I’ve been writing about Iowa science for most of 20 years, starting as a Des Moines Register reporter covering research at Iowa State University. Even though the state isn’t widely known as a hotbed of scientific discovery, there are lots of great stories about some good, even world-class, research here, most of it ignored by Iowa media. This blog will fill some of the gaps, but I hope to bring readers more than the latest papers out of universities and colleges. You’ll get some insight and background in the bargain, and a few thoughts about the state’s drive to boost STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education. Come back often, give me some ideas, or tell me when I’ve screwed up. I need the feedback.