Class Notes

Kevin Bieniek (’11 biology & psychology) is the Biggs Institute Brain Bank Director at UT Health Science Center in San Antonio, researching neurodegenerative disorders. The brain bank stores more than 100 donated brains at UT Health San Antonio, where researchers study how the brain works. Bieniek’s research specifically looks at Alzheimer’s disease, which affects over six million people in the U.S.

Lon Pluckhahn (‘91 pol sci, MPA ‘06, MCP ‘06) is the new deputy city manager for Vancouver, Washington. He previously served for 14 years as the city manager of Marion, Iowa.

The work of Mohamad Hafez (BAR ’09 arch) was featured in an award-winning short film “A Broken House” and was recognized at several film festivals this year. The short film won an Oscar-qualifying prize at the 2021 Salem Film Fest for Non-Fiction, as well as the Cartel Award for Best Short. The short was awarded Best Editing Award at the 2021 Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival and the MOZAIK Bridging the Boarders Award at the 2021 Palm Springs ShortFest.

Working for Proconex in Philadelphia as an Industrial Control Systems Engineer since 2020. Lives in Conshohocken, PA.

Lumsden & McCormick, LLP is pleased to announce the hiring of David Braun ('18 accounting), CPA, senior accountant, who has joined the firm in the audit department. Lumsden & McCormick, LLP is one of the largest locally-owned certified public accounting firms in western New York.

Iowa State graduate and former Assistant Professor Modupe Labode ('88 history, Ph.D '92) was recently appointed as one of five new curators as part of the African American History Curatorial Collective (AAHCC), an initiative founded in 2019 to promote the research and interpretation of African American history at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Labode served as an assistant professor in the ISU Department of History from 1994 to 2001.

Using semi-retirement to pursue a lifelong vision, Joel Lorentzen ('80 BSEE) has published his first book "Proles - a novel about 2084". It is a cautionary utopian tale in a futuristic setting – a little sci-fi – that pays tribute to Orwell’s "1984," with some twists. It is available as an Ebook on Amazon and paperback from several sources. It has garnered positive reviews from Midwest Book Review and OnlineBookClub.org. You can learn more about it at www.prolesthebook.com.

Sondra Ashmore* ('99 speech comm, PhD '12 human comp interaction) published and co-authored "Owl's Head - A Hidden Gem," which tells the stories of a historic Des Moines neighborhood. Owl's Head has been the home to pioneers who influenced journalism, politics, art, and business innovation at the local, state, and national levels. One of the more prominent homes was the official residence of the Iowa governor for 28 years. Residents in the neighborhood have socialized with prominent figures such as Louis Armstrong and Theodore Roosevelt.

James Scott** (PhD '97 professional studies in education) is the 2020 recipient of the American Book Fest's Best Thriller Award for his novel, "The President's Dossier." This international spy novel follows disgraced ex-CIA Russia expert Max Geller. Geller is hired to find anonymous sources and verify their allegations that the US president has incriminating ties to the Kremlin. Max joins forces with a Moscow underground group, the Russian mafia, and Jill Rucker, an undercover CIA agent, all of whom have conflicting goals. The search takes them from Washington, DC, to London, St. Petersburg, Moscow, Panama, and Geneva. Zabluda, a Kremlin assassin, is close behind with orders to kill Max, Jill, and their sources, and destroy evidence incriminating the US president. Scott is the author of "The Iran Contradictions," an acclaimed spy/political thriller based on the Iran-Contra scandal of the 1980s. He served in combat with the 101st Airborne Division and his duties at the Pentagon involved oversight of military intelligence operations. Currently, he writes book reviews for a prize-winning community magazine and plots novels.

This fall, John Walters* -- voice of the Iowa State Cyclones -- is publishing his new children's book, "Cy’s Perfect Day, the Iowa State Way." It brings to life Walters' vision of what being a Cyclone fan is all about – and will show why it’s the people that make Iowa State such a special place. The book is wonderfully illustrated by award-winner Rob Peters. Walters was selected by his peers as a four-time Iowa Sportscaster of the Year. He brings enthusiasm and energy to every Cyclone football and basketball broadcast. His association with Iowa State started in the Johnny Orr era and carries on to this day.

Heidi Nantke* (DVM '99) was recently recognized as the South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association's Veterinarian of the Year.

The Steak Cookoff Association (SCA) was turned on its head when 21-year-old Marissa Ouverson*** won the World Championship competition in Fort Worth, Texas. Ouverson, a junior at Iowa State and Future Alumni Network member of the ISUAA, took home the crown and floored the competition with her perfect steak-cooking skills. Ouverson beat seasoned competitors and became the first woman SCA World Champion.

Zach Boss (’13 ag business) is the agency owner of Zach Boss- Farm Bureau Financial Services in Manchester, Iowa.

Christian Wing ('16 civil engineering) has accepted a promotion to the role of Senior Structural Engineer for LeMar Industries. In this new role, Wing will be the lead on designing grain handling and support structures and gaining further certifications for the company. Wing has been employed by LeMar since 2016.

Gregory Leichty ('12 environmental studies and landscape architecture) married his wife, Sarah Lange in Denver, Colorado. They are proud parents to their puppy, Oliver.

Michael Braley ('93 graphic design) has received two silver awards from the Graphis Design Annual 2022. His two winning pieces were "Hudprom: 100 Years" and "COVID Exit." A third piece, "I'm with Pando" received an honorable mention.

Colby Moorberg (BS '08 environmental science) will be awarded the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) Early Career Award during the SSSA's Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, in November 2021. Moorberg is an associate professor of soil science in the Department of Agronomy at Kansas State University. He received his bachelor's degree in environmental science from Iowa State University in 2008 and his master's degree and doctorate in soil science from North Carolina State University in 2010 and 2014. He is internationally recognized for soil science education and has published two open textbooks. He teaches introductory soil science, soil and water conservation, and soil judging. His research is focused on hydropedology and root ecology and spans from corn fields to riparian buffer strips to Alaskan thermokarst bogs. His research team has developed cutting-edge root imaging technology and soil sensors. Moorberg is active with the Soil Science Society of America, Soil and Water Conservation Society, North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture, American Society of Agronomy, and National Cooperative Soil Survey. He is a certified professional soil scientist and a professional wetland scientist. The SSSA Early Career Award recognizes professionals who have made an outstanding contribution in soil science within seven years of completing their final degree (B.S., M.S., Ph.D.).

Captain Aaron C. Peterson** (’00 chem engr) has commanded two nuclear-powered submarines USS SCRANTON (SSN 756), homeported in San Diego, California, and USS ILLINOIS (SSN 786), homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He is currently the senior member of the nuclear propulsion examining board for US Pacific Fleet.

Molly Foley Severn** (‘14 ag & life sciences ed, public service & administration in ag) has been honored as the 2021 Story County, Iowa, 4-H Alumnus of the Year.

Nile Mills ('70 industrial ed and graduate work in industrial education and electrical engineering from 1978-1979), graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary on May 8, 2021, with a master's degree in Biblical and theological studies. Nile is a retired U.S. Navy captain. Mills currently lives in the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey.

Theaster Gates ('96 community and regional planning, MS '05 interdisciplinary graduate studies, '18 honorary degree) has received the honor of being the first non-architect to design London's Serpentine Pavilion in its 21-year history. Gates is currently a Chicago-based artist.

Jennifer Swanson** ('96 English) has been honored by the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal as a 2021 Woman in Business. This award recognizes local residents for their professional achievements and contributions to the community. Swanson is the founder and principal of Jen Swanson Consulting.

Colin Hansen** ('93 mechanical engineering) has accepted the position of chairman for the board of directors for the American Public Power Association (APPA). APPA is comprised of over 2,000 not-for-profit utilities providing power to nearly 50 million people. Previously, Hansen served as the executive director for Kansas Municipal Utilities for over 20 years.

Gregory Whitis* ('80 zoology) recently published his second novel, Nighthope. The novel follows Stuart Baron, a humble Los Angeles trucking executive, who moves his family from an affluent suburb to an Alabama catfish farm with hopes of quenching a midlife crisis. Adventure ensues against the backdrop of the Deep South.

Ethan Andress (DVM '97) has been appointed North Dakota's new state veterinarian. "Dr. Andress brings valuable experience in the field of veterinary medicine and extensive knowledge of bovine, equine, and bison medicine," said Doug Goehring, North Dakota's agriculture commissioner. "His business background will also be an asset to our animal health programs and the state." Andress is a long-time veterinarian in Hettinger, North Dakota.