IN AGRICULTURE AND LIFE SCIENCES VOL.8 NO.2 2014
DIFFERENCE MAKERS
10 Conquering cancer, remembering a friend
28 Cultural connections in Costa Rica
32 Enriching lives through education, agriculture FOREWORD
IN AGRICULTURE AND LIFE SCIENCES
EDITOR: Melea Reicks Licht I SHOULD PROBABLY GET A (’00 public service and administration in agriculture, ’05 MS agricultural and life sciences education) NEW PAIR OF BOOTS. WRITERS: Ed Adcock, Haley Banwart, Haley Cook, Lynn Laws, Mine are over 30 years old. They belonged to my sister who died Barbara McBreen, Lani McKinney, Brian Meyer, when I was four. She was fourteen when she last wore them. I Melea Reicks Licht grew to have the exact same sized feet. The brown suede is worn DESIGN: and stained in a few places. PUSH Branding and Design When I wear them I am so much more aware that every day is a gift and a chance to make a difference – in my own small way College of Agriculture and – on this earth. Life Sciences Administration Wendy Wintersteen (’88 PhD entomology), There are a lot of difference makers in this issue. Students, Dean and Director, Experiment Station alumni and professors making progress in large and small ways on enormous problems Joe Colletti, Senior Associate Dean, Associate plaguing society like Maura McGrail’s work to understand cancer cells, the lasting Director Experiment Station impact of student mentors like John Burnett and Jodi Sterle and the meaningful work John Lawrence (’84 animal science, ’86 MS of the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods with Ugandans to improve education economics), Associate Dean Extension Programs and nutrition. and Outreach, Director Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Tia Sandoval’s service in the Peace Corps has undoubtedly changed the outlook for David Acker, Associate Dean Academic and a generation of village children in Nepal. And, I got to see the difference our alumni in Global Programs, Raymond and Mary Baker Costa Rica are making in person when I traveled there to accompany a study abroad Chair in Global Agriculture trip hosted by Enrique Villalobos and an alumni event hosted by Adriana Murillo- Williams. Their gracious welcome, sincere care for our students and love of Iowa State COLLEGE CONTACTS still warms my heart. To contact the magazine: What a difference they are all making. I’d love to hear from you as to STORIES Editor 304 Curtiss Hall how you and other alumni continue to make a difference in your communi- Ames, IA 50011 ties and around the world. Please share your updates with [email protected] or Phone: (515) 294-5616 E-mail: [email protected] use #CALSdifference in social media posts. I’ll share responses in our monthly www.stories.cals.iastate.edu/ STORIES Online e-mail newsletter or via the college’s Twitter and Facebook feeds. For prospective students: I do own other boots, but none fit as perfectly as my sister’s. I especially like to Student Services wear them on assignment for the magazine, or on a visit to the ISU farms. I think 33 Curtiss Hall Ames, IA 50011 I’ll keep them a while longer. Every step is important when you’re out to Phone: (515) 294-2766 make a difference. E-mail: [email protected] www.cals.iastate.edu Kind regards, To make a gift: Development Office 310 Curtiss Hall Ames, IA 50011 Phone: (515) 294-7677 E-mail: [email protected] www.ag.iastate.edu/agdevelopment Melea Reicks Licht
STORIES MAGAZINE TOPS IN NATION
STORIES in Agriculture and Life Sciences received first place honors
Cert no. SW-COC-002357 from the National Agricultural Alumni and Development Association for a magazine produced by a college. STORIES also was honored by the Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis Association for Communications Excellence in Agriculture, Natural of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, Resources, and Life and Human Sciences with the silver award for pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic graphic design. Launched in 2007, STORIES magazine is delivered information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies worldwide each fall to agriculture and life sciences alumni and friends. may be directed to Robinette Kelley, Director, Office of Equal The spring issue is mailed to Midwest alumni. Each issue is available Opportunity, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, and Affirmative online at www.stories.cals.iastate.edu and via the STORIES app for iPad. Action Officer, 3350 Beardshear Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515 294-7612, email [email protected]. FROM THE DEAN
CONTENTS
2 LETTER FROM THE DEAN
4 FACULTY AND STAFF n John Burnett, natural resource ecology and management n Jodi Sterle, animal science n Matt Wenger, meat laboratory
10 STUDENTS n Crystal Jones-Sotomayor, genetics n Adam Fichter, and Austin Fichter, agricultural business
15 DIFFERENCE MAKERS n Voices: By Dorothy Masinde, Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods n Improving lives in Uganda with clean water, education, farming n Preparing Iowa’s woodlands, and foresters, for the future n Exploring, learning, discovering on all seven continents n Student ag leaders from around the globe converge at ISU n Global Food Security Consortium n In fight vs. cancer little models lead Central Campus is a frequent venue for student service to large breakthroughs and philanthropy activities. These students are raising n Cultural connections in Costa Rica money for children in Uganda during Melon Mania on n Scholarships boost unpaid interns central campus. Read more on page 14.
Photo: Contributed 32 ALUMNI n Tiara Sandoval, animal science and international agriculture n Brad Beyton, farm operations n Jim Blome, agronomy n Glen Mente, animal science 38 PARTNERS n Annie’s Project, Patty Walker and Kris Walker, animal science 40 GIVING n A place to call home – the Neil and Darlene Harl Commons ON THE COVER: Lisa Wasko DeVetter (’07 biology, horticulture, ’10 MS horticulture, soil science) mentored students in Uganda with the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods in 2007. She returned in later years to help with the program and complete research. She is an assistant
Photo: Brian Nonnecke professor at Washington State University. Learn more about the center’s work on page 16. FROM THE DEAN
his fall you don’t need to look far to see difference makers among Tour students, faculty and staff for our community, state and planet. Students in the Sustainable Agriculture Student Organization have been growing and cooking fresh garden produce for a program that provides free meals to hundreds of the needy in the Ames area. The Block and Bridle Club organized nearly 400 volunteers who packaged more than 60,000 meals for Meals from the Heartland for delivery to hungry people in Iowa and around the world. Two dozen plant pathology and microbiology students are screening soil samples for potentially new antibiotic or antimicrobial agents, part of the Small World Initiative, a worldwide crowd-sourcing effort by university science students. Maybe one will make a discovery that counters antibiotic resistance and benefits millions, while each finds real-life meaning from their class and lab studies. The health of an ecosystem depends on strong, interactive relationships. That’s why every fall I’m proud how ISU steps up to contribute to United Way, which works to meet the needs of preschool and grade school children, seniors, the disabled and others in our community. Faculty, staff and students do so not just financially, but also by working on Day of Caring community service projects. United Way is one way ISU shows how STORIES EXTRA: www.stories.cals.iastate.edu we care about the current and future health of our “ecosystem” — the people of our community. Sometimes you can learn a lot about how much our students care by reading the quotes they put in their email signatures. Here’s one I received recently in a note from a global resource systems student studying environmental science, who was preparing to travel to Vietnam to present on her research (how native plants can soak up contaminants from wastewater) at an international conference: “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” That mindset is what makes me hopeful for the future, and I hope it STUDENTS WORK FARM TO FORK does for you, too. Members of the Sustainable Agriculture Student Association have spent the past two summers growing and cooking food for people in need in Ames. Meet them and see how they are meeting their mission of feeding people nutritious food Wendy Wintersteen in a sustainable way in a video online. Endowed Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences
2 STORIES Vol.8 No.2 ALMANAC
global perspectives
This year, the college will offer study abroad programs on all 7 CONTINENTS. Last year, more than 400 students participated in study abroad FIFTH programs and internships. ININ THETHE WORLDWORLD
a l m a n a c Iowa State University ranks 5th in the world’s best agricultural colleges, based on academic and employer reputation and on research citations. RELEVANT RESEARCH
CALS leads campus in sponsored funding bringing in more than MILLION DOLLARS MAJORSMAJORS THATTHAT last year to fund high-impact, mission-oriented 60 research from basic to applied. MATTERMATTER The college brought in nearly CALS offers 27 UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS to MILLION prepare students to be leaders in addressing society’s challenges in food, environment, energy, DOLLARS climate, nutrition and science and technology. in250 outside research dollars over the past five years.
PROFESSIONALS OUR GRADS STORIES EXTRA: www.stories.cals.iastate.edu LEARN FROM IOWA STATE GETGET JOBSJOBS
MORE THAN… The College of 300,000300,000 Agriculture & Life Sciences has a farmers and agribusiness professionals participated in ISU Extension and
Outreach learning opportunities last year – that’s enough people to fill Jack Trice Stadium more than 5 times. %
ENROLLMENT REFLECTSREFLECTS OPPORTUNITIESOPPORTUNITIES 98placement9898 rate for recent graduates. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has broken enrollment records the past three years, and has seen a 75 PERCENT increase in undergraduates since 2005.
Among the nation’s ag colleges, ISU has the SCHOLARSHIPS 3rd HIGHEST undergraduate enrollment. SCHOLARSHIPS The College of Agriculture and Life 4,475 UNDERGRADUATES. Sciences and its departments offer over (730 graduate students) % % $$ 22 millionmillion 51 49 in scholarships each year.
STORIES Vol.8 No.2 3 STAFF
Students in the Lessons from Leopold Learning Community, gather with their instructors, Lisa Schulte Moore and John Burnett, in front of Aldo Leopold’s famous Wisconsin “shack.” Leopold and his family made the dilapidated chicken coop into a cabin where they stayed as they restored the land around the shack to prairie and woods, planting 40,000 trees.
CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH OPPORTUNITIES & THE OUTDOORS
By Lynn Laws
ront porches welcome and connect Burnett leads recruiting, orientation and him, the more connected you get and the – indoors to outdoors, neighbor to learning communities for the Department of more he understands you.” Fneighbor, individuals to communi- Natural Resource Ecology and Management Burnett listens to his students. He ties. They can be the place where futures (NREM). He teaches three introductory learns their interests and dreams and are imagined and planned, and burdens courses, advises 350 undergraduate then shows them careers and professional made lighter by sharing. students, supervises peer mentors and development and community service That may be why Tom Isenhart, student clerical staff and serves on several opportunities matching their interests. He associate professor of natural resource department and university committees. received the college’s 2014 Outstanding ecology and management, says John When students first consider natural Adviser Award and is also the recipient of Burnett is the “front porch of our resource majors Burnett is the first the 2014 Iowa State University Award for department.” person they see. Academic Advising Impact. “A front porch is the first place that “John makes an impact on you right “I really enjoy discussing possibilities you stop at a home. But it’s also the place away. At orientation he already knew with them. There are jobs and careers out where people are greeted, where they everyone’s name. It really made me feel there they don’t even know exist yet. Our know they are welcome and where welcome,” says Carter Oliver, a senior in job is to introduce them to those things so relationships are made. That truly is animal ecology and forestry from Woodbine, they can decide whether or not they want John,” says Isenhart. Iowa. “And the more years you spend with
4 STORIES Vol.8 No.2
5 STORIES STORIES Vol.8 No.2 Vol.8
that as well,” adds Yates. Yates. adds well,” as that backing you up every second of the way.” way.” the of second every up you backing
in and say ‘hello’ he was just as happy with with happy as just was he ‘hello’ say and in in that row of persons cheering for you, you, for cheering persons of row that in
that was great. But if I just wanted to pop pop to wanted just I if But great. was that bad, he’ll tell you. But he is the first person person first the is he But you. tell he’ll bad, procrastinate and how to manage your your manage to how and procrastinate
welcoming. If I had a question about school, school, about question a had I If welcoming. Negron. “When you’re doing something something doing you’re “When Negron. fixing your schedule, learning how not to to not how learning schedule, your fixing
care of somebody else, he was always very very always was he else, somebody of care worries like a grandfather will,” says says will,” grandfather a like worries and need you class a into “Getting
office and as long as he was not taking taking not was he as long as and office but can be very stressful to students. to stressful very be can but ‘I have a grandpa here. It’s all okay.’ He He okay.’ all It’s here. grandpa a have ‘I
John’s in head my pop was do to had with things that may seem small to others, others, to small seem may that things with say, I ents, par my to talk I “When
I all question, a had I time y “Ever and transfer students and says Burnett helps helps Burnett says and students transfer and They do. They
Yates enrolled in the MAT program in May. May. in program MAT the in enrolled Yates She is a peer mentor for NREM transitional transitional NREM for mentor peer a is She cares about them.” them.” about cares
happy with the way I’ve decided to go.” go.” to decided I’ve way the with happy completed a pre-vet, wildlife care option. option. care wildlife pre-vet, a completed someone that know they hope I And
have taken a much different route. I’m very very I’m route. different much a taken have in December in animal ecology, having having ecology, animal in December in someone is keeping them accountable. accountable. them keeping is someone
him and his guidance, my entire path would would path entire my guidance, his and him from Puerto Rico in 2010. She will graduate graduate will She 2010. in Rico Puerto from nett says students “need to know know to “need students says nett Bur
in the College of Education. I know without without know I Education. of College the in about it.’” about on came to Iowa State State Iowa to came on Negr Adriana
to the Masters in Teaching (MAT) program program (MAT) Teaching in Masters the to where it was warm, and he said, ‘Think ‘Think said, he and warm, was it where heart,” says Isenhart. says heart,”
me introduced he later and instruction winter I wanted to transfer to Florida Florida to transfer to wanted I winter at interests their has he and priority
suggested I look into supplemental supplemental into look I suggested on when I’m having a difficult time. One One time. difficult a having I’m when on an adviser. They know they are his top top his are they know They adviser. an
helping others learn,” Yates says. “John “John says. Yates learn,” others helping as John appreciate and respect students solid rock for me, that person I can count count can I person that me, for rock solid
chemistry and realized I really enjoyed enjoyed really I realized and chemistry s hard to understate how much much how understate to hard s on says Burnett “has been that that been “has Burnett says on Negr “It’
oup for organic organic for oup gr study a led “I ship ceremony. ceremony. ship knowing what’s going on.” going what’s knowing
explore career interests as they developed. developed. they as interests career explore
- citizen U.S. a and celebrations graduation I’ll walk out much more calm and and calm more much out walk I’ll WITH OPPORTUNITIES & THE OUTDOORS THE & OPPORTUNITIES WITH
Burnett’s office and how Burnett helped him him helped Burnett how and office Burnett’s in times of celebration, such as attending attending as such celebration, of times in and panicked there in go I’ll graduate.
Sioux City, Iowa, recalls numerous visits to to visits numerous recalls Iowa, City, Sioux of a loved one. And he’s been there for them them for there been he’s And one. loved a of he makes sure I know what I need to to need I what know I sure makes he
CONNECTING STUDENTS CONNECTING
ates (’13 animal ecology) from from ecology) animal (’13 ates Y John up with course requirements after the death death the after requirements course with up semester Every amazing. just is “John
Photo: Contributed
and personal aspirations. aspirations. personal and solving in times of adversity, such as keeping keeping as such adversity, of times in solving junior from a suburb of Chicago, agrees. agrees. Chicago, of suburb a from junior
Iowa State experience to their professional professional their to experience State Iowa Burnett has helped students with problem problem with students helped has Burnett ovost, an animal ecology ecology animal an ovost, Pr Bobbi
of others explore careers and tailor their their tailor and careers explore others of with patience and good humor,” she says. she humor,” good and patience with through, if it hadn’t been for John’s efforts.” efforts.” John’s for been hadn’t it if through,
Burnett has helped Oliver and thousands thousands and Oliver helped has Burnett – all those things John helps us through through us helps John things those all – have told him they “would not have made it it made have not “would they him told have
f in 1997, 1997, in f staf NREM the joining Since schedule and just breathing and relaxing relaxing and breathing just and schedule
students NREM many says Isenhart
Leopold himself. himself. Leopold
and the “father of wildlife management,” management,” wildlife of “father the and
recipient of Iowa State University’s Award for Academic Advising Impact. Impact. Advising Academic for Award University’s State Iowa of recipient
Wisconsin to learn about land stewardship stewardship land about learn to Wisconsin
is the college’s 2014 Outstanding Adviser and and Adviser Outstanding 2014 college’s the is Burnett campus. State Iowa
Leopold’s restored prairie and woods in in woods and prairie restored Leopold’s on the steps of Farmhouse museum on on museum Farmhouse of steps the on Oliver Carter and Negron Adriana
chats with natural resource ecology and management students students management and ecology resource natural with chats Burnett John
the work of naturalists and a trip to Aldo Aldo to trip a and naturalists of work the Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City to observe observe to City Prairie in Refuge Wildlife
Photo: Gary Clarke
by a zookeeper, the Neal Smith National National Smith Neal the zookeeper, a by
Doorly Zoo to get a behind-the-scene tour tour behind-the-scene a get to Zoo Doorly
These have included the Omaha Henry Henry Omaha the included have These
Burnett leads periodic weekend trips. trips. weekend periodic leads Burnett
having fun and caring about the work,” work,” the about caring and fun having
professions and “to get them out there there out them get “to and professions
To give students a closer look at these these at look closer a students give To
ment, pre-veterinary and wildlife care. care. wildlife and pre-veterinary ment,
interpretation, conservation law enforce law conservation interpretation, -
fisheries biologist, natural resources resources natural biologist, fisheries
students can include wildlife biologist, biologist, wildlife include can students
eer opportunities for NREM NREM for opportunities eer Car
to see,” Burnett says. Burnett see,” to
about that kind of thing, it’s just wonderful wonderful just it’s thing, of kind that about
to pursue them. When students get excited excited get students When them. pursue to STAFF FACULTY
GREAT TEACHERS BORN AND MADE By Melea Reicks Licht
Some people are born to teach. Hogberg refused to retain her as a graduate holder of the professorship, she uses the Seasoned professors like Maynard student upon completing her bachelor’s at additional funding provided by the gift to Hogberg can spot them. Hogberg, chair of Michigan State in 1993 while he was chair advance undergraduate teaching in the animal science at Iowa State, says he knew of animal science. department. Faculty submit proposals to her immediately Jodi Sterle was one of “Looking back it was the best thing for for the funds. “I’ve funded everything from those people. me, and I had many wonderful opportuni- teaching workshops, to video production to “I could tell from the moment I met her ties in Missouri, but at the time I was furious enhance classes, to emergency scholarships,” as a student at Michigan State. With a at him for not taking me on as a graduate she says. take-charge attitude and a passion for student,” she says. Both Hogberg and Sterle Megan Clouse, an advisee of Sterle, teaching it was obvious,” Hogberg says. “I remember it as a defining point of their received an emergency scholarship through knew then she would be a faculty member I friendship. the professorship in 2011 after her father would want to hire someday.” Working alongside her mentor was a died during her first semester. In 2011 Hogberg (’66 ag and life sciences strong draw for Sterle to Iowa State, but “I made the decision to stay home and education, ’72 MS animal science, ’76 PhD) she says the decision was based on mourn his death with my family. I moved got his wish, and Sterle joined the many factors. out and didn’t think coming back was an Department of Animal Science as an “What attracted me most to this position option,” Clouse says. “Without ever associate professor and undergraduate was the department’s outstanding national meeting me, Dr. Sterle took me under her teaching coordinator. reputation. The energy and enthusiasm on wing. She called me, talked to me about my Prior to moving to Iowa, Sterle was an campus, especially from students, was situation and said if money was an issue, associate professor and extension swine palpable. It was obvious this was a great they could grant an emergency scholarship.” specialist at Texas A&M University for 13 place to be, with programs and plans The money from the Harman endowed years where she earned numerous awards already in place to prepare the next professorship brought Clouse back to Iowa for excellence in teaching and service. generation of industry leaders,” she says. State and Sterle’s continued support has seen Sterle went to the University of Missouri The Eldred and Donna Harman her through her remaining semesters. “I to earn her master’s and doctorate degrees in Professorship for Excellence in Teaching and don’t think I can adequately express how swine reproductive management after Learning also was a draw for Sterle. As
6 STORIES Vol.8 No.2 FACULTY Photo: Lexi Marek
Jodi Sterle is always looking for teachable moments. Many of which happen working with students outside the classroom on activites like Bacon Expo. The student-powered, educational event is one of Iowa State’s fastest growing traditions and was named 2013 Event of the Year.
grateful I am to have her as a professor As an adviser to more than 90 students, the world. She estimates she sees more than and an adviser,” she says. Sterle considers herself a guide along 1,075 students in her courses each year. Sterle is the second recipient of the students’ journey, not the one planning “She provides an excellent learning Harman Professorship, Doug Kenealy the route. environment,” says Patrick Frank, a senior was the first to receive it when Eldred “I’ve had students ask me to tell them in animal science. “Her classroom is open to (’47 animal science) and Donna Harman what classes to take. I tell them to leave my discussion and she strongly encourages of Waterloo established the fund in 2010. office and reschedule their appointment student interaction.” Eldred is a retired vice president of after they decide what classes to take,” she In her role as undergraduate teaching American Federal Savings. says. “This isn’t my degree it’s yours, I tell coordinator, Sterle oversees who teaches She teaches the Introductory to them. When they come back we review which classes, handles difficult discussions Animal Science 114 course that Doug their choices and make sure they’re on the between faculty and students and greets Kenealy taught for decades. She’s still right track.” every new student. occasionally referred to as, “the new In addition to 114, she also teaches a Animal science students are 75 percent Kenealy.” “Except Dr. Kenealy is way course on contemporary issues in agricul- women, and 70 percent are from non-farm nicer than I am,” she jokes. ture and a course on the art and heritage of backgrounds. The department experienced Known for her expertise, warmth and livestock, which reviews the role of animals record enrollment this fall with 1,077 total “tough love,” Sterle has quickly become a in the development of culture throughout students, which Sterle says presents both student favorite. Many refer to her as their challenges and opportunities. (…continued on page 8) “other mother.” “She’s a professor who cares about STORIES EXTRA: www.stories.cals.iastate.edu her students as people. We’re like her kids,” says Brady Zuck (’14 animal science) Jodi Sterle advises Block & Bridle, which hosted the ISU a solutions development specialist with Hunger Fight with Meals from the Heartland this fall. During the event more than 370 volunteers packaged 60,264 meals in Elanco. “We can talk with her about four hours to be sent to Africa. Visit STORIES website to see school, club events, personal issues and videos of the ISU Hunger Fight and Bacon Expo 2014. she offers real-world advice,” he says.
STORIES Vol.8 No.2 7 FACULTY
“SHE’S A PROFESSOR WHO CARES ABOUT HER STUDENTS AS PEOPLE. WE’RE LIKE HER KIDS”
“We work to maintain the quality of “Consumers are paying more and more A trusted expert in the pork industry, Jodi Sterle’s our curriculum as well as the personal attention to how animals are raised and research spans every corner of swine science. attention we give our students,” Sterle cared for. As such, we must prepare all says. “We offer innovative courses, producers - newcomers and veterans - to hands-on learning experiences and assure they’re aware of the best on-farm increased opportunities outside the practices available,” says Sterle. classroom through student organizations, Bill Winkelman, vice president of study abroad and internships.” producer and industry relations for the Her research program includes published National Pork Board, says Sterle is one of research from every corner of swine science their strongest partners supporting efforts from carcass quality to artificial insemination in both youth programming and interaction to biosecurity. with swine extension specialists. Sterle is always looking for teachable As adviser for Block & Bridle and moments whether in the classroom or in Bacon Expo, and a former adviser for CALS the show ring. In addition to serving as a Student Council, she often can be found judge at state and county fairs, her family on campus late into the evening working maintains an active show schedule with her along students. sons, Jake and Jackson, who show pigs, “I believe that much of a student’s steers and lambs. development and learning occurs outside of The pork industry regards her as a the classroom, I enjoy getting to know my trusted expert on contemporary issues. One students better through club activities and of the many ways Sterle serves the industry study abroad experiences,” Sterle says. is as an adviser to the Pork Checkoff’s Youth “Watching them mature during their time Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) Plus program here at Iowa State, making difficult which focuses on food safety and animal decisions, handling stressful situations Photo: Barb McBreen well-being training. and learning to work with industry professionals is very rewarding.”
CLASS NOTES, ALUMNI BE SOCIAL Get updates about recent IN THE NEWS AND MORE: news and events from the GET STORIES ONLINE MONTHLY College of Agriculture and Life Sciences via social media. Follow us on Twitter Want to hear what your classmates are up to and get timely news from at “iastate_cals.” Like the the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences? Sign up for the monthly college page on Facebook. alumni e-newsletter STORIES Online to keep up-to-date between issues Join the alumni group on of STORIES. STORIES Online has class notes, research news, faculty, staff LinkedIn. For links, visit and student updates and notices of college events. www.stories.cals.iastate.edu.
E-mail [email protected] to join the mailing list. 8 PLEDGING IN THE MARGINS HANDS TO Matt Wenger’s event and customer service skills have proven invaluable for a number of non-profits he serves when not working at the ISU Meat Lab. As co-chair of Special Olympics Iowa Summer Games he works with athletes like Kim Lively, a LARGER fellow member of the Summer Games organizing committee. SERVICE
By Haley Cook SERVICE TO OTHERS IS A MANTRA MATT WENGER TAKES SERIOUSLY.
A self-proclaimed “life-long 4-H’er,” Wenger has implemented the skills learned in his youth as an instrumental volunteer to multiple organizations. Wenger (’00 agricultural and life sciences education), program coord- inator for the Iowa State University
Meat Laboratory, has a penchant for Photo: Gary Clarke event management and organization. He coordinates all special and annual “I’m a product of the Iowa 4-H According to Wenger, the impact educational programs offered by the Meat program; it was a great experience for of an organization like Special Olympics Lab. Outside of office hours he spends me with lessons that have continued into far outweighs the time commitment, or much of his time serving the Iowa 4-H my adult life. It’s fun to work with these stress of organizing a large event like the Youth Development Program and Special youth, listen to their ideas and perspec- Summer Games. “It’s all about the athletes,” Olympics Iowa. tives and see them receive some of the he says, “You see them during the games, “Matt gladly offers the time and similar benefits that I did,” he says. participating in events and winning energy needed to mentor individual Wenger also is involved with Special medals. It’s one experience that students and, most importantly, continues Olympics Iowa, where he’s served as a makes their year.” mentorship and involvement with many volunteer for more than 13 years – most He recalls a church service in his of them through their college years and recently as co-chair of the Summer Games, hometown of Fairbank, Iowa, during professional lives,” says Brenda Allen, held annually in May on Iowa State which a Special Olympics athlete was extension program specialist for Iowa University campus. recognized for winning multiple medals 4-H. “We’re also fortunate he shares his “Matt is that special ‘go-to’ person during last year’s Summer Games. He time and expertise in event planning when you have a project and need some- says the experience was moving and helps with major initiatives like the annual one to step-up, create and understand the define the role of volunteerism in his life. Iowa 4-H Youth Conference,” larger picture, then oversee the details,” “Whether we’re talking about a great Wenger has served as an adviser for says Elizabeth Beck executive director 4-H project or an amazing Special Olympics the Iowa State 4-H Youth Council and a of Heartland Senior Services in Ames, Iowa, athlete, it is, and always will be about their chaperone during the Iowa State Fair for and fellow Special Olympics Iowa volunteer. accomplishment,” Wenger says. nearly a decade.
STORIES Vol.8 No.2 9 STUDENTS
Crystal Jones-Sotomayor, a junior in genetics from Puerto Rico, has isolated a new mutation in a cancer gene using genome editing technology. She loves talking about her work with assistant professor Maura McGrail and tutors fellow undergraduates in genetics. Photo: Bob Elbert FINDING A CURE FOR CANCER IS CRYSTAL JONES-SOTOMAYOR’S DREAM CONQUERING CANCER - REMEMBERING By Barbara McBreen
t’s been a dream since she was a sophomore in high school in Aguadilla, A FRIEND IPuerto Rico – after she lost her childhood friend to breast cancer. Cancer develops when a cell’s DNA is countless genetic pathways cancer can “I remember asking Michelle what she damaged causing it grow out of control, enter a cell. wanted to be when she grew up. She form abnormal cells and invade the body. Genetics has fascinated her since said ‘I don’t know, but I want to be in the It’s that DNA or genetic code that interests grade school when she learned about the history books like Christopher Jones-Sotomayor. In fact, she keeps a Punnett Square – a simple method to Columbus,’” says Jones-Sotomayor, a diagram of a cell in her laptop and on her diagram inherited traits and determine junior in genetics. “My hope is to do that cell phone. The diagram illustrates the the probability of those traits being for her.” passed on to children.
10 STORIES Vol.8 No.2 Photo: Contributed
“I absolutely loved the Punnett Squares in elementary school because you could visually see the dominant and recessive traits,” Jones-Sotomayor says. “I have always been a curious person and science is about asking questions.” Crystal Jones-Sotomayor, on the left, poses in a childhood photo with her friend After her friend died, Jones-Sotomayor Michelle Fruits and her brother John. Fruits’ diagnosis with breast cancer when she was 16 years old inspired Jones-Sotomayor to search for a cure. began looking for a top-rated genetics university program in the United States. That search led her to Iowa State University and Maura McGrail’s research FINDING A CURE FOR CANCER IS CRYSTAL JONES-SOTOMAYOR’S DREAM lab, which is filled with tens of thousands the fish. She explains how Transcription tutoring genetics students. She helps of zebrafish. The zebrafish allow scientists activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) students with real life examples and videos to do genetics research on a large scale technology, which is used to cut and because it’s a difficult topic to understand. but at a reduced cost compared to other introduce mutations in the DNA code, “It’s great because I get paid to talk animal models used in cancer research. helped her isolate the new mutation. about genetics,” Jones-Sotomayor says. (Read more about McGrail’s work on TALEN technology was developed by She also formed the iResearch club, page 27.) plant pathologists at Iowa State. a student organization for young scientists. Jones-Sotomayor met McGrail at an In a lab filled with small aquariums, She’s hoping the club will give her peers ice cream social hosted by her adviser Jones-Sotomayor points out the zebrafish a place to share research, results when she was a freshman. She knew she’s watching. and challenges. immediately that she wanted to be part of “The idea was to cross those fish to find Jones-Sotomayor has a natural talent McGrail’s lab because they both had a one that would transmit the new mutant for lab research, but was struggling with common goal – searching for a cure for gene to their offspring. After crossing and class work as a freshman. She’s worked cancer. McGrail describes Jones-Sotomayor, screening the offspring from 260 fish, I hard over the last three years and is now who has been a part of her lab for more found it,” Jones-Sotomayor says. making the Dean’s list. than three years, as a forward-thinking “At this point we don’t have enough Last summer she worked as an creative researcher who started out doing information to say exactly how the gene intern studying the use of specific viruses basic genetic mapping. is involved in cancer,” Jones-Sotomayor to combat cancer at the University of “Crystal uses cutting edge genome says. “What I’m doing now is testing how Florida. That experience introduced her editing technology to create specific this gene connects with cancer genes that to a different approach to researching mutations in genes,” says McGrail, control cell growth or repair damage cancer and will add to her resume assistant professor in genetics, to DNA.” when she applies for graduate school. development and cell biology. During her short career she’s Finding a cure for cancer won’t be Jones-Sotomayor isolated a new presented her research results at six simple, but she hopes researchers find mutation in a cancer gene identified conferences, including the National some answers in her lifetime. And she’s in zebrafish and found the fish that inherit Society for Advancement of Hispanics/ hoping to make a discovery to contribute the new mutation also develop tumors. Chicanos and Native Americans in Science to that goal and honor her friend. “This result was really critical, because conference in Los Angeles in October. She it validated our initial discovery that also won third place for a poster presenta- mutation of this gene promotes tion at the 2013 Louis Stokes Alliance for cancer,” says McGrail. Minority Participation IINSPIRE program. When asked about the mutant gene, Research is what Jones-Sotomayor is Jones-Sotomayor gets excited. She goes about. She says her friends got tired of into great detail about cutting genes and hearing about genetics so she started watching for brain-tumor development in
STORIES Vol.8 No.2 11
STUDENTS Photo: Gary Clarke FICHTERS TEAM UP
& By Ed Adcock
dam and Austin Fichter have a lot in They both are: Going to college with a sibling has been common. The fourth generation n Seniors graduating in May a plus, they say. A agriculture and life sciences n Involved in the Salt Company student “We take a lot of classes together, students from Shenandoah, Iowa, started off &ministry, leading Bible studies in the which I think is helpful having two people their freshman year excelling as scholars Greek community listening and picking up what the and leaders. You could say they were cast n Members of the Iowa State baseball professor’s talking about and having from the same mold, especially when you team (Adam plays shortstop and Austin somebody to study with,” Adam says. see them. is an outfielder) The brothers grew up on a corn and The identical twins have made the dean’s n FarmHouse officers, with Adam soybean farm, but want to explore other list every semester, both majoring in serving as president last year and career options besides production agricultural business, international Austin this year. agriculture. Eventually, farming might agriculture and economics, with minors in Asked about their differences, they have be in their futures, but they’ve enjoyed entrepreneurial studies and general business. to think: Adam is right-handed, although summer internships with a grain coopera- he bats left, and Austin is a southpaw. tive and Monsanto.
12 STORIES Vol.8 No.2
STUDENTS
Central Co-op and Austin went to Australia to know President Steven Leath during In their packed schedule of club meetings, house functions, class, homework and church Adam with an economics and agronomy study the transition. (left) and Austin Fichter make time for playing on abroad trip. “The other students who were in that the Iowa State club baseball team. They are proud to say that, between the class, you see now as heads of different two of them, they have touched every organizations around campus. We have “They could write their own ticket to the continent except Antarctica. those relationships that were established future and do anything they want,” says “When I came to college, I didn’t have freshman year,” Adam says. Ebby Luvaga, a senior lecturer in that in my mind at all, but it’s been really Leadership within FarmHouse economics who serves as their adviser. cool to be able to travel and do ag-related Fraternity occupies a lot of their time. She also hired them as sophomores to study abroad trips to so many different Their grandfather and father were be peer mentors for the agricultural places,” says Austin. members – Albert Jr. “Corby” Fichter business learning communities and as Last summer, mission work took (‘52 animal science) and Albert III “Corby” tutors for agricultural business students in Austin to China and Adam to India, Fichter (’80 agricultural business) – a microeconomics classes. Luvaga looks for allowing Austin to turn 22 before his older legacy they wanted to continue. An role models with leadership skills. brother (by five minutes) because of the uncle and cousin also were members. “They’re very organized and respon- time difference. As presidents of the fraternity, Austin sible. There’s something about them. They “I was 22 for a few hours before Adam enjoys the chapter operations part of being just stood out,” she says. was; the first time I’ve been technically an officer, while Adam likes the alumni Luvaga also likes their sense of humor. older,” he says. relations aspect. Both agree it has played a She says, “After Adam introduced himself Leadership has been a part of their huge role in their development as leaders, to the peer mentor class, Austin would say, student experience since day one. Being giving them the confidence and ability to ‘In case you didn’t know, we’re twins.’ ” members of the President’s Leadership Class tackle opportunities that have enriched They also took to wearing T-shirts saying, helped them develop leadership skills at their Iowa State experience. They say they “I’m not Adam,” and “I’m not Austin.” Iowa State. The class is open to 30 first-year have learned much from older members The brothers joined Luvaga’s group of students on the basis of co-curricular and are now giving back to the younger students on a study abroad course to involvement, community and school members. FICHTERS TEAM UP Argentina in their freshman year. Another services and academic achievement in high FarmHouse has 99 active members and travel course took them to Spain the school. They met weekly at The Knoll to more than 1,000 alumni. The chapter, following year. Those were the first trips talk with university administrators, faculty founded in 1927, is one of 29 nationwide outside the country for the Fichters. and staff and state and local leaders about and Canada. The Iowa State chapter Adam went to Tanzania with the leadership opportunities on campus. consistently ranks among the top fraternities Agricultural Entrepreneurship Initiative on They started the class when Gregory for academics, service and campus a business development project with West Geoffroy was serving his last semester as involvement and was presented the latest president and then had the chance to get award for the top FarmHouse chapter. Photo: Gary Clarke
Seniors Adam (left) and Austin Fichter have been leaders at Iowa State since the first day they stepped on campus. They say being FarmHouse officers, Adam as president last year and Austin this year, has played a huge role in defining their leadership styles.
STORIES Vol.8 No.2 13 NEWS FROM CAMPUS
HANSEN CENTER, ELLINGS, SUKUP HALLS APPOINTMENTS, FACULTY SERVICE DEDICATED, OFFER MODERN EDGE Agricultural engineer Jay Harmon Max Morris is the new chair of the Iowa State University celebrated the dedication of Elings Hall and has been named the interim director Department of Statistics at Iowa Sukup Hall, two new buildings that serve as the home for the agricul- of the Iowa Pork Industry Center. State University. He succeeds tural and biosystems engineering department, and the Jeff and Deb Harmon, a professor of agricultural Kenneth Koehler, University Professor, Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center this fall. The modern, and biosystems engineering and an who served as chair since 2003 and state-of-the-art facilities “create a nearly unmatched learning extension livestock housing specialist, remains on the faculty. The statistics environment for all students who are pursuing careers in agriculture brings expertise in pork production department is coadministered by the and related fields,” says ISU President Steven Leath. Take a virtual tour systems to the position, which College of Agriculture and Life of the new buildings at www.stories.cals.iastate.edu. promotes efficient pork production Sciences and the College of Liberal technologies in Iowa. Arts and Sciences.
CALS STUDENTS IOWA STATE RESEARCHERS JOIN FEDERAL EFFORT LEAD NATIONWIDE Water quality researchers and Award-winning clubs and teams help agriculture extension specialists at Iowa State VS. HYPOXIA and life sciences students become outstanding University have joined with scientists leaders. Recent top finishes include: at 11 other land-grant universities in the Mississippi River watershed and the Mississippi River/ Gulf of Mexico Watershed Hypoxia Task Force in a formal partnership to strengthen efforts to Agricultural Business Club, outstanding reduce the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico. Learn more about ISU’s work to reduce hypoxia in student chapter in the nation for the eighth the “dead zone” at www.stories.cals.iastate.edu. time in nine years.
Food Product Development Team, second in the national Nutritious Foods for Kids Competition. AG ENGINEERING/AGRONOMY RESEARCH FARM
Soil Judging Team, first place at Region 5 MARKS TH Collegiate Soil Judging contest. 50 ANNIVERSARY Iowa State University Research and projects, with other Iowa State academic Crops Team, second place in the Demonstration Farms celebrated the 50th departments, centers and Extension and four-year school division at the 2014 anniversary of its Agricultural Engineering/ Outreach, the U.S. Department of Agriculture North American Colleges and Teachers Agronomy Research Farm Sept. 10. and the Iowa Crop Improvement of Agriculture Crops Contest . Association participating. The AEA Research Farm, as it’s called, consists of about 1,160 acres located between Ames Several facilities have been added around the Livestock Judging Team, third at the and Boone on Highway 30. It is devoted to AEA Farm in recent years: the BioCentury Arksarben Stock Show. mainly agronomy and agricultural and Research Farm, Livestock Environment biosystems engineering department research Buildings Research Complex and the Field Extension Education Laboratory.
PESEK RECEIVES MELON MANIA PRESIDENTIAL AWARD, SMASHES FRUIT FOR FUNDRAISER PORTRAIT UNVEILED Establish and Grow, a philanthropy organized by Iowa State students and staff, raised more than $1,400 for children in Uganda with Melon Mania. John Pesek (‘14 honorary alumnus), Charles F. At the September event more than 2,000 melons were used in carnival Curtiss Distinguished Emeritus Professor in games. Since research performed on some melons made them Agriculture and Life Sciences, was presented with unqualified to donate for eating, students decided to have fun and raise the American Society of Agronomy Presidential money with them before they became compost. Melon bowling, melon Award on campus on Oct. 15. The ceremony also sculpture, melon pinball, strong-man toss and a hammer versus melon included the unveiling of a portrait in his honor that will hang in the second station helped raise enough money to provide about 300 Ugandan floor of Agronomy Hall. Pesek served as head of the agronomy department children school lunch for an entire year. from 1964 to 1990. He also served as interim dean of agriculture from 1987 to 1988. He is world renowned for his role in the 1989 National Academy of Sciences Report on Alternative Agriculture. 14 STORIES Vol.8 No.2 Dorothy Masinde (second from left, standing) visits with mothers about nutrition. They share what they learn DIFFERENCE MAKERS with other mothers in the Kamuli District of Uganda. Many of these women have emerged as confident, strong leaders for childhood and maternal nutrition. Photo: Dorothy Masinde
FROM KAMULI GOOD COMES By Dorothy Masinde hen you tell Ugandans you work the health of pregnant women and lactating Win the Kamuli District, one of the mothers and rescue malnourished children. tangible differences. You see farmers not country’s most rural and impoverished Meal programs feed an 850-calorie only feeding their families, but producing areas, they look at you wonderingly. lunch to 1,000 school children daily, with enough to market and generate an income. Why would anyone go there? Can more than a third of the food grown in That’s real change. You see children who anything good come from Kamuli? gardens established by Iowa State and were once severely malnourished, and The answer is yes. Something good is Ugandan university students. now they are chubby-cheeked kids coming from Kamuli and it has implications Fourteen boreholes provide clean water running between your legs. for other parts of the world gripped by to more than 5,000 households and 2,800 And we keep creating change agents, hunger and poverty. students at nine schools, halving the both in Uganda and here in the United For the past decade, the Center for number of cases of waterborne disease. States. Three years ago, we had an Iowa Sustainable Rural Livelihoods at Iowa State After 10 years, we have a growing State student intern at one of the nutrition University has worked with numerous local number of change agents — farmers, education centers. After her internship was partners in Uganda to train an army of mothers, fathers, college students, children finished, she returned to Kamuli to change agents in Kamuli. We have been — who’ve worked together with us and volunteer for six months, despite having equipping the young and old with the skills now have the potential to continue to be many other opportunities in the United to improve their lives through agriculture, resources in service of their communities. States. She helped to establish a new VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES nutrition, education and sanitation. A good example are the mothers nutrition education center and actually ran VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES It is capacity building at its most who have been trained to provide it for two months while a staff person was VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES fundamental, with agriculture as the driver nutrition education to other mothers in VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESaway. IVOICES was told VOICES that when VOICES her VOICESvolunteer VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESfor VOICES rural households VOICES VOICES to work VOICES toward VOICES food VOICESthe community.VOICES VOICES This VOICESpast summer, VOICES I had VOICES VOICESterm ended, VOICES the VOICES mothers VOICES of Kamuli VOICES cried. VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESsecurity, VOICES improved VOICES VOICESnutrition, VOICES economic VOICES VOICESthe opportunityVOICES VOICES to introduce VOICES VOICESthese Kamuli VOICES VOICES Can VOICES anything VOICES good VOICES come fr VOICESom Kamuli? VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESdevelopment VOICES VOICES and opportunity.VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESwomen VOICES to Ambassador VOICES VOICES Kenneth VOICES Quinn VOICES of VOICESEmphatically VOICES yes.VOICES Transformative VOICES VOICES change VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESThe center’ VOICESs programs, VOICES fundedVOICES primarily VOICES VOICESthe WorldVOICES Food VOICES Prize VOICES Foundation. VOICES During VOICES a VOICEStakes time.VOICES Many VOICES challenges VOICES remain. VOICES But VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESby VOICES private VOICESgifts, have VOICES touched VOICES 10,000 VOICES lives VOICESvisit VOICESto one of VOICES Iowa State’s VOICES nutrition VOICES VOICES VOICESI know VOICES the people VOICES there VOICES will never VOICES be theVOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESin VOICES more than VOICES 1,200 VOICES households. VOICES VOICES VOICESeducation VOICES centers, VOICES the VOICES Ambassador VOICES said VOICES he VOICESsame, VOICESforever. VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESFarmers VOICES improved VOICES crop VOICES and livestock VOICES VOICESwould VOICES not be VOICES surprised VOICES if one VOICES day one VOICES of VOICES Dor VOICESothy Masinde VOICES is VOICESthe associate VOICES director VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESpractices, VOICES VOICESincreasing VOICES food-secure VOICES families VOICES VOICESthem VOICES came to VOICES Iowa to VOICES accept VOICESthe World VOICES VOICESof nutrition VOICES education VOICES programs VOICES VOICESfor the VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESin VOICES some subcounties VOICES VOICES by over VOICES 50 percent. VOICES VOICESFood VOICES Prize. VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESCenter VOICES for Sustainable VOICES RuralVOICES Livelihoods VOICES V atOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESSix VOICES nutrition VOICES education VOICES centers VOICES improve VOICES VOICES I’ve VOICES worked VOICES in development VOICES VOICES in Africa VOICES for VOICESIowa State VOICES University. VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES30 years. VOICES Over VOICES the past VOICES 10, I haveVOICES seen VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES STORIES Vol.8 No.2 15 VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESVOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES DIFFERENCE MAKERS
PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST IMPROVING LIVES IN UGANDA WITH CLEAN WATER, EDUCATION, FARMING By Brian Meyer
essages received in the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods often can be read like testimonials to the Mcenter’s work in Uganda over the past decade. “Thank you to the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods for being the engine of the transformation story that has blossomed on the lips of hundreds and thousands of beneficiaries in Uganda,” wrote a student at Makerere University in Uganda. “I am grateful for being part of the service learning teams who were on the ground in rural Kamuli to witness this story. We have never remained the same.”
16 STORIES Vol.8 No.2 The Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods marks its 10th year in 2014 of people-centered development in Uganda. The center’s efforts with local partners have helped farmers achieve food security and increased the percent of Ugandan families able to meet their daily nutritional needs from 10 percent to 60 percent.
IMPROVING LIVES IN UGANDA WITH CLEAN WATER, EDUCATION, FARMING Photos: Brian Nonnecke
“Having participated in the efforts Ugandan farmers achieve food security, change agents in improving the lives of and works of CSRL in Kamuli, I write improved household nutrition and others around the world. with gratitude on behalf of all those who stabilized income through sustainable Uganda is blessed with a magnificent have shared in the realized fruits so far,” crop and livestock production and access landscape and a rich culture, but its wrote a former staff member with to marketing opportunities. challenges include nearly 25 percent of the Volunteer Efforts for Development The center’s programs have worked population living below the poverty line. Concerns, the nongovernmental organiza- with more than 1,200 families in the “That’s why agriculture has been the tion the center has worked with in Uganda Kamuli District and impacted the lives foundation of the center’s work,” says for years. “I am touched by your sincere of over 10,000 people. The center and its David Acker, associate dean for academic dedication to improve the quality of life partners have made substantial progress and global programs in the College of of rural dwellers in our country. The in combating hunger, malnutrition and Agriculture and Life Sciences. “Improving programs run by the center have been and poverty. The approaches have laid the agriculture is a stepping stone to help lift continue to be an inspiration to us all.” groundwork for a higher quality of life for people out of poverty. Through efforts In 2014, the Center for Sustainable rural Ugandans, while teaching Iowa State like farmer-to-farmer training and other Rural Livelihoods marked its 10th year of and Makerere students what it takes to be agricultural programs, the center has seen a people-first approach that has helped the percentage of families able to meet
STORIES Vol.8 No.2 17 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
their daily nutritional needs jump from Each year, Iowa State students work “The program challenged me in so less than 10 percent five years ago to together with students from Uganda’s many ways and seeing how it has really more than 60 percent now.” Makerere University on service learning made an impact has reignited the passion The thread of food security begins but projects to establish and maintain school I have for helping people,” says Trisha does not end in crop fields and livestock gardens at primary schools, educate Nielsen, a senior in horticulture and pens. It’s a thread that must weave in students on agriculture, nutrition and global resource systems. education, nutrition and health, rural hygiene. More than 150 Iowa State and The center’s work has been made employment and incomes, access to Makerere students have participated possible by ongoing support from markets, clean water, sanitation and since 2006. benefactors committed to helping the sustainable natural resources. The center “We want them to have an international poorest of the poor. Thanks to the has addressed many of those areas as an experience that transforms their perspec- generosity of founding benefactors Gerald educational resource for Ugandans of all tive about what it means to be global A. Kolschowsky and Karen A. Kolschowsky, ages, teaching them the skills and knowl- citizens,” says Gail Nonnecke, associate and a rising number of other donors, the edge to help them sustain healthy, director for education for the Center for center began working in the Kamuli fulfilling lives. Sustainable Rural Livelihoods. District a decade ago, always with Saving lives has been one result. The a broader goal in mind. center’s six Nutrition Education Centers have helped ensure proper nutrition for pregnant women and for their young children. “They’ve saved the lives of malnourished children,” says Dorothy Masinde, associate director of nutrition programs and a lecturer in the global resource systems program. “Several mothers who completed the training now lead the centers.”
“TRANSFORMATIONAL” IS THE ONLY WORD TO DESCRIBE THE RESULTS THE CENTER HAS ACHIEVED.
18 STORIES Vol.8 No.2 STORIES EXTRA: www.stories.cals.iastate.edu
“We wanted the center to be a role society. Donor-supported programs like ALUMNI WORK FARMER-TO-FARMER IN UGANDA model for how to work closely with the center help showcase how Iowa State Iowa women farmers, including six agriculture rural communities and cultures to truly cares about people in the world and and life sciences alums, traveled to Uganda as alleviate hunger and poverty,” says Jerry improving their lives.” part of a U.S. Agency for International Development Kolschowsky (‘62 agricultural business). “Transformational” is the only Farmer-to-Farmer project. Together with women farmers in the Kamuli district, they improved “Its approach and process has proven itself word to describe the results the center post-harvest grain handling practices for maize, as one that could be reproduced anywhere has achieved, says Wendy Wintersteen, field beans and soybean, developed collective in the world. I sincerely hope its results endowed dean of the College of marketing strategies and implemented record stimulate new kinds of thinking and Agriculture and Life Sciences. keeping. Alumni in the group were: April Hemmes partnerships among leaders in govern- “Severe malnutrition has been (’82 animal science), Lori Lang (’97 agricultural ment, communities, universities addressed,” Wintersteen says. “Access education), Jenny Thomas (’77 animal science), Sheila Dotts Hebenstreit (‘80 horticulture), Cindy and philanthropy.” to clean water has increased. Improved McCollough (’81 animal science) and Connie Iowa State University President Steven farming practices have been implemented. Tjelmeland (’76 botany, ’81 MS agronomy). ISU Leath, who visited the Kamuli District in Education is preparing the next generation Extension and Outreach Value Added Agriculture 2013, says, “Thanks to the donors, the to become future leaders in their commu- Program coordinated the program with the Center programs in rural Uganda are some of the nities. Peoples’ lives have been changed. for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods and VEDCO, a greatest examples of the commitment our You can see it in their faces.” non-profit organization based in Uganda. Read more at www.stories.cals.iastate.edu. faculty, staff and students have in helping
STORIES Vol.8 No.2 19 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
PREPARING IOWA’S WOODLANDS AND FORESTERS FOR THE FUTURE
Iowa forests cover 2.9 million acres or eight percent of its total area. Managing those timbered
areas can be challenging. By Barbara McBreen
That’s why landowners, both public Clients have ranged from church and private, annually call on students at congregations to divers salvaging old Iowa State University. Landowner’s goals growth river logs. Each year there’s a range from increasing timber value to waiting list of clients for the program. enhancing wildlife habitat to improving They hope to work with Iowa State recreational access. students to improve Iowa’s forests while the students improve their communica- STUDENT CONSULTANTS, PROFESSIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS tions and management skills. Every spring forestry seniors enroll in a John Tyndall, natural resource ecology capstone class to evaluate and prepare and management professor and adviser, recommendations for landowners on how says the department never has to advertise to manage forested acres. Since 1975 for projects because of the class’ reputa- students have assessed forested-lands in tion. Each spring Tyndall and every corner of Iowa.
20 STORIES Vol.8 No.2 Iowa State grad Paul Tauke, bureau chief and state forester for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, says communications skills are key to preparing the next generation of great foresters, which may include his son Leo.
Dick Schultz, natural resource ecology PLAN COMES TO LIFE and management University Professor, FOR ISU FORESTS select from a list of projects for students. It’s rare for students to be able to watch “It’s not just an academic exercise their recommendations get implemented, and a good experience for the students, but it’s an opportunity Louis Hilgemann these clients come back because they has relished. Hilgemann, a graduate know they are getting high quality advice,” student in natural resource ecology and Tyndall says. management, helped evaluate a property Students select their clients, meet to owned by Iowa State three years ago. understand the landowner’s goals and His team developed a forest management Photo: Contributed analyze information about the property plan for the Everett Casey Nature Center using online resources. The students and Reserve near Boone, Iowa. The 76 COMMUNICATION KEY also spend several days on site surveying, acres was a gift donated to the Iowa State TO GREAT FORESTRY measuring, sampling water and invento- English department in 2009 from Everett Paul Tauke (’88 forestry) is the bureau rying plant and animal species. Casey, a 1946 Iowa State engineering chief and state forester for the Iowa “Students alert landowners if there is graduate. Department of Natural Resources. He an issue of concern, such as an invasive “They wanted a place for students says a misconception about professional species or water quality problem,” to connect to nature,” Hilgemann says. foresters is that they spend a lot of time Tyndall says. “We recommended and have implemented alone. The reality is that foresters are At the end of the semester the students prairie restoration, trails and meeting areas, always working with people. This class provide a management plan with several invasive species removal and we hope to is key to helping students hone their options from basic maintenance to more do stream bank work in the future.” communications skills. intensive and costly suggestions. In May, the forestry seniors advised “You can be a great technical forester, Schultz says the three private landowners and three Iowa but if you can’t communicate to people continuum provides State University research farms. Mark around you and the people you work with, clients the option of Honeyman, director of Iowa State’s then you’ll just be a technical forester, not implementing research farms, says they are using the a great forester,” Tauke says. suggestions based on student expertise as a springboard for their resources. more intensive management. “Our first step is to inventory what’s in these woodlands, so we can be more intentional about how we manage these areas,” Honeyman says.
Photo: Barbara McBreen
Louis Hilgemann, a graduate student, says it’s been inspiring to watch his team’s recommendations implemented at Iowa State’s Everett Casey Nature Center and Reserve near Boone, Iowa.
STORIES Vol.8 No.2 21 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
EXPLORING, LEARNING, DISCOVERING
By Haley Banwart ore than 400 students from the ON ALL SEVEN College of Agriculture and Life MSciences went abroad on travel courses, to study for semester and year-long programs and to complete CONTINENTS service learning and internships abroad using smaller boats to tour Antarctic Australia during the past academic year. Study ice monuments and to view marine Mason Lewis, senior, agronomy, from abroad programs are integrated into the mammals, penguin colonies and bird Monroe, Iowa. curriculum and offer a wide array of life. I am looking forward to experiencing Mason Lewis explored his interests in unique and challenging opportunities for how vast the world truly is and learning learning about the difference between students looking for academic adventure. about other research and entrepreneurial U.S. and Australian crop production by These transformative experiences offer opportunities other than the traditional completing two trips down under. One as students exceptional ways to polish their ways we think of agriculture in the part of the study abroad program and one academic and pre-professional skills, United States. as a member of the Iowa State Crops Team making them uniquely suited to be future competing in the Australian Universities leaders in their fields Africa Crops Competition. Kacey Klemesrud, sophomore, animal Antarctica science, from Osceola, Iowa. How did your travel experience change your Landon Kane, senior in agricultural Kacey Klemesrud gained patience and perception of agriculture on a global scale? business and international agriculture from appreciation while working to improve Looking out across the Australian Fairbank, Iowa. nutrition and agriculture education at a landscape, it was amazing to see the Landon Kane will come one step primary school in Uganda. diversity of cropping systems. I enjoyed closer to reaching his goal of hitting all learning about the production of other seven continents through study abroad How did your trip to Uganda inspire you? farms including vineyards, rice, cotton, programs this December on a 10-day My first impressions of the impoverished wheat, canola and orchards. Being able to trip to Antarctica. region were swept away when I realized tour these farms while still being a tourist how colorful the Ugandan culture was. was the perfect travel experience for me. What motivated you to participate on a trip Despite the sights of extreme poverty and Studying abroad allowed me to walk on to Antarctica? malnutrition, everyone I met was always the other side of the world while main- Going to Antarctica will kind of be like smiling and very welcoming. It was taining my connections to agriculture. taking a trip to the moon. Because there eye-opening to be surrounded by this are no permanent residences, we will be positive attitude and it strengthened my lodging on a vessel on the open sea and appreciation for the differences in the way people live.
22 STORIES Vol.8 No.2 Kacey Nick Jackosky while participating developed in the Dean’s his team Global building skills Jacob Lamkey is spending a semester in the A service learning trip to Uganda gave Agriculture and Food Leadership Program in Rome. Virgin Islands teaching sustainable agriculture to Klemesrud a greater appreciation for the students in kindergarden through eighth grade. differences in the way people live.
South America What is an important life lesson you gained to be at the forefront of today’s efforts. I Courtney Harder, senior, agricultural while working in Rome? consider myself an experiential learner. business and international agriculture, The research I conducted with my Diving into a new environment and being from Hancock, Iowa. colleagues gave me an overarching view in situations that were unfamiliar to me As a former marketing intern with CASE of the world, its resources and all of its really changed my global perceptions. IH, Courtney Harder was grateful to tour moving parts. By working with experts at one of the company’s sugarcane harvesting the Food and Agriculture Organization North America plants in Brazil and realize its global and by listening to stories shared from Jacob Lamkey, senior, agronomy, from agricultural impact. citizens across the globe, I was able to Gilbert, Iowa. learn about how others live from an Spending a semester in the Virgin Islands How has the study abroad program economic, social, food and agricultural was something Jacob Lamkey never influenced your career decisions? standpoint. I think I brought my own imagined himself doing, but spontaneity My travel experience has inspired me to expertise to the team by having a inspired him to jump on the opportunity. open my mind to global career possibilities. limited agricultural background. Lamkey is currently on the island of St. I’ve witnessed the impact of global ties and John where he is teaching sustainable business relationships and I’ve learned the Asia agriculture to students in Kindergarten importance of being able to cater to cultural Nathan Davis, (opposite page) senior, food through eighth grade. tendencies. I look forward to applying my science and global resource systems from experience and knowledge to different Sioux City, Iowa. How have you applied the studies and regions and audiences. Agricultural A single course at Iowa State made a large skills you have learned at Iowa State? practices may be done differently across impact for Nathan Davis. After completing I have applied the knowledge and skills the globe, but in the end we are all a class about the exploration of race and learned from my classes in agronomy to working toward the same goal. ethnicity in the United States, he decided maintain the school garden and to teach to immerse himself in a new culture on a lessons in the classroom. My day-to-day Europe study abroad trip to China. activities help me become a better Nick Jackosky, junior, global resource communicator of agricultural concepts systems and environmental science, from How did your travel experience make you as I interact with students who have a Lakewood, Ohio. a better global citizen? basic background in plant science. Competing as an Iowa State cross-country Being from Iowa I had a set view of This experience has expanded my own athlete helped Nick Jackosky learn how to agriculture, but my trip allowed me to knowledge and will assist me as I take be a team player. He developed a new see the big picture of world food issues. on my role as a teaching assistant in appreciation for working with others Traveling to China helped me realize my Agronomy 114 next semester. while participating in the Dean’s Global desire to solve food-related challenges and Agriculture and Food Leadership Program in Rome. STORIES EXTRA: www.stories.cals.iastate.edu
Hear more from these globetrotting students about their experiences abroad in a video online. DIFFERENCE MAKERS
Several industry and farm tours were included for students visiting Iowa for the 37th International Association of students in Agricultural and related Sciences (IAAS) World Congress. These students toured Wassenaar Grain Operations near Prairie City, Iowa.
LEADERSHIP Nghe An, Vietnam Photos: Hai Le Van,
ON A GLOBAL By Barbara McBreen STUDENT AG LEADERS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE CONVERGE SCALE AT IOWA STATE
World president – that’s the title Genna IAAS is focused on sharing information Iowa. Tschopp said each country has a Tesdall held as a 21 year-old student at worldwide about agriculture through different approach to agriculture. Iowa State. conferences, seminars, exchange “I saw two farms in Iowa with several As world president of IAAS – the programs and internship opportunities. differences,” Tschopp says. “That’s what’s International Association of students in The international student group is based great about IAAS. I can share what I Agricultural and related Sciences – she in Leuven, Belgium. Its mission is to discovered at this World Congress with helped bring the organization’s annual promote the exchange of ideas at the students in my country.” World Congress to Iowa State in July. It international level and improve under- Several students were amazed by was a first. The event was the first congress standing between students in the fields the size of Iowa’s farms and machinery. to be held in the United States since IAAS of agricultural and related sciences. Tschopp pointed out that an average began 57 years ago. As part of their visit the students held farm in Switzerland is 44 acres Tesdall, a senior in global resource general assembly business sessions for five compared to farms in Iowa averaging systems, worked with Rebecca Clay, a days in Iowa State’s Memorial Union. If thousands of acres. junior in agronomy and director of the you listened you could hear accents from Hai Le Van from Vietnam said Iowa’s World Congress session, to lead Iowa around the world. If asked, students gross domestic product is equal to his State’s efforts in hosting the visiting would excitedly share their impressions of entire country. He said he could see students for 19 days. The 53 students Iowa and the United States. returning to Iowa State to get his doctorate from 18 nations spent time exploring Damien Tschopp, a co-leader for the degree or working with manufacturers Iowa, discussing the future of farming IAAS Switzerland exchange program, in Iowa to import machinery to Vietnam. and conducting IAAS business. explored the western National Parks before taking a bus ride through the Midwest to
24 STORIES Vol.8 No.2 IOWA STATE STUDENTS FIRST TO ENGAGE INTERNATIONAL GROUP
Iowa State University hosted the first International Association of
students in Agricultural and related Sciences (IAAS) World Congress Photo: Contributed in the nation this summer, but it also was the first university in the nation to join the group in 2005.
Along with those two firsts, Emma Flemmig was the first from the United States to be the IAAS World President in 2007.
Shelley Taylor, Iowa State Global Agriculture Programs assistant director, says IAAS is an international group run by students for students. She added that the group has offered numerous leadership and travel opportunities since Iowa State joined.
Students have attended most of the IAAS World Congress sessions since Iowa State formed its own chapter in 2005.
Above: Students in Agricultural and related Sciences at IAAS World Congress got a taste of Iowa’s farmers’ markets in Des Moines. Pictured from left to right, Steven Adams, vice president of exchange from Belgium; Samuel Navwarette, 2015 IAAS president from Mexico; Genna Tesdall, 2014 IAAS president from Iowa State; Ekaterina Muravleva, IAAS national director from Russia; and Olga Volkova, a student IAAS member from Russia. Below Left: IAAS students enjoyed guided tours of Iowa State University campus. Photo: Contributed
The experience, Tesdall says, helped her learn about international project management. She said it also helped her understand how to be flexible, holistic and the rewards of working with her international peers. It also changed how she looked at her education. Seeing Iowa State and Iowa from “These students came away with a new “This experience took my education the international viewpoint is what perspective about Iowa farmers and farms. from the theoretical to the practical and Tesdall enjoyed. We showcased a wide diversity of applicable,” Tesdall says. “It was special for me having it here,” agriculture in the Midwest,” Clay says. Experience with international Tesdall says. “I could see Iowa with a sense For Samuel Navarrete, who was elected management and managing the youth of wonder through the eyes of my dear the World President for 2014-15, the Des Non-Governmental Organization for IAAS IAAS colleagues.” Moines Farmers’ Market was a highlight. has given her the confidence to choose Clay was proud to show off her home He said they have markets in Mexico, but careers that could include starting her state and organize tours at Iowa State, not farmers’ markets. own international agriculture company Iowa farms, industry locations and “You get to know the people who or working in the international Iowa’s park system. The tours included produce the food and you can appreciate agriculture sector. the Hy-Vee distribution center, the Iowa their work. It’s a personal connection with State BioCentury Farm, the Des Moines food,” Navarrete says. Farmers’ Market, a winery, the Story County Conservation Center, Monsanto, STORIES EXTRA: www.stories.cals.iastate.edu Syngenta, Wassenaar Grain Operation and Vermeer manufacturing. Hear from international students about their impressions of U.S. agriculture and the importance of partnering at the international level.
STORIES Vol.8 No.2 25 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
TACKLING GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY IN 5 NEW WAYS
By Lynn Laws
“The planet is becoming more crowded, Rural Livelihoods and Distinguished Development to study the genetic hungrier, thirstier and hotter,” says Manjit Professor in agriculture. Rothschild makeup of chickens in Africa to breed for Misra, Global Food Security Consortium and Misra grow the consortium through heat-tolerance and disease-resistance. director, Seed Science Center director and one-on-one contacts and meetings, such as sharing science and technology professor of agricultural and biosystems the April research symposium held at Iowa with the world. engineering at Iowa State. “The consortium State, where more than 180 scientists and “Advances in sustainable crop and is attempting to alleviate poverty both community leaders discussed innovation in livestock science and transferring the domestically and internationally through food security science. Fifty researchers and technology to the private sector and collaborative partnerships.” Launched in community leaders at Iowa State and other communities are at the very heart of solving the summer of 2013, the consortium was campuses and organizations in the United this grand challenge,” says Rothschild. He developed in response to Iowa State States and abroad are now members of and Misra traveled to Washington, D.C., President Steven Leath’s call to university the consortium. in October to meet leaders in government, researchers for multidisciplinary programs developing new science implementing agencies and foundations. “that tackle some of the grand challenges and technology. In addition to technology development, the facing our world.” Five major research focuses are significant scholarly exchanges and research Worldwide, 842 million people suffer promoted by the consortium: Germplasm among consortium members is expected to from chronic hunger and even more suffer and Seed Systems; Climate Resilient Crops; foster entrepreneurial opportunities for from undernutrition, according to a 2014 Climate Resilient Animals; Post-harvest and Iowa, the nation and smallholder United Nations report. Food security – Utilization; and Policies, Regulations and farmers worldwide. having reliable access to a sufficient Trade. Within each research focus, research training the next generation of quantity of affordable and nutritious food – teams also address capacity building, global food security scientists. is a complex issue that requires a broad socio-economics and natural resource Consortium members are working to range of interventions in agriculture, water management. create opportunities and attract increasing supply, policy development and education. bringing new funding to the table. numbers of students to Iowa State and Here are five ways the Global Food Consortium teams of global experts are affiliated partner institutions, in the area Security Consortium (GFSC) has begun to responding to funding opportunities and of food security research. For example, tackle this important challenge. seeking out grants to support their research one consortium team made up of North growing a worldwide network of and new technologies. For example, last fall American, European and African experts food security experts. animal science professors Susan Lamont is working to strengthen post graduate “Our goal is to bring the best people and Jack Dekkers successfully partnered programs integrating seed science, together to collaborate on projects related with researchers at University of California, business and systems at six universities to food security,” says Max Rothschild, Davis and two universities in Ghana and in Africa. Support was provided by co-director of the consortium, associate Tanzania. Together they obtained a grant the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. director of the Center for Sustainable from the U.S. Agency for International
26 STORIES Vol.8 No.2 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
Thousands of zebrafish serve as models for Maura McGrail’s cancer-fighting research. McGrail studies the development of glioma, a brain cancer in humans. Photo: Bob Elbert
in fight cancer By Ed Adcock LITTLE MODELS LEAD TO LARGE BREAKTHROUGHS
nch-long zebrafish are used as a cells growing in an uncontrolled fashion,” In addition to fish care, student model organism by several Iowa State McGrail says. “Having large populations researchers in her lab carry out indepen- Iresearchers. Maura McGrail, an of affected individuals, in our case fish, dent projects to study how genes are assistant professor in genetics, develop- allows us to use genetics to find those involved in brain development and cancer. ment and cell biology, is studying them for changes in the DNA.” (Read more about one such project by a project to understand the development The zebrafish are providing insight Crystal Jones-Sotomayor on page 10.) of glioma, a brain cancer in humans. into the genes that could be functioning in The prognosis of those with malignant She says an advantage to using the development of glioma, a brain cancer, glioma is poor, she says. Surgery is an zebrafish is that her team can do genetic in humans. Previous work developed a option, but can result in damage to research on a large scale at a relatively low genetic system that identified genes surrounding brain tissue. Understanding cost unlike using mice, a prime cancer- involved in carcinoma and sarcoma. how genes work together in advancing research model that is expensive to raise. The system used transposons, pieces disease will provide insights into potential “The same genes that work in humans of DNA that move around the genome targets for new therapies. The Roy J. and mice, and other mammals, are and cause mutations when they insert into Carver Charitable Trust and the National functioning in fish as well. We’re trying genes. Examining where the transposons Institutes of Health National Cancer to understand how the disruption of landed in the zebrafish tumors revealed Institute are funding the research. networks of genes called conserved genes involved in DNA repair and McGrail’s husband Jeff Essner also pathways contributes to carcinogenesis,” cell growth that also are mutated in works with zebrafish, researching how she says. human cancer. blood vessels grow. “Our research The pathways altered by cancer are McGrail’s present project will take that programs dovetail quite a bit. normally required for an organism to system for cancer gene identification and Understanding the role of blood vessels grow and develop. Understanding these use it to specifically look for new genes and tumor growth is very important for networks during the organism’s develop- that promote glioma formation and developing cancer therapies. We take two ment gives scientists insight into what is progression. If the transposon “hits” the different approaches to the same question,” happening when cancer occurs. same gene over and over again in tumors she says. “In cancer research we are trying to from many different fish, this provides figure out what changes in DNA lead to evidence that the gene is involved in cancer.
STORIES Vol.8 No.2 27 PURA
Enrique Villalobos stretches out his arm and points. He lifts his sunglasses and his eyes meet those of a little girl, barefoot and standing in the doorway of a small, simple home. Located on the outskirts of a large pineapple plantation near San Carlos, Costa Rica, she sees hundreds of visitors touring the Finca Corsicana pineapple fields. He waves. “Hello little one,” he says. “Her life is much different from yours,” he tells an Iowa State student sitting near him on the tractor-driven trolley.
VIDA!CULTURAL CONNECTIONS IN COSTA RICA By Melea Reicks Licht
28 STORIES Vol.8 No.2 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
Enrique Villalobos includes a stop at his dairy farm, Ira Rosa, as part of the annual study abroad course. From the hazy mountainside, students pull and PURA classify soil samples and pet a few of his prized Jerseys. Toucans can be heard in the surrounding trees. Photos: Melea Reicks Licht
For Villalobos, guiding Iowa State “Our students love this course because students through Costa Rica is about more of Dr. Villalobos. He is Costa Rica’s best than teaching environmental science and ambassador and professor,” says Burras. soils. It’s about inspiring love and respect “Thanks to his recommendations, students for his home country. may spend their evenings swimming in Villalobos (’83 PhD agronomy), a retired the Pacific Ocean at the hotel’s beach while agronomy professor from the University of we make day trips to see oil palm Costa Rica, is the alumni host for an Iowa plantations, rice farms, sugar cane fields State study abroad course – Soils, Crops and processing plants.” and Water of Costa Rica. Developed in Ten percent of Costa Rica’s land is 2006 in partnership with Randy Killorn, devoted to agriculture. Plantation agricul- emeritus professor of agronomy, the course ture and sustainable or subsistence farming “The faculty on this trip truly made the is led by Lee Burras (’81 agronomy, ’84 MS), is practiced in various regions. experience,” says Bailey Morrell, senior in professor of agronomy. “We learn why organic farming is so agricultural studies. “Dr. Villalobos is very A guide, interpreter and teacher, “Don common in Costa Rica – namely that it is knowledgeable. Whatever questions we did VIDA! Enrique” is the patriarch for a new batch of profitable here and considered more not ask or did not have time to ask while approximately 25 Iowa State students who environmentally friendly from a cultural on our tours, we asked him on the bus visit each spring break. He and Burras plan perspective,” Burras says. rides between stops.” the course together, carefully crafting each Circling the central region of the The course is not limited to agronomy day to maximize learning, cultural country, students get their hands on a or environmental science majors. “Having understanding and fun for the students. number of agricultural products as well as students with various backgrounds and Burras leads a predeparture course the volcanic soil it grows in. Coffee is the interests on the trip was almost as much of preparing the students for what they will country’s oldest and largest export. an experience as it was being in a different see and experience on the trip. Students also see dairy cows, forage crops, country,” says Morrell. “Interdisciplinary “It is a pleasure to travel with the Iowa potatoes, flowers and greenhouses in the approaches with regards to agriculture will State group. My time at Iowa State was so volcanic ash region. In the lower elevations be paramount to addressing future issues.” influential that I enjoy this opportunity to they see pineapples, citrus, cassava, This year the itinerary included a stop give back and spend time with dear friends plantains, bananas and more. at Carlos Rodríguez’s (’08 MS plant from Iowa,” Villalobos says. “I also get to At each stop, students hear directly from pathology) home to visit his third- keep learning new things about my home experts such as agronomists, organic crop generation dairy farm. Rodriquez raises country and share what I know and love specialists, farmers and agribusiness owners. corn, sorghum and soybeans as forage about it.” They learn about production challenges crop – a rarity in Costa Rica – and runs an Villalobos calls upon his former students and management techniques in this fertile, agronomic consulting and equipment to host the visiting Iowa Staters. tropical region.
STORIES Vol.8 No.2 29 DIFFERENCE MAKERS
Iowa Staters walk the rows of organic lettuce and potatoes Many students of Lee Burras’ say the chance to travel with him is as much of a draw to near Zarcero, Costa Rica after tasting tomatoes in the Costa Rica as the destination. Burras engages the students in discussions about greenhouses and talking with the organic farmer. everything from soil to higher education to life well lived.
business. The variety of soy he grows is He served as a professor and director of Cristobal Montoya Marin (’82 PhD ag from lines developed by Villalobos. the University of Costa Rica Center for economics) was among the 14 alumni Rodriguez’s cattle also feed on melon and Research in Grains and Seeds (CIGRAS). and guests who attended the dinner. He waste from produce processing plants. Among his contributions are the develop- echoed the students’ sentiments, grateful Standing on the porch of his family ment of soybeans better suited to tropical for an evening to celebrate their Iowa home, built by his grandfather, Rodriquez conditions and more than 20 research State connection. answered students’ questions. publications on tropical crop physiology, Adriana Murillo Williams (’07 PhD “How many cows do you have?” genetics and production. crop production and physiology) hosted “We milk 180 and have 390 total head In 2001, Villalobos published an the event connecting fellow alumni, many – a crossbreed of Gyrolando and Holstein, essential and popular Spanish language former students of Killorn’s as well as which is good for this area. We get 1,500 textbook, “Physiology of Tropical Villalobos’. As a professor and director of gallons of milk every two days.” Crop Production.” CIGRAS, she holds the same post “What’s your largest pest problem?” Burras says the ultimate legacy of Villalobos held at the peak of his career “Vampire bats.” Villalobos’ 32 years at the University of (read more about Williams in the next “Vampire bats?” Costa Rica is the impact of his popular, issue of STORIES). Rodríguez nods. technically rigorous instruction on Burras and Villalobos will welcome Crops are always in season and hundreds of agronomists working their 10th group in March 2015. Another continually evolving. He says with no throughout Central America. long-standing course, let by Mark Gleason winterkill to offer reprieve, crop pests and This year’s trip included a dinner with in plant pathology and microbiology, also disease are particularly aggressive in Costa Iowa State University alumni working and travels annually to Costa Rica. Groups Rica – problems compounded by living near San Jose – many at the University from the University of Costa Rica travel to increasing herbicide resistance. of Costa Rica. Iowa State University annually as well. Villalobos and Burras find learning “Meeting our alumni was a highlight of “It is not an overstatement to say Iowa opportunities at every turn, from pointing the trip for me. It was touching to see how State University made the greatest out shrubberies on the University of Costa much they loved Iowa State, and I learned contribution to the University of Costa Rica campus, “Look – a legume! Who can so much hearing about their life and Rica’s academic development,” says tell me how this plant fixes nitrogen?” to careers in Costa Rica,” says Allie Ferguson, Villalobos. “Many professors here were giving students a chance to use their junior in agronomy. “It was like we were trained at Iowa State.” Spanish way-finding through San Jose and instant friends.” talking with site hosts. At age 66, Villalobos matches the students step for step. A student of Dick Shibles, he came to Iowa State to earn his doctorate with the encouragement of his supervisor at the University of Costa Rica. “Scores of Costa Rican scientists trained at Iowa State University thanks to an anonymous benefactor that supported the partnership beginning in the 1970s,” says Villalobos.
This year’s trip included a dinner with Iowa State University alumni working and living near San Jose. Allie Ferguson, junior in agronomy, says meeting the alumni was like becoming “instant friends.” 30 STORIES Vol.8 No.2 DIFFERENCE MAKERS Photo: Contributed
Nicole Schubert gained valuable hands-on experi- ence during her internship at the New England SCHOLARSHIPS Wildlife Center in Massachusetts. A scholarship from CALS Career Services helped offset her living expenses during the unpaid internship.
STUDENT INTERNS BOOST By Ed Adcock
elley Glanz, a senior majoring in components, along with zoos, wildlife “Overall, I enjoyed my experience at public service administration in related facilities and veterinary clinics Nourish Scotland and came away with Kagriculture, traveled to Scotland tend to be unpaid. new perspectives to agricultural produc- last summer to intern for Nourish So he decided to offer 10 scholarships tion and knowledge about our food Scotland, which seeks to make locally of $500 each from the proceeds of Ag system,” she says. grown food more accessible. Career Day. About 40 students applied. Kendall got to contact farmers in Nicole Schubert, an animal ecology Given the increased debt load villages of Nepal’s mountainous regions senior, spent the summer interning at the associated with today’s college experience, during her internship. She researched the New England Wildlife Center in these scholarships are designed to help effectiveness of Machhapuchhre Massachusetts assisting with the medical cover some of the financial burden of Development Organization’s programs to treatment and rehabilitation of wildlife. potentially expensive internships, update organic farming methods. Elise Kendall, a junior in global resource Gaul says. It was an ideal introduction to systems, interned in Nepal, researching the “It may seem nominal, but $500 could what she hopes to be a career in interna- impact of Machhapuchhre Development cover airfare or a couple months rent,” tional development. Organization’s organic farming he says. “This also will help strengthen my education program. Schubert says her internship at the application for the Peace Corps, which I Internships like these offer valuable wildlife center provided a variety of activities hope to join after I graduate,” Kendall says. experiences to students, but don’t always including many personal “firsts” like helping The internship experiences available provide pay. put on a cast, taking an X-ray by herself and to students become more diverse and Very few of agricultural internships are putting an animal under anesthesia. exciting every year, Gaul says. unpaid, says Mike Gaul, director of “This internship provided me with “This is such a unique time in a Career Services for the College of great hands-on experience and knowl- student’s life and to have these experi- Agriculture and Life Sciences. edge about the veterinary world I am ences possibly diminished by lack of “The good thing in agriculture is that excited to build on in the future,” funding would truly be sad. The majority typically 95 percent of internships are Schubert says. of these students are the ones we want paid,” he says. “Internships in agriculture Working for Nourish Scotland exposed representing Iowa State and serve to are just too competitive.” Glanz to new concepts about that country’s strengthen the college’s reputation He says the trend, especially in social agriculture and how its policies affected the throughout the world.” sciences, is to offer unpaid internships. industry. But it also helped her under- Also those that have international standing of American agriculture.
STORIES Vol.8 No.2 31 ALUMNI
VIEWS FROM THE MOUNTAIN ENRICHING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND AGRICULTURE IN NEPAL
By Lynn Laws
iara Sandoval walks to a village “Over 70 percent of the population in Foundation’s book donation program in meeting on a cool Saturday Nepal is involved in agriculture, but the Nepal and asked them for a donation. The Tmorning. Her host family’s village food produced is often not enough to school now has a library with 188 English is Middle Hills Region, in the district of fulfill nutritional needs of adults and and Nepali children’s books and textbooks. Syangia, is located along the side and top especially children,” says Sandoval. “I was moved by a documentary I saw of a hill. Far to her left she can see tropical “Farmers often have limited access to at a Peace Corps meeting, called ‘Girl forest and to her right on the other side of improved seeds, new technologies and Rising,’ about how educating girls can the small village, yellow-green terraces of market opportunities.” break cycles of poverty in just one millet lead down to a river. The millet, In her village community, Sandoval has generation,” Sandoval says. It inspired her which was planted between stalks of maize provided trainings on mushroom cultiva- to take on her largest project to-date – a soon after the summer’s harvest, is thriving tion; off-season vegetable production, weeklong GLOW (Girls Leading our in this monsoon season. This morning the using nurseries and plastic tunnels; and World) camp for girls in three Nepal sky is clear and Sandoval can see the post-harvest practices with use of solar Annapurna Mountains and, on a hilltop a dryers, including how to construct the few hours away by bus, the World Peace dryers with natural materials at hand. She Pagoda in the city of Pokhara. encourages families to create small kitchen Sandoval, 24, completed her gardens to produce their own foods for bachelor’s in animal science and interna- home consumption and to sell the excess tional agriculture at Iowa State in 2012. for additional income. Later the same year, she and 19 other Sandoval also convenes a weekly youth Peace Corps volunteers arrived in Nepal to group at the local primary school, where receive training and be assigned to a local she has provided health and hygiene community at risk of food insecurity. The training, created a world map mural on volunteers teach community members one classroom wall and is now teaching about agriculture, nutrition, hygiene, English to 12 youth, ages 9 to 16. sanitation and how food preservation Resourceful and attuned to the needs can be used to generate income. of others, when Sandoval saw the school had no library, she contacted the Asia
32 STORIES Vol.8 No.2 ALUMNI
When Sandoval saw the school had no library, she contacted the Asia Foundation’s book donation program in Nepal and asked them for a donation. The school now has a library with 188 English and Nepali children’s books and textbooks.
Sandoval and her host family plant millet, which they will Photos: Contributed grind for flour to make bread. Shown are Sandoval and her host family’s grandmother, Purnima Sen.
“She introduced me to community affairs coordinator for the Peace Corps. “Tia members, helped get community members and other Peace Corps volunteers in Nepal involved in my projects and has taught are making a difference in a variety of ways, districts. Thirty-six girls participated in the me a lot.” big and small, both in the work they’re sessions and games, covering the topics of Sandoval says her Iowa State course doing and the friendships they’re building empowerment, gender roles, women’s work provided the agricultural knowledge in their host communities.” health and career and life skills, such as base needed for her work in Nepal. Her Sandoval would like to get a master’s in budgeting. Sandoval says opportunities like study abroad experiences enhanced her international development with a focus in this make a difference. knowledge and gave her the personal skills agriculture and continue working abroad. “Girls don’t have an easy life in Nepal. essential to successfully navigate new “I have gained a huge appreciation for Some may never again leave their village. situations and cultures very different from working abroad and on projects at the It’s rewarding to see them get excited about hers. These included short programs of grassroots level. I can see myself enjoying meeting other girls, see a new city and learn study in China (agricultural globalization) this type of work all over the world in the about life’s possibilities,” says Sandoval. Brazil (agricultural engineering) and future,” says Sandoval. Sandoval’s own support system in Nepal Ecuador (tropical crops and soils). She also This morning, Sandoval is listening in consists of other Peace Corps volunteers, spent a semester in Brazil studying at the on a meeting of the farmers’ and mothers’ whom she can reach by phone, and her Federal University of Viçosa. groups who have recently finished devel- host family’s grandmother. “She is one of “Having studied abroad, I know how to oping and installing a waterline system to the most active people in the community, figure out how to communicate when I bring water to every home in the village. is the mothers’ group president and is so don’t know the language. I learned to be Conversation revolves around budget, involved in agriculture that she is known flexible and patient when something goes working with the district agricultural office as The Vegetable Mother,” says Sandoval. not as planned or is done differently. And and dividing up the work that remains. after being exposed to a variety of cultures “I would like to think I am helping my and situations, I was prepared for living for community,” she says. “I’ve had an amazing Sandoval organized and led a GLOW (Girls an extended period abroad,” says Sandoval. experience here in Nepal and can’t imagine Leading our World) camp for girls from three Nepal districts. Nepal’s Middle Hills Region “Iowa State produces mature, service- being more fulfilled or feeling more at can be seen in the background. oriented graduates well-suited to Peace home in any other Peace Corps post.” Corps service,” says Jessica Mayle, public
STORIES Vol.8 No.2 33 ALUMNI
BIG Photos: Contributed The 2014 Iowa State Fair Big Boar, Peabody, co-owned by several Iowa State alumni and friends raised more than $8,000 in memory of Brad Peyton (’79 farm operations) to benefit the BOAR Shining City Foundation. HONORS BIG LEGACY, FUNDS FOUNDATION
Motivated by the humanitarian need in China, Brad Peyton founded the Shining City Foundation before his death in 2013. Together with his wife, Claudia, friend Scott Raecker, and board members and ISU alums Dan and Deb Timmons, the foundation has helped thousands of children abroad. By Melea Reicks Licht A team of Iowa State alumni and fans DVM), Don Erickson (‘79 industrial Pork Partnership in Carroll, and Tom brought home the prize for the Biggest Boar education), Steve Duesenberg (‘79 industrial Dittmer (’79 farm operations), owner of at the Iowa State Fair in August. The purple administration), Gerald Peterson (‘81 Grandview Farms in Eldridge. ribbon wasn’t their true motivation. The construction engineering), ISU supporters “Our family has been humbled by all the crew honored their friend “Peabody” and Joe Pritchard and Mark Whaley, Duke kindness shown to us during Brad’s illness raised money for his international charity. Reichardt – our token Hawkeye fan who’s and after his passing. The contributions Peabody, the Hampshire boar, was married to ISU alum – myself and Brad’s made to Shining City Foundation as a named for Brad Peyton (’79 farm opera- wife Claudia (’80 ad design),” Kruse says. result of the Biggest Boar project will make tions) – an investment advisor and Peabody was not the group’s first try at a significant difference in the lives of many co-founder of the Shining City Foundation the state fair title of Big Boar. In 2012, Kruse people around the world,” Claudia says. – who died last year following a battle with teamed up with Peyton, Sweeney and others “Ultimately, this was not about Brad but pancreatic cancer. Peabody was Peyton’s to raise “Fred Hoiboar,” named for Iowa about growing people in their Christian faith nickname when he was a member of the State Men’s Basketball coach Fred Hoiberg. and helping others. For that Brad would Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity at Iowa State. At 1,079 lbs., Hoiboar didn’t take home the be pleased.” Peabody, owned by Pleasant Hill’s gold, but his third place finish raised funds Founded to help care for abandoned Friends of Peabody, weighed in at 1,273 and awareness for Hoiberg’s cause of choice children in China in 2001, the Shining City pounds. Co-owner Paul Kruse (’80 farm – Camp Odayin for kids with heart disease. Foundation has grown to serve other operations) says the team raised more than Lori Dvorak, a “future Iowa Stater” from geographic areas. In total, the Shining City $8,000 by selling Peabody T-shirts to Bondurant, cared for and showed Peabody Foundation has provided more than support the foundation’s work with with support from two of Peyton’s pledge $500,000 to development initiatives abroad orphanages, medical clinics, churches and brothers who also donated the T-shirts to enhance the health and welfare of other projects abroad. – Craig Rowles (’82 DVM), owner of Elite underserved people. “We have all been getting together the first day of the Iowa State Fair for the past six or seven years. Our group consists of STORIES EXTRA: www.stories.cals.iastate.edu John Sweeney (‘80 animal science, ‘84 In a video filmed before his death in 2013, alum Brad Peyton offers his thoughts about what motivated him to create the Shining City Foundation. The foundation has provided more than 34 STORIES Vol.8 No.2 $500,000 of support to development initiatives around the world. ALUMNI
Agronomy grad Jim Blome, president and CEO of Bayer CropScience, shared his thoughts on emerging trends in agriculture at the 2014 Carl and Marjory Hertz lecture last spring.
Photos: Contributed BLOME LOOKS AHEAD IN BIOTECH, BEES, BIG DATA Peterson Photo: Ryan By Melea Reicks Licht
printers in agriculture will revolutionize our Blome credits his Iowa State adviser, industry. Just think, if you need a part just Brent Pearce, with helping him under- print it. Or use your cell phone camera to stand agricultural chemicals and get a read on a blood test, or tissue analysis genetically modified traits. He also on a leaf sample.” worked as an undergraduate research Blome shared his thoughts with a lecture assistant for former entomology professor hall full of Iowa State students, farmers and Jon Tollefson (’75 PhD entomology) and By Melea Reicks Licht agribusiness people as he offered the 2014 was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda. Carl and Marjory Hertz Lecture on He looks back on his time at Iowa State Emerging Issues in Agriculture last spring. with a smile. “I was the post hole digger
Photo: Tyler Teske Photo: Tyler Raised on a farm near Hubbard, Iowa, rating roots for an ISU rootworm scale
During his visit to campus Jim Blome visited with Blome oversees one of the world’s leading created by Tollefson,” he says. “Today we members of the Iowa State Agronomy Club. Blome crop science companies, with seed, crop battle in the field with biotechnology.” was a member as a student and also worked with protection and non-agricultural pest In recognition of outstanding leader- entomologist Jon Tollelfson as a research assistant. control products. The company has a ship and service to agriculture, Blome was Jim Blome, president and CEO of Bayer workforce of more than 20,000 with a honored with the College of Agriculture CropScience, says today’s farmer wears more presence in more than 120 countries. and Life Science’s Henry A. Wallace hats than ever before. Under his leadership Bayer CropScience Award in 2013. “I like that because I’m a seed dealer. opened the Bee Care Center located at In addition to his work at Bayer I have a lot of hats,” he jokes. “The next Bayer’s North American headquarters in the CropScience, Blome has held executive generation of farmer is CEO, entrepreneur, Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. positions at Valent USA Corp, Agriliance investor, human resources director, The $2.4 million center brings together LLC, Agtrol International and Griffin LLC. scientist, analyst and more.” some of the brightest minds in agriculture He serves on executive boards and councils Blome (’85 agronomy, pest manage- and apiology to develop comprehensive for CropLife America, National FFA, North ment) says the average age of farmers in solutions for bee health. It complements Carolina Agricultural Biotechnology, Iowa the United States is 58, and in this age other Bayer Bee Care centers in Clayton, State University MBA and the National Wild of “Big Data” they are keeping up with North Carolina and Monheim, Germany. Turkey Federation. technological advances and an increasing “Healthy honey bees mean a more amount of information. He says possibili- substantial and nutritious food supply ties for the future are exciting. for us all, and we understand the many STORIES EXTRA: www.stories.cals.iastate.edu complex issues affecting honey bees’ “The data will help us improve crop Go online to listen to audio of Bayer Crop- yield, but we need to help them know what ability to thrive, including disease, Science President and CEO Jim Blome’s entire to do with it,” Blome says. “Drones and 3D parasites such as Varroa mites, genetics Carl and Marjory Hertz Lecture on Emerging and more,” says Blome. Issues in Agriculture.
STORIES Vol.8 No.2 35 ALUMNI VOLUNTEERISM BUSY SECOND CAREER FOR MENTE By Melea Reicks Licht
Service has long been a part of Glen Mente’s life. And now, in retirement, he’s enjoying his second career as a “professional volunteer.” Mente met his wife Mary Jo through their involvement in 4-H. Together, the two spent a combined 25 years leading 4-H clubs. It could easily be said they raised generations of 4-Hers in addition to their two daughters. Glen says, “moving to Ames after An Iowa High School Basketball Hall of retirement provided so many volunteering Famer, Mente (’61 animal science,‘63 MS) opportunities to keep us busy, and, the continued honing his skills playing for best part is, we enjoy everything we do.” Iowa State. After joining Kent Feeds in Tops on Glen’s list is meeting people Muscatine, Iowa, in 1964 as a swine and narrating Iowa State University nutritionist the president had a request. campus bus tours as a volunteer for the Photo: Gary Clarke “He asked me to get rid of my crew-cut alumni association. A homemaker and so I would appear older and more community volunteer, Mary Jo has been He served as president of the Iowa 4-H authoritative,” Mente says. He complied, but involved extensively with the alumni Foundation and as a governor of the ISU quickly re-embraced his signature cut after association, 4-H and Mary Greeley Foundation. As a past president of the ISU retiring as senior vice president in 1996. Medical Center. Alumni Association Board of Directors the At Kent Feeds Mente was instrumental “Every organization needs a Glen Mentes served as co-chairs of The Circle, in developing an industry leading and a Mary Jo. Committed and thorough the association’s organization for former “flavorizing” process for baby pig feeds, a volunteers, they offer up their time, talents leaders. They also are members of the protected natural protein (PNP) concept in and treasure gladly and the association and Order of the Knoll Campanile Guild and ruminant diets and a patented open Front our alumni have benefited greatly from President’s Circle. Pork Production Center. “We set the their generosity,” says Jeff Johnson, Glen and Mary Jo provided funds to industry trend for a ‘grind and mix’ president and CEO of the ISU name the Mente Welcome Center and the medicated supplement concept for Alumni Association. Mente Conference Room as part of the swine feeds.” Glen and Mary Jo are celebrated by the recent renovation of Curtiss Hall. organizations they serve. His honors “We wanted to be sure prospective include the State 4-H Alumni Award, the students always experience the welcoming ISU Alumni Association’s Alumni Medal, environment I felt when I enrolled in the Iowa Games Volunteer of the Year, Special college,” Glen says. “The Mente Welcome Olympics Iowa Outstanding Volunteer and Center provides college staff the best the State of Iowa Governor’s Volunteer environment to begin this relationship.” Award. The couple received the National Glen’s pace would keep time with Service Award from the ISU Alumni any current Iowa State student, whom he Association and was inducted into the encourages to get involved. His rally cry Iowa 4-H Foundation Honor Court. for them: “Go for it!”
Following his career at Kent Feeds, Glen Mente and his wife Mary Jo have become celebrated volunteers with many organizations including Iowa 4-H, Special Olympics and the ISU Alumni Association. Retirement also brought Glen back to his signature crew-cut – a look he sported Iowa State University Archives on the ISU basketball court.
36 STORIES Vol.8 No.2 Photo: Gary Clarke – ISUAlumniAssociationMedal CALS ALUMNIHONORED DURING HOMECOMING Achievement Award for Earlyor second from right – CALS Superior second fromright–CALSSuperior science, internationalag),frontrow sciences education),frontrowright— (‘00 PhD ag and life Antoine J.Alston(‘00PhDagandlife PhD), front row second from left – CALS PhD), frontrowsecondfromleft–CALS row, center—CALSFloydAndreAward CALS GeorgeWashington Carver Henry A.Wallace Award Distinguished ServiceAward Mid-Career Alumni Steven Bradbury Sig Cornelius(‘76farmoperation),back The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Iowa State University Alumni The CollegeofAgricultureandLifeSciencestheIowaStateUniversityAlumni Laurie A.HuenekeMartens Kevin Drury Association presentedawardsattheannualAlumniHonorsandAwards Ceremony onOct.10.Readmoreaboutawardeesatwww.stories.cals.iastate.edu. soybeans onhisfamilyfarmnear Spirit Lake.Watch hiscomplete on Sept.30“Telling OurStory:TheFutureofIowa’s FarmFamilies.” delivered the2014WilliamK.Deal EndowedLeadershipLecture presentation onlineatwww.stories.cals.iastate.edu. Iowa SecretaryofAgricultureBillNorthey(‘81agbusiness) Northey is a fourth generation farmer and raises corn and Northey isafourthgenerationfarmer andraisescorn (‘83 ag business), not pictured, (‘83 agbusiness),notpictured, (‘81 MSentomology, ‘85 AVAILABLE ONLINE BY BILLNORTHEY DEAL LECTURE (‘01 animal (‘01 animal Association AlumniServiceAward A. HopsonAlumniVolunteer Award Alumni Award Alumni AssociationOutstandingYoung Young AlumniAward education, ‘09MS),backrow, right–ISU (’72 zoology) second fromright,andEllen(’72zoology) pictured – ISU Alumni Association James pictured –ISUAlumniAssociationJames Douglas , back row left – ISU Alumni Nelson, backrowleft–ISUAlumni Nupur Ghoshal (‘99 ag and life sciences Matthew Eddy(‘99agandlifesciences Rachel L.Hymbaugh left – ISU Alumni Association Outstanding left –ISUAlumniAssociationOutstanding (‘71 horticulture), back row (‘71 horticulture),backrow (‘95 genetics),frontrow, (‘96 horticulture), not (‘96 horticulture),not Aug. 28. An agricultural engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach, Aug. 28.Anagriculturalengineer with ISUExtensionandOutreach, Hanna was recognized for his research to find practical solutions Hanna wasrecognizedforhisresearch tofindpracticalsolutions Dean LeeR.KolmerAward forExcellenceinAppliedResearch from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State on from theCollegeofAgricultureand LifeSciencesatIowaStateon Mark Hanna to challengesfacedbycropproducers. (’73 agricultural engineering, ’75 MS) received the (’73agriculturalengineering,’75MS)receivedthe ’99 PhD meat science and food science and ’99 PhDmeatscienceandfood AWARDS, HONORS NATIONAL Terry Steinhart Achievement Award from theAmericanMeat applications atTyson Foods,Inc.,Distinguished sciences education, ’90 MS), Iowa State sciences education,’90MS),IowaState Service Award. Science Association. program specialist, National Association of program specialist,NationalAssociationof County Agriculture Agents Distinguished County AgricultureAgentsDistinguished University Extension and Outreach swine University ExtensionandOutreachswine Dave McKenna technology), director of meat research technology), directorofmeatresearch APPLIED RESEARCH RECOGNIZED FOR
HANNA (’75 PhD agronomy), Jerry Hatfield(’75PhDagronomy), Science Hall of Fame. Science HallofFame. director oftheUSDAAgricultural Laboratory for Agriculture and Laboratory forAgricultureand Research Service (ARS) National Research Service(ARS)National University, inductedintotheARS the Environment at Iowa State the EnvironmentatIowaState (’70 agricultural and life (’70 agriculturalandlife (’00 animal science), Jason Ross(’00animalscience), Anderson Endowed Professorship Anderson EndowedProfessorship associate professor of animal associate professorofanimal science at Iowa State, Lloyd L. science atIowaState,LloydL. Society of Animal Science Early Society ofAnimalScienceEarly Career Achievement. in Physiology, 2014American (’97 animal science, ‘99 MS, (’97 animalscience,‘99MS, STORIES
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PARTNERS
CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS: MANAGING FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW By Lani McKinney
“I don’t think it’s worth it,” says Patty the Value Added Agriculture office, In Iowa the program is administered Walker. She sits across the kitchen table facilitated the course. by Iowa State University Extension and from her daughter-in-law, Kris Walker, on a “Like Kris and Patty, many farm women Outreach. Annie’s Project fosters problem bright October morning. One look out the are central to farm family communication. solving, record keeping and decision- picture window and it is obvious harvest is Managing for Today and Tomorrow was making skills in farm women and in full swing. Patty is making reference to designed to help farm women talk with connects women to their local resources. something she has seen too much - families family or other business partners about Since taking the transition planning being torn apart over the dispersion of the business, estate, retirement and succes- course, Patty and her husband, Jim, have family farm. “It breaks my heart when I hear sion,” says Schultz. “Successfully updated their will. Patty, a mother of four people fighting over an estate. My family is transitioning land, other assets, manage- and grandmother of nine, stresses the value the most important thing and I don’t want it ment and labor to the next generation of succession planning, “You need to think broken up over land,” she says. takes good planning over several years,” about it before you’re sick. Along with our This was the driving force behind her she says. will, we have a living will to explain why we decision to attend an Annie’s Project course Patty takes the course workbook along have things the way they are.” Although – Managing for Today and Tomorrow – in when she meets her lawyer. It’s just the only Kris’ husband, Bill, plans to farm, the Ames with Kris (’00 animal science) in compass she needs to navigate unfamiliar course compelled Patty to meet with each of 2012. It was part of a new curriculum topics and terms and also prompts her to her children individually to help them supported by the Beginning Farmer and ask questions she would have never understand the transition plans. Rancher Development Program of the thought to ask. “I pick up something new “The best part was the ride home from National Institute of Food and Agriculture, every time,” she says. the course,” Patty remembers, smiling at USDA. Madeline Schultz, Women in Annie’s Project is a national educational Kris. “Kris and I would talk non-stop Agriculture program manager with Iowa program dedicated to strengthening and plan how to communicate what we State University Extension and Outreach in women’s roles in farming. Over the past 10 learned.” Later, Patty would lay in bed years, courses have been taught in 34 states. at night talking to Jim about things
38 STORIES Vol.8 No.2 PARTNERS
Farmers Patty (left) and Kris Walker show Iowa State University extension’s Madeline Schultz (center) around their farm. Schultz, Women in Agriculture Program Manager, facilitated a succession planning course they participated in as part of the Annie’s Project – an educational program for farm women.
CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS: MANAGING FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW
Participating in the course, Managing for Today and Tomorrow, helped guide the Walker family through some crucial conversations about the long term management of their farm. Bill, Kris, Patty and Jim (from left to right) credit the course for helping them talk openly.
discussed in class. “I could not stop talking “And we’ve at least about what I learned,” she laughs. It had a conversation.” prompted conversation about retirement, a Managing for Today topic Jim often avoided. “That conversation and Tomorrow and wouldn’t have happened without this other Iowa State extension courses course,” says Patty. they’ve taken have helped them work “We’re confident we have a basis as far as towards successfully transitioning the Walker information or places to go for information,” family farm to the next generation. says Kris. Patty nods and chimes in,
STORIES EXTRA: www.stories.cals.iastate.edu
Take a trip to the Walker farm and hear from the family about their experience with Annie’s Project and how the transition planning course helped them plan for the future in a video online. GIVING A PLACE TO CALL
By Haley Cook HOME THE NEIL AND DARLENE HARL COMMONS Since opening in the fall of 2013, the Neil animal science, ’63 MS) and Mary Jo and Darlene Harl Commons (Harl Mente, features a conference table for 10 Commons), has become a favorite place people, a white board and 70-inch screen for College of Agriculture and Life that can be used for group presentations. Sciences students to gather. The space is reserved exclusively for Made possible by Neil Harl (’55 students, and in such demand the college’s agricultural and life sciences education, student services unit has set up a new ’65 PhD economics), Charles F. Curtiss reservation webpage allowing students to Distinguished Professor in Agriculture check the space’s availability and request and Life Sciences, and emeritus professor reservations, says Tim Carey, student of economics, and his wife, Darlene (’81 services specialist for the College of sociology), the Harl Commons includes an Agriculture and Life Sciences. open area for informal gatherings, private “The student use of the Harl Commons meetings spaces, a public computer bank is exactly what Dr. Harl described in his and the Global Café. vision for the space—a place where “The Harl Commons is a great place students feel at home,” says David Acker, for students to hang out, do homework, associate dean of the College of Agriculture or grab something to eat. It’s one of my and Life Sciences. “I make a point of favorite places on campus,” says Cameron escorting first time visitors through the Jodlowski, sophomore in agricultural and space to give them a lasting, positive life sciences education. “The technology in impression of our college, and a chance the conference room also makes it the to enjoy some of the new amenities.” perfect spot to meet for group projects.” One such amenity, the Global Café, The Mente Conference Room, named is a particular draw for students offering for long-time college supporters Glen (’61 snacks, deli-style entrees, beverages and coffee. The coffee, a fair-trade Ugandan variety, showcases the relationship between Uganda and the college’s Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods. Fifty percent of sales from each cup support college programs supporting Ugandan children and families. According to ISU Dining, the Global Café sells nearly 400 cups of the brew per week. “The Harl Commons is the new front door to the college,” says Acker. “One we’re Photo: Gary Clarke extremely proud of.”
The Harl Commons’ Global Café draws students in with fresh Ugandan, fair-trade coffee, other beverages, snacks and meals. Fifty percent of sales from each cup support Ugandan children and families through the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods.
40 STORIES Vol.8 No.2 Photo: Melissa Kroksh IN OUR NEXT ISSUE
IN AGRICULTURE AND LIFE SCIENCES The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University offers a variety of degree and certificate programs you can STORIES OF ART complete online. AND AGRICULTURE CONTINUE YOUR ADVENTURE ART and agriculture is the THEME of the next STORIES in WHEREVER YOU ARE Agriculture and Life Sciences Your education doesn’t end when you find a career you love. from Iowa State University. LET US BE YOUR DOCENT to take in new public art in recently completed campus buildings, learn how innovative
faculty are incorporating art IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY AGONLINE and HISTORY into their
CLASSROOMS and meet GRADUATE PROGRAMS AND CERTIFICATES UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS AND CERTIFICATES creative students and alumni Food Safety and Defense Graduate Certificate Occupational Safety Undergraduate Certificate Program Master of Science in Agricultural Education Swine Science Online Undergraduate Certificate Program taking ARTFUL APPROACHES to Master of Science in Agronomy Master of Science in Plant Breeding - Online Option communicating about Master of Science in Seed Technology and Business agonline.iastate.edu AGRICULTURE AND SCIENCE. Seed Science and Technology Graduate Certificate [email protected] Seed Business Management Graduate Certificate 800 747-4478 Photo: Melissa Kroksh 304 Curtiss Hall Ames, Iowa 50011
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