Dr. Carolyn Lawrence, GDCB collaborating professor and USDA-ARS research geneticist, was awarded $32,026 in sponsored funding from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) for the research project entitled, “Development of Functional Genomics Software Tools (FGSTs) for MaizeGDB”.  GDCB Professor Erik Vollbrecht is the lead PI on this grant. The grant will support continued development of functional genomics tools at MaizeGDB as well as the development of professional and public outreach efforts including podcasts and website use training tutorials.

The National Corn Growers Association has been a grower-led organization for more than 50 years whose mission is to create opportunities for its members.

GDCB Professor Diane Bassham has been named the first recipient of the Walter E. and Helen Parke Loomis Professorship of Plant Physiology at Iowa State University. The Loomis family established the Walter E. and Helen Parke Loomis Fund in 1981 to maintain and build upon Professor Walter E. Loomis’ legacy. Professor Loomis (1898-1977) came to ISU in 1927 and enjoyed a distinguished career at Iowa State University as professional leader, renowned teacher, and innovative and imaginative investigator in plant science.

The 2013 GDCB Recognition Luncheon was held in the Molecular Biology Building Atrium on May 2, 2013. This year’s event recognized 76 students, faculty, and staff affiliated with GDCB for their achievements during the year. See attached list for the complete list of honorees.

GDCB would like to thank Connie Garnett (event organizer), Lynette McBirnie-Sprecher, and Diane Jepsen for their assistance with this event.

gdcbrecognitionlist2013.pdf

This spring two GDCB faculty, Dr. Ling Li, Associate Scientist and Adjunct Assistant Professor, and Dr. Bing Yang, Associate Professor, received awards in recognition of their individual achievements at ISU.

Dr. Ling Li is the recipient of the 2013 ISU Professional and Scientific Excellence Award. This award recognizes and honors professional and scientific staff members who have been employed by Iowa State University for more than five years and who have achieved excellence in their respective fields.