College of Engineering News • Iowa State University

ME researcher named Plant Science Institute Faculty Scholar

Funding from Iowa State’s Plant Science Institute will allow a mechanical engineering researcher to study ways to assist farmers in Iowa and across the globe in growing food. Soumik Sarkar, an assistant professor in mechanical engineering, will receive $75,000 in funding per year over the next three years for his research project. This project combines …Continue reading “ME researcher named Plant Science Institute Faculty Scholar”

ABE: Grain Drying, Handling and Storage Handbook Updated

MidWest Plan Service has released a revised and updated version of its “Grain Drying, Handling, and Storage Handbook” (MWPS-13). The publication was developed to assist farmers, elevator managers, equipment dealers, students and others interested in developing grain systems. Now in its third edition, the handbook has been substantially updated and expanded to reflect dealing with …Continue reading “ABE: Grain Drying, Handling and Storage Handbook Updated”

Agricultural engineering and animal science professor named CALS Assistant Dean for Research

Hongwei Xin has been named the new assistant dean for research in CALS. Xin, a Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor who holds the Iowa Egg Council Endowed Professorship in the agricultural and biosystems engineering and animal science departments, Xin was named to the newly created position effective April 1. He will focus on the promotion …Continue reading “Agricultural engineering and animal science professor named CALS Assistant Dean for Research”

Transparent soil research continues in the L. Cademartiri lab

Ludovico Cademartiri and his research group have been working to provide tools for plant science and agronomy since 2012. After five years, their research has made major advancements for the plant science and agriculture communities enabling them to develop transparent soil technology and receive a generous grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. …Continue reading “Transparent soil research continues in the L. Cademartiri lab”

ME, agronomy researchers team up to study robotics in agriculture

A team of Iowa State researchers has been awarded funding to study the use of robotics in agriculture. The project is led by mechanical engineering assistant professor Sourabh Bhattacharya, with co-PIs Baskar Ganapathysubramanian (associate professor, ME), Soumik Sarkar (assistant professor, ME), Asheesh Singh (assistant professor, Agronomy), and Arti Singh (adjunct assistant professor, Agronomy). The project is …Continue reading “ME, agronomy researchers team up to study robotics in agriculture”

ME alum, Iraq War vet implements conservation farming practices in Northern Iowa

An Iowa State University mechanical engineering alumnus and Iraq War veteran was recently featured on the United States Department of Agriculture blog for his efforts practicing conservation farming techniques in Northern Iowa. Adam Boge joined the military right out of high school before attending ISU where he studied Ag Systems Technology and Mechanical Engineering. His …Continue reading “ME alum, Iraq War vet implements conservation farming practices in Northern Iowa”

World Food Day: Protecting natural resources through nutrient planning around the world

First established on Oct. 16, 1979, World Food Day recognizes the day in 1945 when 42 countries assembled in Quebec, Canada to create the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to free humanity from hunger and malnutrition, effectively managing the global food system.

ME students’ coursework put to the test by Ugandan women farmers

Each semester students from the sophomore engineering design course ME 270 use their engineering skills, coupled with creativity, to produce technologies for the betterment of developing nations. This summer, one project made it beyond the design stage and was put to use in Eastern Africa, where it has potential to make a big difference for …Continue reading “ME students’ coursework put to the test by Ugandan women farmers”

Increasing the production and sustainability of land

Sustainability has grown into a hot topic around the globe. The concept can be applied to a myriad of activities, but the students who participated in the Sustainable Biomass Production and Processing (SBPP) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) had their eyes on agriculture. Sustainable agricultural practices are comprised of many intricate details, and SBPP participants …Continue reading “Increasing the production and sustainability of land”

Iowa Learning Farms and ISU Extension host field day

Farmers from all over gathered at the Iowa State University Agricultural Engineering and Agronomy Farm on Thursday, August 25, to participate in a field day hosted by Iowa Learning Farms, ISU Research and Demonstration Farms, and ISU Extension. The field day was focused on educating farmers on strip-tillage and demonstrating precision agriculture technology, a system …Continue reading “Iowa Learning Farms and ISU Extension host field day”

AirPad receives gift from Rockwell Collins

AirPad, the Aerial Imaging Reconnaissance Program for Agricultural Development, will soon be able to reach a major milestone thanks to a significant gift from Rockwell Collins. The program is planning to design, build, and test an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for agricultural remote sensing in developing parts of the world. “We have started fabricating a concept model, and this …Continue reading “AirPad receives gift from Rockwell Collins”

Loading...