This is an archived copy of the 2012-2013 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.
Research and Extension
Research
Research is an important activity at Iowa State University. Faculty members engage in research pursuits as well as teaching. Graduate students, and in some cases undergraduates, play an active part in this search for new knowledge.
Support for research at Iowa State University comes from state and federal appropriations as well as from contracts and grants involving the federal government and nonfederal organizations. As part of its total program, the university also operates extension services, special laboratories, centers, and institutes.
Official Research, Outreach, and/or Instructional Centers and Institutes at ISU as Recognized by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, are listed at http://www.vpresearch.iastate.edu/docs/centers.pdf. Additional information concerning any of these organizations and student research opportunities they support may be obtained from their administrative offices.
Iowa State University
Extension
Iowa State University Extension builds partnerships and provides research-based learning opportunities to improve quality of life in Iowa. ISU Extension continues to lead the university-wide effort to engage Iowans with education and information about their issues and priorities for healthy people, healthy environments, and healthy economies
Iowa State University is the state's land-grant institution with the mission of creating, sharing, and applying knowledge. Historically, ISU Extension has led the university in its formal engagement mission to Iowans. With an active partnership and presence in every county, ISU Extension engages the people of Iowa with education and information in the following areas:
Agriculture and Natural Resources. ISU Extension provides unbiased, research-based information and education to agricultural professionals to grow the economic base of Iowa agriculture.
Business and Industry. Extension's Center for industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) enhances the performance of Iowa business and industry through research, education, and technical assistance.
Community and Economic Development. ISU Extension helps organizations and local governments make Iowa communities better places to live and work, with programs and services in community leadership, management, and policy and design development.
Families. ISU Extension reaches out to families across the lifespan, providing research-based information and education to help families make decisions that improve and transform their lives.
4-H Youth Development. ISU Extension helps kids and teens develop communication skills, give back to their communities, and learn to be leaders for Iowa's future.
Continuing and Distance Education. Through Continuing Education and Professional Development (CEPD), ISU Extension provides high-quality continuing education and lifelong learning opportunities for professional development, personal enrichment, career transitions, and academic growth.