Honors and awards
February 2020
Witherspoon receives distinguished service recognition
Mark Witherspoon, editorial adviser at the Iowa State Daily, received the Iowa Newspaper Association's Distinguished Service Award during its annual convention in February. The award recognizes a long-time journalist for contributions to the newspaper profession and their community.
ISU earns third straight gold in higher ed sustainability assessment
Iowa State earned its third consecutive gold rating from the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating system (STARS), developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. STARS is a self-reporting tool for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance in four broad areas: academics, operations, engagement and planning/administration. The gold rating is in place for three years. Among 329 colleges and universities around the world currently certified through the STARS program, 129 achieved a gold rating, second-highest in a four-tier rating system.
Rossini awarded Sloan Research Fellowship
Aaron Rossini, assistant professor of chemistry and senior scientist at Ames Laboratory, has earned a 2020 Sloan Research Fellowship for achievements that designate him as one of the nation’s most outstanding early-career researchers. Rossini’s research focuses on advancing a richer and more comprehensive understanding of molecules and their structure. Sloan fellows receive a two-year $75,000 award. Rossini will use the funds to support and expand research efforts in the Rossini lab.
Sarkar named American Society of Civil Engineers fellow
Partha Sarkar, professor of aerospace engineering and civil engineering, has been named a fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Sarkar, the associate chair for research in the aerospace engineering department and director of the Wind Simulation and Testing Laboratory, has significantly advanced the understanding of near-ground flow field and extreme wind loads on civil structures and the aeroelastic theories to predict loads and response of flexible structures. He also pioneered the development of next-generation wind tunnels and wind simulation techniques. He'll be inducted as a fellow at a March 13 gala in Washington.
Crawford, Young named to state STEM council
Denise Crawford, associate professor and director of the Center for Technology Learning and Teaching, and Michael Young, associate professor of mathematics, were named by Gov. Kim Reynolds to the Governor's STEM Advisory Council. Junior chemical engineering student Emily Wilkerson also was among the 22 new members who will help set direction and provide guidance for achieving the council's mission of increasing student interest and awareness in STEM studies and careers. Senior vice president and provost Jonathan Wickert previously was named to the council and still serves.
