News Archive
Monday, May 8 2006
News
The most realistic virtual reality room in the world
Iowa State University researchers say more than $4 million in equipment upgrades to Iowa State's six-sided virtual reality room are essential to their research. The upgrades will produce more realism, transmit more information and help attract more projects.
Researchers begin to solve mystery of hybrid vigor
Hybrid vigor works, but no one understands how. ISU plant scientists have uncovered a key to understanding the complex molecular mechanisms of this biological process. Their findings were published in the May 2 edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.
Chasing tornado data to engineer better buildings
Iowa State University researchers will use a $1 million federal appropriation to: 1. Study the flow of storm winds near the ground. 2. Test models of various structures in Iowa State's Wind Simulation and Testing Laboratory. 3. Develop computational models that simulate how wind storms affect buildings. 4. And, study new building designs that would be resistant to wind storms.
Geoffroy: Appropriation "extremely disappointing"
In a May 4 letter to faculty and staff, ISU President Gregory Geoffroy called the state appropriations increase to Iowa State's base operating budget "extremely disappointing" and added "it is just one more sign of the steady erosion of state funding for Iowa's public universities."
Distinguished, University professors named
Six Iowa State faculty have been awarded the titles of Distinguished Professor or University Professor.
New professorship advances bovine reproduction and genetics at ISU
Dr. James K. West, an internationally recognized specialist in bovine reproduction and embryo transfer, has been named the first Scott and Nancy Armbrust Professor of Veterinary Medicine.
Gleeson named first Renken Professor in Materials Science and Engineering at ISU
Iowa State's first named professorship in materials science and engineering will allow Brian Gleeson, an Iowa State professor of materials science and engineering, to develop new alloys and coatings that can withstand high temperatures.
Geoffroy: Allen will be exceptional UNI leader
ISU provost Ben Allen will make an exceptional leader of UNI, President Geoffroy said in a statement. "He is a strong, decisive leader with great interpersonal skills who is highly respected throughout the university and well beyond our campus. And he is a person with the highest standards of honesty and integrity."
Bioethics Institute at ISU, June 5-9
Application deadline is May 15 for the 2006 Bioethics Institute, which helps life science faculty and extension personnel introduce ethics into classes and activities.
President requests input on Principles of Community
President Gregory Geoffroy is seeking campus input on the current draft of Principles of Community, a Government of the Student Body-inspired document that offers ideals and expectations for fostering a welcoming climate at Iowa State.
ISU's Robert C. Brown to Senate committee: The bioeconomy is bigger than biofuels
Iowa State's Robert C. Brown testified before a U.S. Senate committee on April 26 and suggested four goals for the country's bioeconomy: 1. Reduce America's reliance on imported oil. 2. Improve environmental quality. 3. Expand the markets for U.S. agricultural products. 4. Improve the economy of rural America.
Students line up for recent ISU commencement ceremony.
In the news
Alumna makes Kenya history
Kenya Times
ISU alumna Olive Mugenda became the first woman vice chancellor in Kenya history recently when she took the reins at Kenyatta University. On hand for her inauguration was Tahira Hira, her major professor and assistant to the president at ISU.
Your food's gas bill
Sierra Club Magazine
The Leopold Center's Richard Pirog is mulling the feasibility of food labels that indicate miles traveled to get products to your door.
Athletics
Dobbins to Chargers
Middle linebacker Tim Dobbins was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the NFL draft.