Call for Summer 2026 Undergraduate Research Proposals
The Iowa NSF EPSCoR PUI Network invites faculty at primarily undergraduate institutions to submit proposals for 2026 summer research projects connecting with the statewide Chemurgy 2.0 initiative. Participating faculty and students will join a collaborative effort linking undergraduate research with Iowa’s advanced biomanufacturing goals.
Key Dates:
- Faculty proposal deadline: November 15, 2025
- Student applications open: December 15, 2025
- Student application deadline: January 31, 2026
Learn more about previous projects here or submit your proposal here.
Faculty interested in joining the PUI Network can sign up here.
Seed Funding Opportunity
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
NSF Awards Nearly $1M to Iowa State for Cardiac Regeneration Research
Iowa State University researchers received nearly $1 million from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop a multiscale digital twin that models cardiac vascular regeneration. Led by Dr. Aishwarya Pawar with collaborators Dr. Rana Parshad, Dr. Jeffrey Essner, and Dr. Ratul Chowdhury, the project combines mathematics, gene editing, and computational modeling to advance regenerative medicine.
More details here.
From Lab to Life: A Biomanufacturing Podcast, Episode 4
This student-produced podcast was funded through the first round of our EWD Seed Funding 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 Four of From Lab to Life, featuring Jeff Kueter, Director of Strategic Initiatives and External Engagement in the Office of Innovation, at The University of Iowa.
More student-produced episodes highlighting Iowa’s biomanufacturing community will be shared in our upcoming newsletters and on our website.
Listen on YouTube here.
Listen on Spotify here.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No.2242763
Student Presentation: Rahat Mollick
Rahat Mollick, a graduate research assistant in the Ratner Research Group at the University of Iowa, shares insights on advancing nanomaterial-fluid and surface interactions. His talk covers nanoparticle settling and laser-enabled nanocellulose coatings.
Watch Rahat's presentation here.
Learn more about Rahat and the Ratner Research Group here
News
George Washington Carver Internship Program
Undergraduates from National Student Exchange schools are invited to apply for the George Washington Carver Research Internship Program at Iowa State University for Spring 2026. The program runs January 19 to May 15 and offers hands-on research with ISU faculty, an $8,000 stipend, and a travel allowance. Scholars gain valuable experience in agriculture and food systems research, professional development, and networking. This program is not open to Iowa State University students.
Applications due November 2, 2025.
Learn more & apply here.
Questions? Email cals_gwcintern@iastate.edu
Postdoctoral Teaching Fellowship Position in Biology/Chemistry/STEM
Morningside University's Department of Natural Sciences seeks a postdoctoral fellow for an National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded STEM Education research and teaching fellowship. This position focuses on how early project-based research impacts undergraduate Biology and Chemistry majors and offers co-teaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities. Located in Sioux City, IA. Applications due November 5, 2025.
Full details and application here.
SMART Scholarship Offers STEM Students Full Tuition, Career Opportunities
The Department of Defense (DoD) SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program gives STEM students the chance to earn full tuition, annual stipends, paid summer internships, and guaranteed civilian employment after graduation. SMART is open to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students, and now also welcomes incoming college freshmen with no prior college credit, extending the opportunity to high school seniors preparing to enter college. It is the largest DoD STEM workforce development initiative, placing scholars at more than 150 facilities leading research in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and space. Applications accepted through December 5.
Learn more and apply here.
EGFP Designated Awardee Institutions and Programs
The NSF EPSCoR Graduate Fellowship Program (EGFP) provides funding for graduate students who received an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Honorable Mention within the past three years. Iowa State University offers a program focused on training biologists to drive discovery and strengthen Iowa’s bioeconomy, while the University of Iowa supports fellows in biological sciences, engineering, and technology innovation. The application window is open now and closes May 15, 2026.
View full solicitation here.
Events
Chemical and Biological Engineering Graduate Programs Virtual Information Sessions
Iowa State University’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering is hosting virtual graduate school info sessions for Fall 2026 admissions. Prospective students can learn about the PhD, MS, and M.Engr. programs, talk with faculty and current students, and ask questions. Sessions are scheduled for October 23 and November 11, both at 8:00 pm CT.
Register by filling out the form here to receive confirmation and reminder emails.
The NSF I-Corps Hub: Great Lakes Region Events
Iowa State University’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering is hosting virtual graduate school info sessions for Fall 2026 admissions. Prospective students can learn about the PhD, MS, and M.Engr. programs, talk with faculty and current students, and ask questions. Sessions are scheduled for October 23 and November 11, both at 8:00 pm CT.
Register by filling out the form here to receive confirmation and reminder emails.
The NSF I-Corps Program offers a free five-week virtual training to help faculty, postdocs, and students explore the commercial potential of their research through customer discovery, entrepreneurial training, and industry connections. Iowa State University sessions run October 22 - November 19, and The University of Iowa sessions run November 3 - December 1.
Participants may receive $1,000 minigrants and qualify for the NSF I-Corps National Teams program with a $50,000 grant.
Additional upcoming webinars:
- Partnerships with Industry on October 23, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CT: Learn strategies for identifying and building industry partnerships with Q&A.
- Funding STEM Innovations on October 30, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CT: Explore funding options for commercialization, both dilutive and non-dilutive.
- Intellectual Property and Working with Your Tech Transfer Office on November 13, 12:00 pm —1:00 pm CT: Understand tech transfer office functions, intellectual property basics, and collaboration procedures.
All I-Corps events are free. Register and learn about all their upcoming events here.
For questions, email info@greatlakesicorps.org.
Fall Biotech Training and Industry Engagement Opportunities for Students
This fall, students interested in biotechnology have exciting opportunities to enhance their skills and connect with industry. CYVAX and Corning will host hands-on bioproduction and commercialization scale-up training October 28 - 29 at ISU Research Park Building 3. This free program for ISU students and faculty combines lectures and wet-lab sessions, limited to 30 participants.
In November, the Vaccines, Diagnostics, and Immunotherapeutic Platform will support industry tours for ISU students at Elanco and Kemin on November 14, 11 am - 2 pm CT (choose one). Students can tour facilities, learn about the companies, and interact with industry leaders.
Register for CYVAX and Corning trainings and tours here.
Register for Elanco and Kemin tours here.
32nd Annual CBB Conference 2025
Join the 32nd Annual CBB Conference on November 15, hosted by the Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing at The University of Iowa. This one-day event unites researchers, industry leaders, and students to share breakthroughs in biocatalysis, bioprocessing, and biotechnology. The conference features presentations, a poster session for both students and professionals with awards for top student posters and networking opportunities to foster collaboration and innovation.
All registration and poster submission details can be found online at the official conference site here.
Save the date: Science with Cyclones!
Mark your calendars for the Science with Cyclones! event, scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Reiman Gardens. Experience interactive displays that make complex research engaging for all ages—plus a special appearance by Scientist Cy.
Learn more and add the event to your calendar 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