IN THIS ISSUE: ACES | FAA | LAS | library |
agricultural, consumer and environmental sciences
Plant breeding scientists from around the world recently gathered in Mexico City for the first International Plant Breeding Symposium honoring John W. Dudley, emeritus professor of plant genetics, the Renessen Endowed Chair in Corn Quality Trait Breeding and Genetics, and former associate head of the department of crop sciences. Dudley is best known for his research on the long-term selection of corn for protein and oil. His other work has focused on improvement in yield and disease resistance, use of quantitative genetics in plant breeding, and on applications of biotechnology to plant improvement.
fine and applied arts
William Rose, UI research architect, received the 2006 Lee Nelson Book Award from the Association for Preservation Technology for his book, “Water in Buildings: An Architect’s Guide to Moisture and Mold.” Rose was honored at the association’s annual conference Sept. 15 in Atlanta. The Journal of Preservation Technology said Rose’s book is an “authoritative guide that should be used by designers, builders and all people concerned with historic-building performance and preservation.”
liberal arts and sciences
Yamuna Kachru, a UI professor emerita of linguistics, received the Presidential Award from the President of India on Sept. 14 at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi. Kachru is one of four recipients of this year’s award, presented by the president of India, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
According to Abbas Benmamoun, head of the linguistics department, the award is “highly prestigious” and “speaks to Yamuna’s distinguished research record and stellar reputation as one of the premier experts on the Hindi language and linguistics.”
Gene E. Robinson, the B. William Arends Professor of Integrative Biology, was elected a fellow of the Animal Behavior Society. Robinson is a professor of entomology, director of the Neuroscience Program, and theme leader at the Institute for Genomic Biology.
university library
Jane Block, head of the Ricker Library of Architecture and Art, will receive the library’s Andrew Turyn Professorship. This five-year appointment, beginning this academic year, provides support for Block to pursue her research into 75-plus known portraits rendered in Neo-Impressionist technique in France and Belgium between 1886 and 1903. Her work, much of which will take place at the Royal Library in Brussels, will analyze these portraits as reflections of their age and shed light on their significance within the Neo-Impressionist movement.
Thomas H. Teper, preservation librarian, has been appointed to an endowed chair, Assistant Professor of Library Preservation. The chair was endowed by John “Bud” Velde, an alumnus who was interested in both preservation and rare books.
