As 2025 comes to a close, we are proud to reflect on a year marked by collaboration, momentum, and meaningful progress across the Iowa NSF EPSCoR Chemurgy 2.0 program:
• One of the year’s major milestones was the successful virtual reverse site visit. This event showcased the strong progress we have made to date and highlighted the exciting work ahead as we move into the remaining years of the award.
• We also met with our Advisory Council, where we shared comprehensive updates on program activities and outcomes. The council provided thoughtful, hands-on recommendations that are helping guide our planning and priorities for Year 3.
• In addition, we submitted our Year 2 progress report to NSF, which was reviewed and approved efficiently--a testament to the strength of our collective efforts.
• Our Year 2 Symposium, hosted at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, was a standout event. With more than 112 participants and presenters in attendance, the symposium brought together researchers, educators, students, and partners from across the state--and we have a great group photo from the day!
• This year, the program also helped host a George Washington Carver Scholar, further strengthening our commitment to broadening participation and supporting emerging talent in STEM.
• During Summer 2025, the Chemurgy 2.0 REU and RET programs at Iowa State University’s Office of Biotechnology brought together five undergraduate researchers and STEM educators for six weeks of immersive, collaborative work: three REUs ( Abby Remus, Emery Breitbarth, Greta Musgrave), and two RETs (Joshua Selep and Matt Cain). Interesting fact, Josh Selep was an REU in the previous year with Balaji's lab and came back as a first-year teacher!
• We also supported six student participants in the Iowa EPSCoR Primarily Undergraduate Institution (PUI) Network, who presented posters at the annual meeting--an important opportunity for undergraduate research and professional development.
• Our Lunch and Learn series continued to grow in both reach and impact. With five sessions hosted this year, the series is becoming a regular monthly feature on Fridays, drawing participants from across our partner institutions and fostering ongoing dialogue between academia and industry.
• In August 2025, we hosted a Science Communication Training event for graduate students, featuring presenters from both academia and industry. This effort culminated in another successful Science with the Cyclones event in November. Overall, 12 graduate students participated in the Science Communication program, offered through the English Department, gaining valuable skills in public engagement and science storytelling.
Together, these accomplishments reflect a year of strong partnerships and continued progress toward the program's goals. We look forward to another year of effective collaborations in 2026!
First-Gen Scholar Spotlight: Dr. Kristan Worthington
Dr. Kristan Worthington is an associate professor in the Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering. In addition to directing the Worthington Lab, she is an affiliate of the the Iowa Neuroscience Institute and The University of Iowa’s Institute for Vision Research. Her work has been recognized by the American Chemical Society, the Association for Vision Research, and the Fight for Sight Foundation.
Professor Worthington’s primary research interests focus on understanding interactions between human cells and man-made biomaterials, and leveraging these behaviors for specific applications. She and her team use two-photon polymerization, a form of high-resolution 3D-printing, to create microstructured support scaffolds for photoreceptor cell replacement therapies, and have shown that this technique can also be used for precision drug delivery.
Ultimately, the Worthington Lab is interested in determining how material architecture, stiffness, and biochemistry independently and synergistically influence cell fate decisions, particularly the fate of pluripotent stem cells, neurons, and cells in proximity to healing wounds. As such, professor Worthington and her group are also interested in in situ biomaterial fabrication for wound-healing applications in the oral cavity, and the economic and societal considerations associated with global biomaterials development.
As a first-gen scholar, what sparked your interest to pursue an education in science?
Although it’s difficult to pinpoint a single moment, there are a few experiences that played a role in my career decisions. For example, during a visit to my grandparents’ house when I was around 10 years old, I found an old microscope in the basement and I got to take it home. I had learned about circuits in school, so I used a paperclip to fix the broken switch and then spent hours looking at microbes from puddles in the backyard, among other things. With the help of many wonderful teachers and mentors, I continued to develop a love of science and math. I didn’t realize that I could combine those two interests into a career until my high school chemistry teacher encouraged me to consider a major in chemical engineering. The rest is history!
Can you share a specific challenge you've faced in your research and how it has shaped your approach moving forward?
One of the major tools that we use in my lab is light-based manufacturing, which relies on a molecule, called a photoinitiator, to trigger a chain reaction to form a polymer when it’s exposed to light. Most photoinitiators have been optimized for use in industrial polymers and to respond to UV light. Thus, in our work using light-based manufacturing for tissue engineering applications, we struggled to find effective photoinitiators that were water soluble, non-toxic, and respond to visible light. This challenge became an opportunity for a new research direction in the lab, as we are now developing biologically sourced molecules as photoinitiator systems. This effort includes a collaboration with Dr. Laura Jarboe and her team, made possible by Chemurgy 2.0, to employ microbes to produce these photoinitiators.
What is “advanced biomanufacturing” to you?
To me, “advanced biomanufacturing” means harnessing the power of biology to create new things or amplify the manufacturing of useful products. In either case, I think one important aspect of biomanufacturing is to also aim to have a neutral or positive impact on our planet’s well-being.
How does Iowa EPSCoR help your projects?
Our collaboration within the Iowa EPSCoR program has catalyzed new research possibilities within the lab. For example, as we were talking with Dr. Jarboe’s team about possible biochemical pathways for producing our photoinitiators, we uncovered new molecules that turned out to be even more effective than our initial candidate molecules. Participating in Chemurgy 2.0 has also helped me build my network with other like-minded scientists in the region, incorporate the perspectives of diverse experts and industry leaders, and sharpen my leadership skills.
What inspires you?
I am very motivated by research that aims to improve human health and inspired by how far we have come as a society even just in the last few decades. I also grew up spending a lot of time in nature, which I find to be really inspiring and grounding for multiple aspects of my life. This ties into my motivation to engage in biotechnology research that includes consideration for preserving and protecting natural ecosystems.
What advice would you give today’s young scientists?
Early in your research career, developing critical thinking and listening skills and finding great mentors will have a much greater impact than any specific research project. At the same time, cultivate a curious and open mind and try to find out what type of research really motivates you so that it feels natural to work hard through the ups and downs.
Find Dr. Worthington’s recent publications here.
Technology Development/Technology Transfer Seed Funding: Accepting Proposals
The Iowa NSF EPSCoR Chemurgy 2.0 Technology Development/Technology Transfer Seed Fund supports high-impact research projects in technology development or technology transfer that advance Iowa’s leadership in biomanufacturing and sustainable materials innovation.
Up to $50,000 is available for one or two projects for 12-months research efforts that align with Chemurgy 2.0 goals and have strong potential for federal funding growth and economic impact in Iowa. A 20% cost share is required.
Proposals are due February 15, 2026, at midnight. Funding decisions will be announced by March 9, 2026, with projects beginning April 1, 2026.
Learn more and view the full solicitation here.
For details or to discuss project ideas, contact Dr. Nigel Reuel.
Effect of Particle Synthesis Method on Protein Release and Stability Student Presentation: Daniela Sanchez
Watch Daniela Sanchez, Iowa State University’s graduate research assistant from the Nanovaccine Institute and Narasimhan Lab, share insights on the group’s latest research on particle-based vaccines, Effect of Particle Synthesis Method on Protein Release and Stability.
Read her published journal article, coauthored with Dr. Balaji Narasimhan, here.
Watch student presentations on our YouTube channel here.
Summer 2026 Undergraduate Research Projects Announced
The Iowa NSF EPSCoR PUI Network invites faculty and undergraduate students from primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) to participate in Summer 2026 research projects connected to the statewide Chemurgy 2.0 initiative. These projects integrate bioscience research with advanced manufacturing to strengthen Iowa’s leadership in biobased innovation.
Eligible undergraduate students must be enrolled at a PUI and be U.S. citizens. Participants receive a $6,000 stipend plus housing allowance and gain hands-on experience in areas such as viral protein modeling, microbial biosynthesis, polymer chemistry, and machine learning in systems biology.
All project descriptions, mentors, and locations have been announced and are detailed here.
Key Dates:
- Student applications open: December 15, 2025
- Student application deadline: January 31, 2026
Faculty interested in joining the PUI Network can sign up here.
From Lab to Life: A Biomanufacturing Podcast, Episode 6
This student-produced podcast was funded through the first round of our EWD Seed Grant program. As part of the Iowa NSF EPSCoR Chemurgy 2.0 project, The University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication students created a content marketing campaign to raise awareness of Iowa’s growing biomanufacturing industry and inspire the next generation to pursue careers in the field.
Listen to Episode Six of From Lab to Life with Austin McKee, Innovation Coordinator at Proto Studios and UI Ventures. In this episode, Austin explores how research, entrepreneurship, and rapid prototyping intersect, while highlighting the role of 3D-printed anatomy and mentorship in supporting student innovators who are shaping the future of biomanufacturing.
More student-produced episodes highlighting Iowa’s biomanufacturing community will be shared in upcoming newsletters and on our website.
Listen on Spotify here.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No.2242763
Seed Funding Opportunity, Deadline Approaching
The Iowa NSF EPSCoR Chemurgy 2.0 EWD Seed Program supports innovative education and workforce development projects that strengthen Iowa’s biomanufacturing talent pipeline. We are accepting rolling proposal submissions through January 30, 2026, at noon or until the round 2 funding has been awarded, whichever comes first. Submissions are reviewed as they are received.
Up to $15,000 is available per project in two priority areas:
Growing Future Biomanufacturing Professionals
Projects that engage high school through undergraduate students or those who influence student career choices.
Sharing Authentic Iowa Biomanufacturing Stories
Projects that collect and share real stories about biomanufacturing careers in Iowa. Eligible Iowa schools, nonprofits, and government organizations are encouraged to apply.
Update: The committee has extended the deadline for Round 2 EWD Seed Funding Proposals. We are accepting rolling proposal submissions through January 30, 2026, at noon or until the round 2 funding has been awarded, whichever comes first. Submissions are reviewed as they are received.
View the full solicitation here.
For details or to discuss project ideas, contact Marcy Seavey at marcene.seavey@uni.edu
News
Iowa State Chemical Engineering Graduate Program Applications Due
Aspiring chemical engineers are invited to apply for our graduate program—applications are open until January 1. Join a top research community where you’ll collaborate with expert faculty and advance innovation in chemical and biological systems.
Learn more and apply here.
Events
Chemurgy 2.0 Lunch and Learn Events
Join us for Chemurgy 2.0’s upcoming Lunch and Learn events, featuring leaders in biomanufacturing sharing industry insights and expertise. These sessions offer valuable opportunities to learn from and engage with experts shaping the future of advanced biomanufacturing in Iowa.
Save the dates for our upcoming virtual Lunch and Learn events:
- “High Performance Computing System at the University of Northern Iowa” - January 23 at 12:00 PM CT - Calendar link
- “From Academic Project to Commercial Product: The Journey of the SMART G-Rex” at Skroot Lab - February 13 at 12:00 PM CT - Calendar link
Guest Lecture: Run Together and Look Ugly After the First Rain
Renowned artist and scholar Amanda Williams will present a public lecture titled "Run Together and Look Ugly After the First Rain" on Monday, Feb. 3, at 6 p.m. in Room 2630, Memorial Union. She was invited to participate in the George Washington Carver Day Recognition Ceremony on Feb. 2, where she will also deliver remarks honoring Carver’s legacy. Add to your calendar here.
More information about the George Washington Carver Day of Recognition here.
A look at Amanda's art installation can be seen here.
IINSPIRE Alliance Annual Conference 2026
Join STEM students, faculty, and professionals from across Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska for two days of networking, research presentations, and professional development. The conference will be held February 6–7 in Cedar Falls, Iowa, co-hosted by UNI, Hawkeye Community College, and Wartburg College. Explore career opportunities at the Student Opportunity Fair, connect with peers, and share your STEM story at this inspiring event.
Learn more here.
Save the Date: 2026 Iowa NSF EPSCoR Symposium
The 2026 Iowa NSF EPSCoR Chemurgy 2.0 Symposium will be held on July 28, 2025, at The University of Iowa.
Agenda, registration, and poster submission details will be provided as the symposium date approaches.
Stay tuned for more details! Calendar link here.
Stay up-to-date with our Events here!
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No.2242763