James Bloedel, new vice provost for research and advanced studies, has brought experience from Arizona to Iowa State. Bloedel, dean of the graduate college, was the department chair of neurobiology at the Barrow Neurobiological Institute in Phoenix, Ariz. before his Sept. 1 arrival at Iowa State. The university’s “stimulating environment” drew him to Iowa State, Bloedel said, and he is looking forward to “the opportunity to work with the administration and faculty and continuing to build the research and graduate field opportunities.” Bloedel also said the commitment to excellence at Iowa State, combined with its strong undergraduate programs, will serve as a strong base for further research possibilities. “It’s a great opportunity to come to an institution with such a great record,” he said. Sonja Klocker, assistant vice provost of research and advanced studies, said Bloedel has a “strong overall knowledge of several issues important to Iowa State” on both the federal and university level. Klocker said Bloedel’s knowledge is not his only positive attribute. “He’s a great person,” she said. “He seems to be very fair, he listens well to concerns people have, and he’s made good decisions in the short time he’s been here.” Bloedel said his commitment to Iowa State concentrates on improving the research and support of scholarship, and he said he also wants to improve the graduate school. “We’re dedicated to full tuition for graduate students, increasing diversity, and bringing in the very best graduate students we can entice to Iowa State,” he said. Improving scholarship “across all disciplines” is something Bloedel said he wants to do, and he has begun an advisory group in arts and humanities to help him accomplish this. The group is looking for ways to improve integration of the different cultures on campus “to potentiate scholarship in those areas as well as in research,” he said. Bloedel’s expertise in the neurobiological field is encouraging to his colleagues. Prem Paul, associate vice provost for research, said Bloedel is the perfect choice for the job. He said he is excited about the opportunities in research Bloedel has brought with him. While these opportunities include three research grants from Arizona and $1 million worth of equipment, Paul said Bloedel’s experience is better than the money he brought. “He’s a great team builder,” Paul said. “He was very successful in building strong teams in Arizona, and this will be a positive experience for Iowa State.” Paul said Bloedel’s background and personality will be instrumental in forming great relationships with other researchers and will also help improve Iowa State. “With new people, [Bloedel’s] expertise and the current faculty, we are becoming one of the powerhouses in neuroscience,” Paul said. Bloedel’s arrival means great things for Iowa State, he said. “We’re very excited to have him,” he said. “It’s going to be a very exciting time in the next few years.”