News
Lab Tours Foster Biomanufacturing Education
As part of Dr. Lisa Chizek’s “Translating Information to Demystify Advanced Biomanufacturing” project, supported by the Iowa NSF EPSCoR EWD Seed Grant, two groups of high school students recently visited leading research institutions. This grant is part of broader efforts to enhance public understanding of biomanufacturing in Iowa, focusing on interdisciplinary projects that demystify advanced biomanufacturing and promote Iowa’s leadership in this field. On March 4, North Tama County High School students toured Iowa State University labs with ISU graduate students Bret Lange and Hamoon Nouri. Later, on March 13, Springville High School students visited The University of Iowa to explore biomanufacturing research, including projects on biomedical polymerization and bacterial ghosts. Both groups are creating educational videos to share their experiences and the significance of Chemurgy 2.0 with their peers. More updates from this project and others to come!
View more photos from these lab tours on our Flickr page here.
For more information about the awarded projects or future opportunities, please contact Marcy Seavey at marcene.seavey@uni.edu.
Nigel Reuel leads the College of Engineering graduate students, postdoctoral scholars and faculty entrepreneurial program
Nigel Reuel has been appointed to lead deep technology venture creation in the College of Engineering, focusing on entrepreneurial development for graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and faculty. Deep technologies involve fundamental scientific discoveries supported by NSF grants and training. Reuel will collaborate with David Sly on undergraduate initiatives and work with the Ivy College of Business to develop new courses and research.
Read more about this exciting new initiative in a Q&A with Nigel here.
Cyclone Engineering mentor spotlight: Laura Jarboe
“While I had good relationships with many professors as I moved through my coursework at Iowa State, I was most influenced during my research work with Dr. Laura Jarboe. Her guidance as my professor for my first ChE class and throughout my work with her research group helped me determine the best career path for me.”
— Vanessa Hupp, fall 2024 outstanding senior, chemical engineering
Events
Nanovax Conference 2025
Join vaccine and therapeutic research experts at the Nanovax 2025 conference, April 2-3, 2025, at The Gateway Hotel & Conference Center in Ames, Iowa. This event focuses on developing next-generation nanovaccines and nanotherapeutics to combat emerging diseases, emphasizing a transdisciplinary approach and early career development.
Full details and a detailed agenda can be found here.
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.
NSF EPSCoR Live!
Join the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) on Thursday, April 10 at 3:00PM CT for a virtual session featuring EPSCoR Program Directors Casonya Johnson and Jeanne Small. They will discuss the E-RISE funding opportunity, focusing on hypothesis-driven research and partnerships to enhance R&D capacity in EPSCoR jurisdictions. This session is targeted at researchers and leaders in EPSCoR jurisdictions.
Advance registration is required; please use an institutional email to register.
Submit questions via the registration form or email epscor-live@nsf.gov.
Register here.
Chemistry and Sustainability Virtual Career Fair
This free virtual event empowers undergraduate and graduate students with insights and connections to pursue meaningful and impactful careers in green chemistry and sustainability. While building professional networks, participants will hear from and interact directly with industry leaders and academics about career pathways, internship opportunities, and co-ops.
April 17, 2025, 4:00pm CST
Free virtual event. Register now 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