News Archive
Saturday, May 7 2005
News
ISU graduates first doctorate in human computer interaction
Melinda Cerney is the first Iowa State student to graduate with a doctorate in human computer interaction. Iowa State is one of three American universities offering a doctorate in human computer interaction, a program that trains students to understand how humans and computers interact in various environments.
Actuarial tools helps predict sexual offenders' recidivism
Several states are using an Iowa State professor's actuarial tool to help predict whether sexual offenders will relapse into more criminal behavior.
Fire safety goes high-tech
A new fire safety program will use Iowa State's virtual reality facilites to put children in a computer-generated fire. The exercise will be realistic and safe.
New dairy farm plans OKed
Final plans for Iowa State's new dairy farm got the greenlight from the Board of Regents May 5. When completed, the new farm is expected to be among the premiere dairy education and research facilities in the nation.
New facility will be dedicated to academic success
Iowa State students will soon have a new facility dedicated to improving academic achievement and increasing student retention and graduation rates. Donors committed $10 million to establish the center.
71 on promotion, tenure list
The Board of Regents approved tenure, promotions or both for 71 Iowa State faculty on May 5. Twenty-nine faculty were promoted to the rank of professor, 39 were promoted to the rank of associate professor with tenure, and three faculty were tenured without promotion.
Associate director of teacher ed program named
Veronica Stalker has been named associate director of Iowa State's teacher education program.
Students collaborate on collapsible doors
Collapsible door project teaches future designers the art of collaboration.
Schwartz Award to Wayne Davis
Wayne P. Davis, a former community newspaper publisher and past Iowa State public relations staff member and journalism instructor, will receive the 2005 James W. Schwartz Award for Distinguished Service to Journalism and Communication.
Gas from switchgrass is researcher's goal
Iowa State scientist Robert Brown, who hopes that machines of the future will be powered by gas made from switchgrass, is The Science Coalition's "Researcher in the News."
Cuddly bunny or wascally wabbit?
Three bronze scultures recently added to Reiman Gardens symbolize our love-hate relationship with the cute creatures that are devouring our plants.
Conference on tailoring plants for energy, products
The Midwest could someday replace the Mideast as the center of energy production if researchers can develop plants that more readily convert their leaves, stalks and other fibers into energy and biobased products. At a May 16 conference, experts will explore this challenge.
In the news
Brand practice
The Hollywood Reporter
Jay Newell, assistant professor in ISU's Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, says product placement in the movies dates back to 1896, and it's been a part of television from the beginning. "There was never a line between art and commerce," Newell says.
Not so funny
Baltimore Sun, Orlando Sentinel
Are kids picking up the bad habits they see on TV sitcoms and cartoons? Doug Gentile, assistant professor of psychology at Iowa State, comments
Popability
USA Today
Retired ISU agronomist and popcorn expert Ken Ziegler says the outer layer of the popcorn kernel (the pericarp) is the key to good popping.