Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

06/05/2026

Why does switchgrass bloom earlier in northern regions? While the question was an unwelcome surprise for the research team, the journey to find the answer demonstrated the power of citizen scientists.

The research team, led in part by Iowa State University's Jianming Yu, professor of agronomy, analyzed thousands of publicly shared plant photos alongside field trials and genetic data, combining observations of the plant's real-world behavior with carefully controlled experimental behavior.

“With this study, we have connected our quantitative genetic and genomic research with ecology, evolution and adaptation over a large-scale landscape. The beauty is we’re bridging them together so we can see the whole picture,” said Yu.

Read more about the study ⬇️

https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/integrating-citizen-science-experimental-data-helps-uncover-how-plants-adapt

Iowa State University Department of Agronomy

06/03/2026

At Iowa State University, an AI tutor developed by Karl Kerns, assistant professor of animal science, and his graduate students is doing just that. Designed to complement hands-on instruction in a high-enrollment animal science lab, the tool provides flexible, on-demand support through guided practice, flashcards and interactive feedback.

The impact is measurable: students who engaged with the tutor earned higher final grades, with frequent users improving by the equivalent of a full letter grade.

“We are always looking for ways to innovate in the classroom and to give students another useful tool,” Kerns said. “It’s all about setting students up for success.”

Read more about the tool ⬇️

Iowa State University-Animal Science Iowa State University

“It’s like having a Zoom session with a real-life human mentor.” That’s how Karl Kerns describes the AI tutor he’s spent the past two years creating and refining with his graduate students.

06/02/2026

Ruth MacDonald will serve as acting dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences from June 1-July 31, and interim dean beginning August 1.

"Ruth has long been a leader in the college, and will work with students, faculty, staff and stakeholders to steward the college during our leadership transition," said Jason Keith, senior vice president and provost.

MacDonald has served the college in a variety of roles, including associate dean and chair of the department of food science and human nutrition.

Read more about the transition ⬇️

https://www.inside.iastate.edu/article/2026/05/12/leadership-transition-announced-agriculture-and-life-sciences

06/01/2026

Each year, more than 17,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables are produced at the ISU Horticulture Research Station. Where does all that food go? Right back into campus dining, local food systems and community partners, with thousands of additional pounds donated to expand access to local, fresh food.

“We produce so much here, and it all has somewhere to go,” said Chloe Henscheid, farm superintendent. “Whether it’s our local dining centers, local farms or direct sales, it stays in the community. I think there’s something special about that.”

Through collaboration across disciplines, the station also advances agricultural practices that benefit growers and ecosystems alike.

Learn more about the impact ⬇️

Iowa State University Department of Horticulture

The Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station provides students with hands-on experience producing fruits, vegetables and honey on 235 acres of land north of Ames. Students work year-round planting, harvesting, maintaining equipment and supporting marketing efforts, with nearly all tasks c...

05/29/2026

Iowa State University researchers are exploring how computer vision, sensors and data science can transform swine production, from automated weight estimation to early detection of health issues. The long-term goal: continuous identification and tracking of individual pigs, a breakthrough that could redefine precision management, animal welfare and genetic improvement.

With U.S. Department of Agriculture support, the team is now testing these technologies in commercial-like settings to better understand their reliability, return on investment and scalability for producers.

Read more ⬇️

Iowa State University-Animal Science

https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/cameras-and-sensors-bringing-digital-farm-transformation-hog-barns

05/27/2026

Stephen Dinsmore has been reappointed to a new five-year term as chair of ISU Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management.

During his first term, Dinsmore oversaw seven faculty hires, led program updates such as renaming the animal ecology major to better reflect its focus, expanded student scholarship opportunities each year and advanced sustainability efforts within the department.

“It has been a privilege to serve as chair of the NREM department,” Dinsmore said. “I’m grateful to work with so many wonderful faculty, staff and students who have helped make these accomplishments possible. I look forward to continuing to lead the department as we strive for even greater success.”

Read more ⬇️

Stephen Dinsmore has been reappointed to another five-year term as chair of the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Iowa State University.

05/22/2026

Hardwoods are the go-to for bioreactor wood chips—but could conifers could do the job, too?

Cesar Martinez, senior in forestry, set out to see if this tree species some consider invasive could do the job of a bioreactor, testing 13 conifer species to see how well they remove nitrate from farm drainage water.

“Results of the project will have on-the-ground impact across Iowa and nationally, as forest products markets often drive sustainable woodland stewardship,” said Billy Beck, associate professor of natural resource ecology and management. “A new market for coniferous bioreactor carbon media may enhance water quality while simultaneously incentivizing critical conservation activities that generate conifer logs, such as windbreak renovation and oak regeneration efforts.”

Check out his results ⬇️

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Hardwood tree species have traditionally been used as a source of wood chips for bioreactors, but could conifers be used, as well? Two Iowa State students teamed up to find out.

05/20/2026

Three Department of Animal Science faculty will continue their impactful research and teaching with support from donor-funded named positions.

Elisabeth Lonergan has been named the Morrison Chair in Meat Science, honoring her leadership in advancing meat quality, safety and sustainability through innovative research.

Stephanie Hansen and Aileen Keating have been appointed as holders of the Tyrone D. Artz, M.D., Chair for Faculty Excellence in Animal Science, recognizing their strong contributions to research, undergraduate education and student mentorship.

Read more about their research ⬇️

Elisabeth Huff Lonergan, University Professor of animal science, was named the Morrison Chair in Meat Science. Stephanie Hansen, professor of animal science, and Aileen Keating, professor of animal science, will hold the title of Tyrone D. Artz, M.D., Chair for Faculty Excellence in Animal Science.

05/18/2026

Wes Wierson is working to cure cancer in dogs. Inspired by his dog, Layla’s, health challenges, Wierson (‘13 microbiology, ‘18 PhD molecular cellular and developmental biology) and his company, LEAH Labs, are developing life-saving cancer treatments that could help dogs AND people. Read more about their efforts in STORIES magazine, coming August 2026!



GDCB - ISU Iowa State University

05/15/2026

Congratulations and best wishes to the spring 2026 graduating seniors! We can't wait to see all the things you will accomplish!