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K-State Today

July 11, 2011

Recent news from Research and Extension

Submitted by Kristina Boone

·       Ludek Zurek, associate professor of entomology, presented “Microbial Ecology and Epithelial Immunity of the Sand Fly Lutzomyia longipalpis,” at the seventh International Symposium on Phlebotomine Sandflies in Kusadasi, Turkey. More information is available here.

·       Two K-Staters were added to the Ad Astra 150 scientists list in June: Anna Whitfield, associate profes­sor of plant pathology, is studying tomato spotted wilt virus, which can severely harm peanut and tobacco crops. Bob Schoeff, professor emeritus of grain science and industry — and international expert on grain elevator explosions — was chosen for his work and research into mill and elevator safety.

·       A K-State team received a superior paper award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biologi­cal Engineers for “Characterization of Sorghum Biomass as Feedstock for Sugar Production.” Authors are: Donghai Wang, professor of biological and agricultural engineering; Karnnalin Theerarattananoon, doctoral student in biological and agricultural engineering; and Xiaorong Wu, research assistant professor of biological and agricultural engineering; Scott Staggenborg, professor of agronomy; Jonathan Propheter, 2009 master's graduate in agronomy; and Ron Madl, director of the Agricultural Products Utilization Forum.

·       Sean Fox, professor of agricultural economics, and Shonda Anderson, May 2011 master's graduate in agricultural economics, explored consumer attitudes on cloned animals. They surveyed K-State undergraduates in agriculture, English, and sociology, as well as agriculture students at University College Dublin in Ireland and Ecole Superieure d’Agriculture in Purpan, France. They are working on studies in China and Honduras. Read a news release here about the duo's study.

·       Eric Atkinson of the K-State Radio Network received a citation for distinguished service to Kansas 4-H at the Emerald Circle Banquet in early June. Approximately $40,650 in 4-H scholarships were awarded to 54 members, and 31 project winners were honored.