What Is Advanced Biomanufacturing?
Advanced biomanufacturing is about transforming “things that grow” into sustainable materials, life-saving medicines, and innovative products that meet human needs.
Through the Chemurgy 2.0 project, Iowa’s researchers, students, and industry partners are working together to create plant-based plastics for 3D printing, high-performance biofibers, and proteins for diagnostics and vaccines--all powered by data science, artificial intelligence, and state-of-the-art manufacturing.
Each quarter, this newsletter will take you inside the labs, classrooms, and partnerships driving Iowa’s leadership in this field. You will meet the people behind the science, see how student projects connect to real-world innovation, and discover how industry collaborations are shaping the future of the bioeconomy in Iowa and beyond.
From Our Experts: Demystifying Advanced Biomanufacturing
Discover authentic voices and perspectives from our community as they share how advanced biomanufacturing shapes their daily life and work. These perspectives provide a firsthand look at the real-world impact and relevance of this field.
Vivek Garg Hear from Graduate Student Vivek Garg (ISU)
Dhananjay Dileep Hear from Postdoc Research Associate Dhananjay Dileep (ISU)
Ratul Chowdhury Hear from Assistant Professor Ratul Chowdhury (Chowdhury Lab, ISU)
Jennifer Fiegel Hear from Professor Dr. Jennifer Fiegel (Fiegel Lab, UofI)
Matt Cain Hear from summer 2025 Chemurgy 2.0 RET participant Matt Cain (Chowdhury Lab, ISU)
Jeff DeGrange Hear from Chief Commercial Officer and our 2025 Symposium Keynote Speaker Jeff DeGrange (Impossible Objects Inc.)
Spotlight on Student Work
In this section, you will find stories and projects from our broader student community. This issue features real-time results from the first round of our Education and Workforce Development Seed Funding Program. New content from our team and students will be added regularly as it becomes available--so check back often for the latest updates.
This student-produced podcast features an interview with Dr. Aliasger Salem, our institutional lead from The University of Iowa, created under the direction of Jeffrey Grisamore in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The project was made possible by our Education and Workforce Development (EWD) Seed Funding Program.
Round Two of the program is now open! Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis through noon on January 30, 2026, or until funds are awarded, whichever comes first. Submissions are reviewed as they are received.
Learn more and view the full solicitation here.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No.2242763
Recent Milestones and Updates
This section highlights our team’s current project milestones and updates, providing a clear and accessible overview of the progress we are making. It offers a regular report on key achievements and developments to keep the community informed about the ongoing work and impact of our efforts.
This summer’s Chemurgy 2.0 program brought together undergraduate researchers Abby Remus, Emery Breitharth, and Greta Musgrave through the REU program, along with STEM educators Joshua Selep and Matt Cain through the RET program. Over six weeks at Iowa State University’s Office of Biotechnology, they explored projects in biotechnology, chemistry, biology, and engineering while strengthening connections between research labs and Iowa classrooms. Learn more about the REU and RET programs here.
Their reflections and experiences are featured in Cultivate Curiosity, a digital magazine created by the cohort.
Maureen Griffin, Program Coordinator at the Office of Biotechnology, reflects on the program’s mission to prepare students for a rapidly evolving world:
“Our educators spent the summer exploring big ideas to prepare students for challenges like misinformation, environmental change, and shifting social systems. They approached this work with curiosity, openness, and courage, embodying the mindset advanced biomanufacturing requires: adaptability, innovation, and a commitment to understanding complex systems.”
Griffin highlights the need to rethink education to nurture curiosity and critical thinking--skills essential for demystifying fields like advanced biomanufacturing. She also shares how guest experts inspired participants to embrace personal and systemic change and to confront their own realities.
Click here to access the full magazine.
Our Story and Leadership
Launched in 2023 with support from the National Science Foundation’s EPSCoR program, Chemurgy 2.0, short for "Building Capacity Across Iowa to Meet Human Needs from Things That Grow," unites researchers and students from five Iowa institutions: Iowa State University, The University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, Central College, and Dordt University. Led by Project Director Dr. Laura Jarboe with Associate Directors Dr. Monica Lamm and Dr. Nigel Reuel, the initiative builds on Iowa’s agricultural strengths to advance innovations in three core areas: plastics for additive manufacturing, fibers for materials, and proteins for diagnostics and therapeutics. Today, our network includes more than 125 people. Together, we are working to grow Iowa’s role as a national leader in advanced biomanufacturing while strengthening research infrastructure, expanding statewide collaborations, and preparing a diverse future workforce.
Connect with us
Stay connected through our quarterly editions and regular updates on our social media. Our goal is to simplify, clarify, and demystify advanced biomanufacturing--bringing you clear, accessible insights that make this growing field easier to understand. With fresh content and ongoing stories, we’ll keep you informed, engaged, and inspired.
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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No.2242763