Iowa NSF EPSCoR Education and Workforce Development Seed Funding
Chemurgy 2.0 EWD Seed Funding Program: proposals for projects that focus on providing experiences for audiences to engage in building shared language about Advanced Biomanufacturing.
The Chemurgy 2.0 Education & Workforce Development (EWD) Seed Program is now accepting proposals through January 2025 or until funds are exhausted. This program supports projects that provide experiences for community college and undergraduate students, faculty, and industry staff to engage in building shared language about Advanced Biomanufacturing.
Funding amounts include:
- Mini-grants up to $5,000
- Impact Projects up to $15,000 for collaborations involving at least two partners/organizations.
The committee anticipates awarding up to $40,000 across 4-6 proposals in this funding round.
Dr. Lisa Chizek, Assistant Professor of Teaching at Iowa State University, has been awarded $15,000 to work with rural high school students on her project, Translating Information to Demystify Advanced Biomanufacturing. This initiative will engage students in research and storytelling about Chemurgy 2.0 science, fostering curiosity and collaboration in real-world applications.
For more details and to apply, visit the full RFP here. For questions, contact Marcy Seavey at marcene.seavey@uni.edu.
Professor of Practice (Open Rank) in Biological and Biomanufacturing Systems Technology at ISU
Iowa State University's Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering seeks a Professor of Practice (Open Rank) in Biological and Biomanufacturing Systems Technology. This full-time, 9-month position will lead the department's new BS degree option in Industrial Technology, preparing students for careers in bio-based industries.
Candidates must have a BS degree and at least 5 years of relevant industry experience. Preferred qualifications include an advanced degree and expertise in biomanufacturing operations or related fields.
Direct questions about the position to Dr. Chenxu Yu, chenxuyu@iastate.edu, search committee chair.
Apply by November 15, 2025.
Learn more about the position here!
News
Iowa's Hyeongmin Seo Joins $82M Initiative to Innovate Bioproducts from Waste
The University of Iowa's College of Engineering is contributing to a groundbreaking $82 million Global Centers initiative aimed at tackling global challenges. Professor Hyeongmin Seo has been awarded $1.5 million to participate in the Global Center for Sustainable Bioproducts, focusing on converting organic waste into high-quality, biodegradable plastics. This project, part of a larger international effort to advance bioeconomy research, showcases Iowa's commitment to innovative solutions for global sustainability.
Read more here
Chowdhury Lab Publishes PRRSV Research in Computational Structural Biotechnology Journal
Chowdhury Lab's latest study in the Computational Structural Biotechnology Journal unveils critical insights into the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV). By identifying 63 key protein-protein interactions and 75 essential epitopes, the research paves the way for innovative, high-avidity vaccines to enhance swine health and mitigate economic losses. This groundbreaking work, supported by NSF EPSCoR Chemurgy-2.0, involved talented undergraduate researchers from Iowa State University.
Read more here
Events
Learn at Lunch
Thursday Nov. 7 @ Noon - 1PM CT
Technology Transfer Process in Academia
The ISU Office of Innovation Commercialization, along with invited speakers, will present the essentials of technology transfer in academia, sharing their experiences and insights. This Lunch & Learn hour-session is in response to our first annual survey, which revealed that many participants wanted to know more about the process. Join us to discover how to turn your current lab projects into commercially viable products that impact society.
Event details here: https://chemurgy.vpresearch.iastate.edu/event/2024/learn-lunch-technolo…
EPSCoR Live!
Wednesday Nov. 13 @ 3PM CT
Join the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) for a virtual forum featuring a discussion on the EPSCoR Research Fellows opportunity, aimed at transforming career trajectories for early- and mid-career researchers. The session will include a presentation by Drs. Chinonye Whitley, Hongmei Luo, and Lisa Cliggett, followed by a Q&A with EPSCoR Program Officers.
Advanced registration is required; please use an institutional email to register. Submit questions via the registration form or email epscor-office-hours@nsf.gov with “EPSCoR Live! Question” in the subject line.
Event details here: https://new.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/epscor/epscor-live
Science with Cyclones!
Thursday Nov. 14 @ 5:30 - 7PM CT
ISU science students will present a variety of interactive science displays on fun topics. Plus, don’t miss a chance to catch up with Scientist Cy!
The event will take place in the Garden Room of Reiman Gardens. Mileage will be reimbursed for graduate students from the University of Iowa who wish to attend.
Event details here: https://chemurgy.vpresearch.iastate.edu/event/2024/science-cyclones-fal…
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