Honors and awards
Yandeau-Nelson receives early career award
Marna Yandeau-Nelson, associate professor in genetics, development and cell biology, received the 2023 M. Rhoades Early Career Award from the the Maize Genetics Cooperation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research in maize genetics and breeding and developing the next generation of scientists. The award recognizes an individual who has been in a permanent position for eight years or less and has made significant research contributions through genetic studies of maize or related species.
Lawrence-Dill honored with service award
Carolyn Lawrence-Dill, associate dean for for research and discovery in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and professor in genetics, development and cell biology, received the 2023 Maize Genetics Cooperator Award from the the Maize Genetics Cooperation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research in maize genetics and breeding and developing the next generation of scientists. The award recognizes maize cooperators, active in the maize genetics community for at least 10 years, who have dedicated their careers to service by supporting community resources, organizing collaborative efforts or enabling maize research.
Karriker named association leader
Dr. Locke Karriker, Morrill Professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine and the Dr. Douglas and Ann Gustafson Professor for Teaching Excellence in Veterinary Medicine, has been installed as vice president of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.
Smalley earns ag education teaching recognition
Agricultural education and studies associate professor Scott Smalley was one of seven recipients of the Golden Owl Award in Iowa. The award, supported by a partnership between Nationwide Insurance, the state Department of Education and the Iowa FFA Foundation, recognizes agricultural educators who devote countless hours and often their own resources to positively impact the lives of their students. Smalley is in the running for the grand prize of $3,000, the Golden Owl trophy and the title "Agricultural Educator of the Year" in Iowa.
Theater's Murphy honored for innovative teaching
Assistant professor of theatre Cason Murphy received the Prize for Innovative Teaching at the Region 5 gathering of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, held in January in Des Moines. The award recognizes faculty who "demonstrate innovation in regard to student success in the area of theatre arts."
Advancing One Community Award recipients named
The recipients of Iowa State's 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Advancing One Community awards were honored Jan. 30 during the MLK campus keynote lecture. The awards recognize efforts to enhance and cultivate an inclusive university community that embraces justice and equity. Read more about each in the linked story. The recipients are:
- Undergraduate student award: Natalia Rios Martinez, triple major in political science, international studies, and public relations
- Graduate student award: Lisa Dazzell, Ph.D. student in counseling pyschology
- Employee award: Gene Manhattan, international student advisor in the international students and scholars office
Extension program for elementary students receives STEM recognition
Nutcracker Ballet + STEM, an ISU Extension and Outreach program for elementary students, received the Governor's STEM Advisory Council Seal of Approval. The council is focused on increasing student interest and achievement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to prepare STEM-literate students for careers in economically vital fields such as bioscience, finance, information technology and advanced manufacturing. The extension program showcases STEM in ballet and is designed to work with a variety of literacy, art and STEM standards.
Thippeswamy named society fellow
Thimmasettapp Thippeswamy, W.E. Lloyd Endowed Professor in Veterinary Medicine and professor of biomedical sciences, has been selected as a fellow of the American Epilepsy Society. The honor demonstrates professional accomplishments and dedication in the field of epilepsy among society members. Thippeswamy was recognized for his research efforts.
Gold rating for Iowa State in higher ed sustainability assessment
For the fourth consecutive time, Iowa State University has earned a Gold rating in the Association for the Advancement for Sustainability in Higher Education's STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System) for 2023-26. Gold is second only to platinum in the four-tiered STARS self-reporting system, and Iowa State has held its Gold STARS certification since 2013. In its considerable submission, a university must show achievements in four areas: academics, operations, engagement and planning/administration, and can apply for additional credits in an innovation/leadership category. The intent is to help institutions measure -- and improve -- their sustainability efforts in many areas. Director of sustainability Merry Rankin spearheads this data collection and verification effort for the university.
Newton honored by golf course superintendents group
John Newton, who retired in 2018 after 33 years as superintendent of Iowa State's Veenker Memorial Golf Course, will receive the 2023 Col. John Morley Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. The award recognizes an association member who has made a significant contribution, in both substance and duration, to advancing the profession. At Veenker, Newton worked with countless ISU turfgrass students pursuing a career in the industry, operating the golf course with mostly student labor and a few fulltime team members. He also worked to train and advance his assistant superintendents, to the benefit of individuals pursuing a career in turfgrass care.
Arts and events
The Iowa Senate honored VP for Extension and Outreach John Lawrence Wednesday morning for his many years of service to the university and the people of Iowa.
ISU Theatre's 'She Kills Monsters' follows a young woman as she unlocks mysteries about her deceased sister. The dramatic comedy opens March 30.
