Inside Iowa State for faculty and staff
Feb. 3, 2022
Inside news
The team developing Iowa State's 2022-31 strategic plan will present its draft work during campus town halls Feb. 9 and 16. Faculty, staff and students are invited to ask questions and make suggestions.

As the university's honors and awards coordinator, Kirsten Abel helps fill in around many award models and structures on campus. She shares some strategies for success for all faculty members, regardless of their discipline.

The Inside staff put together some no-cost to low-cost campus suggestions for employees growing weary of winter.

The state Board of Regents expects all students and employees at Iowa's three public universities to complete virtual training on the First Amendment and free speech by the end of the semester.
Announcements
The following announcements were added this week:
  • COVID-19: By the numbers
  • Traffic stop studies to be presented to city and student leaders
  • College pitch-off events scheduled Feb. 10-22
  • Registration opens for Feb. 9 COVID-19 vaccine clinic
  • National recycling contest runs through March 26
  • Spring career fairs start next week
  • Training sessions available for Stop the Bleed
  • Art sale will benefit University Museums
  • Nominations open for next emerging leaders class
  • Exemplary faculty mentor nominations due Feb. 28
  • Register for 2022 ISCORE
  • Valentine bouquet pre-orders due Feb. 4
  • Meal swipe donation period is Feb. 7-11
Around campus
Martin Thuo's lab has produced a variety of innovations. Heat-free solder. Electronic lines that can print on rose petals. Even a new seed lubricant. The associate professor of materials science and engineering talked about the source of that creativity.

ISU researchers are seeing how adding personalized health coaches, training modules and accountability reminders can help seniors incorporate more steps into their lives. Walking helps lower blood pressure, strengthen bones and burn calories among other health benefits.

ISU scientists used gene editing to look through thousands of years of domestication to learn about teosinte, the wild ancestor of modern corn. The research could lead to more resilient crops.
Appointments
Open forums
  • For faculty and staff: Feb. 9, 4:30 p.m., 0114 Student Innovation Center and via Webex
  • For students: Feb. 16, 4:30 p.m., 0114 Student Innovation Center and via Webex
Arts and events
Three nights of trivia, live performances, virtual discussions, a one-week art exhibit and the annual banquet of Ames' NAACP chapter are planned for the local observance of Black History Month in February. Most events are free.

ISU's Orchesis I dance company will present Project Earth, dances inspired by themes of sustainability and climate change, for its annual Barjche performance Feb. 4-5 (7:30 p.m., Fisher Theater). Tickets are $12 (students $10).

Tickets ($50-$84 plus fees) remain for the Monday, Feb. 7, performance of "Fiddler on the Roof" at Stephens Auditorium. This North American tour is direct from Broadway. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m.
Learning opportunities
Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) programming

Writing and Media Center programming
Professional workshop series, meets noon-1 p.m. via Zoom
  • Making Your Online Portfolio: Personal Website Basics for Wordpress, Feb. 8, register
  • Making a Pitch into a Hit: A Guide to Pitching Newspapers and Magazines, Feb. 17 register 

Student Innovation Center programming
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Inside Update is published Thursday mornings by Strategic Relations and Communications. Questions may be directed to 515-294-7065.