DASNR Wishes A Happy Holiday Season To All International Alumni (December 2004)

The international alumni of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, who hold positions literally all over the world, are in our thoughts this Holiday season. Dr. Ed Miller (left), interim Dean of Agriculture, is in full holiday spirit this season. Although we are separated from our alumni by both miles and years, we want them to know that OSU views the educational and professional relationship with its alumni as a lifetime bond. Visiting alumni are always welcome in the Division of Agriculture, as is communication by postal service or e-mail. Alumni whose advisor has retired or left OSU should not feel as if their linkage to the University has diminished, because we always have an open door for visits from our former students. If you are an international alumni of OSU, and have reason to visit the United States again for business or pleasure, please add Stillwater to your agenda and renew your institutional bond with Oklahoma State University!

Scholarships Available for Study Abroad Through Oklahoma State University (December 2004)

There are several scholarships available for students interested in study abroad programs at Oklahoma State University. These scholarships include the Robert B. Bailey Scholarship, the Freeman-Asia Award Program, the Gilman International Scholarship Program, the National Security Education Program, the Fulbright Scholar Program and the Regina Henry Scholarship. For students from Thailand, the International Relations Committee of the Emeriti Association has a $1,000 scholarship available for students from Thailand. [Read the O'Colly Article]

Dr. Salim Hiziroglu Presents Wood Products Seminar in Thailand (December 2004)

Dr. Salim Hiziroglu of the OSU Forestry Department visited the Department of Forestry, Kasetsart University to give presentations about the research project entitled "Value-Added Composite Panel Manufacture From Under-utilized Species in Thailand" at the Kenan Institute Asia and Kasetsart University for 10 days in December. This is a continuation of wood products project funded by the Kenan Asia Institute. He will also give a 2- hour presentation on Properties of Wood and Value-Added Wood Composite Panel Technology at Department of Chemical Engineering, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok on December 24, 2004. [View photos of Dr. Hiziroglu in Thailand]

University of Chihuahua Administration Visits OSU to discuss Joint Doctoral Program in Zootecnia (December 2004)

The Department of Zootecnia (Animal Science) at the University of Chihuahua recently held elections for Department Head, and the new Director of Zootecnia is M.C. Javier Martinez Nevarez (replacing Mr. Salvador Alcantar). The new director of graduate studies is Dr. Felipe Rodriguez A. (replacing Dr. Carlos Muela). The new administrative team from UACH visited OSU December 5-7, 2004. The administrative visit to the OSU campus was to discuss OSU's agreement to teach 6 doctoral level courses in Chihuahua during the summer of 2005. These courses will be from the areas of agricultural economics, animal science and natural resources (2 courses each). OSU is in the process of identifying faculty to teach in Chihuahua.

Dr. Art Stoecker Presents Paper at the International Seminar on Agricultural and Resource Economics in Colombia (December 2004)

Dr. Art Stoecker presented a paper in Colombia at the International Seminar on Agricultural and Resource Economics. He was invited to participate by Dr. Mauricio Alviar, and OSU alumni who is now a Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Antioquia, and a co-author of the paper. Dr. Stoecker was in Medellin, Colombia from December 6-12, 2004. Economists from Sweden, the United Kingdom and other Latin American countries also presented papers at this international conference. [Read Dr. Stoecker's Paper]

Dr. Selim Hiziroglu Hosts visitors From The Department of Forest Products, Kasetsart University and Royal Forest Department in Bangkok, Thailand (December 2004)

Six visitors from Department of Forest Products, Kasetsart University and Royal Forest Department in Bangkok, Thailand visited the Department of Forestry at Oklahoma State University from November 29th through December 5th, 2004. Their travel was funded by Kenan Asia Institute Value -Added Wood Composite Project and organized with the cooperation of Tim Huff, International Scholar and Students Office. Dr. Selim Hiziroglu served as the group's host at Oklahoma State University. Thai team members include: Songklod Jarusombuti ( Head Dept. of Forest Products)
Vallayuth Fueagvivat ( Royal Forest Dept)
Piyavade Bauchongkok ( Dept. of Forest Products )
Touchpong Darapak (Thai Plywood Inc.)
Boonnark Kleebhumpee (Royal Forest Dept.)
Wikhan Ananpanurak ( Kasetsart Agricultural Products Inst.) [View the Group's Itinerary] [View Photos of a Reception for the Group]

Dr. Jacqueline Fletcher Receives Funding from Instituto de Virologia Vegetale in Torino, Italy for Study of Phytoplasmas (December 2004)

The Instituto de Virologia Vegetale of Torino, Italy has signed a sponsored research agreement with OSU to collaborate with Dr. Jacqueline Fletcher on "Relationships Among Phytoplasmas, Insect Vectors and Host Plants in the Experimental Model, Chrysanthemum Yellows". Under the agreement, a doctoral student from the University of Torino will spend 9-12 months doing research under Dr. Fletcher's supervision at OSU. Duties of the student will be preparation and characterization of anti-phytoplasma antisera, development of a cell line of insect vector species and examination of phytoplasma-insect interactions. This agreement will allow both Dr. Fletcher and the student to travel between Italy and OSU for completion of this research.

Dr. David Lewis Completes Chihuahua Forestry Industry Study Tour (December 2004)

Dr. David Lewis of the Forestry Department at OSU recently completed a forestry industry tour in Chihuahua. The forestry industry in Chihauhua is a large component of the state's economy, accounting for 16 percent of all exports from Chihuahua. About 25% of the forestry production in Mexico is from the State of Chihuahua. Dr. Lewis was hosted by faculty from the Department of Zootecnia at the University of Chihuahua (UACH), and also had meetings with the UACH Department of Forestry, which has a satellite campus located in Delicias. [See a Powerpoint Presentation on Chihuahua's scenic beauty that was prepared by Luis Burciaga Robles, a doctoral student in animal science at OSU and a native of Chihuahua] [Read the Trip Report Prepared by Dr. Lewis] [View Study Tour Itinerary]

Dr. Enrique Sanchez Granillo Heads Chihuahua Cattlemen's Association (December 2004)

Dr. Enrique Sanchez Granillo, an alumni of OSU, was elected to another term as Director of the Chihuahua Cattlemen's Association. Dr. Sanchez received his Ph.D. in range science from OSU and later spent a two year sabbatical at OSU as the INIFAP ambassador to MIAC. As the Director of the Cattlemen's Association, Dr. Sanchez is in the process of building a new headquarters facility on the outskirts of Chihuahua. Over the years, Dr. Sanchez has sent some very gifted Mexican students to pursue graduate degrees at Oklahoma State University.

Visiting Professor from Turkey at OSU Forestry Department (December 2004)

Dr. Kalaycioglu from Turkey is a visiting scientist at the OSU Department of Forestry for five months. She is a Professor of Forest Products Engineering and Assistant Dean at the Faculty of Forestry, Karadeniz Technical University, Turkey. Dr. Kalaycioglu will be working on a brief research project entitled “Evaluation of Surface Properties of Overlaid Flooring Panels” during her stay at Oklahoma State University. Her visit our campus is funded by Karadeniz Technical University. Her faculty sponsor is Dr. Selim Hiziroglu of the OSU forestry department.

Julie Focht's Web Design Students Develop International Programs Web Material (December 2004)

College of Agriculture students made a contribution toward the internet presence of international agricultural programs through Julie Focht's (Photo at right) web design course (AgComm 3223: "Web Design for Agricultural Organizations") in the fall semester of 2004. Students worked on the International Agricultural Programs Web Page and the Global Agriculture Organization Web Page. The material developed by these students will appear in the coming months on this site, as the students continue to revise their material and add content. A big thank-you to all of the students who participated in this class project!

Dr. Shida Henneberry Presents a Paper at the FAO's First Chinese Green Food Development Forum in Shanghai (December 2004)

Dr. Shida Henneberry of the Department of Agricultural Economics was invited to present a paper at the first ever FAO Green Foods Development Forum in China. The conference, held in Shanghai, is an indicator of China's rapidly growing interest in environmentally friendly agricultural production. Dr. Henneberry was in China December 1-10, 2004, presenting a paper at the forum and teaching a short course on agricultural trade economics at Nanjing Agricultural University. The title of the Green Foods Forum Presentation was "Emerging Roles for Food Labels in a Growing Market". [Read Dr. Henneberry's Green Foods Forum Paper].

Plains Grains Incorporated Forges Wheat Export Deal With Cuba (December 2004)

Oklahoma wheat will be flowing into Cuba as the result of a new trade deal forged by Plains Grains Inc. Plains Grains, Incorporated is a non-profit organization created by the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University, the Oklahoma wheat Commission and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture. PGI is headquartered in the Wes Watkins Center on the OSU Campus. “Cuban officials really wanted American Wheat” said Shelly Regnier, PGI assistant director. Discussions and negotiations resulted in the sale of 25,000 tons of U.S. hard red winter wheat originating in Oklahoma. “This is an exciting example of improving economic opportunities for Oklahoma Farmers and Agribusinesses,” said David J. Schmidly, OSU System CEO and President, “I am pleased that OSU has played a key role in forming Plains Grains Inc.”. Cuba is the largest wheat buyer in the Caribbean. It is the hemisphere’s third largest importer of hard red winter wheat after Mexico and Peru.

International Student Recruiting Task Force Formed at OSU (November 2004)

Oklahoma State University has formed an international student recruiting and retention task force, chaired by Dr. Al Carlozzi. Dr. David Henneberry is representing the Division of Agriculture on the committee. The charge of the committee is to develop a set of recommendations that will enhance OSU's ability to attract and retain international students. OSU is renewing its committment to international education by recognizing the importance of its international student body and streamlining entry requirements for international students.

Dr. Pongsak Angkasith, President of Chiang Mai University of Thailand, Honored as OSU Distinguished International Alumni (November 2004)

One of the Department of Agricultural Educations most famous alumni, Dr. Pongsak Angkasith, was honored as an OSU Distinguished International Alumni on November 13, 2004. OSU President and System CEO Dr. David Schmidly presented the award. Dr. Angkasith is the President of Chiang Mai University in Thailand. [Read the Stillwater NewsPress Article on this Prestigious Award][View Event Photos]

Oklahoma's Regents for Higher Education Get Graduate Recruiting Support from Dr. Chanjin Chung of the Department of Agricultural Economics (November 2004)

Dr. Chanjin Chung of the Department of Agricultural Economics went to Vietnam, Taiwan and Korea on a graduate student recruiting mission initiated by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Dr. Chung participated in the planned activities of the recruiting mission, but added a visit to Korea, where the Division of Agriculture has a parfticularly strong alumni base. Dr. Chung negotiated five Memorandum's of Understanding during his trip. These agreements are to be signed with Nong Lam University in Vietnam, Cantho University in Vietnam, Seoul National University in Korea, Konkuk University in Korea and Chonnam University in Korea. OSU will also receive a Presidential visit from Konkuk University in the Spring of 2005 as a result of Dr. Chung's recruiting visit to that University. [Read the complete trip report and find out about the recruiting fairs in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi!] [See a powerpoint presentation about the recruiting trip prepared by Brenda Dean of OSU's International Student Services Office]

What If You Put The Population Of The Entire World In Oklahoma? (November 2004)

Well, there would be plenty of room for everybody. If you gave everyone in the world 100 square feet - that's an area 10 feet by 10 feet square - the state of Oklahoma could hold almost three times the Earth's current population. The State of Oklahoma has an area of 69,903 square miles. One square mile will accomodate 278,784 people while providing 100 square feet for each person. The State of Oklahoma could accomodate a whopping 19.49 billion people while providing 100 square feet each. That is almost exactly three times the Earth's current population of 6.4 billion.

Conoco-Phillips Taps Oklahoma State's Division of Agriculture for Project Development Study in Nigeria (November 2004)

Conoco-Phillips believes in giving back, and that is why after years of business activity in Nigeria, they have decided to conduct an agricultural development project to benefit a disadvantaged area of the country. In north central Nigeria, Conoco-Phillips wants to determine the feasibility of developing an irrigation/crop improvement project. That's why they came to Dr. Ron Elliott, Head of the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, to discuss faculty availability to conduct a feasibility study. The most likely timing of the study is summer 2005, with Dr. Mike Kizer and Dr. Bill Raun possible participants. Although some details remain to be worked out, OSU looks forward to working with Conoco-Phillips to make a positive contribution to agricultural development in Nigeria.

Professor Paul Hsu of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Completes Rotary Exchange Program in Thailand (November 2004)

Professor Paul Hsu was invited to spend 3 months at Maejo University in Thailand by President Thep Phongparnich. Dr. Hsu was the recipient of a prestigious rotary international exchange fellowship. President Phongparnich, an alumni of the Department of Agricultural Education at OSU, is a strong supporter of the close relationship that OSU and Maejo University have developed. The Rotary exchange program provided the financial resources to make this international exchange a reality. While in Thailand, Dr. Hsu taught landscape architecture and collaborated with his counterparts at Maejo University. [See a powerpoint presentation of Dr. Hsu's experiences in Thailand].

OSU's First Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellow Chooses OSU's Agriculture Study Abroad Program in Thailand (November 2004)

Kyle Jones, OSU's first Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellow, has selected an agriculture study abroad course to broaden his international experience. Jones, a junior from Norman, Oklahoma with a double major in economics and political science, enrolled in the "Agriculture of Thailand" study aborad course from December 27, 2004 through January 10, 2005. [Read the full story about Kyle's Pickering Fellowship]

Dr. Patricia Rayas-Duarte Presents Two Seminars in Thailand (November 2004)

Professor Patricia Rayas Duarte presented an invited seminar at two universities in Thailand. In the southern part of Thailand she visited Prince of Songkla University at Hat Yai, Songkla and in the northern part Khon Kaen University at Khon Kaen city. Dr. Rayas’ seminar was titled “Cereal Foods: A Full Serving of Bioactive Compounds” and was attended by students and faculty from the School of Agriculture in both universities.
Dr. Rayas was hosted by the president of Price of Songkla University, Dr, Prasert Chitapong, Dean Pairat Sophanodora and the faculty of Agro-Industry. While in Khon Kaen she was hosted by Dr. Jan Uriyapongson, OSU graduate.
Among the items discussed during her visit was the interest of faculty to spend their sabbatical leave at OSU in labs with common interest and potential students coming to OSU for their advanced degree.

Dr. Don Wagner Returns to Ethiopia for the Fiftieth Anniversary of Alemaya University (November 2004)

Dr. Don Wagner, Head of the Department of Animal Science at Oklahoma State University, made a return visit to Alemaya University in Ethiopia in November 2004. Dr. Wagner has the distinction of being the only active faculty member at Oklahoma State University who went to Ethiopia "long term" to develop Alemaya University. Dr. Wagner spoke at their convocation and renewed OSU's institutional relationship with this fine educational institution in Ethiopia. [Read the full story.]

OSU's Iraq Project Gets One Year Extension (November 2004)

The Al-Sharaka Program for Higher Education, which combines OSU, OU and Langston University in a consortium titled "Oklahoma Higher Education Partners" (OHEP) has received a one-year extension from USAID-Iraq. The Iraqi University Partners (IUP) that OHEP is working with in Iraq are Al-Anbar University, Basra University and the University of Salahaddin. The Division of Agriculture's activity in the coming year is to purchase and ship soils lab equipment to Iraq. OSU's year one activities totalled $1.2 million dollars, with most of the activity in other colleges. The OSU campus director of the project is Ms. Nani Pybus in the school of international studies. In the Division of Agriculture plesae contact Dr. David Henneberry for more information.

Indian Foundation Draws on OSU for Ag Expertise (October 2004)

Mr. Avinash Ghorpade, Mr. Shyam Srinivasan, Mr. Pahlaj Bajaj and Mr. Sunil Agarwal visited Oklahoma State University on October 27 and 28, 2004 to discuss plans for a new agricultural research and extension foundation they are developing in India. This was their fourth visit to the campus of Oklahoma State University to discuss the project. A campus will be constructed near the city of Poona, on 110 acres of land donated by Mr. Bajaj for the project. OSU will assist in the creation of research and extension programs which will focus on the commercialization of crops native to the area. [See a schematic of the proposed campus].

Oklahoma Farm Bureau Sponsors Farm Trip for International Students (October 2004)

Oklahoma State University international agriculture students received an eye-opening look at the state's agriculture industry during a farm tour hosted by Oklahoma Farm Bureau's Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee October 25-26. The annual event highlights specific aspects of the industry in various parts of the state. This year's tour focused on southeast Oklahoma. State YF&R Committee Member Cyndi Mackey, a poultry grower from Spiro, said the tour gave students an opportunity to learn about the role agriculture plays in the southeast section of the state... [ Full Story ]

Dr. Jim Stiegler Leads OSU Ag Faculty Group to Israel
(October 2004)

A group of OSU faculty members from the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources visited Israel in October 2004. Jim Stiegler, head of the Plants and Soil Sciences Department and lead scientist on the mission, says the group was invited by the Oklahoma Israel Exchange (OKIE), in conjunction with the United Jewish Communities. OKIE was created by Gov. David Walters in 1994, to foster cooperation between Israel and Oklahoma in culture, the arts, education, agriculture, energy, commerce, and economic development. Stiegler says the group hopes to establish contacts with agriculture scientists in Israel , find common grounds for collaborative research and establish student exchange and post-doctoral opportunities. The OSU group includes Tim Bowser, Ray Huhnke, Bjorn Martin, Tom Phillips, and Siobhan Reilly. To view photos of the group in Israel go to http://forage.okstate.edu/Israel/index.htm

Seven Division of Agriculture Faculty Present Seminars in Mexico (September 2004)

Seven faculty from the Division of Agriculture presented papers at a symposium on alternative beef cattle production in Chihuahua September 26-30, 2004 . This symposium is sponsored by the University of Chihuahua and attendance is expected to be University faculty from three states in Mexico. The faculty participation in this symposium spanned 3 days. In addition to making a seminar type presentation, faculty members participated in research development discussion sessions with their counterparts at the University of Chihuahua . The expenses for this travel were paid by the University of Chihuahua . [See the list of faculty and seminar titles]

International Education Faculty Excellence Award Presented to Dr. Steve Damron of the Department of Animal Science
(September 2004)

The International Education Faculty Excellence Award is an annual award bestowed by Oklahoma State University to faculty members who have distinguished themselves by integrating an international perspective into teaching, research and extension activities. The award signifies special recognition by the School of International Studies and is selected by a committee consisting of the Executive Committee of the School. The award includes a plaque and a cash stipend of $1,000. The winner of this award for 2004 is Dr. Steve Damron of the Department of Animal Science. Dr. Damron has distinguished himself through a long history of teaching an international dimension course and as a leader of successful short term study abroad programs. Dr. Damron began taking students on study abroad courses while at the University of Hawaii, continued that at the University of Wisconsin at River Falls and has continued that practice after coming to OSU with student trips to The Philippines, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Ireland and planned trips to Australia, Brazil and Costa Rica in the near future. [ Full Story ]

Hannah Whitley Joins International Ag Programs Office (September 2004)

Hannah Whitley, a Spanish major from Tulsa, Oklahoma, has joined the international ag programs office as a student assistant for the 2004/5 academic year. Hannah will assist with the organization of study abroad programs, development of web site content and assist with international visitors. She works mornings on MWF and afternoons on T-Th. Her Spanish language skills have been a big help!

International Dinner Event Sponsored by Agricultural Economics Department (September 2004)

The Agricultural Economics Department Graduate Student Association International Dinner was held September 26th from 5-8 pm in the Noble Center Atrium on the Campus of Oklahoma State University. This event has grown over the years, with up to 100 people attending. The format is based on an American tradition - the potluck - and all attending bring an international dish representative of their home country, or in the case of Americans, a dish from either their home here or a country they have visited. The event is one of the most popular social events of the year in the agricultural economics department. About 50 percent of the graduate students studying agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University areinternational.

Dr. Shida Henneberry Presents Seminar to University Presidents in Coahuila (September 2004)

Dr. Shida Henneberry visited the Universidad Autonoma Agraria Antonio Narro (UAAAN) in Saltillo , Mexico September 25-28, 2004 to participate in a University Leadership workshop involving five Northern Mexico Universities. Dr. Henneberry presented a seminar on the University strengthening activities the Division of Agriculture can provide if appropriate funding is made available. Since the NAFTA agreement, there has been increasing interaction between Universities in theUnited States and Mexico as they develop programs to address increased international trade between Canada, the United States and Mexico. [See a PowerPoint presentation about the Autonomous Agricultural University Antonio Narro and the State of Coahuila in Mexico]

Dr. Derrell Peel Leads DASNR's Sands/FIPSE Trip to Mexico
(August 2004)

Dr. Derrell Peel from the Department of Agricultural Economics, Dr. Steve Hallgren of the Forestry Department, and Megan Cunningham (a graduate student in agricultural economics) represented Oklahoma State University on a study abroad program in Mexico, August 9-19, 2004. They were part of a group sponsored by the Sands/FIPSE Consortium, of which Dr. Peel is the campus director. The group included 8 students and 3 faculty from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, one student from Manitoba and three students from Laval University in Quebec. There were about 20 individuals participating in the study program. The group visited the autonomous University of Chapingo, CIMMYT, Mexico City and Queretaro.

Dr. Salim Hiziroglu of OSU Forestry Department Teaches Forest Products Course in Thailand (August 2004)

Dr. Salim Hiziroglu visited Department of Forest Products, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand from August 2 through October 5, 2004 to teach one undergraduate course, and to conduct research in the area of manufacturing particleboard from bamboo, rice straw, and eucalyptus. He also organized a two-day workshop in wood products to educate technical staff members of mid-size Thai wood products manufacturers. A Memorandum of Understanding between Kasetsart University and Oklahoma State University was signed in May 2001 to initiate student and scholar exchanges between the two institutions. Dr. Hiziroglu also visited the wood utilization part of the Royal King’s Project in Doi Ang Khang, Chiang Mai during his stay in Thailand. His visit was funded by Kenan Institute Asia.

Two Forestry Students From Thailand Work With Dr. Selim Hiziroglu at OSU During the Spring 2004 Semester (March 2004)

Two undergraduate students, Neungruthai Singrattanapan and Pornalat Sirican, from the Department of Forest Products, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand spent two months at the OSU Department of Forestry in Spring 2004. Both students audited a Wood Properties course and assisted a research project entitled “Manufacturing Value-Added Panels from Under-Utilized Species in Oklahoma” during their stay on our campus. Their visit was funded by Department of Forest Products, Kasetsart University, Department of Forestry, and International Programs in Agriculture, Oklahoma State University. Dr. Selim Hiziroglu of the OSU Department of Forestry was their sponsor at Oklahoma State University.

Sr. Shida Henneberry Leads Team to China for Eco-Friendly Foods Research (February 2004)

Dr. Shida Henneberry led a team of OSU faculty to China as part of the China Scientific Exchange Program. A four-person team visited China under a grant obtained from the United States Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service. The objective was to learn more about consumers’ Response to Eco-Labeled Foods in China. The travel occurred February 17-28, 2004. [Read the Trip Report]