IN AGRICULTURE AND LIFE SCIENCES VOL.12 NO.2 2018

GEORGE WASHINGTON 6 Invisible battle 24 Evolution of cultural CARVER’S competency LIVING LEGACY 28 Scientific storyteller FOREWORD

ADMINISTRATION: GEORGE WASHINGTON Image by Christopher Gannon Joe Colletti, Interim Endowed Dean; CONTENTS Interim Director, Agriculture Experiment Station Ruth MacDonald, Interim Senior Associate Dean; CARVER’S LEGACY LIVES ON Interim Associate Director, Agriculture Experiment Station David Acker, Associate Dean, Academic and Global 2 LETTER FROM THE DEAN Programs; Raymond and Mary Baker Chair in Carver was born into slavery. He came to Iowa and began his education Global Agriculture 3 NEWS FROM CAMPUS Jay Harmon, Interim Associate Dean, Extension at Simpson College studying music and art. He said, “It was at Simpson and Outreach; Interim Director, Agriculture and that I realized that I was a human being.” Natural Resources Extension 4 STUDENTS It was at Iowa State that Carver realized he was a scientist, a teacher ■■ Dawn Henderson, agronomy Mark Honeyman (’77 Animal Science, MS ’83, PhD ’89), Associate Dean, Operations and an innovator. ■■ Riley Arthur, agricultural business Theressa Cooper, Assistant Dean, Diversity Carver came to Iowa State in 1891 as the college’s first African American ■■ Chris Salek, horticulture Howard Tyler, Assistant Dean, Student Services student. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1894 and a master’s in 1896. Because Hongwei Xin, Assistant Dean, Research of his excellence in botany and horticulture, he was appointed to the Iowa State 9 FACULTY + STAFF ■■ Kristine Tidgren, Center for faculty, becoming the university’s first African American faculty member. EDITOR: Agricultural Law and Taxation Melea Reicks Licht (’00 public service and In this issue we celebrate Carver’s living legacy. We highlight our faculty, ■■ Stephanie Hansen, animal science administration in agriculture, ’05 MS agricultural staff and students serving others, mentoring students, conducting innovative ■■ Tom Brumm, agricultural and and life sciences education) research and creating a culture of inclusion. biosystems engineering WRITERS: Ed Adcock, Ellen Bombella, Jennifer Carrico (’96 animal Who knows? The next Carver could be walking among us right now science and journalism and mass communications), on Iowa State’s campus, perhaps brushing shoulders with the next Henry A. 14 CARVER’S LIVING LEGACY Deb Gruca, Barb McBreen, Brian Meyer, Melea Reicks Wallace. How their differences are valued in classrooms and labs, welcomed ■■ VOICES: Common ground: The shared Licht, Ann. Y. Robinson, Grant Wall language of agriculture by Theressa in study groups and clubs, and serve as strengths for internships and work DESIGN: Cooper, assistant dean of diversity experiences, will help chart the course for their success and pave the way PUSH Branding and Design ■■ George Washington Carver: Pioneer, EDITORIAL SUPPORT: for the profound impact they will make on society. Scholar, Leader, Teacher, Inventor, Artist Haley Cook, Julie Stewart Ensuring a safe, welcoming environment is only the first step in how we ■■ Andrew Manu, Iowa State University help our students grow into the best version of themselves. May each student George Washington Carver Chair CONTACTS: ■■ Spirits of service and innovation To contact the magazine: one day say, “It was in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences that ■■ Next-gen scientists: George STORIES Editor I realized I was a human being. And I realized you were, too.” Washington Carver Interns 304 Curtiss Hall Theressa Cooper leads this charge in the college. As Iowa State’s first 513 Farmhouse Lane ■■ Student researchers advance science Ames, IA 50011 college-level assistant dean of diversity, she’s made history. She’s helping to ■■ Growing to give: Iowa Master Gardeners Phone: (515) 294-5616 prepare the way for our students to do the same. Dr. Cooper offers her thoughts ■■ Evolution of cultural competency E-mail: [email protected] www.stories.cals.iastate.edu on keeping Carver’s legacy alive in this issue’s Voices essay on page 16. ■■ Understanding farmers’ data needs For prospective students: Throughout this issue you’ll meet faculty mentors and student researchers Student Services working side-by-side, just as Carver did. One student whose story will 28 ALUMNI ■■ Isaí Madriz, entomology 20 Curtiss Hall always stay with me is Chris Salek (page 6). An active-duty veteran, Chris’ 513 Farmhouse Lane ■■ Armitra Jackson-Davis, animal science, Ames, IA 50011 commitment to service, tenacious pursuit of an education and knack for and Dedrick Davis, soil science Phone: (515) 294-2766 research, has left a lasting impact on those who know him. ■■ Shanen Ebersole, animal science, and E-mail: [email protected] www.students.cals.iastate.edu You’ll get a glimpse of Andrew Manu’s walk with Carver as the university’s Beau Ebersole, agricultural studies To make a gift: George Washington Carver Chair on page 9. I believe his generous, gracious Development Office nature and his commitment to education reflects the soul of our college. As 34 ALUMNI NEWS 310 Curtiss Hall Dr. Manu says: May we live to meet an iota of Carver’s standards as teachers, 513 Farmhouse Lane Ames, IA 50011 as scientists and as humanitarians. 35 PARTNERS Phone: (515) 294-7677 IN AGRICULTURE AND LIFE SCIENCES VOL.12 NO.2 2018 ON THE COVER ■■ Center for China-US Agricultural E-mail: [email protected] Iowa State’s George Washington Carver Economics and Policy www.isuf.info/cals Chair and professor of agronomy, Andrew ■■ Iowa State University Master

Manu walks with student Joe Beary in Conservationists Kind regards from central campus, Carver courtyard this fall. Image by 38 GIVING Christopher Gannon. ■■ Iowa State’s Mpirigiti Rural Training Center Opens in Uganda George Washington Carver. 1999. Christian Petersen (Danish GEORGE - American, 1885 - 1961). Bronze cast of 1949 plaster WASHINGTON 6 Invisible battle sculpture. The bronze casting was commissioned by the 24 Evolution of cultural 40 ALMANAC Melea Reicks Licht CARVER’S competency University Museums, and is a gift of John and Linda Dasher. Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, LIVING LEGACY 28 Scientific storyteller In the Christian Petersen Art Collection, Art on Campus age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, Collection, University Museums, Iowa State University. gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or Located in Carver Courtyard. status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 3350 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515 294-7612, email [email protected]. LETTER FROM THE DEAN NEWS FROM CAMPUS

MAKING IMPACT: AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING ISU’s Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) received early 125 years ago, George Washington Carver earned the Iowa State University Alumni Association’s Impact Award during the his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Iowa State— Honors and Awards Ceremony in October. The award honors individuals, November 14, 1894. Carver was about 30 years old businesses or organizations whose programs or accomplishments brought N broad recognition to the university. ABE has received top national rankings at that time. No official documents exist on his birthdate; he was from . ABE is jointly administered by the College born into slavery in Missouri around 1864—the closest we have U.S. News and World Report of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Engineering. to knowing his birth year. You should read a copy of Carver’s bachelor’s degree thesis, entitled “Plants as Modified by Man.” You can find it online in the Parks Library’s Special Collections. Its seven pages are rich in language, scientific curiosity and insight. UNLOCKING YOUR INNER In the thesis, Carver wrote: “ . . . Dare we not predict that the ENTREPRENEUR day is not far distant when man[’s] workshop need no longer be Sara Wyant (’80 journalism and mass communication), president and founder chaos, but will be able to use the tools nature has placed before of Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc., the nation’s largest communications firm him from a purely scientific basis, free from all conjecture.” focused on agricultural and rural policy issues, presented the 2018 William K. That is part of his legacy for us today: Feeling the excitement of Deal Endowed Leadership Lecture on Oct. 2. Wyant’s presentation, “Unlocking ROBISON SELECTED AS NEXT discovery and looking forward to new ways to understand nature Your Inner Entrepreneur: How one of the luckiest days of my life was when I got DEAN OF AGRICULTURE AND and using that to benefit society. Which is just what Carver did fired from a job I loved,” is available online at www.stories.cals.iastate.edu. after his two degrees and his time spent in a faculty position at Iowa LIFE SCIENCES State and throughout his long, famed career at Tuskegee University. Daniel J. Robison from West Virginia University has been Part of Carver’s legacy for us is to continue to inspire students named the next endowed dean of Iowa State University’s from all walks of life to follow his footsteps in agricultural College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and director of the sciences—just as he did with a boy named Henry A. Wallace. Iowa Agricultural and Home Economics Experiment Station. Robison, dean of the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural What I would not give to go back in time and see these two Resources and Design, and director of the West Virginia extraordinary people together, connected by Iowa State. Their Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station, will begin his ages did not matter. The color of their skin did not matter. What tenure by March 31, 2019. Robison holds a bachelor’s degree in mattered was the common interests they shared in science, the forestry, master’s in silviculture and forest influences from the natural world and life itself. Carver took the time and patience State University of New York–College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse; and a doctorate in entomology from the to spark something in the young Henry A. Wallace. University of Wisconsin-Madison. He joined WVU in 2012 after These sparks still happen. Every year, our students make serving as associate dean for research in the North Carolina State important, lifelong connections with faculty and staff who truly University College of Natural Resources. “Everyone—whether care. By our actions large and small—as Carver would say, by the NEW POULTRY FARM TO ADVANCE you live down the street or halfway around the world—benefits uncommon way we do common things —we can make a world TEACHING AND RESEARCH from the work led by the faculty, staff and students of Iowa of difference and a real difference in the world. State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences,” Robison says. On Aug. 31 the college celebrated a groundbreaking to announce the replacement “It’s a great honor to be selected to lead the college, and I look We are proud to have Carver as a role model. But his legacy of Iowa State University’s aging poultry science facilities. The new Robert T. forward to working with the talented team here to address the can be and should be viewed in a much larger frame—how we Hamilton Poultry Teaching and Research Farm will be a state-of-the-art complex. local and global challenges of agricultural production, food safety, live our lives and be accepting of each other. His determination It was made possible through private funding from Iowa agricultural donors security and nutrition, natural resources management, including Arlene Hamilton, the Robert and Arlene Hamilton Charitable Foundation, and perseverance against tremendous adversities, including and underlying life sciences.” Iowa Egg Council, Hy-Line International and Hy-Line North America. intolerance and prejudice, is a lesson in hope for us all—in our college and every community. Dare we not predict that the day is not far distant when we all treat each other with respect, purpose and cooperation; engage in honest, respectful dialogue; seek to better the livelihoods for all; • The Horticulture Club: second place, 2018 Mid-America Collegiate and together reject bias and discrimination? SUCCESS FOR CALS STUDENT TEAMS Horticultural Society Competition • Agricultural Business Club: Outstanding Chapter Award, Creative Club • Livestock Judging Team: second place at Aksarben, the National Award from the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association Barrow Show and the Flint Hills Mid-American Classic • North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) • Soils Judging Team: second place group judging, second place overall Judging Team: overall sweepstakes award at American Society of Agronomy Regional Soil Judging Contest Joe Colletti : second place Interim Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences • Cyclone Power Pullers: first place appearance, manufacturability, • National Agri-Marketing Association Club (NAMA) innovation, written design report and maneuverability at the International Outstanding Student Chapter, third place John Deere Signature Award Quarter-Scale Tractor Student Design Competition

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Riley Arthur (right) is mentored by Dermot Hayes, Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences, Dawn Henderson says her time in the as a Dean’s Leadership Scholar. marching band helped her build leadership and communication skills. She also gained confidence through her undergrad experience in agricultural education.

IN STEP: CARING MENTORSHIP, ROOM TO GROW Story by Ed Adcock Image by Grant Barton Photography ADAPTING FOR THE Story by Deborah Gruca Image by Christopher Gannon

iley Arthur is on the run. The He is further developing his leadership understand how changes in China’s NEXT ADVENTURE junior majoring in agricultural skills in the Vermeer International ethanol policy would impact world R business and economics is chasing Leadership Program. corn markets.” awn Henderson’s student After helping her father with data, but lacked interviews that were not just a degree, but the full-blown Iowa “It’s a year-long program that intensely Arthur says Hayes gives him room experience has been presentations about a rainfall simulator, needed to find out why people joined State experience. focuses on leadership, not just from a to grow. Dtransformative. From building Henderson found she liked teaching watershed organizations. Arthur, an Owatonna, Minnesota, native university perspective, but from an “Dermot doesn’t micro-manage what communications and leadership skills and speaking to groups. A position in “Dawn was really persistent in learning worked as a commercial merchandising international and cultural perspective. I’m doing. He basically lays out a question in the marching band, to conducting extension as a field specialist, or with an about interviewing,” Grudens-Schuck says. intern this summer with ethanol processor We get to travel to one of their company he wants me to answer, then it’s my job to undergrad research, she’s graduating agricultural literacy program might “She pushed herself to make those ‘cold Flint Hills Resources. facilities in the Netherlands during go figure out how to answer that question,” with a varied skillset. be good fits. calls’ to people. She kept people talking, The job kept him moving. As Arthur spring break 2019,” says Arthur. says Arthur. “Early on, he differentiated She started her Iowa State adventure in Her father is a big influence. They even quiet people like herself. Her traveled to four of the company’s ethanol Receiving several scholarships has research from the classroom: in research— agronomy, but decided to add a minor in send pictures back-and-forth of the interviews got better and better.” plants in Iowa and Nebraska and to the helped Arthur excel. As a freshman, unlike in the classroom—the professor agriculture and life sciences education. weed of the day. Being part of the Iowa State marching company’s headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, he received the Dean’s Leadership doesn’t know the answer. So, I must be She sees a lot of misinformation and lack Stinging nettles is her favorite: band also has allowed her to test her limits. he learned about marketing distillers grains, Scholarship and participated in the confident that the results I present to of knowledge about agriculture among the “They’re just endlessly fascinating to “I’ve learned more from marching band a co-product of the ethanol process. program’s weekly class led by then-dean him are accurate.” public, and even close acquaintances, and me,” Henderson says of its numerous than I’ve learned from any other activity “I had an awesome, outstanding boss and Wendy Wintersteen and associate dean Arthur must be getting something hopes to bridge that gap. adaptations to survive. on campus,” she says. got to interact with customers every day. David Acker. right. His name appears with Hayes’ on “A lot of my friends joke that I just play Henderson has adapted, too, according The last two years she was one of four I don’t necessarily want to crop scout for An exciting bonus of the dean’s an October 2017 Center for Agricultural in the dirt, but I’m very proud of being an to Nancy Grudens-Schuck, professor of guides for the 18-member tenor sax the rest of my life, but I learned so much scholarship? A grant allowing Arthur to and Rural Development article on China’s agronomist,” she says. agricultural education and studies, who section. As a guide she serves as a point and it was a great experience.” do research as an undergrad. He’s been E-10 mandate. Some of that pride was no doubt saw a transformation—from tentative to of contact between the director and the Arthur continues his fast-paced working with Dermot Hayes, who After graduation, Arthur plans to passed down from her parents, Eva (’93 confident—as she supervised Henderson’s band members. The guide captain focuses schedule on campus. This is his second specializes in ag markets in the United work in industry for a few years and then agronomy) and Mike Henderson, who Science with Practice research project, for on the music, while Henderson and the year as a peer mentor for agricultural States and China. Hayes is the Pioneer look at pursuing a higher degree. earned degrees in agronomy. Her father is the agricultural education and studies others focus on marching and visuals. business freshmen. And he makes time Chair in Agribusiness and a Charles F. Art on Campus featuring George Washington Carver: Do an area agronomist with the USDA Natural 312 course. She has added valuable communica- to serve as a CALS Ambassador and an Curtiss Distinguished Professor in You Know What’s Inside This Flower? George Washington Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in The project was follow-up research tion skills. officer in the Agricultural Business Club. Agriculture and Life Sciences. Carver Mentors a Young Henry A. Wallace. 2015. Rose Frantzen (American, b. 1965). Oil on panel. Commissioned |by northwest Iowa and her mother raises to Grudens-Schuck’s survey study of “I’ve learned more about being a good As the club’s Senior CALS Council “Riley is a self-starter who does the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and University chickens and tends an expansive garden 1,700 participants of the IOWATER leader as a guide. I’ve learned a lot about Representative, he co-chairs the CALS excellent work,” says Hayes. “He also Museums with funds generously provided by Jim and Marcia Henderson Borel (class of 1978). In the Art on Campus on their acreage near Marcus, Iowa. program, in which volunteers conducted when to continue to push and when to Week committee and coordinates the manages his time very well. In addition Collection, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, water monitoring. She had numerical back off,” she says. Pre-Career Day Mixer. to other work, he initiated a project to Iowa. Located in Curtiss Hall.

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“I wasn’t done learning yet. I’ll never be done learning.”

ome days, boarding a crowded experiences, we gain something, strength,” through the tough semesters. Cy-Ride bus can be too much to says Chicoine. “Chris, like many veterans, “We’ve invested a lot in new retention Sbear for Chris Salek. His anxiety is resilient and brings a remarkable strength initiatives in recent years,” says Howard can take over, especially if he’s already to our community. Through his experiences, Tyler, assistant dean for student services stressed about giving a presentation or he enriches all those around him.” in agriculture and life sciences. “Better is on his way to an important exam. training for academic advisers, increasing On other days, like today, he can make Navigating the student experience communications to current students and his way to his favorite class without issue. Salek, a native of Muscatine, Iowa, improving our inside-and outside-the- “I love ‘woodies’. It’s tough, but it’s my was drawn to military service by the G.I. classroom experiences help students like favorite class,” says Salek, a senior in Bill in 1984. In addition to overcoming Chris navigate their unique challenges.” horticulture, about the woody plant the effects of PTSD from his days in combat, The College of Agriculture and Life cultivars course taught by Jeff Iles, Salek faces challenges of being an older, Sciences has the highest retention rate professor and chair of the Department non-traditional student. on campus—90.4 percent. And, the of Horticulture. “There’s a lot more to golf “Sometimes it can be odd to work in college keeps the largest percentage of courses than just turf, and woody plants groups with people so much younger, and retained students as majors in the and trees play a big role.” reaching back thirty-some years to the last college—83 percent. An active-duty army veteran, Salek’s time I took a chemistry class is really hidden disability—post-traumatic stress stressful,” he says. “But, you have to just A drive to learn and achieve disorder (PTSD)—can make even the put yourself out there and ask for help Salek retired from the Army in 2008 as a simplest tasks, like getting to campus, from your younger peers. They can be master sergeant with expertise in infantry a major obstacle to earning his degree. really helpful, especially with some of the and logistics. He served several active duty “I think a lot of students take for technology I’m not as familiar with.” deployments including time in Somalia granted the ability to just get up and go to He says he does his best to pay extra and Iraq among other locations. He earned class. Whether the disability is physical or attention in class, gets to know his an agricultural business associate’s degree invisible like mine, a lot of students really professors and uses the tutoring services at Muscatine Community College, and struggle,” Salek says. and peer groups offered through the transferred to Iowa State in 2014. Salek is one of 2,734 military-affiliated Iowa State University Veteran Center. “I always knew I wanted a bachelor’s students (those that self-identify as veterans, The Veteran Center offers academic degree. I enjoyed my time at MCC and military personnel and family members) at coaching, funding for tutoring and was involved in a lot of things, but I Iowa State. Jathan Chicoine, director of the connects vets to counseling and disability wasn’t done learning yet. I’ll never be Iowa State University Veterans Center, says resources on campus. They also host done learning,” Salek says. there has been a 33 percent increase in the weekly, home-cooked dinners for veterans While at Muscatine Community veteran student population since the and their families and offer trainings and College, Chris earned first place national creation of the center in 2012. meet-and-greet events for faculty and staff. honors in the career progress competition BATTLE “When talking about PTSD, there is Veteran services, support by at the National Postsecondary Agricultural Story by Melea Reicks Licht an idea we call Post-Traumatic Growth. academic advisers and personal Student Organization annual conference. Images by Christopher Gannon Chris Salek, a senior in horticulture, It’s the idea that when we process attention from professors are just a few reflects on his service in Gold Star Hall in through some of those traumatic of the elements Salek says help him the Iowa State Memorial Union. “I knew these guys,” he says of the veterans memorialized in the Somalia and Iraq sections of the wall. “I was in their hometowns and saw thousands line the streets to welcome their remains home.” 6 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 7 STUDENTS FACULTY + STAFF

As director of the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation, Kristine Tidgren offers programs As an undergrad research assistant for for farmers, students, bankers, real estate Adam Thoms (left), assistant professor appraisers, farm managers, tax professionals, of horticulture, Salek (right) collects data lawyers and policymakers. comparing cultivars and maintenance practices of turf at the Iowa State Horticulture Research Station.

UNDERSTANDING LAW AND TAXATION

Story by Ed Adcock Image by Christopher Gannon

aking sense of law and tax week law and tax highlights are reviewed an upper-level agriculture law course every issues related to agriculture is through online sessions. spring semester to about 145 students. He met his Iowa State academic adviser management crew for two years, and the United States make decisions on cultivar Mthe passion of Kristine Tidgren CALT also educates about 1,200 tax “We’re not trying to make them legal Barb Clawson while she was at the this spring he joined the undergraduate selection and how to best manage inputs. and her team at the Center for Agricultural professionals every year through federal experts, but we do go into pretty good community college on a recruiting trip. Sports Turf Managers Association Student “Chris has been an excellent and Law and Taxation. income tax schools. detail on the key laws that really impact “Chris’ work ethic, drive and ambition Challenge team competing at the dedicated member of our research team. She became director of the center “When they started 45 years ago, the producers,” she says. to succeed has pulled him through the association’s national annual conference. He brings a wealth of real-world experience earlier this year after joining it as staff schools were education for farmers who Tidgren was in private practice in barriers put up by his hidden disability. As an undergraduate research assistant and life knowledge to our crew. He attorney in 2013 and serving as assistant filed their own tax returns. Over the years Carroll, Iowa, before joining CALT. His honesty and sincerity to graduate for Adam Thoms, assistant professor doesn’t realize it, but often he is giving director for two years. The Center for things shifted, and now not many farmers The Iowa State journalism and makes me work harder as an adviser to of horticulture, Salek collects data advice to the students on life challenges Agricultural Law and Taxation (CALT), file their own tax returns,” she says. psychology alum grew up on a family find assistance for him,” Clawson says. comparing cultivars and maintenance they face,” says Thoms. “He also has a great established by the Iowa Board of Regents Still, producers are one of the center’s big farm near Logan, Iowa, and earned her “Chris gets the highest reviews for his practices of turf at the Iowa State focus on details, which is critical when in 2006, was created as a primary source constituent groups, according to Tidgren, law degree from the University of Texas diligence on the job. The world is a Horticulture Research Station. conducting research.” of professional educational training in along with bankers, real estate appraisers, at Austin. She worked in a law firm in better place with Chris in it. He will be a “We have this piece of equipment that’s Ultimately, Salek plans to graduate agricultural law and taxation. farm managers, tax professionals, lawyers Kansas City for a year, before moving top-notch turf manager in the near future.” a modified aerator that simulates the traffic and find a position as a golf course “We are here to help both professionals and policymakers. back to Iowa working for Lexis-Nexis, His love of the outdoors is what of a 300-pound lineman. And, I measure superintendent. It will be an important and producers navigate the complexity of Doug Hensley, president of Hertz Real the legal research company, as an drew Salek to horticulture and his the speed of a golf ball on simulated greens moment for him in completing the the laws,” Tidgren says. “Everything is so Estate Services, credits Tidgren’s attorney, writer, editor and researcher. love of sports led him to consider with a Stimpmeter,” Salek says. “I create bachelor’s he set out to earn when he complex. We are an objective, independent communication skills for successfully She says her CALT position is the turf management as a career. traffic reports to see how different varieties joined the Army nearly 35 years ago. He group that isn’t here to make money or to guiding the center. ideal combination of her passions for of turf perform under different stresses.” may find he turns to his research findings try to push any particular point of view, “Kristine is a gifted speaker, who is legal research and writing and her roots Focusing on the details Thoms’ research team contributes at Iowa State in making turf management we are just here to educate.” very sincere and informed,” he says. in agriculture. Salek worked with the Iowa State data to the National Turfgrass Evaluation decisions at his own course. Tidgren and the center’s three staff “She presents complex topics in a way that University Athletic Department turf Program, which helps turf managers across members conduct seminars, webinars makes them understandable to the novice.” and provide information on its website Tidgren, who also serves as an adjunct and newsletter articles. Dozens of assistant professor in the agricultural STORIES EXTRA: www.stories.cals.iastate.edu webinars are offered and every other education and studies department, teaches Learn more about the educational opportunities available through the college’s Center for 8 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 Agricultural Law and TaxationSTORIES online. Vol.12 No.2 9 FACULTY + STAFF FACULTY + STAFF

Solving industry’s hard questions “Stephanie is very collaborative and “As an undergraduate student in Dr. Her expertise on the role of minerals appreciates the value of cross-cutting Hansen’s advanced nutrition class, it was in animal nutrition is rare. That brings research,” says Huff-Lonergan. “She’s obvious to me how passionate she was unique opportunities to work with also quite dedicated to her students. about not only the subject of nutrition but livestock businesses and consultants I appreciate the way she guides them, also teaching,” says Erin Deters (’15 animal to build and apply relevant science. while also giving them freedom to figure science), who is pursuing a doctorate with “I get those fun phone calls from things out on their own.” Hansen’s mentorship. “Dr. Hansen’s evident people in the industry who have hard passion for nutrition intensified my interest questions,” says Hansen. “I really Teaching livestock nutrition, in the subject and eventually led me to join appreciate that they trust me to help life lessons her lab as a graduate research assistant. solve their problems.” Hansen says participation in Iowa State’s She has high expectations and is dedicated Currently, she’s studying sulfur in Project LEARN (Learning Enhancement to helping students achieve these the diets of beef cattle, with implications Action/Resource Network) has been expectations as well as reach their for utilizing co-products of ethanol invaluable. Offered through the College academic and professional goals.” INSPIRED BY production that tend to be high in of Agriculture and Life Sciences with Hansen says she wants to help her sulfur. Another project, funded by a U.S. support from the USDA, the program students become better learners­— Department of Agriculture grant, aims to aims to nurture effective, student-centered something she considers important at any bridge the effects of nutrition and meat instruction. Hansen is working with stage of college or life. Balance is another quality, with colleague Elisabeth Huff- seven graduate students and frequently life lesson Hansen believes in. She values CURIOSITY Lonergan, professor of animal science. includes undergraduate researchers in her time outdoors, hiking and enjoying her Huff-Lonergan (’91 MS meat science, projects. She likes to give the undergrads hobby of photography (her Instagram ’95 PhD) is a university-wide leader in opportunities to work with graduate handle is “@mineralnerd”). She’s also CALS grad Stephanie Hansen, associate professor of animal science, encourages recruitment and retention of women and students and learn from each other. writing her first book, a science thriller. her students, including graduate student underrepresented minorities. She served Enrollment in her senior-level nutrition “I love what I do,” says Hansen, Erin Deters, to pursue their passions Story by Ann Y. Robinson through lifelong learning. as a departmental mentor during Hansen’s class has doubled in the last two years. “but, as I tell my students, it’s important to Image by Christopher Gannon early days on campus, but this project is Livestock nutrition isn’t the only thing on take time away from work to recharge. the first time the two have worked together. the syllabus. Students also develop skills When I’m not thinking about beef cattle, like note-taking and synthesizing concepts. I try to be on a mountain somewhere.” ecoming a national expert in cattle through the picture window one day students she teaches and mentors. “Women ruminant nutrition was not on and saying, “Why don’t we do anything are increasing the ranks of animal science Bthe radar when Stephanie Hansen with them?” As the oldest grandchild, she students at Iowa State, which is also a arrived at Iowa State as a first-generation had pull: It wasn’t long before the family trend nationally,” says Hansen. college student. She just wanted to learn was loading up cattle for the fair to It’s early in her career, but Hansen is more about beef cattle. compete for—and often win—trophies. already gaining notoriety. She’s authored She started to imagine going to Along the way, she gained some hard nearly 60 peer-reviewed articles, and she graduate school as her adviser Doug knocks from unpredictable cattle that has garnered about $8.5 million in Kenealy (’69 dairy science, ’74 PhD animal taught her toughness and persistence. research funding. Last year, the American science), now retired, kept telling her she’d From years in 4-H, she also learned about Society of Animal Science recognized Hansen convinced her family to show her grandparents’ Limousin make a good professor. record-keeping and financial management, Hansen with both national and Midwest cattle. She credits 4-H for setting Hansen (’02 animal science) took that setting the stage for her grant-writing and early career achievement awards. the stage for her talents in research, path, and now as an associate professor of communication skills. grant-writing and communication. animal science at Iowa State she encourages After her undergraduate degree, her students to consider a similar future. Hansen went on to North Carolina State “It’s a great life for someone who’s University for a master’s and doctorate. “It’s a great life for innately curious. Ask a question and look She returned to Iowa State in 2009 as an someone who’s for the answers. That’s what I get to do in assistant professor of animal science. Her research. At least as long as I can find a work focuses on the influence of minerals innately curious. way to fund it,” she says. and vitamins on cattle health, stress levels Ask a question and Hansen grew up in the town of and meat characteristics, improving feed look for the answers. Sergeant Bluff in northwest Iowa, and efficiency and assessing novel feedstuffs. That’s what I get to spent many hours on her grandparents’ She is one of the only women in the do in research.” farm-to-finish Limousin beef operation room at many livestock nutrition meetings,

nearby. She remembers looking at the something that’s changing fast for the Image contributed Image 10 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 11 FACULTY + STAFF FACULTY + STAFF

ENGAGING Tom Brumm (right) says teaching is the best part of his job. He offers courses in biorenewables, fundamentals of industrial technology and agricultural systems technology and offers support MENTOR to freshman labs. Here he works with students (from left) Collin Reilly, Nick Keech and Vanessa Chapman Story by Ed Adcock to monitor air flow in a model grain bin. Image by Christopher Gannon

om Brumm makes the most of his learning techniques in all the courses he I use the same approach.” Applying research, improving lives His research has found sealing grain and crop dryers, and to improve the 20 percent faculty appointment teaches, engaging students in their learning.” Last fall, Brumm was in charge of His research related to grain handling in air-tight containers eventually suffocates existing hand-threshing process. T devoted to service to Iowa State. two courses: a course in biorenewables, and storage helps subsistence farmers in weevils in them. “I am a visiting professor at Makerere The associate professor of agricultural Experimental education including biomass and biofuels; and a Uganda reduce their grain losses due to “To get a container hermetically sealed University in the agricultural and biosystems and biosystems engineering extends that As a scoutmaster for a local Boy Scouts of fundamentals course for sophomores insect infestations. is difficult. You can’t just put duct tape engineering department. The farmers and commitment to service beyond campus America troop, Brumm finds opportunities in industrial technology and agricultural Brumm says it is his work in Uganda over the joints and call that good,” he says. schools we work with in Uganda are reinforcing George Washington Carver’s to teach life lessons. systems technology. that is the most challenging professionally, Another project involves disturbing the growing more amaranth, but it’s tedious observation: “It is simply service that “We put the boys in situations where He is involved in departure and but also means the most. insects with movement to disrupt their and inefficient to hand thresh,” he says. measures success.” they get the chance to problem-solve, lead reflection courses related to the Uganda “I’ve done research in the past and I’ve reproduction cycle. A Makerere agricultural engineering In addition to leadership roles in his and figure it out on their own,” he says. service-learning program through the improved the efficiency of certain processes, “If we disturb them regularly then they student is working with Brumm to build department and service to the college and “Talk about experiential education, this is it.” Global Resource Systems major, as well as for example, but this the difference of people don’t reproduce well. We interrupt their an amaranth thresher for a senior project. university, he serves as associate director of As a scoutmaster and faculty adviser traveling to Uganda with the student service living well and barely surviving,” he says. egg-laying cycle, and we interrupt mating. Brumm says he could buy a thresher off the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods for Alpha Phi Omega—a national co-ed learners. He also provides support for From an engineering perspective, his How much to disturb and how often are the shelf, but that wouldn’t serve the goal of (CSRL) at Iowa State. In that role, he helps fraternity founded to develop friendship, freshman lab courses in the department. work in Uganda is challenging because the what we have to figure out from scratch.” education and would deprive the student of farmers in Uganda keep more of their crops leadership and service to humanity “Teaching’s the fun part; that’s the best assumptions engineers and professionals Brumm also is enlisting students in valuable experience. George Washington by researching and implementing ways to —Brumm has facilitated a Merit Badge part of my job, whether I’m teaching next often make in the U.S. don’t work Uganda to design portable seed cleaners Carver would likely approve. reduce post-harvest losses. University on Iowa State’s campus. to a student in a garden in Kamuli (Uganda) there–from access to technology, to Steve Mickelson, chair of the Department Approximately 350 Boy Scouts from or I’m in a classroom here; it’s all fun.” cultural and sociological aspects. of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, troops across central Iowa participated The self-described “farm kid” from Ugandan farmers lose as much as says Brumm excels as a faculty member. in the 2018 event involving activities to Osage, Iowa, enrolled at Iowa State in 1975. a third of their crops to insects, mold “Dr. Brumm is a servant leader in all he complete merit badges with agriculture After earning his bachelor’s degree in and other pests. Poor storage of maize is involved with, both on and off campus. and life science connections including agricultural engineering in 1979, he produces aflatoxin that causes illness He has made a tremendous impact as chair animal science, farm mechanics and soil came back as a graduate student in 1983 in those who eat it.

of the technology curriculum committee by and water conservation. and served as an instructor while working “We could increase the food supply by Jim Heemstra implementing meaningful continuous “My impression is that it was Carver’s on his doctorate, which he completed in 20 to 30 percent without special seed or

improvement processes,” Mickelson says. approach; that experiential approach: ‘Well 1990. After working for a seed company fertilizer or mechanization if we just Image by “As a teacher, he has integrated active let’s try it and see what happens and then for about 10 years, he returned to Iowa handle the crop better after it’s harvested,” talk about it.’ In Boy Scouts or teaching, State as a faculty member. Brumm says. As associate director of the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods at Iowa State, Tom Brumm works alongside Iowa State students like Elizabeth Garzon, a senior in global resource systems, and Ugandan farmers to reduce post-harvest losses in the Kamuli district of Uganda. 12 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESCARVER’S VOICES VOICES LIVING VOICES LEGACY VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES CARVER’S LIVING LEGACY 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 PIONEER 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 Born into slavery in about 1864 in Diamond Grove, VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES Missouri, Carver’s pursuit of an education eventually led SCHOLAR VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES him to Iowa. In 1888 he moved to Winterset, then to Indianola in 1890 to attend Simpson College. VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES Carver transferred to Iowa State from Simpson to study VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES horticulture in 1891—the first African-American to enroll. VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES He earned a bachelor’s degree in botany in 1894 and VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES became Iowa State’s first African-American faculty member. VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES LEADER After earning a master’s degree in 1896, he joined the VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES faculty at Tuskegee University where he gained an VOICES VOICESCOMMON VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES GROUND: VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES Involved in many aspects of campus life at Iowa State, international reputation in research, teaching and outreach. VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES Carver was a leader in the YMCA and the debate club. He VOICES VOICES THE VOICES SHARED VOICES VOICES VOICES LANGUAGE VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES worked in the dining rooms and as a trainer for the athletic VOICES VOICESOF VOICES AGRICULTURE VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES teams. And, he held the highest student rank—captain—in VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES the campus military regiment. VOICES VOICESBy Theressa VOICES Cooper, VOICES assistant VOICES dean VOICES for diversity VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESand director, VOICES George VOICES Washington VOICES CarverVOICES Summer VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESResearch VOICES Internship VOICES Program 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 GEORGE VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESrowing VOICES up in rural VOICES east VOICES Texas, theVOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES WASHINGTON VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESlegacy VOICES of George VOICES Washington 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 Carver permeated my childhood. CARVER VOICES VOICES VOICESG VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES I hear and feel the echoes of Carver’s life VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES story as a parallel to my own ancestors. VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES (1894 botany, 1896 M.S. plant breeding) Grandpa Sol, my great-grandfather VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES (1864 – 1943) three times removed, was born into slavery VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES in 1862, two years before Carver was to attend college or get an education grounded in our love and passion for VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESbelieved VOICES to be born. VOICES During VOICES the VOICESheight of VOICES beyond VOICES eighth VOICES grade. VOICES They VOICES understood, VOICES VOICESagriculture VOICES VOICESand life VOICESsciences. VOICES Now, VweOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESthe Jim VOICESCrow South VOICES era, VOICES in a rural VOICES America VOICES just VOICES as Carver VOICES said: VOICES “Education VOICES is theVOICES key VOICESmust VOICES build VOICEScommunity VOICES around VOICES this V OICESfact. VOICES VOICES TEACHER VOICES VOICES VOICESthat saw VOICES little value VOICES in the VOICES contributions VOICES VOICES of to VOICES unlock VOICESthe golden VOICES door VOICES of freedom.” VOICES VOICESWe VOICESstill have VOICES challenges. VOICES But VOICES we have V OICEShope VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICES VOICESblack folks, VOICES Grandpa VOICES Sol VOICES persisted. VOICES Over VOICES They VOICES birthed VOICES a generation VOICES VOICES of extension VOICES VOICESin our VOICES sense VOICES of community, VOICES VOICES the shared VOICES VOICES VOICES While studying at Iowa State, Carver mentored the VOICES VOICES VOICEStime, he VOICES purchased VOICES 200 VOICES acres ofVOICES land inVOICES agents, VOICES community VOICES VOICES developers, farmers values of feeding the world and the drive 10-year-old son of a faculty member—Henry A. Wallace. east Texas, using it to feed not only his and agricultural educators. to come together to make the world a Wallace spent many hours with Carver, learning about INVENTOR family, but also the families of those who I am honored to walk in the legacy better place. plants. Wallace went on to study plant genetics at Iowa deemed him “less than.” of these ancestors and to inspire future Just as Carver weaved through the State and later became U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Vice It’s often claimed that Carver invented peanut butter. President of the United States and was a leader in the My grandfather benefited from Carver’s generations through my work in the fabric of my family, so too has he impacted It’s not true, but he did discover 325 other uses for commercial development of hybrid seed corn and Pioneer peanuts as well as hundreds of uses for other southern creation of the Jessup Wagon, a fully college. As assistant dean of diversity, generations across the globe. Carver’s Hi-Bred International Inc. equipped traveling experiment station, as I lead the college in finding our universal legacy lives on. It’s in those students of crops including 108 uses for sweet potatoes and 75 uses its use made its way to Texas via extension language and using it to build trust and color who yearn to see their reflection in for pecans. His products improved the lives of millions agents at Prairie View A&M University. a shared community. the agricultural industries, in those who throughout the world, but he never secured patents This knowledge was transformative in the George Washington Carver was all dare to be the “first,” in those who ARTIST or tried to make money from his discoveries. lives of many southern black farmers. about this. As the first African-American challenge conventional norms and in those Carver studied agriculture, but he continued to pursue his Through my maternal grandfather, the student at Iowa State, it was hard to be a who show the value and purpose in even interests in the arts. He was a poet, painter, sculptor and ways of Grandpa Sol were passed to us: person of color in a very white space. He the smallest of God’s creations. His legacy often entertained others with his musical performances. “It is simply service that a sense of pride and respect for the land. was always thought of as “less than.” How is in those who dare to dream. Carver found time to crochet, knit and do needlework. He measures success.” My extended family still owns and works do you carry that weight? How do you Carver’s life and legacy shows us what dyed many of his own threads and fibers with natural dyes, the land of my forefathers. All that I am, find a way to be respected and valued? is possible, what is hopeful and what can recycled found materials into art and created natural – George Washington Carver and all that I will become, is tied to the land. Where is the common ground? For Carver, be accomplished. It shows us, as Carver pigment house paint for use by low-resource farmers. My connection to the land is what it was agriculture. said: “When you do the common things connects me to others in agriculture. My Agriculture is still part of our shared in life in an uncommon way, you will forefathers and foremothers were not able language in the college. We are all command the attention of the world.” Art on Campus featuring George Washington Carver: George Washington Carver. 1999. Youssef Asar (Egyptian, 1935-2012). Oil on linen. Funded by the George Washington Carver Artist in Residence Program. In the Art on Campus Collection, University Museums, Iowa State University. Located in the Food Sciences Building. VOICES14 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 15 CARVER’S LIVING LEGACY Andrew Manu (center), professor of CARVER’S LIVING LEGACY agronomy and George Washington Carver Chair, is known for mentoring students. He took a moment this fall to chat with students Marie Beecham and Joe Beary in Carver Plaza.

SPIRITS OF INNOVATION, LIVING CARVER’S

Story by Ann Y. Robinson Image by Christopher Gannon Valeria Cano Camacho (left), a senior in agronomy SERVICE and global resource systems, received the George Washington Carver Spirit of Innovation and Service Award in 2017, Estefany Argueta (center), LEGACY a senior in animal ecology, won the first award in 2016, and Megan Kemp, a senior in agronomy, is Story by Barb McBreen this year’s award winner. “No individual has any right to come into the world and go out Fertilizer Development Center, they have Image by Christopher Gannon of it without leaving behind him distinct and legitimate reasons been developing models from drone data for having passed through it.” – George Washington Carver, 1915 to better forecast end-of-season rice yields eorge Washington Carver’s lifelong student: Simpson College and Iowa State “I see George Washington Carver as an from mid-season aerial information. pursuit of education earned him University, and a long serving faculty inspiration and as a student of color I can George Washington Carver’s spirit Manu also serves as professor-in- “If we are able to predict a deficit of Gnational prominence as a scientist, member, Tuskegee University. In addition, relate to his experience. This award means lives on. Teachers like Andrew Manu, charge of the George Washington Carver rice in the middle of the growing season, inventor and artist. The George Washington such awards have been conferred on a lot to me,” says Valeria Cano Camacho, professor of agronomy, embody what Academy at Iowa State. The academy that gives the local government more Carver Spirit of Innovation and Service students of several other institutions a senior in agronomy and global resource Carver was about—pursuing engaged is a four-year scholarship and academic time to import what people are going to Award honors undergraduate students affiliated, as land-grant colleges or systems, who received the award in 2017. learning and making a difference in the support program for high-achieving need or plan to export to take advantage pursuing Carver’s quest. universities, with Tuskegee University,” says Estefany Argueta, a senior in animal lives of others. multicultural students. Manu encourages of a surplus,” says Manu. The award is sponsored by the Carver Williams, a member of the board of directors ecology, was among the inaugural award Professor Manu (’79 agronomy, ’84 and mentors academy scholars— Research associate Thomas Lawler (’13 Birthplace Association, a cooperating for the Carver Birthplace Association. recipients and is the first Iowa Stater to PhD), was appointed the first George characteristics he has been recognized agronomy, ’16 MS soil science) has worked association of the George Washington The award honors undergraduate receive the honor. The award inspired her Washington Carver Chair at Iowa State for with a number of awards, including closely with Manu on the drone program. Carver National Monument. Honorees students who show evidence of the traits to find a quote from Carver that has laid in 2009. The position recognizes his the Soil Science Education and Extension “One of the joys of working under Dr. must be first-generation college students embodied by Carver, including creativity, the foundation for her future endeavors: dedication to students and his leadership Award and the Agronomic Residence Manu has been the opportunity to travel who are academic achievers pursuing a courage and dedication. The award is a way “When you do the common things in an in service on and off campus. Teaching Award from the American internationally,” Lawler says. “I’ve seen scientific degree, involved in research to recognize, inspire and motivate students. uncommon way, you’ll command the “I have been blessed to work for Iowa Society of Agronomy. that people everywhere have the same and engaged in the arts and humanities. The first George Washington Carver attention of the world.” State,” says Manu. “On behalf of my Manu gives his students a lot of the goals to improve their farms and take Iowa State University President Wendy Spirit of Innovation and Service Award Argueta says doing common things in family, and more so my teachers from the credit: “Students here are very motivated. care of their environment.” Wintersteen (’88 PhD entomology) was presented in 2016. It has since been an uncommon way is as simple as getting rural schools in Ghana, both who have That’s really what gets me going.” Manu likes to broaden students’ worked to create the award during presented to three students at Iowa to know her professors better, volunteering passed on and those who are alive today, Among the many hats Manu wears, horizons, whether it’s taking them to her tenure as dean of the College of State. This year’s award winner is Megan to serve others and always making the I extend my sincerest gratitude to be one is as a researcher. One of his projects Des Moines to participate in World Food Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State. Kemp, a senior in agronomy and global most of every opportunity. linked to this genius of a scientist, is the Low Altitude Remote Sensing Prize activities or to Africa to work with She collaborated with Walter Hill, dean of resource systems. “Hopefully I will start commanding the a humanitarian and above all a great Research Initiative, in which he and his smallholder farmers. He is thankful for the College of Agriculture, Environment “Words cannot describe the range attention of the world,” she says.

teacher. I hope I live to meet an iota student are refining use of unmanned Iowa State’s support, which has given and Nutrition Sciences at Tuskegee of emotions I feel when I think of how Art on Campus featuring George Washington Carver: ISU of his level and standards.” aerial vehicles (UAVs, or drones) for him such opportunities and allowed him University and director of the George people believe I am aligned with Dr. Horticulture…looking back, looking ahead…cultivating knowledge now. 2011. Sticks, with principal artist, Sarah Grant The trust to support the position was practical applications. to “nurture brilliant students of all social Washington Carver Agricultural Carver. It reaffirms my passion for (American, b. 1953). Burned and painted wood panels and created by Iowa State agronomy alumnus Experience gained is being translated status, class, position or race.” Experiment Station and director of the agriculture and service within the global bench. Commissioned by University Museums. Iowa Art in State Buildings Project for Horticulture Hall. In the Art on Raymond Baker, who provided $1 to Africa, where Manu has been leading a Sounds like something Carver would say. 1890 Research and Extension Programs; community,” Kemp says. “This award Campus Collection, University Museums, Iowa State million, and the state of Iowa, which student travel course to his home country and Luther S. Williams, Board of Trustees encourages me to continue to forge my University. Located in Horticulture Hall. Art on Campus featuring George Washington Carver: George appropriated $250,000 in fiscal years of Ghana since 2012. With support from Washington Carver. 1999. Christian Petersen (Danish - American, chair of the Carver Birthplace Association. path as a young, multicultural woman in 1885 - 1961). Bronze cast of 1949 plaster sculpture. The bronze 2008 and 2009. the U.S. Agency for International casting was commissioned by the University Museums, and is “The award is restricted to students of the agriculture with Dr. Carver’s legacy as a a gift of John and Linda Dasher. In the Christian Petersen Art Development through the International Collection, Art on Campus Collection, University Museums, institutions at which Dr. Carver was a guiding light.” Iowa State University. Located in Carver Courtyard.

16 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 17 CARVER’S LIVING LEGACY CARVER’S LIVING LEGACY

CALS grads (front row left to right) Takiyah Sirmons, Derrick Coble, Brittini Brown and Keith King made up the alumni ProTeam offering mentorship at this summer’s George NEXT-GEN Washington Carver Internship retreat.

Images by Melea Reicks Licht

Keith King, agronomy claims specialist at SCIENTISTS Image by Christopher Gannon Nationwide Insurance, shared his experiences with George Washington Carver interns. King says he “Giving back by participating in knowledge participates in the program to help fulfill Carver’s vision of lifelong learning. George Washington Carver interns Jealae Jackson, left, and Alescia King, graduate exchange through the George Washington students from Alabama A&M University, Carver Internship Program, I can fulfill investigate ways to prevent the growth of salmonella as part of their research in the Dr. Carver’s vision.” Story by Melea Reicks Licht food science department at Iowa State. Image by Christopher Gannon

he George Washington Carver technology, information and opportunities is cultivated and save billions of dollars The college has hosted a summer weekend professional development retreat. In 2018, the alumni team serving as TSummer Research Internship program in STEM (science, technology, engineering a year in soybean crops,” she says. research internship program for high Several College of Agriculture and Life mentors to the Carver interns during their in the College of Agriculture and Life and math),” says Cooper. “It helps Alescia King is a graduate student from school and undergraduate minority Sciences alumni are active supporters of professional development retreat were: Sciences at Iowa State provides an champion the value of graduate education Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical students for 25 years. The program the program, returning to campus to serve Takiyah Sirmons (’08 food science and opportunity for the next generation of and prepare and recruit the best and University, who will complete her master’s became known as the George Washington as mentors at the retreat. Keith King human nutrition) food scientist in the Carvers to develop their inner scientist. brightest to pursue advanced degrees degree in food science this May. A 2018 Carver Internship program in 1998. Since (’11 PhD genetics, agronomy), agronomy Space Food Systems Laboratory at the The program brings high school at Iowa State.” Carver intern, King spent her summer the start of the program, faculty have claims specialist at Nationwide Insurance, Johnson Space Center; Derrick Coble students and undergraduates from across For Ellen Brazelton (’15 MS genetics) investigating how commercially available mentored more than 450 interns. says he sees his service to the program as a (’13 PhD genetics), assistant professor of the U.S. to conduct research under the the internship provided more than a rinse products may control the growth of “My whole research group looks forward way to give back. animal science at Florida Agricultural and guidance of Iowa State experts. The high summer experience. Brazelton, a regulatory salmonella on eggshells. She says she to having interns join us each summer; they “While a student at Langston University, Mechanical University; Brittini Brown school program lasts six weeks and the specialist at Sensient Food Color in St. enjoyed getting to know other students bring so much enthusiasm,” says Sue a historically black university, I was afforded (’09 MS industrial technology), director for undergraduate program lasts eight Louis, Missouri, says she was introduced throughout the summer. Lamont, research mentor, C.F. Curtiss the privilege to attend many conferences as assessment, research and strategic priorities weeks. Interns grow personally and to a caring community that encouraged her “It was so neat to get to experience Distinguished Professor of Animal an undergraduate to present research. at the University of Maryland, Baltimore professionally through lab and field to pursue a graduate degree at Iowa State. the other interns’ cultures. We got to hear Science and equity adviser for the However, I was rarely afforded the privilege County; and Keith King (’11 PhD genetics, research, educational seminars, tours and The Tuskegee graduate researched soybean stories from different people in different College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. to have access to professionals in this type agronomy), agronomy claims specialist at professional development workshops. pathogens and conducted DNA extraction situations and it was really eye-opening,” “Each intern conducts a specific study that of setting. My experiences allowed me to Nationwide Insurance. Many of the Carver interns come from and gene mapping as part of her Carver King says. contributes to my lab’s long-term goals to earn a doctorate in genetics from Iowa historically black land-grant universities, internship in 2013. King plans to attend Iowa State to work improve global food security and animal State. I believe I can share my experiences tribal colleges and Hispanic-serving “We were thrust into the project on a doctorate degree and has her sights health. I really enjoy when former interns with the next crop of student leaders and institutions. The program is administered head-first, and it wasn’t long before we set on an industry career. tell me they’ve been accepted to graduate hopefully inspire the next Carver,” says by the college’s Office of Diversity and were nearly self-sufficient. The impact “I want to do some form of food safety school or veterinary school to further their King. “Carver was a lifelong learner and Inclusion Programs by the Assistant Dean was tremendous—just to know that education, but I don’t want to just be in a career goals, and that their experience in the teacher. Giving back by participating in of Diversity Theressa Cooper. something we were doing as interns classroom,” King says. “I want to be able to Carver internship helped them to get there.” knowledge exchange through the George STORIES EXTRA: www.stories.cals.iastate.edu “The program works to bridge the gap could potentially change how the crop have the freedom to do my own projects In addition to hosting interns in her Washington Carver Internship Program, between students of color and access to but also be a part of the industry.” lab, Lamont co-organizes the interns’ I can fulfill Dr. Carver’s vision.” Find more details about the George Washington Carver internship program, a video including CALS grad Ellen Tisdale during her time as an intern 18 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 and intern features online.STORIES Vol.12 No.2 19 CARVER’S LIVING LEGACY CARVER’S LIVING LEGACY

Graduate research assistants Manreet Bhullar (right) and Bridget Perry (center) are working with extension food safety specialist Angela Shaw to safe-guard produce like these apples at the ISU Horticulture Farm, which Shaw gives an A-plus for on-farm safety.

Capturing the rain extreme rainfall events that we know are and compacted soils. Increases in Are urban storm-water management becoming more common.” porosity can take years to develop as practices adequate to protect life and The research documents the need to the prairie matures. Improving soils property in the face of today’s weather? scale up the size of practices, like building during reconstruction, for example, That timely question is a focus for Jan rain gardens and other bioretention cells with compost, can significantly increase Thompson, Morrill Professor in the with larger surfaces to capture and infiltration to ensure practices start Department of Natural Resource Ecology infiltrate water and prevent much of it working sooner. and Management (’84 MS agronomy, ’91 from flowing into storm sewers. Another Two years ago, after one of Thompson’s PhD forestry), and her students. recommendation from the research is to classes was in the field looking at storm- Thompson is measuring the ability of improve soil quality. This particularly water best management practices, Ames FINDING urban conservation best management applies to reconstructed prairie areas, was hit with one of the season’s severe practices like riparian buffers, prairie which can be part of a number of urban rain storms. plantings and rain gardens to capture and storm-water practices. “We were out there in the downpour filter runoff to slow storm flows and Camille Karnatz (’17 MS environmental that night,” says Corey McKinney (’17 ANSWERS improve water quality. Her team collects science) worked with Thompson on the forestry) a natural resources specialist water, soil samples and other data at field project as a graduate student. with the Iowa Soybean Association who STUDENT RESEARCHERS sites along College Creek near campus and “We were surprised to find that was taking Thompson’s class at the time. other locations in central Iowa they have reconstructed prairies, even after several “It was exciting to see how the installations Story by Ann Y. Robinson ADVANCE SCIENCE Images by Christopher Gannon tracked over time. years, often don’t infiltrate water as well we were studying performed, how they “A lot of urban stormwater as we expected they would,” says really drew the water in.” management infrastructure is based on Karnatz, an environmental consultant in Streets that had good storm-water tudents in the College of Despite rules to the contrary, the team saw past land use, different cropping practices historical rainfall data,” says Thompson. Minneapolis, Minnesota. management practices were clearly soaking Agriculture and Life Sciences produce being put back in display cases and factors such as soil attributes, “We’re finding that many practice design Thompson says prior land use in up a lot of the rainfall. Others that didn’t S are working with faculty to solve after spending seconds or even hours on irrigation and use of cover crops. standards just can’t handle the type of urban areas has generally degraded were flowing like rivers, says Thompson. diverse, real-world problems. From the floor. Not a pleasant finding. But then, In the field and in the lab, food science assessing the effectiveness of stormwater the question was, “How much difference and horticulture undergraduate and buffers to testing grocery produce for does that make? How likely are people to graduate students took samples and looked harmful pathogens, young researchers are get sick as a result?” at where bacteria showed up, how long actively advancing research programs and To find out, they tested leafy greens, pathogens were able to survive and under receiving quality mentorship along the way. apples, peaches and other produce in the what conditions. One of the main risk retail display space lab in Iowa State’s Food factors they found was the history of the Safety of the “10-second rule” Science building. The food was put in a site, for example, if it had been previously Every year, one in six Americans get sick variety of scenarios and exposed to used for waste disposal or livestock. Hannah Hampton, a senior in forestry, collects a water sample from something they ate. Angela Shaw, a harmful bacteria. “The bad thing is that we discovered from College Creek in Ames. She works with professor Jan Thompson measuring the ability of conservation practices to microbiologist, associate professor in food “What we learned was good news for Listeria can survive for a long time manage stormwater and improve water quality. science and human nutrition and extension consumers,” says Monge-Brenes. “The risk in the soil, even through the temperature food safety specialist, works with students of produce picking up bad germs was very extremes of an Iowa winter,” says Shaw. to reduce pathogens in our food supply. low. Even so, the project proves the “On the positive side, we found that In a recent research project, Shaw wisdom of common advice, to wash increasing soil health could reduce the (’03 animal science, ’06 MS meat science) your non-packaged produce when it numbers of the harmful bacteria. Just and graduate students she works with did comes home from the supermarket.” improving the soil to increase good some detective work to study implications In another recent project, Shaw and her soil microbes was able to mitigate of the “10-second drop rule” at the students worked with Ajay Nair, associate the likelihood of contamination.” supermarket. Doctoral student Ana professor of horticulture, to study the “Time and again, our research shows Monge-Brenes spent six months traveling pathogen Listeria, linked to food-borne if you tweak little things, you can around Iowa and the United States illnesses across the U.S. and a related recall significantly decrease the chance that observing the way staff and customers of melons in 2012. Shaw’s team conducted people will get sick and the likelihood behave in retail stores that sell food. field research analyzing the influence of of a recall,” says Shaw.

20 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 21 CARVER’S LIVING LEGACY CARVER’S LIVING LEGACY

To ensure as many people as possible by the United States Department of These grants have allowed Master receive the fresh produce, workers at the Agriculture SNAP-Education program. Gardener volunteer programs to flourish. Salvation Army divide produce into In 2018, more than $90,000 helped fund Volunteers in Buena Vista County work individual servings before the doors open. 26 initiatives across Iowa to combat issues to provide produce for local food pantries, Iowa Master Gardener volunteers are living George They are then made available to the 103 of food insecurity, allowing Master and they have begun partnering with Washington Carver’s legacy of service. Jasper County families who receive the fresh bread and Gardener volunteers to improve and a local senior apartment to grow fresh volunteers are among a group that tends a 50-by-50-foot garden providing fresh produce to area food pantries. produce available twice a week. increase their production of fruits vegetables on-site. A pair of raised beds “Our clients talk to us constantly and vegetables in both donation and were constructed with residents tending to about how much healthier their meals demonstration gardens. Grant money is the plants throughout the growing season. are,” Zach says. spent to purchase vegetable seeds and fruit “The residents of the apartments are The partnership also has been positive trees for donation gardens, as well as to thrilled because they love to garden,” for Jasper County’s Master Gardeners. purchase hand-washing stations to make says Stacie Hewett, program coordinator “We encourage our Master Gardeners sure produce is being picked fresh with with ISU Extension and Outreach in to drop the produce off themselves,” food safety in mind. Buena Vista County. “Our Master Gardeners Krzton-Presson says. “They get some Over the last two years Master Gardener are so giving, they enjoy being able to share face-to-face time with the workers at the volunteers have donated over 145,000 their knowledge food pantry and see how excited people pounds of fresh produce to local food of gardening with anyone they can.” are when they pull up with boxes of fresh pantries across the state. The two raised beds have produced produce. They get to see that the clients “Master Gardeners have been over 300 pounds of fresh vegetables in at the food pantry are everyday people, supporting their communities with the first year, and Master Gardeners are neighbors who just need a little extra help. volunteer projects for the past 40 years,” already looking for ways to expand their GROWING TO It gives them a lot of satisfaction knowing says Susan DeBlieck, Master Gardener level of production. The search is on for a their work is directly helping people in coordinator with ISU Extension and community garden location in Storm Lake. their community.” Outreach. “One in eight Iowans are food Master Gardener volunteers in Buena Krzton-Presson was able to increase insecure and these donations of fresh fruits Vista County also reached out to Latino the amount of produce delivered to the and vegetables provide families with more community members to better understand Salvation Army through one of the healthy choices.” the types of vegetables they are familiar Growing Together mini grants funded with and enjoy. Story by Grant Wall GIVE Images by John Krzton-Presson and Ron Fey

It started with a simple question.

ohn Krzton-Presson noticed a garden Salvation Army and other groups working a look at the type of food they are getting,” Jused by the culinary arts program at to fight food insecurity in central Iowa. Krzton-Presson says. “Much of the food Des Moines Area Community College in A year after first posing the question, available at food pantries are items that Newton wasn’t being maintained when Krzton-Presson and Master Gardener can sit on shelves for an extended period students were on break. The horticulture volunteers in Jasper County tend to a of time. We are trying to help offer a and local foods coordinator with Iowa 50-by-50-foot garden where potatoes, healthier option.” State University Extension and Outreach, tomatoes, bell peppers, winter squash, Food pantry clients are responding. wondered, “would ISU Extension and beets and carrots are grown. The produce “On days when fresh produce is Outreach Master Gardeners be able to collected from the garden is donated to available, we have a waiting line. People look after it while students were away?” food pantries in the area, providing fresh, are here at 7 a.m.,” says Kelly Zach, That question formed the foundation for nutritious vegetables to neighbors in need. social service case manager with the John Krzton-Presson (second from left) horticulture and local a partnership that now includes not only “A new way to approach issues of Salvation Army in Newton. “They know the foods coordinator with ISU Extension and Outreach, and Iowa Master Gardeners and the Des Moines hunger and food insecurity isn’t that fresh fruits and vegetables are the first things Over the last two years Iowa State University Extension volunteers Susan Townsend (left), Peggy Fey and Carolyn Area Community College, but also the people are lacking calories, but to take to go and they want to be first in line.” and Outreach Master Gardener volunteers have donated Burk (right) drop off fresh produce to the Salvation Army over 145,000 pounds of fresh produce to local food pantries weekly. Clients line up before the pantry opens on days when across the state. fresh produce is available.

22 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 23 CARVER’S LIVING LEGACY Participants in the 2018 George CARVER’S LIVING LEGACY Washington Carver Summer Internship Program hailed from colleges and universities across the U.S. including Puerto Rico. This 25th class of interns conducted research and attended professional and personal development workshops led by Theressa Cooper (front, center) assistant dean of diversity.

Image by ISU Daily

In 2010 Aurelio Curbelo (’02 agriculture and life sciences education, ’06 MS, ’13 Ph.D. education), left, served as the college’s minority liaison officer. He joined Brian Castro (’14 nutritional sciences, global resource systems) in leading the March of the Flags during Latino Heritage Month. Castro served as president of the Iowa State chapter of Minorities in Agriculture and Natural Resources and Related Sciences. EVOLUTION OF These efforts helped staff connect the Minority Programs Office. The his profile as a celebrated member of the students with graduate assistantships and internships proved so successful that Iowa State community and with partners build up the Iowa State chapter of Minorities the effort was formalized into an annual nationwide. “Carver’s legacy is as important in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and program and opened to other minority- today as ever. Science is important. Applied CULTURAL Related Sciences (MANRRS). The college serving schools. Following the 1998 science is equally important,” says revived its faculty diversity committee, first national MANNRS conference, the college’s Klonglan. “And science must be used to created in 1963, to better engage faculty. summer internship program for minority benefit all members of society.” The college established partnerships with students was renamed the George the nation’s minority-serving institutions Washington Carver Summer Research A culture of inclusion COMPETENCY such as the 1890 (historically black Internship Program (read more on page 18). The Minority Programs Office and colleges), 1994 (tribal colleges) and The college’s minority liaison officer Diversity Programs were combined into Hispanic-serving land-grant institutions. Nina Grant, who served from 1998 to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Story by Melea Reicks Licht 2007, and several graduate assistants Programs, which is now coordinated Image by Christopher Gannon The Carver connection were among the staff who helped fuel the by Theressa Cooper, assistant dean Hosting the national MANNRS conference program’s momentum. The college secured of diversity and director of the George in 1998 was a milestone for the college. several federal grants to support its Washington Carver Summer Research he first diversity and multicultural and they were not aware of the scope of officer. The Minority Programs Office More than 800 students from around the diversity efforts, and a partnership with Internship Program, who joined the T program in the College of Agriculture courses of study in agriculture. Agriculture worked in tandem with Diversity country attended the conference and career American Indian Tribal Colleges was college in 2013. Cooper is the first and Life Sciences was created in 1993. industries were increasingly seeking Programs which focused on serving fair in Des Moines, and the college hosted a supported by the Kellogg Foundation. assistant dean of diversity at the college “At that time, the percentage of minority minority employees, but minorities had graduate students and was led by Gerald pre-conference George Washington Carver Partnerships grew with the Chicago level at Iowa State, and the college is the students in the college was around 3 little access to the private sector.” Klonglan (’58 rural sociology, MS ’62, Day on campus. In 2004, the college and its Agricultural Charter School and university only one to have both an assistant dean percent, and it was low around campus and The college took action. Under the PhD ’63), professor emeritus of sociology partners—Pioneer Hi-Bred International diversity programs like Science Bound. for diversity and a minority liaison officer. low among our peers,” says Mary de Baca, leadership of then Dean David Topel, an and former associate dean for national Inc., Deere & Co. and Cargill Inc.— de Baca and Klonglan worked with “My work is bigger than diversity and manager of the college’s diversity programs approach emerged consisting of a Minority programs and research, and de Baca. repeated as host of the national MANRRS Sande McNabb, professor of plant inclusion. It’s framed around cultural from 1996 to 2010. “Graduation rates were Programs Office, Diversity Programs and a CALS was the first on campus to conference in Des Moines, attracting more pathology and forestry, and minority competency,” says Cooper. “It speaks to lower for minority students, and the minority liaison officer. support a minority liaison officer to connect than 600 participants. programs staff to gain university cultural awareness, increased knowledge campus climate was not always favorable The Minority Programs Office focused undergraduates with university minority College faculty had begun hosting acknowledgement of George Washington and sensitivity to others. It guides the for them. Iowa State was not attracting on undergraduates. Charanne Parks served affairs programs. Every college at Iowa State Tuskegee University students for informal Carver as Iowa State’s first black student college in finding an equitable, empathic minority students from Iowa high schools, as its first director and minority liaison later added similar staff positions. research internships in 1993, arranged by and faculty member. They worked to raise space. We weave cultural competency into

24 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 25 CARVER’S LIVING LEGACY CARVER’S LIVING LEGACY

FROM ALABAMA

Thomas Easley (‘02 forestry), left, decided to pursue a master’s in forestry after completing the college’s George Washington Carver TO Summer Research Internship Program. Easley is pictured with his faculty mentor Rick Hall, professor of forestry. UNDERSTANDING FARMERS’ DATA NEEDS Charles Stewart (’00 agricultural biochemistry), left, spoke at IOWA: the dedication of the George Washington Carver Center in Beltsville, Maryland on Oct. 6, 1999. Stewart was the national president for Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences. Other Iowa Staters at the event included Nicole Gale (’02 Ph.D. agricultural and life sciences education), “It is exciting to see people come into Story by Barb McBreen second from left, Robert King (’01 food science) and the the sense of cultural competency.” college’s minority liaison officerNina Grant. ccessing data to improve decision The survey indicated farmers in both Most of the Alabama farmers surveyed A making for any business is essential, states use data in their operations, but had were African American and focused but it’s especially critical for farmers. From problems accessing or finding information, on small-scale livestock and vegetable smart phones, to GPS driven tractors, says Alejandro Plastina, an Iowa State production, but interested in how data the programs we offer, our hiring practices the stories of minority students. As a result animal science and member of LEAD IT. to accessing the latest market or weather assistant professor of economics who led could improve their operation, says Zabawa. and the recruitment and retention of our of these initial listening sessions, the “Not only do I get to be a change agent reports—data has become crucial to success. Iowa State’s team. The message Paul Hunter, a farmer students, faculty and staff.” college established a student-led group to for others, but I experience exponential “Big data are an essential part of “There was this mismatch about data near Decorah, Iowa, took to the meeting Elizabeth Martinez-Podolsky joined the address cultural competency in 2017. The personal growth which I know will agriculture today,” says Joe Colletti, they didn’t think was available and data was access to data. He says data college as a minority liaison officer in 2015. Leaders Enhancing Agriculture, Diversity, strengthen the rest of my life journey.” interim endowed dean of the College that was available,” Plastina says. “One applications are geared for larger farmers, Together she and Cooper support all CALS Inclusion and Trust (LEAD IT) Collective As of fall 2018, the college’s multicultural of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “Our participant talked about not having a which makes sense. students in developing cultural competency works to build strong leaders and enrollment stood at 10 percent. continuing goal is to help farmers get reference price for heirloom tomatoes “If you’re going to charge $5,000 for and building a culture of respect and community partners who value diversity, “I see the change in the college,” says access to the data they need and help and the USDA makes average prices your data service you don’t expect farmers inclusion. CALS students are introduced to multiculturalism and inclusion and Cooper. “It is exciting to see people come make small- and medium-sized farm available online, although probably not with 40 acres to be your biggest customer Martinez-Podolsky at orientation and recognize the importance of developing into the sense of cultural competency. It is and food enterprises more sustainable.” at the desired local disaggregation level.” base,” Hunter says. introductory courses. She helps students intercultural competency. The LEAD IT a process on a scale. We move forward, To work towards that goal Iowa State Robert Zabawa, a research professor Researchers at Iowa State and Tuskegee understand the importance of diversity and Collective engages audiences on topics and sometimes we take a step back. But it and Tuskegee University collaborated with Agricultural and Research Economics University will continue to address factors inclusion as they pursue their degrees and such as bias, privilege, inclusivity and is amazing when we see a light come on. to hold workshops at both campuses at Tuskegee University, says Alabama farms limiting data access for small- to medium- careers. Students with veteran status or who other multicultural issues. It is a slow fire burning, but when it finally in February 2018 sponsored by the are small compared to Iowa farms in both sized farmers. Both workshops were held self-identify as multicultural receive “Far too often we become consumed by gets going, it is so exciting.” USDA National Institute of Food and sales and acres. as part of the National Science Foundation additional communications and programs the politics of the world and the negative Agriculture under the Food Agriculture “We did the same survey and the answers big data initiative announced in November from her office. influences that shape our communities. Cyberinformatics and Tools program. were flipped for what Alabama farmers 2015. The initiative is organized into four In the fall of 2016, the College of Thankfully I am part of a leadership group Before the workshops were held researchers required and what Iowa farmers needed,” regional hubs throughout the United Agriculture and Life Sciences held designed to facilitate the reshaping of such collaborated to develop surveys to gather Zabawa says. “Having access to information States. Iowa State University is a co-leader listening sessions to get feedback and hear realities,” says Eboni Adderley, a senior in information about the data needs of about government programs was a high of the Midwest Big Data Hub grant, which producers in Alabama and Iowa. priority for Alabama farmers, but weather includes 11 states and five universities. data was a high priority for Iowa farmers.”

26 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 27 ALUMNI ALUMNI

R. Isaí Madriz, an entomology graduate, shows off his discovery of a Torrent midge larvae (Blephariceridae) in a remote glacial stream in the Southern end of the Northern Patagonia Ice Field. Image by Anand Varma

Madriz’s adventure as a Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellow took him STORYTELLER to the Northern Patagonia Ice Field. His work identifying aquatic insects vanishing due to deglaciation contributes to better understanding of the impacts of climate change. Story by Ellen Bombela

ating bugs, hiking and collecting The adventure Madriz documented his findings insects for days on end around the Madriz’s fellowship from September 2017 on his National Geographic blog. Enorthern Patagonia ice field were to June 2018 included preparation, “My goal is to compile more stories common occurrences for R. Isaí Madriz excursions and developing the board game. and make them available in a PDF or a during his time as a Fulbright-National The night before an excursion, Madriz book,” Madriz says.

Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellow. would pack not knowing if he’d be away Image by R. Isaí Madriz Madriz (’17 PhD entomology) explored for a few hours or a few days. The length Hidden diversity the Aysén region of Chile for rare insects of each trip depended on when he found To share his experiences and educate vanishing due to deglaciation. the desired specimens. He’d pack a raft, youth around the world, Madriz created “I’m developing the game so there can into the scientist I am today,” Madriz says. “The problem with the area I study paddles, a helmet, tree tent, microscope, a board game: Hidden Diversity Patagonia. be a better understanding of the facts I am “Peers I met there challenged me and gave is that it is very inaccessible. The idea for solar panels and food. He’d also pack Similar to the way he explored Chile, trying to communicate, and also will engage me the flexibility to think the way I do.” me is to go and document the primitive some necessary tools for attracting players move around the game board kids into something fun,” Madriz says. Madriz is looking for funding partners lineages I am focused on,” Madriz says. insects—a cloth sheet and a black light. to collect insects, tools and invasive Hidden Diversity Patagonia is being to continue his research following his “As the glaciers start melting, the species Then he’d set out on foot, bike or raft. species. To advance, players answer used by educators in countries all around fellowship. He plans to stay in Chile and start thriving because there is a lot of Many nights he would set up camp questions about insect biodiversity and the world including Chile, Mexico, Canada, hopes to one day be able to offer Iowa water for them. But, as the glaciers start under a tree tent and use his microscope climate change. The board was designed Portugal and classrooms at Iowa State. State students the opportunity to join his disappearing, it could have a damaging to examine insects that fell prey to his by Madriz using satellite images of the research program. effect on them.” trap. His excursions lasted anywhere from northern Patagonia ice field. Madriz The greater good “I am the only one in my field doing His experiences inspired him to create two days to two weeks. Once he found listened to feedback and customized the Madriz is pleased the game is connecting this research full time in the Aysén region. a board game to share his knowledge with the insects he wanted and traveled back game’s illustrations and text according to him back to Iowa State. It would be a disservice to stop students around the world. to his home studio, he would photograph the education level of the students. “I like that I am able to give back to my research now,” he says. STORIES EXTRA: www.stories.cals.iastate.edu the bugs for hours and days at a time. Iowa State because it really helped shape me See more of R. Isaí Madriz’s adventure in the Aysén region of Chile as a Fulbright-National 28 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellow online. ALUMNI ALUMNI Alabama A&M University faculty and CALS grads Armitra Jackson-Davis and Dedrick Davis shared pancakes at VEISHEA and discovered a shared love of science.

“And Dr. (Andrew) Manu is responsible for and I to come visit ISU,” Armitra says. colleges and universities to a primarily me being a soil scientist. From the time I “We both really enjoyed our visit, enrolled white institution. It was different but it took his course at Alabama A&M (where and finished master’s and Ph.D. degrees. worked out just fine,” says Armitra. Manu worked previously) he made soils My two other sisters went on to graduate They say the ISU Black Graduate seem like the coolest thing ever. I picked up from Iowa State, too.” Student Association helped them make the on his way with students and his energy.” She says she had great experiences transition to Iowa State, as did supportive Both Armitra and Dedrick were working in animal science professor Jim faculty and staff like Grant, Harding, Mary encouraged by fellow Cyclones to pursue Dickson’s lab and with Joe Sebranek, de Baca in the College of Agriculture and DRS. graduate degrees at Iowa State. University Professor, Distinguished Life Sciences Diversity Programs, and their “Dr. Manu and several other professors Professor of Animal Science and Morrison major professors. at Alabama A&M always told us how good Endowed Chair in Meat Science. Aubrey “MANRRS also provided support for ISU was for soil science,” Dedrick says. “You Mendonca, associate professor of food me. I could see other people who looked DAVIS always hear about George Washington science and human nutrition, was and like me and sit among people I knew in Carver and how he was associated with still is an important mentor to her. the college,” says Dedrick. “But I also put Tuskegee. But, when I found out that Carver Pancakes helped to bring Armitra and myself out there in the department and studied at Iowa State, it got my curiosity Dedrick together. They first got to know the college. I learned if I was open to Story by Melea Reicks Licht going. As I progressed as an undergrad, each other over breakfast during a experiencing new things and people, it Images by Justin Vaughner, Alabama A&M University Iowa State became my top choice for grad VEISHEA celebration. actually helped make my transition easier.” school in soil science,” says Dedrick. “We had the same demands of grad That’s advice they frequently give to Armitra Jackson-Davis Their students give back to their project focuses on safety of unpasteurized He contacted Nina Grant, minority school, enjoyed talking about science and their students. They encourage students and Dedrick Davis community by fostering a partnership with juice products. Consumers want these liaison officer in the College of Agriculture enjoyed that we could actually talk about to participate in the College of Agriculture the local Boys and Girls Club. For this year’s types of products, but there are challenges and Life Sciences at the time. She connected intellectual stuff. Each of us could contribute and Life Sciences’ George Washington found each other in activity, MANRRS members will mentor that need to be overcome.” him with Thelma Harding and the Iowa to the conversation,” Armitra says. Carver Summer Research Internship their pursuit of science high school and middle school students, Besides his teaching responsibilities, State University Graduate Minority They chose to get married on New program at Iowa State. at Iowa State University. helping them with science projects. Dedrick, an assistant professor of soil Assistance Program. Year’s Day to avoid any additional missed “We always use our story as an example Govind Sharma, emeritus professor of physics, conducts research, including the Armitra remembers Harding recruiting days of lab work. of not being afraid to venture out even if Together they found plant science at Alabama A&M, says Dedrick impact of biochar—charcoal produced at her undergraduate alma mater, the For Armitra and Dedrick, Iowa State it’s in a place you’ve never been before,” their calling in and Armitra are valued for their unique from biomass used for agricultural University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff. was dramatically different demographically Armitra says. “You never know what’s higher education. strengths and admired by their students. purposes—on heat and water movement “If you know Thelma, she’s high energy from their undergraduate alma maters. waiting on the other side of the door, “Dedrick and Armitra had a lot of in soil. and bubbly. She convinced my twin sister “We went from historically black professionally and personally.” Both are now faculty at Alabama opportunities all over the country but One of his students is studying Agricultural and Mechanical University. they returned to their roots. They agro-forestry alley cropping. “The intent Armitra (’06 MS meat science, ’10 PhD have wonderful personalities and are is to give limited-resource farmers in animal science) and Dedrick (’05 MS exceptional professionally,” says Sharma. Alabama two means of income on the soil science, ’12 PhD soil science and “They are the backbone of MANRRS and same area of land,” he says. “We track the environmental science) work together as each are stars in their departments. soil physical properties and processes of co-advisers for the university’s Minorities Dedrick’s work keeps plowing new sweet gum trees and switchgrass and in Agriculture Natural Resources and frontiers of soil science. Armitra’s plate is compare those to row-crop agriculture.” Related Sciences (MANRRS) chapter. full from teaching, but she makes time to Dedrick credits Iowa State for helping The Drs. Davis have helped the chapter share her research through outreach to the him learn how to mentor students. grow from three to approximately 20 food industry and consumers especially “The soil science program put me active members and rise to compete on a regarding the new Food Safety and around leaders who were also good national level. Modernization Act.” individuals, period. I could be walking Armitra Jackson-Davis (second from right) and Dedrick Davis (right) share a “We spend a lot of time outside of Armitra, an assistant professor of food down the hallway and Ali Tabatabai would laugh with Minorities in Agriculture business hours talking MANRRS and how microbiology, teaches, conducts research pull me into his office and give me some Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) students. The two we can move the students forward. This and advises graduate students. words of wisdom. Dr. (Bob) Horton didn’t serve as co-advisers for A&M’s chapter year, two of our students placed in the top “Consumers are becoming more just have me do research, he also helped of the national organization. three in national research competitions at interested in ingredients that are naturally me develop personally and professionally. the graduate and undergraduate level,” derived so we’re studying the use of I watched Rick Cruise and how he built a says Armitra. natural antimicrobials,” she says. “One great rapport with students,” Dedrick says.

30 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 31 ALUMNI ALUMNI

CALS grads Beau and Shanen Ebersole, of Kellerton, Iowa, have built their Maine-Anjou cattle herd and ranching operation by being open to new practices like serving as an off-range pasture facility for wild horses and running custom cows on their land.

“All farmers and ranchers have become better at telling their stories and most people understand that

we care about Shanen Ebersole sells beef to a customer at the Des Moines Farmers how our animals Market. Ebersoles started the beef business 11 years ago to add income to their ranching operation. She says telling the story of their ranch is an DIVERSIFYING are raised.” important part of customer relations. TO ACHIEVE THE Their beef has been sold at the Des Two years ago, their operation’s path “We have regular site visits by the Moines Farmers Market for eight years, diverted again with the addition of a herd BLM and APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Story and images by Jennifer Carrico DREAM and also is available through the Iowa of wild horses. Inspection Service) veterinarians to see (’96 animal science and journalism and Food Co-op and by direct sales. All the “It really was an in-depth process that how the mares and the land are thriving,” mass communications) beef sold by Ebersoles is born and raised started by hearing an ad on the radio says Shanen. “We are two years into the at their ranch. They do not use hormones, about caring for wild horses from out 10-year contract. It has been a learning growth supplements or antibiotics. West,” Shanen says. “We completed a curve for us, as horses definitely graze hanen and Beau Ebersole have their own herd while taking care of other Running custom cows has allowed “It’s really surprising how much 50-page application that included what differently than cattle.” walked down many paths to get to people’s cattle. revenue to help build their own herd to 150 consumers want to know about the beef types of soil and grasses we had, as well Providing a natural environment for Stheir Kellerton, Iowa, ranch where Cows owned by other farmers have head of Maine-Anjou, Maine-Angus, Angus they are buying for their families,” Shanen as fencing and water availability. We had the horses and returning land to the native they raise kids, cattle and horses. Not one helped them use the grass on their ranch and crossbred cows. Careful planning says. “All farmers and ranchers have to line out an extensive management plan prairies of old has been satisfying for the of them has been direct. and on rented acres. This part of their at breeding time has helped them keep become better at telling their stories and as to how we could make part of our Ebersoles. Caring for the animals and the Shanen (’98 animal science) and Beau business started by taking care of small registered cows in the full-blood most people understand that we care about ranch into an area as close to native as land is important as their children talk (’98 ag studies) met at Iowa State. They both groups of cows and grew to as many as Maine-Anjou, purebred Maine-Anjou, how our animals are raised. They want to possible for these wild horses.” about returning to the operation someday. have worked at different cattle operations 700 cows at one time. This year they are Maine-Angus and Angus herd books. make the best decisions for their family, just Becoming an off-range pasture facility The couple’s three children, Adelyda, 18; and in different jobs, but their dream has caring for 400 custom cows. About 20 to 30 replacement heifers as we do for our family and our animals. for the Wild Horse and Burrow Program Jolene, 15; and Wyatt, 10; help on the ranch always been to have their own operation “Custom cows are generally delivered are kept each year and other calves are Producers may feed their animals a little through the Bureau of Land Management every day. Caring for the cattle and horses and raise their family on a cattle ranch. with calves at side in May and we have marketed as breeding bulls, show heifers differently or have different management (BLM) has allowed more diversity on the on the ranch keep the kids busy, as well as Their secret to building their own them on grass here because their owners and fed out as beef. techniques, but it is important we stick Ebersole ranch. The area used for the their school activities and showing cattle. ranch? Creativity and open-mindedness don’t have summer pastures. They take About 11 years ago, the Ebersoles took together to help feed consumers no matter horses was once used in their custom “When I headed off to Iowa State after says Shanen. them back home in November and turn on a new venture and began selling beef the variations in our operations.” cow rotation. This land had to have an high school, I sure wouldn’t have guessed The Ebersoles raise Maine-Anjou cattle, them out on cornstalk fields for the winter from the animals on their ranch. A good nutrition and mineral program environmental analysis done by the BLM this is where I would be now,” says which they love for their mothering and calve them out and they come back to “It started as a way to make a farm helps the Ebersoles maximize grass in their to ensure the land would be a good home Shanen. “We love our livestock and are instincts, docility and the quality meat our grass in the spring,” Shanen says. payment, and built into a lot more. operation, which includes a detailed for these 350 mares. glad we have had the opportunity to do they produce. While they’ve been involved With ample pastures available, they are We’ve met some great people and have year-round rotation. what we love.” in the Maine-Anjou business for most of able to keep each owner’s cow grouped and wonderful customers,” Shanen says. their marriage, they’ve been able to grow no commingling occurs.

32 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 33 ALUMNI NEWS PARTNERS Minghao Li (left), an Iowa State postdoc, Chuqiao Peng, a visiting Ph.D. student from Renmin University of China, and Wendong Zhang (right), ISU extension economist, review China’s HENDERSON end-of-year corn stock estimates. This type of data was inaccessible to Iowa State researchers RECEIVES LIFETIME before the Center for China-US Agricultural Economics and Policy was created last year. ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Lynn Henderson (‘74 ag journalism), owner of Henderson Communications, was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Agricultural Editors Association by Betsy Freese (’84 ag journalism) during the Agricultural Media Summit in August. Henderson Communications’ principle products include Agri Marketing Magazine and related digital products.

WINTERSTEEN INSTALLED AS 16TH PRESIDENT OF IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY, HONORED BY STATE AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Wendy Wintersteen (’88 PhD entomology) was installed as the 16th president of Iowa State University in September. In August, she was named to the World Food Prize Council of Advisors and selected as a 2018 Women COLLABORATING ON of Influence honoree byThe Des Moines Business Record. For a video recap of Wintersteen’s installation visit stories.cals.iastate.edu.

Story by Grant Wall KINZENBAW Image by Christopher Gannon RECEIVES HONORARY DEGREE new center at Iowa State extension economist, Minghao Li, “Typically, these students would come University is working to advance postdoctoral researcher, and Yongji Ji, to the U.S. and study our agricultural Jon Kinzenbaw, CEO and chairman of the knowledge of China’s trade policy assistant scientist, are Iowa State staff economy, but now they are able to come board for Kinze Manufacturing, Inc., received A an honorary Doctor of Science degree and agricultural markets. of the center. Currently, they are hosting over and study Chinese agriculture,” Hayes from Iowa State University at the spring The Center for China-US Agricultural three visiting scholars from China: Yue says. “They are able to help analyze the data commencement ceremony. Through his work Economics and Policy was created in April Hu, Wenting Wang and Chuqiao Peng. and provide better context, which has at Kinze Manufacturing, Kinzenbaw brought 2017 by the Center for Agricultural and The partnership is already starting to helped us learn a tremendous amount.” innovative technologies and mechanization to CALS ALUMNI, FRIENDS HONORED Rural Development at Iowa State. The pay dividends. Knowledge of the inner workings production agriculture while continuing to farm. center has forged a partnership with the The center conducts research and of the Chinese economy can help U.S. Faculty members in agricultural and biosystems BY COLLEGE, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences outreach in the areas of trade, agricultural farmers and economists spot emerging engineering nominated Kinzenbaw for the CALS graduates and friends were honored by Iowa State University for service to the college honorary degree. and agricultural and life sciences industries during Homecoming events in October. Awardees and Iowa State experts to get access to markets and policy. It publishes academic markets or other trade opportunities. are pictured with Interim Endowed Dean Joe Colletti (front left), Director of Alumni Relations information about Chinese agriculture journal articles as well as policy briefs on “China has produced 97 percent of the Melea Reicks Licht (front right), and Chair of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems and to clear the path for Chinese students key Chinese agricultural markets and pork they consume internally, meaning Engineering (which received the ISU Alumni Association Impact Award) Steve Mickelson to study economics in the United States. issues geared toward both U.S. and they only import 3 percent from Europe (back second from right). “Until this partnership started, we Chinese policymakers, industry or the U.S.,” says Zhang. “But there has CALS ALUMNI EARN CALS Awards didn’t have access to good data that existed stakeholders and media. been an outbreak of African swine flu in GLOBAL, NATIONAL • Floyd Andre Award, James R. Christensen, (’82 farm operation) (back right), co-owner in China,” says Dermot Hayes, Charles F. “China is so big that the things they do the country, so imagine if their imports HONORS Christensen Feedlot and Royal Beef Curtiss Distinguished Professor in domestically, let alone who they decide to now increase from 3 to 5 percent? That is • George Washington Carver Distinguished Service Award, Dawn Mellion-Patin (’95 PhD ag Agriculture and Life Sciences and former buy from internationally, have strong a very large market for producers in the • Kelly Norris (’08 horticulture, ’11 MS), and life sciences education) (front center), vice chancellor for extension and outreach at interim director of the center. “Their implications for what producers in the U.S. This is interesting to us because director of horticulture and education, Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center public data for years has had quality U.S. are able to sell,” says Zhang. “Those China is no longer a developing country Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, problems, but now we have access to are things we care about very much.” that needs technology and infrastructure American Horticultural Society Emerging • Henry A. Wallace Award, Max F. Rothschild (back second from left), Iowa State University Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences and the M.E. better data and to people who understand The partnership also is beneficial to as it was 20-30 years ago. They are now a Horticultural Professional Award Ensminger Endowed Chair in International Animal Agriculture the agricultural industry in China.” Chinese scholars by providing them a country whose domestic decisions have • Kevin Ross (’03 ag studies), farmer near • Outstanding Young Professional Award, Jen Sorenson (’01 animal science, journalism and John Crespi, professor of economics place to come and work. The center hosts real consequences internationally.” Minden, elected vice-president, National mass communication) (front second from left), communications director, Iowa Select Farms and interim director of the center, Hayes, researchers and doctoral students who Corn Growers Association’s Corn Board Alumni Association Awards Wendong Zhang, assistant professor and conduct research of their own. • Jennifer Zumbach (’01 animal science), farmer near Manchester, Iowa; American Jersey • Alumni Medal, Roger C. Underwood (’80 ag business) (front second from right), businessman Cattle Association Young Farmer Award • Alumni Merit Award, Brian Darrow (’79 animal science, ’83 DVM) (back left), owner, Anamosa STORIES Vol.12 No.2 35 Veterinary Clinic PARTNERS PARTNERS

“The way to address the natural resource challenges we face is to inform an army of Local conservation professionals people who can go share their expertise with Master Conservationist Program out on their land and participants through in-field discussions and demonstrations on improve conditions.” geology, forests, prairies, wetlands and conservation strategies.

aking Iowa State University resources The program has been offered in Local leadership also provides a Tand personalizing them for a specific various forms for more than 20 years. practical benefit of connecting users area of the state can be a challenge. Its recently redesigned format allows with nearby resources. Researchers in Ames have knowledge participants to watch a video on their “A lot of people take this class and experience dealing with big-picture own from Iowa State experts on topics because they just moved to an acreage issues, while local conservationists are including prairies, forests, aquatic or inherited the family farm and are plugged into opportunities and challenges environments and watershed conservation. looking to improve their land,” Howard BECOMING A in their home area. Participants then come together under the says. “This class connects them with the The Master Conservationist Program leadership of local conservationists to resources they need.” at Iowa State aims to bridge that gap. discuss the material and spend time in the Approximately 60 Iowans have Participants from all over the state learn field, seeing examples of those topics in taken the course in two counties in its from Iowa State faculty and extension their own backyard. reformatted pilot phase, with many specialists through an online, standardized “Personalizing sessions allows us to counties expressing interest in hosting curriculum using state and national discuss what’s most important to those the program in 2019. materials. Local conservation professionals taking the class,” says Hannah Howard, “Natural resources underlie everything lead paired in-person sessions building on community coordinator for The Nature we do in Iowa,” Janke says. “Everyone that information about wildlife, natural Conservancy. Howard is the leader of needs clean, healthy water, a huge resources and conservation and tailoring a Master Conservationist class held proportion of our economy depends MASTER the material to where participants live. in Muscatine and Louisa Counties on healthy soils and our quality of life “Local connections are fundamental to in partnership with local Iowa State is enriched by the beauty of our natural CONSERVATIONIST the experience in the Master Conservationist University Extension and Outreach county areas. The way to address the natural Program,” says Adam Janke, assistant offices. “It’s one thing to hear statistics or resource challenges we face is to inform Story by Grant Wall professor and extension wildlife specialist at generalities, but being able to handle and an army of people who can go out on Images by Adam Janke Iowa State. “It allows a clearer image of how experience those types of things provides their land and improve conditions.” conservation challenges can be addressed at an experience not available in a classroom the local level.” or with just online materials.”

STORIES EXTRA: www.stories.cals.iastate.edu

Visit STORIES website to find links to the Master Conservationist Program and other educational opportunities provided by Iowa State University 36 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 Extension and Outreach in your local area. GIVING GIVING

“Our dream to have all service- learners living together in one location is now a reality,” Image by Brian Meyer

vision for change and progress,” said “The center is an important resource Iowa State University President Wendy to our programs, Kamuli, the Busoga Wintersteen at the dedication. region and Uganda,” says Moureen Nearly 100 donors made the $2.7 Mbeiza, agronomy and land-use officer The new 22,000-square-foot training center million facility possible, as well as support with the Iowa State University-Uganda sits on 13 acres. It brings together staff, from Iowa State’s Senior Vice President and Program. “This is the first place of its students, community farmers and district and ministry officials. Nearly 100 donors made the Provost’s Office. The center serves as an kind that will serve as a training area for $2.7 million facility possible, as well as educational and training focal point for our staff, students, community farmers support from Iowa State’s Senior Vice farmers, teachers, community leaders and district and ministry officials. With President and Provost’s Office. and students. It is helping the Center for this beautiful center, together we can DEEP Sustainable Rural Livelihoods expand food achieve great things.” IOWA STATE’S MPIRIGITI and agricultural programs that serve local Since 2006, more than 250 Iowa State pupils to realize their potential and the families, and provide more service- and Makerere students have participated opportunities that will be afforded to RURAL TRAINING CENTER learning opportunities for Iowa State and in service-learning at Kamuli. Over the them through continued education and OPENS IN UGANDA African students. years, students lived separately and in 11 agriculture. We have shown them the The 22,000-square-foot training center scattered locations. value of investing in themselves.” The Mpirigiti Rural Training Center, named for this revered local tree, is the sits on 13 acres that includes a main “Our dream to have all service-learners At the dedication, Gideon Nadiope, latest milestone in Iowa State’s Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods headquarters for the 20 Iowa State living together in one location is now a the national director of the Iowa State Story by Brian Meyer 14-year-old history. Gideon Nadiope is national director of the Iowa State Images by Brian Meyer and Brian Nonnecke University-Uganda Program helping rural Ugandans improve farming University-Uganda Program field staff. reality,” says Gail Nonnecke, associate University-Uganda Program, led a round practices, nutrition, sanitation and income-generating opportunities. There also is a library, meeting spaces director for education programs for the of applause for the mpirigiti tree and its and a kitchen and dining area. There Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods. many uses that make it special to is a 48-bed student dormitory, rooms “This is a place for our students to learn, Ugandans—medicine, forage, dyes, THE 25-FOOT-TALL TREE WAS DESTINED FOR THE AXE. The training center is the latest for visiting faculty and guests and grow and develop. We have immense firewood, protein-rich leaves for livestock, milestone in CSRL’s 14-year-old history. demonstration areas for livestock and crop pride in our world-class programs in environmental benefits and much more. The tree was impeding construction of hopeful signs emerged: new shoots and The center has impacted thousands of lives production, gardens and orchards, grain which students prepare to be future “We pray that we make our projects as a new facility for the College of Agriculture leaves began to grow. The decision was through programs made possible by private handling and agroforestry. A soccer field leaders and responsible citizens of the useful as this tree,” said Nadiope. and Life Sciences’ Center for Sustainable made to name the new facility after the philanthropy—programs that help rural is a popular place open to community global community.” The transplanted tree now has Rural Livelihoods (CSRL) in the Kamuli tree—Mpirigiti Rural Training Center. Ugandans gain skills in better farming members and a basketball court is now Cody West (’18 biology), a service company. A young mpirigiti was planted District of Uganda. It was growing too “By naming the training center for this practices, proper nutrition and sanitation under construction. learner last summer says, “We have seen near the main building to honor Acker’s close to the spot where student housing beloved tree, we show respect for the local and income-generating and entrepreneurial our impact to change mindsets and alter tireless efforts and dedication in bringing would be built. culture and language and our local staff,” opportunities. It is a model for international thinking. We have used this opportunity the training center to completion. Local staff of the Iowa State University says David Acker, associate dean for university agricultural education programs as service learners to empower young Since 2006, more than 250 Iowa State and -Uganda Program, who work every day to academic and global programs in the and for inspiring students to address global Makerere students have participated in carry out the center’s programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, hunger and poverty. service-learning at Kamuli. Over the years, students lived in 11 different locations – Kamuli District, lobbied to save the tree. who oversaw the training center’s planning Last March, the Mpirigiti Rural Training the new facility brings all service-learners Known in the local Lusoga language as and development. Center opened with a ceremony featuring together in one location. “mpirigiti,” the native tree is highly prized “The story of the transplanted tree is a William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, for its healing and medicinal properties. parable about respecting life, giving people the king of Busoga, a region that includes Guided by faculty and staff, a small but a second chance and applying science to Kamuli. In July, the facility was officially mighty group of service-learning students solve complex problems,” says Acker. dedicated with leaders and students from from Iowa State and Makerere University “When Ugandans see and hear the name Iowa State and Makerere University and of Uganda and local staff dug out the tree. of the training center, it will convey the several donors. Together they lifted and carried it to a safer concepts of health and well-being—both “The Mpirigiti Rural Training Center location on site where it was replanted. high priorities for the work of the Center epitomizes what can happen when donor Would the stressful transplant take? for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods.” support and Iowa State’s land-grant mission Odds for survival were unfavorable. But unite through a passionate, compassionate

38 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 39 IN OUR NEXT ISSUE ALMANAC Join us for the COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE BY THE NUMBERS AND LIFE SCIENCES DAY IN AGRICULTURE AND LIFE SCIENCES AT HILTON! WE ARE CALS • 4,400 undergraduates and 690 graduate students • 3rd largest undergraduate student body among agricultural 99% RECORD HIGH CAREER PLACEMENT PROFILES IN colleges in the United States (grads placed within 6 months of graduation) TEAMWORK • 52% women • 97% or higher for 20 consecutive years • 10% multicultural students (54% increase over the past 5 years) • 277 Record number of employers at 2018 Fall CALS Career Day • 69% Iowa students Meet the DEAN’S TEAM in the • International students from 57 countries (104 undergrads, 159 grad students) next issue of STORIES. You’ll get to know our new ENDOWED 195,966 IOWANS SERVED DEAN DANIEL ROBISON, his Annually through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Agriculture and Natural Resources educational events and field days leadership style and his plans $3.4 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS for the college. Profiles of our Offered to students annually through the college and CYCLONE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL GAME AND RECEPTION its departments ASSOCIATE AND ASSISTANT DEANS will highlight their • Complimentary pre-game reception and program (2:30-5 p.m.) SCIENCE STATION • Discounted women’s basketball game tickets vs. West Virginia (6 p.m.) • scientists in departments and centers, institutes COLLABORATIVE efforts directing 177 15 25 • On-court recognition of the 2019 CALS Emerging Iowa Leader and initiatives conduct land-grant mission-oriented academic and global programs, FEBRUARY DOWN ON THE FARM research as part of the Agricultural and Home Economics awardee (Congrats to 2018 winner Jacob Hunter) 15,000 people visit Iowa State’s Research and Demonstration Experiment Station research and the experiment • Registration available in January 2019 Farms every year • $400 MILLION in sponsored research funding brought in station, extension and outreach, over the past eight years 9 operations, student services, 2019 diversity and graduate programs. Watch STORIES Online for registration details. Not receiving CYCLONE STATE Together their LEADERSHIP your monthly e-news from the college in STORIES Online? FUELED BY ALUMNI AND FRIENDS E-mail [email protected] to subscribe. • More than 24,000 of our 46,000 alumni live in Iowa propels the college to its place • $35 MILLION from alumni and friends supported the college in 2018 • 65% of new graduates begin their careers in Iowa following graduation • Annual fundraising surpassed $30 MILLION each of the past 3 years among the WORLD’S LEADING INSTITUTIONS OF AGRICULTURE. CALS Communications 304 Curtiss Hall 513 Farmhouse Lane NATIONAL AND GLOBAL EXCELLENCE • Bradley Miller (’00 environmental science, ’06 MS water resources and soil science), assistant professor, agronomy, International Ames, Iowa 50011 • Fred Janzen, professor, ecology, evolution and organismal Union of Soil Sciences Dan Yaalon Young Scientist Medal biology; American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, • Ken Stalder (’85 farm operation, ’87 animal science, ’95 PhD), Lifetime Award for Meritorious Teaching in Herpetology professor, animal science, American Society of Animal Science, • Anna Johnson, professor, animal science, American Society of Animal Industry Service Award and Fellow Animal Science, Animal Industry Service Award and Fellow • Hongwei Xin, Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor of • Brian Meyer, director of college relations, Association of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, American Society of Communications Excellence in Agriculture, Natural Resources Agricultural and Biological Engineers, Cyrus Hall McCormick- and Life and Human Sciences, Professional Award Jerome Case Gold Medal MAIL CENTER 184 GENERAL SERVICES BUILDING AMES IA 50010-9901

40 STORIES Vol.12 No.2 CALS Communications 304 Curtiss Hall 513 Farmhouse Lane Ames, Iowa 50011

PEANUT BRITTLE (NUMBER ONE) 3 cups granulated sugar 1 scant cup boiling water 1 cup roasted peanuts 1/4 teaspoon soda

Melt all together over a slow fire; cook gently without stirring until a little hardens when dropped in cold water; add the nuts; turn the mixture in well buttered pans and cut while hot. Stirring will cause the syrup to sugar.

(How to Grow the Peanut and 101 Ways of Preparing it for Human Consumption. Tuskegee University. Carver, WANT TO LEARN MORE OF GEORGE Bulletin No. 31, June 1925.) WASHINGTON CARVER’S STORY? Visit STORIES website for links to more details about Carver’s life and legacy, including biographies, memories, art and even a few recipes like this one credited to Carver.

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