Impacts for Iowans

Preparing tomorrow's leaders

Iowans expect a good return on their investment in Iowa State University educational programs.

Here are some examples of how ISU's College of Agriculture and ISU Extension enhance student experiences.

Biology is new major in college of agriculture

With the long-time biology program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the addition of the College of Agriculture program brings the total of biology students at ISU to more than 400. The College of Agriculture major had 36 students in its first semester. “For students, the agriculture biology major can open up lots of career opportunities as well as graduate school options,” said David Acker, associate dean for academic and global programs. “Agriculture, as we know it today, is not one discipline. It is composed of a wide variety of disciplines all of which work together to improve the lives and livelihoods of our people and communities.”

NSF grant supports leading bioinformatics program

Graduate studies in computational molecular biology at Iowa State got a boost from a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation. The five-year grant will support continuing growth in bioinformatics and computational biology. It builds on a $2.6 million grant awarded in 1999 that spurred Iowa State's development of a leading computational biology program, a new discipline that uses computer science and statistics to decipher biological problems.

Science with practice students learn while working

A new program within the College of Agriculture gives students a chance to learn while working. It provides opportunities for students in agriculture to work with faculty and staff in research labs, teaching and research farms, greenhouses and other units. The students are paid, and can earn academic credit. Both mentor and student participants surveyed last spring said they saw student improvement in communication, time management, responsibility, organization, self-confidence, listening skills and research skills.

Ag Entrepreneurship Institute give students the business

The first Agricultural Entrepreneurship Institute was held in October. About 50 faculty, staff, students and Iowa entrepreneurs participated in the institute, which included speakers, group discussions, panels and presentation of case studies. The institute is part of the College of Agriculture's Entrepreneurship Initiative that was established through a $1.5 million gift from Roger and Connie Underwood. Roger is a college alum who co-founded a successful business in Ames after graduating.