The following faculty and ISRC affiliates were recently recognized for their accomplishments and contributions at Iowa State.

Liang Dong, professor of electrical and computer engineering (ECpE), was the inaugural recipient of the newly created Vikram L. Dalal Professorship in Electrical and Computer Engineering. His core research areas are agricultural, biomedical and physical sensors, microelectromechanical systems and biochips. He is a faculty scholar with the ISU Plant Sciences Institute and associate director of the ISU Microelectronics Research Center. The endowed position provides an important source of funding for faculty in the ECpE department, and it is given to faculty with expertise in microelectronics and/or photonics.

Gustavo MacIntosh, professor of biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology was awarded the LAS Dean’s Professorship for his innovative research in plant science. His research into the interactions between soybean plants and aphids has enabled key soybean industry stakeholders to improve pest-management practices and selectively breed more pest-resistant plants. Additionally, he studies how cells recycle their own structures, such as ribosomes, which influence disease development. This research helps provide insight into plant cellular mechanisms and in understanding the causes of human diseases. Funding for the professorship comes from the Transforming Liberal Arts and Sciences endowment at Iowa State.

Michelle Soupir, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, received a university award for Mid-Career Achievement in Research. The award recognizes faculty members who demonstrate exemplary performance or scholarship in research and/or creative activity as documented by peers or experts in the field.

Steve Whitham, professor of plant pathology and microbiology, received the Regents Award for Faculty Excellence. The award is presented by the state Board of Regents to recognize faculty members who are outstanding university citizens and have rendered significant service to the university or the state of Iowa.