Daily Staff Writer

Extension names new interim vice provost

A new interim associate vice provost for Iowa State University Extension has been named.

Tahira K. Hira, a professor of personal finance and consumer economics at ISU, has been temporarily appointed until Aug. 31.

“Tahira Hira brings a valuable set of skills and experience to ISU Extension,” said Stanley R. Johnson, vice provost for ISU Extension, in a press release.

“She is an accomplished researcher and teacher,” he added.

Johnson said a search to fill the permanent position will take place this spring.

As creator of ISU’s Financial Counseling Clinic, a laboratory for undergraduates to learn to assist other students with credit problems, Hira has been involved in undergraduate and graduate teaching and research.

Hira has developed programs in credit counseling and consumer credit education for the Japan Consumer Finance Association and has taught credit counseling seminars and workshops.

A Certified Financial Planner, she has served on national committees and currently serves on the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

---

Professor studies role of bacteria

Hunkered down on the surface of plant leaves are diverse settlements of bacteria. Some cause disease or induce frost injury. Others help prevent those problems and can boost plant growth.

ISU microbiologist Gwyn Beattie is studying how bacteria survive on the often harsh habitat of crop leaves.

According to a press release, the work may help researchers select or develop bacteria that crowd out pathogens or help predict bacterial behaviors leading to disease.

Beattie has found more than 80 bacterial genes linked to growth and survival on leaves. To understand how and when bacteria react to environmental pressures, she has developed bacteria that act as biological sensors — they glow when stressed.

She also is testing a theory that plant-leaf bacteria can break down smelly compounds wafting from livestock farms by developing a biosensor that glows when an odorous compound is present.

---

A night of good old fashioned fun

The Central Iowa Barn Dance Association welcomes everyone for a night of traditional country dancing on Saturday from 8-11 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 200 Lynn Ave.

The dance will feature live music and dance lessons. Dance partners are not necessary, and participants are encouraged to wear soft-soled shoes.

To learn more about the Central Iowa Barn Dance, call 292-5587.

---

Cookie time with the Girl Scouts

Ames Girl Scouts will begin taking orders for their annual cookie sale at North Grand Mall on Saturday and Sunday.

A Celebrity Munch-Off competition, as well as other activities, will take place Saturday at 2 p.m. In addition, the general public is invited to participate in science activities on Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

The Girl Scouts will sell cookies on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.