Dear Alumni, Students, and Friends,
As we move into the second half of the academic year, I am continually reminded of how much our department accomplishes through the collective energy, creativity, and care of our faculty, staff, and students. This winter issue of Biospheres highlights that momentum and offers a window into the work across EEOB and our partner programs.
We begin with a feature on the Meet a Professor (MPP) initiative—an effort that has quickly become a meaningful bridge between faculty and our newest students. The growth of this program underscores something we already know: when students experience early, low‑stakes, genuine conversations with faculty, they feel more connected, more confident, and more curious. I am grateful to everyone who has helped this program expand and thrive.
Our spotlight on the Biology Program continues that theme of connection. Whether through hands‑on research, global experiences, or supportive mentoring, our students consistently remind us why our work matters. Their reflections capture the best of what a large, interdisciplinary program based at a research-intensive University can offer.
This issue also celebrates faculty achievements recognized at the LAS Fall Convocation, as well as a data‑driven look at EEOB’s research, teaching, and training impact over the past year. These accomplishments represent thousands of hours of dedication across classrooms, laboratories, field sites, and committees. Thank you for the work you do every day, much of which happens quietly outside of any spotlights. The collective work benefits Iowa State and the state of Iowa through the knowledge generated, students trained, and partnerships built to advance research, innovation, education, and community.
Finally, we highlight the impressive presence of our graduate students at national conferences, and we look ahead to welcoming National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore to campus in March. Mr. Sartore is an internationally recognized wildlife photographer and founder of the Photo Ark Project. His presentation will appeal to a wide audience – including kids! If you are in Ames, we hope you can join us.
I hope you enjoy this issue and take pride—as I do—in the many ways our community continues to grow, support one another, and advance our mission. Thank you for all you contribute to making EEOB a remarkable place to learn and work.
Warm regards,
Dr. Amy Burgin
Chair, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
Iowa State University