News Archive
Friday, July 15 2005
News
Summer school for science teachers
Summertime for Southeast Polk High School science teacher Kevin Schulte (right) means learning the 'tools of the trade' in plant biotechnology research. He's spending seven weeks in Pat Schnable's maize genomics lab under the mentorship of Lois Girton (left) as part of a National Science Foundation summer program for biology teachers. Schulte says the research experience has sparked his creativity, triggering ideas for class activities. Nine Iowa teachers are participating this summer at Iowa State.
ISU external support soars to $287 million
Iowa State has posted another record year with $287 million in grants, contracts and cooperative agreements generated in FY 05. It's the seventh consecutive record high and an increase of about 5 percent compared with last year's total.
Public forums for public radio director
Citizens are invited to meet finalists for the executive director of Iowa Public Radio during forums at the state universities.
Iowa Games this weekend
The Summer Iowa Games (July 14-17) is expected to draw 12,000 to 15,000 athletes and another 10,000 coaches and spectators to campus this weekend.
Hurricane probably hasn't blown soybean rust closer
Recent tropical storms along with Hurricane Dennis are unlikely to have moved Asian soybean rust spores any closer to Iowa, says an Iowa State plant pathologist.
No mid-year tuition increase
The Iowa regents have decided not to pursue a mid-year tuition increase at the three state universities. In a news conference, Regent President Michael Gartner thanked state officials for finding more funds for the universities.
Wintersteen named interim ag dean
Wendy Wintersteen has been named interim dean of the College of Agriculture, effective Aug. 1.
Researcher returns from Brazil with material to study soybean rust
An ISU plant scientist has returned from Brazil equipped with the genetic material necessary to study the molecular interaction between a soybean plant and the Asian rust fungus.
Scientist named to national security group
ISU scientist Surya Mallapragada will join a study group that looks into the science of national security. Every year, the Defense Science Study Group invites 12 to 15 young scientists to discuss defense policy, military operations and more.
ISU, Des Moines to host '08 women's tourney
Iowa State has been chosen as one of eight schools to play host to first- and second-round games of the 2008 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship. The event, featuring eight teams, will take place at the Iowa Events Center's Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
Biodiesel pilot plant set to begin production
Later this month, a cutting-edge biodiesel pilot plant should be up and producing as much as 60 gallons of biodiesel per hour. The new plant will be able to produce biodiesel not only from soy oil, but from such inputs as corn oil and grease from food processors.
Nelson to lead Study Abroad Center
He studied abroad in his college days. And now Trevor Nelson is working to see that Iowa State students have the same opportunity. Nelson, a native of the United Kingdom who studied in the United States, is the new director of Iowa State's Study Abroad Center.
Agriculture dean Woteki resigns
Catherine Woteki, dean of the College of Agriculture since January 2002, announced July 5 she will resign to take a position with a national food company. Her resignation is effective July 31.
Team test solar car
Iowa State's solar car made a quick test run to southeast Iowa recently. The student solar car team will soon race their car from Texas to Canada.
ISU scientists win R&D 100 Award
Brian Gleeson and Daniel Sordelet of Iowa State University and the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory have won an R&D 100 Award for a coating that helps turbine blades hold up to the heat of jet engines.
Implosion July 19
The implosion of Knapp and Storms residence halls is scheduled for July 19 at approximately 10 a.m. The date is subject to change by the contractor.
In the News
ISU alum named Sudanese vice president
The New York Times
Former rebel leader John Garang became vice president of Sudan recently in a move that united former enemies in a civil war. Garang earned a doctorate in economics at Iowa State ('81).
Helping kids handle bad news on TV
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Parents can help children deal with bad news on TV by communicating, says ISU psychologist Douglas Gentile. When kids talk to parents about the news, the parents can enhance the positives, he said. But when kids don't talk to them, it enhances the negatives.
Wall Street delves into minds of investors
Chicago Tribune
Tahira Hira, ISU professor and assistant to the president, cites her national research that shows different approaches to investing among men and women. She wants investors to better understand themselves so they can make more informed decisions.
Amber waves of plastic
The Los Angeles Times
American crops could be used in place of many products' petroleum base, some scientists say. "Anything you can make out of petroleum, I can make out of corn and soybeans," says Larry Johnson, director of ISU's Center for Crops Utilization Research.