On February 24, 2025, the Advisory Council of the Iowa NSF EPSCoR Chemurgy 2.0 program spent a full day meeting with our leadership team, offering thoughtful insights and valuable feedback. We deeply appreciate their time, expertise, and commitment to strengthening our work. Their forthcoming report will serve as a key guide as we continue to refine and improve our efforts.
A special thank you to our institutional leads, focal area leaders and their teams for delivering both virtual and in-person presentations, providing the Advisory Council with a comprehensive update on our progress. As we reach the one-and-a-half-year mark of our work together, your contributions have been instrumental in advancing our project. We look forward to implementing the council’s recommendations once we receive the full report, and continuing our work together toward impactful and sustainable project outcomes.
Pictured: council members Robert DiCosimo (via Zoom), Brian McFarland, Erik Hagberg, Jeff DeGrange, Mary Jane Hagenson and leadership team members—Monica Lamm, Irina Bassis, Nigel Reuel, and Laura Jarboe.
Education and Workforce Development Seed Funding Round 1 Recipients
Jeffrey Grisamore, The University of Iowa Lisa Chizek, Iowa State University
The Iowa NSF EPSCoR Education and Workforce Development (EWD) Seed Grant has awarded funding to two innovative projects to enhance public understanding of biomanufacturing in Iowa.
Dr. Grisamore (The University of Iowa) will guide students in creating multimedia content to communicate the significance of biomanufacturing. At the same time, Dr. Lisa Chizek (Iowa State University) will engage rural high school students in researching and producing peer-focused videos on Chemurgy 2.0 science. These projects, targeting collegiate and K-12 audiences, respectively, exemplify interdisciplinary efforts to demystify advanced biomanufacturing and promote Iowa's leadership in this crucial field. Stay tuned for updates on these projects!
For more information about the awarded projects or future opportunities, please contact Marcy Seavey at marcene.seavey@uni.edu.
Iowa Economic Development Authority Funds Expansion of UI's Bioprocessing Infrastructure
The University of Iowa's Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing (CBB) has secured a $1 million grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority to double its biomanufacturing capacity. Dr. Mark Arnold, CBB director, highlights that this expansion, featuring a new 1,000-liter pilot-scale fermentor, will enhance support for industry, government, and academic clients while mitigating financial risks. The project aims to attract more industrial partners, create jobs, and solidify Iowa's position in biotechnology innovation, facilitating the transition from lab discoveries to market-ready products.
Read the feature article here.
Job Opening: Grants Specialist II
Join our team at Iowa State University as the Grants Specialist II for the Iowa NSF EPSCoR program. This role offers an exciting opportunity to support cutting-edge biosciences and advanced manufacturing research. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree, two years of relevant experience, and a passion for budget administration. Key responsibilities include managing financial operations, overseeing sub-awards, and supporting our $20M research program. If you're detail-oriented, skilled in grants management, and eager to make a difference, we encourage you to apply. This two-year, fixed-term position offers potential for renewal and growth in a stimulating academic environment.
Apply by March 17, 2025.
For full details and application, click here.
News
Summer 2025 Research Opportunities at Iowa State University
For K-12 STEM Teachers (RET Program)
Iowa State University's Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program invites K-12 STEM educators to apply for a transformative 6-week experience. Engage in cutting-edge research, develop NGSS-aligned activities, and collaborate with expert faculty. Enjoy a $900/week stipend and travel allowances.
Program runs June 18 - July 30, 2025.
For Pre-Service STEM Teachers (REU Program)
Iowa State's Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program offers pre-service teachers a unique 9-week summer opportunity. Work on innovative research projects, enhance your pedagogical skills, and network with STEM professionals. Receive a $5,000 stipend, on-campus housing, and meal plan.
Program runs June 2 - July 30, 2025.
Both programs promise career-defining experiences. Don't miss out - apply now! Application deadlines: 3/15/2025
CompBio Asia - An NSF IRES Program Opportunity
Explore the frontiers of computational biology with leading experts from the USA, Europe, and Asia. This NSF-funded International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) program, hosted by the University of Montana in collaboration with top institutions, offers:
- Hands-on training in sequence data analysis, molecular modeling, and AI applications
- Networking with global researchers
- Full funding for eligible U.S. participants
- Open to PhD and exceptional Master's students.
Apply by April 6, 2025, for an unforgettable scientific adventure in Thailand!
Visit the website for full details and to apply.
Events
2025 Iowa Biotech Showcase and Conference
A premier biotech event is set for March 4-5, 2025, in Ankeny, Iowa. This annual conference brings together innovators, industry leaders, and investors from across the state. Highlights include a pitch competition, expert presentations, networking opportunities, and recognition of outstanding contributions to the field. It's a unique chance to connect with the thriving biotech ecosystem and shape the future of the industry.
Register here.
2025 Iowa NSF EPSCoR Symposium
The second annual Iowa NSF EPSCoR Symposium will be held on July 24, 2025, at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.
More details (schedule, presenters, etc.) to come in spring.
Stay up-to-date with our Events here!
Student Spotlight: "What is...?"
This month’s “What Is…” presentation comes from ISU graduate student Bret Lange, who presented on “ Improved Methods for Rapid Nanobody Expression and Characterization“ during our “all hands” monthly meeting this month (January 2025).
In the presentation, Bret explains his recent work with nanobody proteins. Nanobodies are very small proteins derived from antibodies found in animals like camels that are capable of binding to biological molecules with high affinity and specificity. These properties make them useful tools for various research and medical applications. Throughout the presentation, Bret discusses new methods to rapidly create and test these proteins, allowing researchers to quickly develop nanobodies for novel applications.
Check out his presentation below.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No.2242763