College of Engineering News • Iowa State University

ABE Alum Spotlight: Willow Griffith – innovating with precision, starting at ISU

Willow Griffith graduated from Iowa State University in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture systems technology (AST). Now at the Climate LLC as a product manager, she has combined her love for agriculture and innovation to find a career she is passionate about.

Agricultural and biosystems academic advising goes online

When Iowa State University moved to online instruction in March, it didn’t just impact course delivery. The transition also disrupted academic advising during the busy fall registration period. Academic advisors and the relationships they build with their student advisees are an important part of the undergraduate experience at Iowa State. To help keep their advisees …Continue reading “Agricultural and biosystems academic advising goes online”

ISU ABE outstanding young alum: Danielle Munsch

Danielle Munsch graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural systems technology in May 2016. What she likes most about her career? “I enjoy the diversity of projects and working with different departments daily. I am constantly learning new applications and administrative techniques to improve processes.”

Cyclone Power Pullers refine tractor for maximum efficiency ahead of June competition

The 2017 Cyclone Power Pullers hope to build on the success of previous years by refining concepts and components that worked well in past competitions. The team designed and built their quarter-scale tractor, called the ExCYter, from scratch this academic year.

Innovative grad retrofits motorcycle and develops app for ethanol plants

Bringing home a brand-new Harley Davidson to modify is a little nerve-racking, but that’s what Alex Shaw did to fulfill his dream. “From a young age I realized I couldn’t ride a traditional motorcycle,” said Shaw who is graduating with an agricultural systems technology and industrial technology bachelor’s degree. The nerves in Shaw’s right hand were damaged …Continue reading “Innovative grad retrofits motorcycle and develops app for ethanol plants”

ISU Research Farms utilize conservation practices for science, stewardship

“The majority of our fields without trials are planted with cover crops. We also have planted milkweed for monarch butterfly conservation and for pollinator habitat,” said Schnabel, a 2010 graduate of ISU in agricultural systems technology. “All these practices add benefits to the land, environment and cropping system. Installing and utilizing these practices on our …Continue reading “ISU Research Farms utilize conservation practices for science, stewardship”

CALS young alum of the month: Kruse (AST)

Name: Brad Kruse, Title and Company: Test Engineer, Kine Manufacturing, Hometown: Dyersville, IA, Major and Graduation Date: M.S. Industrial and Agricultural Technology- Fall 2015; B.S. Agricultural Systems Technology- Spring 2014 Major Job/Position Responsibilities: I support product testing from the point of initial concept to production on new products and options for the both planter and grain cart product …Continue reading “CALS young alum of the month: Kruse (AST)”

Welding industry tech to student opportunities

David Grewell has his thumb on the pulse of industry. He also has a unique approach to problem solving, which he uses in his research and encourages among his students. A professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, Grewell brings a wealth of real-world experience to the next generation of industry professionals. His goal is to see …Continue reading “Welding industry tech to student opportunities”

Conservation rising to new heights

Rachel Lenz found her senior capstone project in agricultural systems technology to be a perfect fit for her passion and skill set. Lenz and her team are creating a land management plan for the Des Moines International Airport to identify which conservation practices are best suited to their 800 acres of land. Her team has designed a …Continue reading “Conservation rising to new heights”

Learning and leading by doing

The hands-on nature of the agricultural systems technology major appealed to Colin Connor, and it turned out to provide ample opportunities for leadership development. As a freshman and sophomore, Connor served on committees in the 80-member Agricultural Systems Technology (AST) Club. He became treasurer as a junior and was elected president as a senior last year. “I …Continue reading “Learning and leading by doing”

AST alum part of new leadership at ISU research farm

The Iowa State University Agricultural Engineering/Agronomy Research and Demonstration Farm near Boone has new leadership. Mike Fiscus has been appointed superintendent of the farm and Nathan Meyers has been named the farm’s agricultural engineering manager. Both are Iowa State alums. Fiscus earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural studies in 1993 and Meyers earned a bachelor’s degree in …Continue reading “AST alum part of new leadership at ISU research farm”

AST alum plans new grazing system

Before Allamakee County livestock producer Ryan Collins, a 2009 graduate of the ag systems technology program at Iowa State University, purchased his own farm in 2011, he knew the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service could help him plan a rotational grazing system through previous experiences with the agency on land his family rented.

FPEF awards scholarship to AST senior

The Fluid Power Educational Foundation (FPEF) Board of Trustees awarded Eric Herbers of New Vienna, Iowa a $2,000 scholarship. Mr. Herbers is a senior in agricultural systems technology and was awarded the prestigious scholarship underwritten by Danfoss. “A minimum GPA, an essay, and three letters of recommendation were required from each applicant. The Board of …Continue reading “FPEF awards scholarship to AST senior”

Agriculture and Life Sciences college names Boeshart as commencement student marshal

Shane Boeshart, agricultural systems technology (AST), will serve as College of Agriculture and Life sciences student marshal during the fall 2015 commencement ceremony. He will be accompanied by Jenny Macken, academic advisor of AST in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, as he leads his peers into the ceremony held Dec. 19. The Clear …Continue reading “Agriculture and Life Sciences college names Boeshart as commencement student marshal”

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