FROM THE DEAN – Fall 2012

Over the summer, I spent an enjoyable evening at the Iowa Turkey Federation’s summer meeting, which had a baseball theme. To fit the theme, I spoke to the audience about recent success stories, or “home runs,” in the college.

Then I listed areas I thought would be “game-changers” that were in the batter’s circle for Iowa agriculture.

One was agriculture’s centrality to the continuing vision for the biosciences and bioeconomy in Iowa. I shared that, to me, these areas mean research and development unlocking new economic potential in plants and animals, stimulating new kinds of value-added products and processes in agriculture. As we look to capitalize on Iowa’s great competitive advantage in agriculture and in science and technology, biosciences are key to driving economic growth and job creation to new heights.

Another game changer is the rising numbers of students studying agriculture and life sciences. A grand-slam was the impending enrollment record, which was confirmed early in the fall semester— 3,900 undergraduates, topping the 1977 record. More young people realize agriculture and life sciences offer exciting and life-changing opportunities for those willing to work hard to accomplish something positive. They realize agriculture is where they need to be to play a role in addressing local, national and global needs.

Finally, I told my audience the ultimate game-changer is the strong partnerships we forge together to build our future. We need to work as a team, to communicate, to know where each of us is on the field, to have everyone play their position well and to keep our eyes on the ball. That’s what great teams do. The players connect the dots and great things happen.

As a team, we are partners in crossing the plate to “home” base—whether “home” is a safe, plentiful food supply; high-quality natural resources; expanding economic development; and promising futures for our children and grandchildren. Our team must include scientists, extension specialists, teachers, farmers, business people, well-prepared college graduates and many more.

For those who know me well, you know I always root, root, root for the home team—Iowa agriculture. Because when agriculture scores, society wins.

Wendy Wintersteen

Endowed Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences

FOREWORD – Fall 2012

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is all about life. Agriculture is biology in action. Biology is a precursor for agricultural science and practical application.

Whether plant or animal, soil, air or water—it’s all about life.

Here in CALS we break down the stuff of life more than half a dozen ways with faculty expertise in everything from biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology and organismal biology, to microbiology, genetics, development and cell biology. For those of you who haven’t seen the inside of a lab since organic chemistry, I hope you’ll stick around and keep reading. There’s exciting science happening here every day, chipping away at huge issues facing agriculture and society.

The following pages offer a few examples of life sciences research. Faculty like Jeff Essner and Allen Miller who are searching for deeper understanding of animal and plant diseases with hopes of using their findings to improve human health. Many faculty mentor graduate and undergraduates in their labs, providing unique opportunities for students to be involved in cutting-edge research. Brandi Malchow is a perfect example of a student making the most of every day of her student experience.

Enthusiasm, passion and a drive to help others are common themes I think you’ll pick up on throughout this issue.

Nancy Brannaman has traversed the globe working in embassies for the U.S. State Department and Dr. Anthony Davis treats patients in Ames as a chiropractor. Be sure to check out Carla Persaud, our “In the Margins” profile, who is featured for her work with United Way. Her efforts are anything but marginal. Alum Chet Boruff’s story spotlights his career in agricultural regulatory affairs protecting farmers and consumers. His story also offers a glimpse as to what to expect in our next issue, which will focus on farming and farm programs.

As always, your thoughts on this issue and others are welcome. Please feel free to contact me at stories@iastate.edu. I enjoy hearing from you and sharing your news here and in STORIES Online, our monthly e-newsletter. If you’re not already on our e-mail list please sign up at www.cals.iastate.edu/alumni.

Kind regards,

Melea Reicks Licht

Director of Alumni Relations

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

FROM THE DEAN – Spring 2012

Dean Wendy Wintersteen

Several times a semester, I meet with a student advisory group to listen what’s on their minds and let them know what’s on my mind.

The lineup of about a dozen students changes each year, but it began as a way to gain student input on difficult decisions the college was wrestling with because of declining state budgets. I recall one student telling me that as a future alum, she wanted to look back at her college and be assured it was still among the best programs in the nation. It was invaluable to hear these kinds of insights and concerns.

Since then, our topics have expanded. We’ve talked about a wide range of areas. They commented on our strategic plan draft. (One even volunteered to work with our strategic planning committee, which I gratefully accepted.) They brainstormed new ways to recruit high school students and to communicate with current students.

We’ve talked about how important it is for a new student to make friends through learning communities, and whether students in our majors need more living-together learning communities in the residence halls. We’ve discussed the need to develop more courses that link science to societal issues.

My favorite part of our meetings is to open it up to let the students talk about whatever’s on

their minds.

Some talk excitedly about the employers they met at our annual career day. Some share conversations they had with freshmen about how they’re adjusting to campus and how they’ve felt welcomed. Some talk about the record number of members in their student clubs. Last fall, one proudly spoke of a first-place showing of the soil judging team at a regional competition, and the individual honors bestowed on team members.

I deeply value the thoughtful input I hear every time I meet with these students. When I walk into the room and see them gathered, it is a highlight of my week and reinforces the important work we do together at Iowa State University.

Wendy Wintersteen

Endowed Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences

FOREWORD – Spring 2012

Melea Reicks Licht

I first met Paul Lasley, now professor and chair of sociology and anthropology, on a campus visit with my parents. Paul was the only professor my father had a chance to meet before his death months later. Lasley’s third floor East Hall office was filled with farm tools, some antique and some just old. Behind him on the wall was a large black and white photo of two impoverished children, barefoot before a barn with chipped white paint. I honestly don’t remember what we talked about. I just remember that photo. And how Lasley made us laugh. His laugh filled the room and spilled down the hall. It was the first time that day my parents and I really laughed. We felt so much more at ease the rest of our visit. To see professors as people was an important lesson for me.

Since then Lasley and his family have embraced me and mine. I worked for Paul as a teaching aid. We led a travel course to Ireland for several years. He sat on my graduate committee. Lasley and his wife Pauletti (or Papa and Nana as my young sons call them) were at the hospital just hours after the birth of each of my children. They invited us to sit in their pew at church. They stood beside me with the rest of my family during some of the most trying times of my life. I’m so thankful for the light and joy, fun and family we bring to each other’s lives.

That’s the kind of connection—one of extraordinary personal support and kindness—that underlies the education offered in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. There are countless stories like mine, of professors and staff going above and beyond for their students. It’s not just a job —it’s their passion.

That’s why my heart swells whenever Paul Lasley, proudly beaming, introduces me: “This is my ‘adopted’ daughter, Melea.”

I hope the stories in these pages are able to capture and inspire the special feeling that’s possible here, and conjure fond memories of special professors and staff from your own time at ISU. If so, please consider sharing your story by e-mailing stories@iastate.edu. I will compile and share responses with our readers via our monthly e-newsletter, STORIES Online. Visit www.cals.iastate.edu/stories to sign up.

Kind regards,

Melea Reicks Licht