Inside Iowa State
Dec. 12, 1997
Report to regents: ISU goal is tech-literate students
by Tracy Griffin, News Service intern
The most important contribution Iowa State can make to technology transfer efforts is to educate students to be technologically literate when they enter the work force, ISU officials wrote in a report submitted to the State Board of Regents last month.
The report cites a number of ways in which students gain technological proficiency and outlines many "traditional" technology transfer and economic development endeavors undertaken by the university.
Following are examples of the university's technology transfer efforts and economic development activities.
- The Institute for Physical Research and Technology
developed a new DNA sequencing system that can process
genetic information 24 times faster than current sequencers.
This new machine could help in the research of diseases such
as AIDS, cancer, Alzheimer's and Down's Syndrome.
- In January 1997, a risk management program was given to
300 farmers, agricultural leaders and insurance
representatives via the ICN. Extension representatives also
traveled around the state presenting the latest risk
management information.
- A survey of Iowa farmers conducted by a sociology faculty
member will help farm-related organizations respond to the
changing needs of farmers.
- Many new businesses were formed in 1997 due in part to
ISU technological developments. The companies include Carbon
Energy Technology (biomass gasification technology), Vista R
& D (video hardware and software), Accumen (data storage),
and Applied Academics (interactive veterinary training).
- The Center for Industrial Research and Service and some
engineering faculty members helped a local company with
operation and production problems raise shipping sales 24
percent and reduce inventory.
- ISU biology professors, Iowa community colleges and Iowa
high schools have worked together to develop Project BIO, a
program offering college biology courses over the World Wide
Web. The program started with two courses and 29 students in
fall 1996, and has six courses and more than 200 students
this semester. Students include high school juniors and
seniors, on-campus ISU students, high school and community
college instructors and employees of science industries.
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