News Archive
Thursday, June 16 2005
News
New department: Information Technology Services
Information Technology Services is the name for Iowa State's new centralized info technology department. Four units merged to create the department and a more coordinated approach to university information technology (IT) needs, says chief information officer Jim Davis.
Student-developed device helps blind tell who's nearby
A team of ISU students' developed a device to help blind people recognize who's around them at home and work. The invention puts the students in the finals in an international Microsoft competition.
Regents approve sale of Ankeny farm
The Board of Regents, State of Iowa, has approved the sale of Iowa State's 1,031-acre Ankeny dairy farm.
NSF executive will become next vice provost for research
John Brighton, an assistant director of the National Science Foundation and head of its Engineering Directorate, will become Iowa State's vice provost for research Sept. 1. He has been appointed to a three-year term.
USDA approves ISU permit to conduct pharmaceutical crop research
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has approved a permit for Iowa State University to plant a biopharmaceutical corn field trial. The research is part of Iowa State's work to evaluate the safe use of plants for the production of proteins for pharmaceuticals and industrial products.
New concrete handles heavy, heavy load
An ultra-high performance concrete proved its strength, standing up to 595,000 pounds of load before cracking.
Researcher will explain how to protect homes from windy disasters
ISU aerospace engineer Partha Sarkar will tell congressional members and staffers that tornadoes, hurricanes and thunderstorms don't have to be property disasters in a session in D.C. later this month.
Games and crafts precede concerts
The Farm House Museum will offer Victorian games, children's crafts and refreshments prior to municipal band concerts in June. The museum events are Thursday afternoons (4-7 p.m.) June 16, 23 and 30 and are free of charge.
Associate deans named
Three associate deans have been named for Iowa State's new College of Human Sciences.
Bender named top educator
Associate professor Holly Bender has been named the nation's outstanding veterinary medical educator.
Achterberg to lead College of Human Sciences
Cheryl Achterberg, founding dean of the Schreyer Honors College and professor at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, will become inaugural dean of Iowa State's College of Human Sciences, effective Sept. 1.
Air Force awards virtual reality center $2.8 million
Iowa State researchers are working to help the Air Force find a better way to control unmanned aerial vehicles. The vehicles are piloted by remote control and can carry cameras, communication equipment and weapons on the most dangerous military flights.
Students qualify for science scholarships
A record 33 Des Moines Public School students have completed the Science Bound program at Iowa State and thus qualified for a full-tuition scholarship to ISU.
Shanks examines root cultures of periwinkle plants.
Scientist hopes to improve plant's output of chemotherapy drugs
Chemical engineer Jackie Shanks' work to make periwinkle plants better producers of chemotherapy drugs started with her sister's diagnosis.
In the news
Consumers prefer homegrown
Reader's Digest
Commenting on a survey in which most consumer said they preferred to buy food from nearby growers, Rich Pirog of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture said, "People want stories about their food -- where and how it's produced, and how it tastes. Local farmers know that."
Pig virus at center of trade dispute
National Nine News Australia
A vaccine for a common pig virus at the center of an international trade dispute should be available within a year, says Dr. Patrick Halbur.
Ag prof seeks urban recruits
Medill News Service
ISU professor Levon Esters encourages urban students to pursue careers in agriculture.