Kaitlin Higgins, a senior in genetics who earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomy in 2015, helped organize the Iowa March for Science. The state version of the national event took place April 22 (Earth Day 2017) at the State of Iowa Capitol complex to draw attention to the importance of science and the need to make it more accessible. An estimated 3,000 people participated in a rally and educational exhibits.

Several Iowa State faculty, students and alumni spoke or led teach-in sessions, including:

• Pat Boddy (’80, MS, agricultural engineering), who served as master of ceremonies
• Jamie Benning, program manager for Extension To Agriculture, water quality teach in
• Clark Wolf, philosophy professor, teach in on Reasons for "Pointless" Research
• Jill Pruetz, professor of world languages and culture, teach in on chimpanzee tool use
• Helena Khazdozian, postdoc researcher at Ames Laboratory, wind energy teach in
• Julie Kuhlman, assistant professor of genetics, development and cell biology, teach in on developmental biology

The keynote speaker was Michelle Miller, known as the “Farm Babe” who works on the family farm and uses social media to connect farmers and consumers.

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