Illinois State graduate student Emily Hansen, who is from three generations of famers, is researching the potential of pennycress as a cover crop.
A homegrown love for science: Graduate student researches, promotes use of cover crops

Illinois State graduate student Emily Hansen, who is from three generations of famers, is researching the potential of pennycress as a cover crop.
The College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST) invites you to join us for the 2022 Women in Leadership conference, featuring a series of speakers and activities that focus on professional development. Join us for conversations on networking, goal setting, and decision-making.
Illinois State University’s College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST) will host its Academy of Achievement induction ceremony on Thursday, April 7, in the Old Main Room, Bone Student Center.
Mark Safarik, M.S., V.S.M., will spend an evening in Normal as the keynote speaker for Illinois State University’s 2022 Science and Technology Week.
The College of Applied Science and Technology and the Department of Agriculture are sincerely grateful for the recent investment by Compeer Financial that contributed to a complete renovation of the Farm classroom. The ribbon was cut on October 12, 2021, in a formal ceremony attended by representatives of Compeer Financial, the College of Applied Science and Technology, and the Department of Agriculture.
When Audrey Harrod, a senior biology major from Hinckley, applied to the Beneficial Insects Summer Research and Extension Experiences (REEU) program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), she did not expect that her summer internship based in entomology would end up encompassing so much more.
Alex Hafner, a senior from Mahomet, decided to pursue a major in molecular and cellular biology due to his interest in research. This same passion drew him to Western Illinois University’s undergraduate research experience this summer where he continued his participation in the Integrated Pennycress Research Enabling Farm & Energy Resilience (IPREFER) Project.
The 2020-2021 academic year will be remembered as a time when flexibility and patience were essential to fulfilling the University’s mission.
Illinois agriculture remains rooted in tradition, but emerging technologies are continually advancing the industry. For students in Illinois State’s Agriculture Department, hands-on learning opportunities are essential for merging the past and present with classroom theory and current best practices.
A retirement reception to honor Russell Derango’s 38 years of service to Illinois State University will begin at 5 p.m. June 10, at the University Farm. Dinner will be at 5:30 p.m., served by Longhorn Steakhouse.