha Jones, food science and human nutrition, found diabetic rats fed an egg-based diet had higher concentration of vitamin D, improved blood glucose levels and gained less weight. More

 

FIVE YEARS OF FIGHTING HUNGER AT ISU

Students managing a food pantry for their peers at Iowa State recently marked their five-year anniversary. The pantry, known as The SHOP (Students Helping Our Peers), provides food and household items for 60 to 90 students and staff each month and has more than 200 student volunteers including Tessa Anderson, a culinary science major. More

 

CALS WELCOMES NEW POULTRY SCIENCE PROF

Poultry specialist Elizabeth Bobeck recently joined the animal science department. Inspired by a life-long interest in birds, Bobeck’s research program will focus on the regulation of the immune system through nutrition. Her work could include research on avian influenza, which decimated Iowa chicken and turkey farms last year. More

 

JOHANSEN NAMED INTERIM CHAIR OF BIOCHEMISTRY, BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

A professor in the Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology has been named interim chair of the department. Kristen Johansen succeeds Guru Rao, who was recently named associate vice president in the university’s Office of the Vice President for Research. The department is jointly administered by the colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Liberal Arts and Sciences. More

 

MORE COLLEGE NEWS

 

Alumni News

LAUVER HONORED AS CALS EMERGING IOWA LEADER

Andrew Lauver (’12 ag studies), a seed sales and service professional with DuPont Pioneer in Lake City, has been named the 2016 Emerging Iowa Leader by the college. Lauver was selected for his contributions to advocacy and recruitment through the college’s young alumni program – The Curtiss League. The award was presented at center court of Hilton Coliseum during the CALS sponsored Cyclone Women’s Basketball game February 6. The event also featured Kellie Blair (’06 forestry, agronomy), Mica Magtoto, junior in nutritional science, and included a pre-game reception with more than 220 CALS faculty and staff, student ambassadors, alumni and friends. View photos

 

WINTERSTEEN HONORED BY IOWA'S FARM MANAGERS AND RURAL APPRAISERS

Wendy Wintersteen (’88 PhD entomology), endowed dean of the college, was presented the Distinguished Service to Iowa Agriculture Award by the Iowa Chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. More

 

ROWES EARN ACCOLADES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Glenn (’71 animal science) and Bev Rowe (’88 ag business), farmers near Lorimor, were honored as Region III nominees for the environmental stewardship award program by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association at the association’s annual convention in San Diego. They were honored for making improvements to benefit the land and sustainability of their cow-calf operation. More

 

BARDOLE, RENNER HONORED FOR LEADERSHIP BY IOWA SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

Roy Bardole (’65 farm operation), a farmer near Rippey, was honored by the Iowa Soybean Association with the Legacy of Leadership Award. Bardole is a former ISA president, American Soybean Association leader and United Soybean Board member. Most recently, he served two years as a U.S. Soybean Export Council chairman. 

Brent Renner (’98 ag studies), a farmer near Klemme, was also honored by the association with its New Leader Award for his outstanding involvement and commitment to promoting the soybean industry and agriculture. 

 

TEKIPPE RECEIVES WATER QUALITY AWARD

Pat Tekippe (’76 farm operation), a certified crop advisor in Winneshiek County and Pioneer sales rep for Farmers Union Cooperative in Ossian, received the Secretary’s Iowa Ag Leader Award for outstanding leadership in improving Iowa’s water quality from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. More

 

DODDS NEW ISU ASSISTANT VP EXTENSION AND OUTREACH

After more than 30 years with ISU Extension and Outreach, Bob Dodds ('77 ag and life sciences education, '85 MS) has been named assistant vice president for County Services. He had previously held the role in an interim capacity since Jan. 1, 2015. More

 

CALS AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING TEACHING, RESEARCH, EXTENSION

Several College of Agriculture and Life Sciences alumni were among those honored by the college for excellence in teaching, research and extension. Tom Paulsen (’01 MS ag and life sciences education, ’11 PhD), ag education and studies, received the Early Achievement in Teaching Award. Cheryl Morris (’02 MS animal science, animal nutrition), animal science, received the Early Adviser Award. Tom Baas (’72 animal science, ’89 MS, ’90 PhD), animal science, received the Outstanding Adviser Award. Georgeanne Artz (’05 PhD economics), economics, received the Outstanding Service in Student Recruitment and Retention Award. Stephanie Hansen (’02 animal science), animal science, received the Early Achievement Research Award. Tom Maier (’94 genetics), plant pathology and microbiology, received the Professional and Scientific Research Award. Bill Larson (’75 outdoor recreational service), animal science, received the Professional and Scientific Excellence Award. Daniel Strey (’12 horticulture, 15 MS professional ag), horticulture, received the Professional and Scientific Outstanding New Professional Award. Maro Ibarburu Blanc (’05 MS economics) and Lesa Vold (’00 animal science), Iowa Egg Industry Center, received the Dean’s Citation for Extraordinary Contributions Award. Tom Polito (’76 agronomy, ’82 MS, ’87 PhD), student services, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Michelle Graham (’01 PhD agronomy), USDA-ARS/agronomy, received the Raymond and Mary Baker Agronomic Excellence Award.  View photos of all CALS awardees on Facebook. 

 

 

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.

 

Young Alum of the Month

Mitchel Steffes

 

 

Title: Safety Manager II, Wanzek Construction, Inc.

Hometown: Manning, Iowa

Degree: '13 industrial technology

Major Responsibilities: Provide a systematic and proactive approch in all construction processes. Combine management, engineering and scientific skills to prevent human injury and related losses.

 

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 stories@iastate.edu.

 

2010s

Andrea Basche (’15 PhD crop production and physiology, sustainable agriculture) has joined the Union of Concerned Scientists as a Kendall Science Fellow in the food and environment program. 

 

Adam Fichter (’15 ag business, international ag), has joined Hertz Farm Management as a farm manager based in Mason City.  

 

Carley Christiansen (’14 public service and administration in ag) accepted a new position as the assistant manager and administrative clerk at Merschman Seeds, Inc., in Niota, Illinois.

 

Mitch Schulte (’12 dairy science), industry relations manager for the Midwest Dairy Association and assistant director of the Iowa Dairy Association, was featured in Agrinews.com. 

 

Nathan Anderson (’10 agronomy), a farmer near Aurelia, was named Northwest Iowa representative to the Practical Farmers of Iowa Board of Directors. 

 

2000s

Casey Brown (’09 ag and life sciences education), agricultural educator at Indianola Community Schools, was honored as Educator of the Year by the Indianola Chamber of Commerce. 

 

Monae Verbeke (’08 animal science) received her PhD in sociology from the University of Warwick, and is the senior research associate at the Institute for Learning Innovation in Portland, Oregon. 

 

Jamie Baraibar (’07 ag systems technology) is the new regulatory coordinator at CJ Bio America in Fort Dodge.

 

Tyler Franzenburg (’06 agronomy, seed science), a farmer near Keystone, was named an at-large representative to the Practical Farmers of Iowa Board of Directors. 

 

David Rosmann (’06 public service and administration in ag), a farmer near Omaha, Neb., was named an at-large representative to the Practical Farmers of Iowa Board of Directors. 

 

Matt Hobart (’04 agricultural studies) has accepted a new position as a Farm Bill Conservation Programs Assistant for the USDA-NRCS in Cortland, Tompkins and Schuyler Counties in New York.

 

Laura Robson (’04 ag and life sciences education), customer connect project manager with John Deere, was featured in an Agriculture.com video highlighting the importance of agronomics and economics on the farm. 

 

Erin Brenneman (’04 animal science), a farmer near Wellman, was recently featured in the National Pork Board’s Women in Pig Farming video. 

 

Robin Mundt (’02 animal science, dairy science), a veterinarian in Dubuque, was featured in a news story for saving a bearded dragon found in rural Rickardsville. 

 

Zeb Sullivan (’02 animal science, ’05 MS animal nutrition), professor of kinesiology at Grand View University in Des Moines, was recently featured in the Des Moines Register for his work in athletic training. 

 

Ryan Bristle (’01 ag studies) recently served as a guest editor, writing an article for Farm Journal Magazine.  

 

Skye Wills (’01 MS agronomy, ’05 PhD soil science), a soil scientist with the USDA-NRCS National Soil Survey Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, was featured in a NRCS video explaining how soil properties change over time. 

 

1990s

Jill Loehr (’99 public service and administration in ag) is the new associate editor of Prairie Farmer. 

 

Ed Greiman (’92 ag business), a farmer near Garner, will serve as 2016 chairman of the cattle marketing and trade committee for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.  

 

1970s

Jim Tobin (’78 ag and life sciences education), retired channel engagement lead for Monsanto, was recently featured in Iowa Farmer Today for his service to the agriculture industry. 

 

Eldon McAfee (’77 farm operation), an attorney with Brick Gentry in Des Moines, was recently featured in Iowa Farmer Today for his work in agricultural law. 

 

1960s

Don Latham (’69 agronomy), retired executive with Latham Seeds, of Alexander, was featured in the Mason City Globe Gazette for his service in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. 

 

1950s

Owen Newlin ('51 agronomy, '53 MS crop production), retired senior vice president and director of Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc., was profiled in Seed World Magazine.

 

In Memoriam

Josie Coverdale (’00 MS animal nutrition,  ’03 PhD), 38, of Bryan, Texas, died Feb. 13.  

 

 

 

 

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