News Archive
Tuesday, May 17 2005
News
Vice provost for Extension search begins
The search is under way for the next leader of Iowa State University Extension, an organization with a network of educational services in all 99 Iowa counties.
Glacier geology still cleaning Iowa groundwater
The last glacier to advance into Iowa left behind a system that is still cleaning Iowa groundwater.
Plant Sciences funds to seven projects
Iowa State's Plant Sciences Institute has awarded start-up funding to seven innovative research projects.
On-farm research program begins
An on-farm research pilot program is under way in northwest Iowa.
Englin to direct residence department
Pete Englin, Iowa State dean of students since 2000, has been named director of ISU's Department of Residence effective July 1. His appointment is pending approval by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa.
Students build shelters for tsunami victims
Bucket by bucket, two Iowa State students and two University of Northern Iowa students recently spent 10 weeks building shelters in Thailand for tsunami victims.
ISU-developed virtual reality tool works on Apples
VR Juggler, an ISU-developed software tool that makes it easier to build virtual reality systems, now works on Apple computers.
Researchers working on technology to detect WMDs
Robert Lipert has developed a technology that can detect a single spore of simulated anthrax or a single bacterium cell of simulated plague. Now the trick will be to figure out a way to capture and detect a spore or cell in something as big as a city's water supply.
Bloedel will step down from vice provost post
Dr. James Bloedel, who has been Iowa State's vice provost for research since 2000, will leave that position Sept. 1 to return to the professorate and continue his research in the area of motor learning and motor control.
Farmers' markets help economy
Farmers' markets generate an estimated $20.8 million annually in sales and more than 325 jobs for the Iowa economy.
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.
Big 12 'Wheel of Fortune'
Tune in to watch Iowa State University student Nicole Clement on "Wheel of Fortune" Thursday, May 19. Clement, a junior majoring in communication studies, is a contestant on the show's Big 12 College Week. "Wheel of Fortune" airs at 6:30 p.m. on WHO-TV (NBC) in central Iowa.
In the news
Merge services, reduce costs
Cincinnati Enquirer
More local governments are interested in consolidation in the face of federal and state funding cutbacks and taxpayer revolts, says Kurt Thurmaier, professor and director of ISU's public policy and administration program. Thurmaier co-edited a collection of case studies on city-county consolidations.
Hog farmers eye breeds for tastier pork
Forbes (Associated Press)
The niche pork market is small, but experts, including ISU animal science professor M. Peter Hoffman, say it's expanding because consumers are willing to pay more for a premium product. Japanese demand sparked a comeback for the heirloom Berkshire breed, which has a higher fat content but is juicier and more flavorful, chefs say.
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.
Athletics
Softball scholars
Cyclones fill 9 spots on Academic All-Big 12 teams, more than any other school.