Sept. 22, 2011
All are invited to Monday's university convocation
by Anne Krapfl
The university community is invited to the annual fall convocation Monday, Sept. 26 (3:15 p.m., Memorial Union Sun Room). All are welcome.
President Gregory Geoffroy, who steps down from his post after the conclusion of a successful search for his successor, will give his 10th and final address on the academic year ahead. Faculty and staff who received prestigious awards from the university and the state Board of Regents in the last year will be recognized. Geoffroy and ISU divisional leaders will present awards to the recipients.
The convocation will conclude with a reception in the adjoining ballroom at approximately 5 p.m.
Members of the university community who will be honored at this year's convocation and explanations of their awards follows.
Distinguished Professor
The title of Distinguished Professor, first awarded in 1956, is presented to faculty members whose accomplishments in research or creative activities have had a significant impact on their discipline, and who have demonstrated outstanding performance in at least one other area of faculty responsibility. A $6,000 increment in base salary is granted, and the awardee retains the title for the remainder of his or her career at the university.
Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences
Joel Coats
Professor of entomology
Coats is considered the "godfather of toxicology" at Iowa State. He
was the primary organizer of the interdepartmental graduate toxicology
program, which has risen to national stature in environmental
chemistry. He is nationally known for developing insecticides and
insect repellents from natural products and for his studies of the
effects of agrochemicals, such as insecticides and veterinary
pharmaceuticals, on the environment. Many of his former students
now are research leaders in toxicology in academia, industry and government.
Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences
Jay-lin Jane
Professor of food science and human nutrition
Jane is a world authority in starch research and its food and industrial applications. She developed a digestion-resistant starch that may aid colon cancer and diabetes research, and she led efforts to significantly improve the efficiency and yield of ethanol production from raw starch. She has pioneered methods to make molded biorenewable plastics from proteins in soybeans, corn and even chicken feathers. Her many honors include the Alsberg-French-Schoch Award from the American Association of Cereal Chemists, considered the top award in starch chemistry.
Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences
Kenneth Moore
Professor of agronomy
Moore is an international leader in crop quality and utilization. He has made significant contributions to developing crops with enhanced nutrient availability and improved management strategies for forage and bioenergy crops. He also is the architect of the unique distance education program that allows working professionals to gain a Master of Science in agronomy. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy and American Association for the Advancement of Science.
University Professor
The title of University Professor is bestowed on a faculty member who has acted as a change agent by having made significant contributions to the university, and who has demonstrated outstanding performance in at least one other area of faculty responsibility. A $5,500 increment in base salary is granted, and the awardee retains the title for the remainder of his or her career at the university.
Philip Dixon
Professor of statistics
Dixon envisioned and orchestrated at Iowa State a transformation in
the way statistics is used to address today's highly complex research
problems, allowing for greater interplay between science and statistics. His work in promoting creative and collaborative interactions between scientists and statisticians has improved the research performed by students and faculty throughout the university, and researchers credit him with helping open creative new directions for their programs. He is a Fellow of the American Statistical Association.
Charles Glatz
Professor of chemical and biological engineering
Glatz is recognized nationally for his bioseparation research, ranging from extracting biopharmaceuticals from plants to finding greener methods to clean up oil spills. He has been a leader in improving teaching on campus through his work with the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, the University Honors program and his own award-winning teaching, and in encouraging women to pursue careers in math and science through ISU ADVANCE. He served as interim dean of the College of Engineering in 2004.
Regents Award for Faculty Excellence
The award is presented by the Board of Regents to recognize faculty members who are outstanding university citizens and who have rendered significant service to the university or the state of Iowa. A $1,000 award is granted.
Susan Carpenter
Professor of animal science
Carpenter is recognized internationally for her novel and creative approaches to research in virology, bioinformatics and biological sciences. She was one of the first faculty members to integrate computational and biological sciences, and she has developed new graduate programs to train future scientists in these key disciplines.
John Downing
Professor of ecology, evolution and organismal biology, and of agricultural and biosystems engineering
Downing is recognized for excellence at all levels -- at the
university for his outstanding graduate and undergraduate teaching and
university service; throughout Iowa for his leadership in addressing
water quality issues; and internationally for his environmental
research and professional leadership. He is the current president of the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography.
Richard Mansbach
Professor of political science
Mansbach's work has sparked a shift in the study of international and global politics. He is credited as being a "founding father" of transnational behavior in international relations, which is considered one of the most important new approaches to political science. His scholarly works, including 15 books, numerous book chapters and dozens of refereed articles, and extensive international service, including three Fulbright awards, have had a profound impact on the discipline and international relations.
Robert Martin
Professor of agricultural education and studies, and of curriculum and instruction
Martin has had a significant state and national impact on improving agricultural education programs. He helped create the first National Research Agenda in Agricultural Education and was a leader in developing the National Council on Agricultural Education's first accountability report. As chair of the Governor's Council on Agricultural Education, he organized three summits to improve programs in Iowa.
Sridhar Ramaswami
Professor of marketing
Ramaswami has had a wide-ranging impact on the College of Business' academic programs. He receives high marks for his undergraduate courses, developed and teaches two of the most popular MBA electives, and played a lead role in organizing the college's first Ph.D. program, which he now directs. He also maintains a highly productive and award-winning research program in marketing, with several of his publications receiving top national recognition.
Regents Award for Staff Excellence
The award is presented by the Board of Regents to recognize members of the Professional and Scientific or Supervisory and Confidential staff who are outstanding university citizens and who have rendered significant service to the university or the state of Iowa. A $1,000 award is granted.
Michael Kaiser
Research associate in the department of animal science
Kaiser has made significant contributions to the poultry genetics research program at Iowa State for nearly 20 years. He conducts independent research, manages a lab and mentors undergraduates and visiting scholars. He is the first author on eight peer-reviewed scientific journal articles and co-author on 13 others, and he has presented at six major conferences in North America and Europe.
David Peterson
Police lieutenant in the department of public safety
Peterson began as a police officer trainee at Iowa State in 1997 and has worked his way up to lieutenant, in command of the "midnight shift." His calm demeanor and emphasis on treating others with respect has diffused countless tense situations and, in more than one instance, saved lives. In 2003, he received the department's Knute Heglund Award for outstanding service in all aspects of the job.
Charles Sauer
Program coordinator in the department of ecology, evolution and organismal biology
Sauer has provided outstanding support for research and educational
programs at the university for 17 years, and today he is a key part of
three interdepartmental graduate programs -- ecology and evolutionary biology, environmental science, and sustainable agriculture. When he was with the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, he managed a grant-funded watershed project in Russia and earned recognitions from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Russian government.
Louis Thompson Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching Award
Established by the late Louis Thompson, emeritus associate dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the award recognizes an outstanding teacher who is dedicated to helping undergraduate students. A $1,500 award is granted.
Richard Mansbach
Professor of political science
Students interested in international relations flock to Mansbach's classes. A nominator wrote that Mansbach "doesn't lecture; he tells stories: tales of politics, economies, wars and Machiavellian intrigue that are interwoven with references to Charlie Chaplin, impressionist artists, ancient history and classical literature."
W. Robert Stephenson
University Professor of statistics
Stephenson especially excels at teaching introductory courses, as evidenced by the high marks he receives from students and the many teaching awards he has received. He directs the department's undergraduate program and he is an active part of the distance education program. He also advises up to 50 students each year and maintains an active research program in statistics education. He has had a profound impact on his discipline nationally, including helping create the Journal of Statistical Education.
James Huntington Ellis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Introductory Teaching
Established by a 1928 Iowa State graduate, the award recognizes a faculty member for exceptional achievement in teaching introductory courses. A $1,500 award is granted.
Lester Wilson
University Professor of food science and human nutrition
Wilson brings a multitude of strengths to the classroom, including enthusiasm, interest in his students, humor and passion. He has taught one of the most popular introductory science courses to nearly 2,000 students since 2002, and to reach even more students, he launched an online version. He also is active in recruiting, advising and mentoring students, and has received more than a dozen awards for his teaching and service, including being named a Fellow of the Institute of Food Technologists.
Margaret Ellen White Graduate Faculty Award
Established by a long-time staff member of the Graduate College, the award recognizes superior performance by a member of the graduate faculty in enriching the student-professor relationship and enabling students to finish their work in a timely and scholarly manner. A $1,500 award is granted.
Vasant Honavar
Professor of computer science
In his more than 20 years of work at Iowa State, Honavar has made landmark contributions to the study of artificial intelligence. He founded and directs the Artificial Intelligence Research Laboratory and the Center for Computational Intelligence, Learning and Discovery, and he was instrumental in establishing the bioinformatics and computational biology graduate program. He serves on the faculty of several graduate programs affiliated with these and other centers, and has directed the study of 22 doctoral and 28 master's graduates. He currently has 13 graduate students.
International Service Award
The award recognizes a faculty member for outstanding international service in teaching, research or administration within the United States or abroad. A $1,500 award is granted.
Tsing-Chang (Mike) Chen
Professor of geologic and atmospheric sciences, and of agronomy
Chen's service shows him to be an outstanding citizen of the world. His research on tropical cyclones, the Asian monsoon, the climate and mesoscale phenomena impacts literally billions of people. He has traveled throughout the world dozens of time for his research, as a lecturer and program reviewer, and as a leader or member of international scientific teams. Through these many interactions, he has created goodwill for Iowa State and has brought many international students to the university.
Iowa State University Award for Departmental Leadership
The award recognizes outstanding departmental leadership that helps faculty members meet their complex obligations to undergraduate teaching, graduate mentoring, research and service. A $1,500 award is granted.
Martin Spalding
Professor and chair of genetics, development and cell biology
Spalding became chair of his department when it was formed in 2003 and
he continues in that role today. Faculty in the department say he has
created an environment of trust, high work ethic and collaboration
that has been instrumental in bringing a diverse group of experimental and computational scientists into a world-class department.
Iowa State University Award for Early Achievement in Teaching
The award recognizes a tenured or tenure-track faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding teaching performance unusually early in his or her career. A $1,500 award is granted.
Jane Dusselier
Assistant professor of anthropology
When Dusselier first came to Iowa State three years ago in a joint hire between anthropology and Asian American studies, she immediately carved out a niche as an engaging and involved instructor who truly cares about her students and their learning experiences. She challenges students to make connections between course concepts and personal experiences; holds class at places in the community where students can experience ethnic food and culture; and mentors students who are interested in ethnography.
Sara Marketti
Assistant professor of apparel, educational studies and hospitality management
In her own words, Marketti considers teaching a "tremendous honor and opportunity to share my passion and knowledge with students. As such, I approach teaching with the same rigor and enthusiasm as a research project." She has earned several awards for her teaching, and has published numerous articles on scholarship and teaching. She also works with many of her undergraduate students to help them get articles published.
Michael Retallick
Assistant professor of agricultural education and studies
Retallick is establishing a national reputation for excellence in experiential learning, in formal and informal settings in the classroom and online. He is a frequent invited speaker on experiential learning, and among his many awards is the 2009 Teaching Award of Merit from the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture. He also has a major influence on the department's curriculum through his research and practice.
Iowa State University Award for Academic Advising Impact
The award recognizes outstanding performance by an academic adviser over an extended period of time. A $1,500 award is granted.
Mary Hagemann Wiedenhoeft
Professor of agronomy
Wiedenhoeft integrates a
teaching and advising philosophy that personalizes the growth and
success of individual students through her efforts in mentoring and supporting diverse students. One of the ways she achieves this is through her involvement with learning communities. She regularly advises 25-35 students in agronomy, but touches many more through her other activities.
Iowa State University Award for Early Achievement in Academic Advising
The award recognizes outstanding performance by an academic adviser early in his or her career. A $1,500 award is granted.
Johna Wolfe
Academic adviser in the department of mechanical engineering
Wolfe makes many special efforts to create a welcoming and supportive environment for her 375 to 400 undergraduate advisees. She is described as "extremely knowledgeable about policies and procedures." She also "demonstrates true empathy and concern" for her advisees and other students. A colleague wrote: "I hope my children have the opportunity to work with someone as caring and professional as Johna when they attend college."
Iowa State University Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research
The award recognizes a faculty member who has a national or international reputation for contributions in research, and who has influenced the research activities of students. A $1,500 award is granted.
Srinivas Aluru
Ross Martin Mehl and Marylyne Lunas Mehl Professor of Computer Engineering, and professor of computer science
Aluru is regarded as one of the pioneers in high-performance computational biology, and he has elevated Iowa State to international prominence in this field. His contributions to genome assembly have reduced computation time from months to days, and his software packages are used widely throughout academia and industry. He is a Fellow of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and he is in high demand worldwide as a professional leader and invited lecturer.
Gordon Miller
Professor of chemistry
Miller is a leading expert on the principles that govern the structure and chemistry of complex metal-rich solids. He has discovered new materials, characterized and understood them, using tools such as X-ray diffraction. Of particular note are his advancements in rare earth, metal-containing materials that show promise for magnetic refrigeration and in polar intermetallics, some of the most complex extended structure materials.
Iowa State University Award for Mid-Career Achievement in Research
The award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated exemplary research performance or scholarship accomplishments as documented by peers and experts in the field. A $1,500 award is granted.
Robert McQueeney
Associate professor of physics and astronomy
McQueeney's research in experimental condensed matter physics, especially his study of correlated electron systems using neutron scattering measurements, has established him as a leading authority in this field. Many of his more than 100 refereed journal articles are among the most cited in condensed matter physics, especially his study of correlated electron systems using neutron scattering measurements, has established him as a leading authority in this field. He has presented more than 40 invited lectures and he is a Fellow of the American Physical Society.
Sivalingam (Sri) Sritharan
Professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering
Sritharan has maintained a diverse and outstanding research program during his 12 years at Iowa State. His creative technical expertise and passion for advanced research within his seismic and soil-structure-interaction discipline have generated a level of federal, state and industry sponsorship approaching $6 million. He also has recruited and advised an exceptional cadre of graduate students, post-docs and undergraduate students. His efforts have elevated his department's research profile, as well as the university's reputation as a whole.
Iowa State University Award for Early Achievement in Research
Recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments unusually early in his or her professional career. A $1,500 award is granted.
Michael Kessler
Associate professor of materials science and engineering, and of mechanical engineering
Kessler has established an impressive research record in his six years
at Iowa State. His work on self-healing structural composites, polymer
matrix composites for extreme environments and biorenewable polymers
and composites has received more than $6 million in funding from
several sources, including the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Defense and NASA. Among his many recognitions are the NSF CAREER Award, U.S. Army and Air Force research offices Young Investigator Awards, and Elsevier Award from the American Society for Composites.
Benjamin Percy
Assistant professor of English
In the last four years Percy's creative writing career has
skyrocketed. He writes for leading publications, including Esquire,
Outside, Men's Journal and The Wall Street Journal. His
latest short story collection, Refresh, Refresh, received the
prestigious Pushcart Prize and was adapted into a graphic novel and a
screenplay that won the Lynn Auerbach Award at Sundance. His recent
novel, The Wilding, has received rave reviews and is under film
negotiation. His forthcoming novel, Red Moon, is scheduled for publication in 2012 in eight countries.
Iowa State University Professional and Scientific Research Award
The award recognizes excellence in research in a Professional and Scientific staff member who has been at Iowa State for at least five years. A $1,500 award is granted.
Rana Biswas
Scientist in the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory and adjunct professor of physics and astronomy, and of electrical and computer engineering
Biswas has made significant research contributions in the fields of amorphous and nanocrystalline semiconductors, the design of novel photonic and plasmonic materials and devices, and improvement of light absorption in solar energy conversion materials. His work has led to major advancements to amorphous silicon materials and devices, higher efficiency in thin film solar cells, and more efficient thermal emitters for detection of toxic gases. His work earned him Fellow status with the American Physical Society.
Professional and Scientific Staff Excellence Award
The award recognizes contributions made by a Professional and Scientific staff member within and beyond the university, and career progress demonstrated by accomplishments at Iowa State. A $1,500 award is granted.
Mark Hoffmann
System support specialist in the department of horticulture
Hoffman has drawn on his diverse life experiences in student services, horticulture and information technology to provide exemplary customer service for the research, extension and instructional missions of the horticulture department, as well as Reiman Gardens and ISU research farms. His efforts in securing more than $1 million worth of technology equipment at no cost to the department enhanced the productivity and effectiveness of researchers, leading to increased success in grant applications.
Brandice (Brandi) Latterell
Program coordinator in facilities planning and management
Latterell has provided outstanding design and construction coordination service to clients throughout campus for 14 years. Her nominators described her as "a high-performing professional who is always willing to take on new challenges with determination and a positive attitude." Her excellent customer service skills and innovative approach to problem solving have made her a "go-to person" for especially challenging projects.
Melea Reicks Licht
Communications specialist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Licht has provided outstanding service to the college by strengthening communications and relations with its alumni and other key constituents. Her leadership in developing and coordinating the college's flagship publication and online presence has created an effective means of sharing information and gathering feedback from the nearly 40,000 alumni worldwide. Her work has been recognized by communications professionals nationally with top awards from the Association for Communications Excellence.
Carroll Ringgenberg Award
Named for a long-time staff member in purchasing and facilities, the award recognizes a Professional and Scientific staff member who has been employed by the university for at least 10 years and has demonstrated constant and contagious dedication and goodwill for Iowa State. A $1,500 award is granted.
Nicholas Howell
Research station superintendent in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
For more than 25 years, Howell has served Iowa State faculty, staff,
students and visitors with exceptional dedication and excellence. For
nine years, he managed the horticulture garden, and when the Reiman Gardens were created in 1994, he served as superintendent for 12 years, providing leadership and direction for its initial construction and many expansions. Five years ago, he became superintendent of the Horticulture Research Station, supporting its more than 80 research projects and 2,000 visitors annually.
Professional and Scientific Outstanding New Professional Award
The award recognizes a Professional and Scientific staff member who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments unusually early in his or her professional career at Iowa State. A $1,500 award is granted.
Elena Cotos
Program coordinator in the Graduate College
As coordinator of the college's Speak/Teach program, Cotos has expanded its effectiveness by establishing collaborations with different units on campus and external organizations. She has secured two major grants, totaling $400,000, to fund support projects that will benefit all students and make Iowa State more attractive to future students. She has presented at more than a dozen conferences throughout the country and authored or co-authored eight publications.
Iowa State University Award for Outstanding Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice
The award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has demonstrated outstanding performance in statewide leadership in extension or professional practice and who has achieved national recognition for outreach activities. A $1,500 award is granted.
Jeanne Warning
Assistant director of ISU Extension to Families
Most of Warning's 39-year career has been in Extension, beginning with a student practicum in Black Hawk County. Throughout her career, she has exemplified the valuable contribution Extension makes to Iowa State's outreach mission. She believes in transformational change with individuals, families and organizations, and she encourages her staff to work toward these goals. She has been an outstanding state leader in Extension education, model teacher and facilitator, and strong advocate for collaboration.
Iowa State University Award for Distinguished Service in Extension
The highest award bestowed on an Extension professional, it recognizes sustained distinguished performance and educational contributions to Iowa State's clientele through extension programs. A $1,500 award is granted.
Barbara Woods
Extension special projects manager
Woods is a valued leader in Extension statewide and nationally. In her 30-year career at Iowa State, she has led the implementation of technology to support management and program delivery, provided financial management programming for urban families and, most recently, coordinated state and national programming for at-risk families and youth. She is active in three national extension associations.
Iowa State University Award for Early Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice
The award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in extension or professional practice unusually early in his or her career. A $1,500 grant is awarded.
Jesse Randall
Assistant professor of natural resource ecology and management
In 2007, Randall came to an Iowa State position that is 75 percent Extension forester. According to one client, he had "big shoes to fill" because the two people who preceded him were considered legends among Extension staff. The same client went on to say, "Without a doubt, Dr. Randall has met or exceeded these high expectations set by so many of us." He has continued and enhanced the successful programs of his predecessors, and he has developed effective new programs to help Iowans manage their forestland.
Iowa State University R.K. Bliss Extension Award
Named for the director of Extension from 1912 to 1946, the award recognizes outstanding achievement of an Iowa State Extension staff member for developing an overall or continuing extension education program. A $500 award is granted.
Joel DeJong
Extension field agronomist
In his 20 years with Extension in northwest Iowa, DeJong has built a solid reputation among livestock producers and farmers as the research-based information source for agriculture. He is very approachable, speaks about highly technical matters in language that is easily understood, and has a style that puts people at ease, enabling him to build effective relationships and partnerships. He has used these relationships to help groups create strategic plans for progress and change in northwest Iowa.
Endowed chairs and professorships
Holders of endowed chairs and professorships who were installed in their positions during the past academic year or who will be installed shortly are:
Rodney Baker
Senior clinician, department of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine
David R. Trask Professorship in Entrepreneurial Studies
Christina Campbell
Associate professor of food science and human nutrition
Sandra S. and Roy W. Uelner Professorship
Jian Chu
Professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering
James M. Hoover Chair in Geotechnical Engineering
Michael Crum
Professor of supply chain and information systems
Ruan Chair in Supply Chain Management
Cheryl Farr
Professor of apparel, educational studies and hospitality management
Noma Scott Lloyd Chair in Textiles and Clothing
Joey George
Professor of supply chain and information systems
John and Ruth DeVries Endowed Chair in Business
Doug Gransberg
Professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering
Donald F. and Sharon A. Greenwood Chair in Construction Engineering
Pol Hermann
Associate professor of management
John and Deborah Ganoe Professorship in Business
Robert Horton
Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences and professor of agronomy
Pioneer Hi-Bred Agronomy Professor
Neal Iverson
Professor and chair of geological and atmospheric sciences
Smith Family Foundation Departmental Chair in Geology
Richard LeSar
Professor and chair of materials science and engineering
Lynn Gleason Professorship in Interdisciplinary Engineering
Thomas Leslie
Professor of architecture
Pickard Chilton Professorship in Architecture
Steve Mickelson
Professor and chair of agricultural and biosystems engineering
Charles R. and Jane F. Olsen Professorship in Engineering
Lisa Nolan
Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine
Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean's Chair in Veterinary Medicine
Nicola Pohl
Professor of chemistry
Wilkinson Professorship in Interdisciplinary Engineering
Jill Pruetz
Professor of anthropology
Walvoord Professorship
Krishna Rajan
Professor of materials science and engineering
Wilkinson Professorship in Interdisciplinary Engineering
J. Glenn Songer
Research professor, department of veterinary microbiology and preventive medicine
Boerhinger Ingelheim Vetmedica Professorship in Food Animal Infectious Diseases
Janis Tarpenny
Professor and chair of industrial and manufacturing systems engineering
Joseph Walkup Professorship in Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Patricia Thiel
Distinguished Professor in Liberal Arts and Sciences and professor of chemistry
John D. Corbett Professorship in Chemistry
Zhi Wang
Professor of aerospace engineering
Grace Miller Wilson and T. Wilson Endowed Engineering Faculty Fund
