University of Iowa astronomers have located quasars inside four dusty starburst galaxies. The discovery may explain why this type of galaxy, where huge numbers of stars were once created, ceased making stars.

Hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the dedication of the Elizabeth Catlett Residence Hall, the University of Iowa’s newest and largest residence hall. Named for renowned sculptor and printmaker Elizabeth Catlett, the 303,000-square-foot building offers an impressive view of the Iowa River on the east side of campus.

The University of Iowa Colleges of Dentistry and Education came together to create Project SEALED (Service, Engagement, and LifeCareer Education in Dentistry), which sends UI dental students into Iowa communities to look after schoolchildren’s teeth.

Through the Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities, University of Iowa students and faculty are partnering with Iowa communities along the RAGBRAI route build a more sustainable future. Check out what they’ve accomplished so far in RAGBRAI stop Decorah.

Protivin is getting a helping hand from some Hawkeyes during this year’s RAGBRAI ride. This is the third year that Iowa JPEC students will help draw attention to businesses on the RAGBRAI route. Their goal? Maximize the economic impact of RAGBRAI and try to make that impact sustainable.

UI alumnus Paul Willis owns a celebrated free-range pig farm in Thornton, Iowa, one of the stops on this year’s RAGBRAI route. He’s also the founder of the Niman Ranch farm network, where his UI alumna daughter, Sarah Willis, works. Both say their UI education contributed to their success.

The UI College of Law and the Iowa State Bar Association have teamed up to encourage law students to practice in rural areas. The summer Rural Clerkship Program provides opportunities for law students to work at small-town practices in places like Garner, Iowa, a stop on the RAGBRAI route.

UI College of Pharmacy professor Bernard Sorofman has used his expertise in pharmacy medicine to reform medical services for criminal offenders in Iowa and expand a statewide drug repository for unused medication, keeping medication out of landfills and ensuring it gets to the people who need it most.

The U.S. Geological Survey, Iowa Geological Survey, Office of the State Archaeologist, and Iowa Limestone Producers Association are working together to teach RAGBRAI riders about the land that’s rolling by under their tires. The “Learn About the Land” brochure, produced every year, details the bike route’s natural resources.

David McCartney, university archivist in University of Iowa Libraries, delivered a paper, “Documenting Activism: How the Digital Humanities Can Uncover the History of Protest,” June 16 at the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) conference in Washington, D.C.

Dan McGehee, of the National Advanced Driving Simulator at the University of Iowa, says safety is the main benefit of high-tech cars.

President Harreld discusses the importance of faculty research and scholarship to student success, noting that when faculty pursue their own academic interests, they both expand our knowledge and inspire their students.