News Archive
Tuesday, May 31 2005
News
Break test planned for high-performance bridge beam
Engineers will test a bridge beam made of ultra-high performance concrete until it breaks in an Iowa State lab June 9. A similar beam will be used this summer to construct a bridge in Wapello County. It will be the first use of the concrete in an American bridge.
Powder found on campus isn't dangerous
A hazardous materials team has determined the powder that spilled out of an envelope sent to Iowa State's Admissions Office is not a dangerous substance. Members of the Des Moines Fire Department's hazardous materials team determined the powder is a common household cleaner.
Crum named associate dean
Michael Crum, professor of logistics and supply chain management and the John and Ruth DeVries Chair in Business, has been named associate dean for graduate programs for the College of Business.
Scientists will discuss plant stem cells
Plant scientists from throughout the world will gather at Iowa State June 2-5 to discuss meristem biology. Plant meristems contain stem cells, capable of differentiation into many cell types. They are the centers of growth and cellular production.
Ethanol-fueled car in top 20
Iowa State's racer goes 0 to 60 in under four seconds. It tops out at 110 mph. And the little blue and white formula car cracked the top 20 at the 2005 Formula SAE races May 18-22 at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich.
Foundation pledges $100,000 to endow scholarships
The AEGON Transamerica Foundation, Cedar Rapids, has made a three-year pledge totaling $100,000 to the College of Business to establish an endowed scholarship for finance and accounting students.
Interim for African American Studies program named
Gary Tartakov, professor of art and design, has been named the interim director of the African American Studies program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, effective July 1.
Award to mentor program for new school leaders
A mentoring program for new school district leaders has been awarded a $111,000 grant from the R.J. Carver Charitable Trust.
Solar car qualifies
Iowa State's solar car ran well in a Topeka, Kan. competition, easily qualifying for this summer's 2,500 national race.
Gift to enhance access to rare books
A Lennox Foundation gift will improve access to rare volumes in the Iowa State library and enhance preservation efforts.
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.
Ted Heindel with the XFloViz facility
One-of-a-kind
Iowa State's one-of-a-kind X-ray flow visualization facility has potential applications in the recycling, petroleum, chemical, paper and food processing industries.
In the news
Ag prof seeks urban recruits
Medill News Service
ISU professor Levon Esters encourages urban students to pursue careers in agriculture.
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.