New space promotes collaboration at ISU

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOSEPH L. MURPHY

Brick and mortar structures aren't often thought of as collaborative tools, but faculty, students and researchers working in the new Advanced Teaching and Research Building (ATRB) at Iowa State University (ISU) would say otherwise.

The new building, which opened last year, was part of $88 million in bioscience facility improvements approved by the state Board of Regents in 2015.

Recently, Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) directors and staff celebrated the ongoing partnership between ISA and the ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the new ATRB. "The facilities offer many open spaces that encourage collaboration and communication," says Ed Anderson, ISA's senior director of research. "That helps drive all areas of science forward."

In a partnership lasting more than 50 years, ISA has invested about $55 million in checkoff funds to champion research at ISU.

"ISA’s partnership with ISU really has provided both organizations a way to better serve Iowa soybean producers and Iowa agriculture," ISU President Wendy Wintersteen says.

"Together we are able to identify the critical issues facing producers and see what opportunities are on the horizon. We are also investing funds from the soybean checkoff combined with the time, talent and intellectual ability of our faculty to make an impact. That's enabled by this partnership."

The building houses plant pathology, microbiology, entomology and genetics development, and cell biology departments.

"I think the reach is way beyond just this building," Anderson says. "I think it reflects well for ISU, and encourages collaboration across the campus."

Insects displayed in the entomology department.

InJung Kang, a visiting scholar, extractsDNA from plant tissue as Bridget Hatfield, a graduateassistant, performs an acyl-homoserine-lactone test.

The labs at the Advance Teaching and Research Building at Iowa State University boasts state-of-the-art research facilities and green house space on the roof.

Ireland Pollpeter examines Soybean Cyst Nematode samples under a microscope.

Soybean plants thrive in an environmental room in the Advance Teaching and Research Building at Iowa State University. The plants are used to research varieties resistant to diseases and SCN.

James Klimavicz, a graduate student majoring in organic chemistry and toxicology, works on experiments relating to the synthesis of biorational insect repellents, the development of new potential nematicides and production of new compounds for seed treatments derived from natural products.

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Contact Joseph L. Murphy at jmurphy@iasoybeans.com.