Collaboration helps both ISU, U of I

Anna Holland

A visit from four University of Iowa scientists Wednesday is opening doors for more research developments at Iowa State.

Prem Paul, associate vice provost for research, said the visit is part of an ongoing effort to combine the ideas and experience of faculty members at both universities. He said the visit concentrated mainly on exploring informative science and technology and exchanging ideas with ISU faculty members.

Two of the visitors were William Decker, UI associate vice president for research, and Alta Botha, member of the UI pharmacy department.

“It was a great visit,” Paul said. “It will be a positive experience for not only the universities, but eventually for the state of Iowa as well.”

Paul said the UI team met with ISU faculty in several departments, including chemistry, veterinary medicine, family and consumer sciences and the C6 virtual reality lab, to discuss possible collaborations.

Paul said projects done with the University of Iowa benefit Iowa State in several ways and that extra funding is a major asset.

“In today’s arena, funding is tough to get,” he said. “We have complimentary expertise, so getting more funding is a definite possibility.”

Sonja Klocker, assistant to the vice provost for research, said collaboration with the University of Iowa is definitely a positive move for Iowa State. She said yesterday’s visit is only the first step.

“[The visit] will allow us to discover new areas of mutual interest and zero in on key areas,” she said. “There’s a lot of excitement in what we’re doing.”

Paul said some of the possible projects may involve studying nutritional and genetic factors in cancer through the nutritional sciences department and several projects involving veterinary medicine and the UI medical school.

“Our projects have been extremely successful so far,” he said. “We have an excellent working relationship. We’re learning from each other’s expertise.”

Klocker, too, has an optimistic outlook for future projects.

“Everyone is really willing to learn about what the other institution is doing,” she said. “I see lots of improvements. This is a win-win situation.”

A visit from four University of Iowa scientists Wednesday is opening doors for more research developments at Iowa State.

Prem Paul, associate vice provost for research, said the visit is part of an ongoing effort to combine the ideas and experience of faculty members at both universities. He said the visit concentrated mainly on exploring informative science and technology and exchanging ideas with ISU faculty members.

Two of the visitors were William Decker, UI associate vice president for research, and Alta Botha, member of the UI pharmacy department.

“It was a great visit,” Paul said. “It will be a positive experience for not only the universities, but eventually for the state of Iowa as well.”

Paul said the UI team met with ISU faculty in several departments, including chemistry, veterinary medicine, family and consumer sciences and the C6 virtual reality lab, to discuss possible collaborations.

Paul said projects done with the University of Iowa benefit Iowa State in several ways and that extra funding is a major asset.

“In today’s arena, funding is tough to get,” he said. “We have complimentary expertise, so getting more funding is a definite possibility.”

Sonja Klocker, assistant to the vice provost for research, said collaboration with the University of Iowa is definitely a positive move for Iowa State. She said yesterday’s visit is only the first step.

“[The visit] will allow us to discover new areas of mutual interest and zero in on key areas,” she said. “There’s a lot of excitement in what we’re doing.”

Paul said some of the possible projects may involve studying nutritional and genetic factors in cancer through the nutritional sciences department and several projects involving veterinary medicine and the UI medical school.

“Our projects have been extremely successful so far,” he said. “We have an excellent working relationship. We’re learning from each other’s expertise.”

Klocker, too, has an optimistic outlook for future projects.

“Everyone is really willing to learn about what the other institution is doing,” she said. “I see lots of improvements. This is a win-win situation.”