Iowa State University - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

On Monday, Feb. 3, Iowa State University will be celebrating George Washington Carver Day. Every year, on the first day of February, the state of Iowa honors the life and legacy of Carver, an Iowa State alumni and renowned scientist and inventor. He dedicated his life to teaching and learning, believing that “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” Join Iowa State on Feb. 3 in the Durham Great Hall of the Memorial Union at 5 p.m. to hear remarks from leaders at Iowa State and Tuskegee Institute, listen to performances inspired by Carver’s legacy and explore plants preserved by Carver himself. #WeAreCALS #CALSproud #ISUCALS https://lnkd.in/gZaHZMxd

What IS the CALS Communications Office up to today?! Give us your best guess below 👇 #calsstories #CALSproud #ISUCALS #WeAreCALS

Trying to find just one more credit for the spring semester? Interested in how nutrition can impact health, straight from the doctor's mouth? Check out FSHN 2670X! https://lnkd.in/g2gtVebV #WeAreCALS #CALSproud #ISUCALS

Over the past several years, the state of Iowa has been investing in the survival of the monarch butterfly and its habitat. In the past 10 years, over 690,000 acres of monarch butterfly habitat have been established, propelling the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium to an 88% completion of their low-end goal, which they hope to achieve by 2038. "This report highlights the tremendous work we have made but also underscores the need for continued conservation efforts by all stakeholders,” said Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Lyon. “The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is proud of its partnerships with private landowners, conservation organizations, and state and local agencies that contribute to monarch conservation in Iowa." Check out the progress and the yearly trends ⬇️ #WeAreCALS #CALSproud #ISUCALS

New research from Iowa State University suggests the potential for miscanthus, a perennial grass, to play a huge role in carbon storage and triple its biomass by using new planting techniques. “There are already markets for [micanthus] in Iowa,” said Andy VanLoocke, associate professor of agronomy, a leading researcher on the project. “Our new study suggests that we’ve been underestimating its potential for economic and environmental benefits during the crop’s initial growing season.” Read more about the research ⬇️ #WeAreCALS #CALSproud #ISUCALS

Last semester, students from all majors had the opportunity to learn a valuable life skill: cooking. This half-semester course taught food safety, grocery shopping skills, and meal planning. Erica Beirman, teaching professor of food science and human nutrition, is one of 11 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Innovation and Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows, a program aimed at fostering innovative ideas across departments. Her project? Culinary Boot Camp: a two-credit class that encouraged college students to make healthy food choices. “Culinary Boot Camp benefits students by providing knowledge and life skills to help prepare and plan healthful meals,” Beirman said. “Students are immersed in thought-provoking activities paired with hands-on experience to allow opportunities to create a foundation they can continue to build upon for a lifetime of healthy habits.” Read more about Culinary Boot Camp ⬇️ #weareCALS #CALSProud #ISUCALS

Matt Darr, John Deere Endowed Chair in Ag Innovation and professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, is one of two Iowa State faculty members selected by the National Academy of Inventors for its 2024 Class of Fellows. Darr has been the author or co-author for 88 patents found on over 60 pieces of technology globally and leads Iowa State's BioCentury Research Farm, a facility dedicated to biomass production and processing. Read more about his selection ⬇️ #CALSProud #ISUCALS #WeAreCALS

As we end 2024, let's take a look back at just a few of the incredible achievements, innovations and accomplishments Iowa State University (and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences) had this year! Of course, not everything could fit on this list. What else should we be sure and remember? Drop a comment with your 2024 CALS accomplishment ⬇️ #weareCALS #CALSProud #ISUCALS

Looking for an additional credit to round out your spring semester? Interested in how nutrition can impact health, straight from the doctor's mouth? Check out FSHN 2670X!

Take a well-deserved rest, Cyclones!