Welcome to Spring 2025! As we begin this semester, we're excited about our progress and the opportunities ahead. Building on our achievements, we're set to advance our research initiatives and collaborative efforts. Some important upcoming events (in person and virtual):
- Advisory Council Meeting: February 24, 2025
- Reverse Site Visit (Virtual): March 3, 2025
- Year 2 Symposium at UNI: July 24, 2025
Here's to a productive and inspiring semester filled with opportunities for discoveries and collaborative achievements!
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 continues to accept proposals through January 2025 or until funds are exhausted. Mini-grants up to $5,000 and Impact Projects up to $15,000 are available. The committee aims to award up to $40,000 across 4-6 proposals.
For more details and to apply, visit the full RFP here.
For questions, contact Marcy Seavey at marcene.seavey@uni.edu.
2025 EPSCOR Seed Fund 1 - Request for Proposals
Technology Development or Technology Transfer
Iowa NSF EPSCoR is now accepting proposals to stimulate new projects that were not part of the original Iowa NSF EPSCoR proposal, the projects that would further our vision and objective. The goal of the EPSCoR program is to stimulate new research, increase federal funding (particu;arly from NSF), and further economic growth in Iowa. The anticipated proposals can be high-risk, high-impact and potentially transformative research in emerging areas or technology transfer.
This seed funding initiative aims to stimulate new research, increase federal funding, and drive economic growth in Iowa aligned with Iowa's biosciences and advanced manufacturing priorities.
Key Details:
- Funding: Up to $50K for 12-month projects
- Focus: Technology development or transfer relevant to Chemurgy 2.0
- Eligibility: Open to students and researchers at Iowa academic institutions
- Deadline: February 16, 2025, midnight
For full details on proposal requirements and submission guidelines, click here.
Job Opening: Grants Specialist II
Join our team at Iowa State University as a Grants Specialist II for the Iowa NSF EPSCoR program. This role offers an exciting opportunity to support cutting-edge research in biosciences and advanced manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree, two years of relevant experience, and a passion for research 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 in scientific research, we encourage you to apply. This two-year, fixed-term position offers potential for renewal and growth in a stimulating academic environment.
Apply by January 30, 2025.
For full details and application, click here.
News
Paid Summer Research Positions for Undergrads: Apply Now!
Iowa EPSCoR's Chemurgy 2.0 project is now accepting applications for its Summer 2025 Undergraduate Research Program. This initiative provides students from Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) the chance to engage in cutting-edge bioscience and advanced manufacturing research.
- 10-week paid research experience ($6,000 stipend)
- Open to U.S. citizens enrolled at PUIs
- Four diverse projects across Iowa institutions
- Application deadline: February 15, 2025, 11:59 PM CST
Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to Iowa's leadership in advanced biomanufacturing while gaining valuable research experience.
For more information and to apply, click here.
Biological Materials and Processes Research Experience for Undergraduates (BioMaP REU)
ISU's Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering is now accepting applications for the Biological Materials and Processes (BioMaP) REU summer research program. This exciting opportunity offers undergraduate students, including those from community colleges, hands-on experience in cutting-edge research. Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, the program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and industry interaction. Don't miss this chance to enhance your STEM career!
For more details and to apply, click here.
I-RAISE Internship Opportunity
The Iowa Research Administration Internship Student Experience (I-RAISE) is now accepting applications for its second cohort. This year-long program offers students from six Iowa colleges hands-on experience in research administration through classroom training and paid internships. Open to graduate and undergraduate students from all majors, I-RAISE aims to build the future research development workforce. Applications are due January 31, 2025, at 5 PM.
For details and to apply, click here.
UI Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing Receives $1M Grant
The University of Iowa's Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing (CBB) has been awarded a $1 million Strategic Infrastructure Program grant. This funding will double the center's pilot-scale fermentation capacity, enhancing biomanufacturing capabilities in Iowa. The expanded infrastructure will support industrial, governmental, and academic partnerships, creating job opportunities and improving student training in the bioprocessing field.
To read the full article, click here.
Events
George Washington Carver Day
Celebrate George Washington Carver Day at Iowa State on February 3, 2025! Join a vibrant program honoring this pioneering alum's legacy of innovation and resilience. Enjoy music, keynote speeches, and a unique "I Can" poster challenge. Don't miss this inspiring event blending history, science, and art. Read the full article for event details and to learn about Carver's extraordinary life!
More details here.
2025 IINSPIRE LSAMP Conference
Mark your calendars for the IINSPIRE LSAMP Alliance Annual Conference, February 7-8, 2025, at the University of Northern Iowa. This event brings together undergraduate STEM students from Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska, offering valuable networking, research, and career opportunities. The conference aims to broaden participation in STEM fields, particularly for underrepresented groups, through informative sessions and an opportunities fair. Don't miss this chance to explore STEM programs, internships, and graduate school options!
More details here.
NSF Career Preparation Workshop
The NSF CAREER Award is one of the most important and prestigious grants an early-career faculty member can receive. While all NSF grants (including the CAREER Award) are evaluated on intellectual merit and broader impacts, CAREER Awards also have a unique requirement to present an investigator education plan. This workshop will focus on strategies for developing a competitive NSF CAREER Award, with emphasis on the broader impacts and education plan.
The workshop is scheduled for February 27, 2025 @ 2:10 – 3:40 PM.
Register here.
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.