FPDA Requests and Final Reports
Exemplars
Requests
JOHNSTON, DAVID, DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR, PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY, 24
YEARS OF SERVICE, FALL SEMESTER
The field of solid state physics is in dire need of an introductory textbook that
bridges the gap between undergraduate- and graduate-level instruction, and offers
examples consistent with today’s technology. The standard undergraduate and
graduate texts (written in 1965 and 1976, respectively) are out of date and do not
present sufficient or current examples of solid state theory. Professor Johnston has
already made a significant start on a new textbook; the PDA will allow him to finish
the manuscript. This book will be a major contribution to the education of students
worldwide, and will enhance Iowa State’s reputation in this popular field.
MILLER, WYATT ALLEN, PROFESSOR, PLANT PATHOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY, 23
YEARS OF SERVICE, FULL YEAR
Professor Miller will spend his PDA investigating novel mechanisms, or “tricks,” by
which viruses gain a foothold in host plants and counteract their defenses. This
research may lead to new ways to control plant diseases, as well as ways to use
these viruses as tools for research and industrial applications, and will contribute to
the biotechnology and agriculture sectors of the Iowa bioeconomy. Dr. Miller will
perform his research in the lab of Veronique Ziegler-Graff at the world-renowned
Institute of Plant Molecular Biology (IBMP) in Strasbourg, France. The research will
synergize Miller’s expertise in biochemistry with Ziegler-Graff’s expertise in whole
plant virology, genetics, cell biology and microscopy. Dr. Miller expects to acquire
several new techniques during his PDA, which he will share with his students and
colleagues, and also use in applications for large-scale research grants.
Final Reports
BASU, SAMIK, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, COMPUTER SCIENCE
Professor Basu spent the Fall 2010 semester at the University of California, Santa
Barbara (UCSB), working with a leading software engineer to develop verifiable
software systems. Their findings have opened new avenues for incorporating stateof-the-art verification techniques into both undergraduate and graduate courses,
and enabling hands-on experimentation for software engineering students. The
PDA also resulted in a $500,000 National Science Foundation grant in collaboration
with UCSB ($164,966 to ISU); the publication of one peer-reviewed paper; and two
additional papers accepted and awaiting publication.
FLETCHER, CYNTHIA, PROFESSOR, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY STUDIES,
Professor Fletcher spent her PDA at universities in Wisconsin, Vermont, and New
Hampshire, where she worked with colleagues who have expertise in qualitative
and quantitative methods used to conduct research on rural communities. The
results of these new research approaches will be used by Iowa State’s Extension and
Outreach program to help communities identify effective strategies to address
poverty. Interactions with faculty at the University of Wisconsin also increased her
awareness of grant opportunities in the discipline. To date, she has submitted two
research proposals (pending) for $650,000, and received a $7,500 stipend award.
Professor Fletcher also authored a white paper and completed a manuscript draft
during her PDA.
ZHU, DAN, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, SUPPLY CHAIN AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
(SCIS)
Professor Zhu used her PDA to build collaborative partnerships with peers at
Beijing University of Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing University, and
Beijing Normal University, in China; and Carnegie Mellon University, UCLA,
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and University of Texas Health Science Center in the
U.S. These collaborations are necessary to build her research program in knowledge
management and data mining. As a result of her PDA, Professor Zhu has completed
and submitted four jointly authored manuscripts to top-tier journals in her field –
one has been published, two are forthcoming, and one is pending. The experience
has provided valuable insight on executive training and CIO programs, supported
the development of an innovative business intelligence program for Iowa State
students, and enhanced study abroad opportunities in China.