College of Applied Science and Technology at Illinois State

10/08/2026

For 20 seasons, Illinois State alumni Gail Apel-Sasse ’78 and David Sasse ’75 have combined their backgrounds in education and agriculture through Gail’s Pumpkin Patch in Beason, Illinois. What started as a family venture has grown into a beloved agritourism destination where visitors can learn about farming, pick pumpkins, enjoy family activities, and create lasting fall memories. 🎃

Click the link in our comments to read their story.

10/07/2026

Jedediah Cantrell, 2026 Hall of Fame inductee from the Department of Health Sciences, reflects on one of her favorite CAST memories. ❤️

Congratulations once again, Jedediah, on your induction into the CAST Hall of Fame!👏🏻

10/07/2026

Recent public health graduate from the Department of Health Sciences, Jonathan Bakana Muana discovered a new side of public health during his internship with the McLean County Health Department's Environmental Health Division. 👏

From creating educational resources on ticks and the West Nile virus to assisting with inspections and mosquito testing, Jonathan gained hands-on experience while serving the community he calls home.

Read more about his journey and the lessons he learned along the way. Find the link to the article in the comment section below 👇

10/06/2026

What are CAST students most excited about this Fall season? 🍂

From sweater weather and Halloween festivities to football games, they’re looking forward to it all! Hear directly from CAST students as they share what makes the fall season their favorite time of year. 🍁

10/06/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Erol Sozen, associate professor of Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics, on receiving a CAST Innovation Grant for his project, "Integrating Espresso Science into Applied Food and Beverage Instruction." 👏

The project will provide students with hands-on opportunities to explore brewing chemistry, sensory evaluation, and the science of espresso through commercial-grade equipment and applied learning experiences.

Click the link in the comment section to read his story behind this innovative project. 👇

10/06/2026

Department of Agriculture professor Dr. Robert L. Rhykerd has been named one of the 2026 Researchers to Know by the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition. His research explores how winter cover crops such as pennycress can improve soil health, reduce nutrient runoff, capture carbon, and support renewable fuel production.

Learn how Dr. Rhykerd's work is helping shape a more sustainable future for agriculture.


https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2026/09/2026-researchers-to-know-isu-professors-recognized-for-innovative-research/

10/05/2026

Katie Buchanan, 2026 Hall of Fame inductee from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, reflects on one of her favorite CAST memories. ❤️

Congratulations once again, Katie, on your induction into the CAST Hall of Fame! 👏🏻

10/05/2026

Join us for the McGinnis Scholar Lecture featuring Dr. Kimberly Oliver, a nationally recognized scholar, educator, and advocate for student-centered and inclusive physical education.

Dr. Oliver will present “Seeking Sounds from the Margins: The Development of an Activist Approach to Teaching” on October 14 at the Bone Student Center. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a leading voice in physical education, social justice, and youth empowerment. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the lecture at 6 p.m.

The link to the news story and the PodCAST is in our bio.

Dr. Kimberly Oliver will deliver the Esther Larson McGinnis Scholar Lecture on October 14, 2026.

10/02/2026

Jack McQueen, 2026 Hall of Fame inductee from the Department of Criminal Justice Sciences, reflects on one of his favorite CAST memories. 🎖️🙌🏻

According to Jack, gaining an early start in his career through an internship with the Illinois State Police was made possible through opportunities provided by the Department of Criminal Justice Sciences. 🫡

Congratulations once again, Jack, on your induction into the CAST Hall of Fame! 👏🏻

09/30/2026

Daryle Wragge, 2026 Hall of Fame inductee from the Department of Agriculture, reflects on his journey growing up on the farm and working with livestock. 🌾

Congratulations once again, Daryle, on your induction into the CAST Hall of Fame! 👏🏻