The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University presented its annual awards to faculty and staff at the spring semester convocation on Feb. 7. Award winners include a number of names you'll recognize and a few fairly new faculty and staff members, too.

Lee Kilmer, ISU professor of animal science, received the Outstanding Adviser Award. For over 30 years he has worked with students and shared his expertise in dairy science. Kilmer also won national recognition in 2007 as the American Dairy Science Association Student Affiliate Division Outstanding Adviser.

Mike Retallick, assistant professor in ag education and studies, received the Early Achievement in Teaching Award. A faculty member since 2006, Retallick is nationally recognized for his emphasis on experiential learning. The award cites his ability to engage students in both face-to-face and on-line learning.

Ann Marie VanDerZanden, professor in horticulture and associate director of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, received the Outstanding Achievement in Teaching Award. Since 2003, she has researched horticulture teaching methods and practices. She also uses advanced technology to enhance the learning experiences of students and professionals.

Learning communities for students are very successful at ISU

Helen Olson, academic adviser in agricultural education and studies, received the Learning Community Coordinator Award. She began working with learning communities in 1999, when she saw an opportunity to help students successfully transition to college life. Learning communities provide an opportunity for shared experiences, support and professional networking. Brian Steward, professor of ag and biosystems engineering, received the Outstanding Achievement in International Agriculture Award. He coordinates global teaching and research programs at Iowa State. His accomplishments have included Iowa-based stakeholders and Brazilian institutions since 2003. Jo Anne Powell-Coffman, associate professor in genetics, development and cell biology, received the Faculty Award for Diversity Enhancement. Since 1998, Powell-Coffman's contributions to diversity have ranged from mentoring minority interns to recruiting, retaining and advancing women and minorities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Mark Hanna receives Outstanding Achievement in Extension Award

Mark Hanna, scientist in agricultural and biosystems engineering, received the Outstanding Achievement in Extension Award. Hanna is widely recognized as an innovative Extension educator who addresses key issues in agriculture. During his 35-year career he has developed and written educational materials about a number of topics important to Iowans. Jesse Randall, assistant professor of natural resource ecology and management, received the Early Achievement in Extension Award. He took over the forestry Extension area in 2007. He's worked with forestry groups in the state, region and nation. He's also been honored with several state and national awards. Lee Bendickson, lab technician in biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology, received the Merit Award for Achievement and Service. He's worked at ISU for 20 years and is respected for his expertise by students and faculty. Mark Hoffmann, systems support specialist in horticulture, gets the Professional and Scientific Research Award. For over 15 years he's provided information technology support to faculty, staff and students. During that time he has worked to support the research, Extension and educational mission of the department. Maria Baboi, assistant scientist in ag and biosystems engineering, received the Professional and Scientific Outstanding New Professional Award. Her research is focused on developing new biodegradable and biorenewable plastics. Lingshuang Cai, research assistant professor in ag and biosystems engineering, received the Professional and Scientific Research Award. An internationally recognized leader in analytical chemistry, she's been a key researcher and in the Atmospheric Air Quality lab since she began working at Iowa State in 2005.

Precision ag specialist Matt Darr recognized for early achievement

Matt Darr, Iowa State assistant professor in ag and biosystems engineering, received the Early Achievement in Research Award. He is an emerging leader in both biomass utilization and precision agriculture. During his first two years as a faculty member he generated more than $2.9 million in research grants. James Reecy, professor of animal science, received a Mid-Career Achievement in Research Award. He began his career at ISU in 1999 and has an outstanding reputation, both nationally and internationally, as a molecular geneticist with an emphasis on beef cattle. Chris Tuggle, professor of animal science, is the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement in Research Award. He began his career at ISU in 1991 and leads an award-winning research program in animal genomics and bioinformatics. His research centers on molecular factors that influence biological traits in pigs. The Team Award was presented to the Beef Ration and Nutrition Decision Support Software Team. The team members include Dan Loy and Daryl Strohbehn, both animal science professors, and Garland Dahlke, a program specialist at the Iowa Beef Center. The team developed an easy-to-use software called BRaNDS. The tool allows users to develop and evaluate low-cost diets that save thousands of dollars per year, while maintaining or even improving animal health and productivity. Barbara Krumhardt, lecturer in genetics, development and cell biology, received the Lecturer and Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award. Since she joined ISU in 2003, she has instructed thousands of students. During that time she has restructured two core classes, human anatomy and physiology, into a cohesive unit. Jode Edwards, a USDA collaborator and assistant professor in agronomy, received the 2010 Raymond and Mary Baker Agronomic Excellence Award. The award recognizes excellent performance in agronomy research, teaching and Extension. He's been employed as a research geneticist with USDA since 1999.