By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University has taken an important step toward advancing meat science research and education by establishing the David G. Topel and Jay-lin Jane-Topel Endowed Chair in Meat Science. The new position was created through a generous gift from Dr. Jay-lin Jane-Topel and the late Dr. David G. Topel, providing long-term support for teaching, research, and student development within the Department of Animal Science.
During the Topel Medallion Ceremony held on August 31, Steven Lonergan, Morrill Professor of Animal Science, was named the inaugural holder of the endowed chair. The appointment recognizes his outstanding contributions to meat science and his dedication to educating future industry professionals.
For more than twenty years, Lonergan has focused on understanding the biological processes that influence fresh meat quality. His research examines changes that take place at the molecular level as muscle is converted into meat. Through this work, he has contributed significantly to scientific knowledge while supporting Iowa State University's reputation as a leader in meat science research.
A graduate of Iowa State University, Lonergan earned a bachelor's degree in animal science in 1988 and a master's degree in meat science in 1991. He joined the university's Department of Animal Science faculty in 1998 and has since built a distinguished career centered on research, teaching, and student mentorship.
Speaking about the honor, Steven Lonergan, Morrill Professor of Animal Science, said, “It is a tremendous honor to be named the first David G. Topel and Jay-lin Jane-Topel Endowed Chair in Meat Science. Dr. Topel was an important mentor in my career, and I have long admired how he brought physiology and biochemistry together to solve practical problems in meat science. I look forward to carrying that spirit forward by strengthening teaching, outreach and research in meat science. I am grateful to Dave and Jay-lin for their support of our program.”
The endowed chair provides additional resources to support research activities and highlights the importance of academic scholarship within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. University leaders believe the position will further strengthen Iowa State's impact on the global meat industry.
Ruth MacDonald, Interim Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, praised Lonergan's achievements, stating, “Dr. Lonergan’s pioneering research, outstanding teaching and commitment to mentoring students have strengthened Iowa State’s reputation as a global leader in meat science. It is especially fitting that he be named the inaugural holder of the Topel Endowed Chair, given the interactions he had with Dr. Topel as an Iowa State student. We are so grateful to the Topels for their generosity in establishing this endowment that will continue to benefit our faculty, students and industry partners for years to come.”
The chair also honors the remarkable contributions of the Topels to Iowa State University and the agricultural sciences. Dr. Jay-lin Jane-Topel, a respected biochemist, served as a professor and later earned recognition as a Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences. Dr. David G. Topel gained international recognition for his research on porcine stress syndrome and later served as dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and director of the Iowa Agriculture Experiment Station.
Their continued support of Iowa State has helped advance education, research, and innovation across multiple disciplines. The establishment of the endowed chair ensures that future generations of students, faculty, and industry professionals will benefit from enhanced opportunities in meat science.
Expressing confidence in the program's future, Dr. Jay-lin Jane-Topel said, “I’m very pleased that the world-leading meat scientist Steven Lonergan is now leading meat science research at Iowa State University. Under his leadership, I’m confident the program will become even stronger and further solidify its position among the best in the world, which we and future generations will be proud of.”
The appointment of Steven Lonergan and the creation of the Topel Endowed Chair reinforce Iowa State University's commitment to excellence in meat science, fostering innovation, research advancement, and educational opportunities for years to come.
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Categories: Iowa, Education