Two individuals from the Department of Economics, Helen Jensen, professor of economics, and Dave Baker, Extension program specialist, were recently awarded with a Regents Award by the university. The award is given to outstanding university citizens who have rendered significant service to the university or the state of Iowa. A $1000 award is also granted.

Jensen is noted for her research on the economics of nutrition, and she has addressed some of the most pressing issues challenging our nation today -- hunger, obesity, food safety, animal health, biological terrorism, food prices and food sufficiency. For the past 22 years, her advice and counsel have been sought out by policy makers, the food industry and consumer groups on the state, national and international levels.

Baker is noted for his passion for helping young farmers in his role as an Extension specialist for the Beginning Farmer Center. He has facilitated matches for 64 young people with non-related retiring farmers, and he has worked with more than 260 families to help transition their farming operations to the next generation.