The Spring 2026 edition of the Chemurgy 2.0 external newsletter, “What Is Advanced Biomanufacturing?”, is now available!
This quarterly series is designed to demystify advanced biomanufacturing by translating complex research into clear, accessible stories about how Iowa is transforming “things that grow” into sustainable materials, medicines, and technologies.
In this issue, you’ll find first‑generation scholar spotlights, features on the wet spinner and 1,000L fermentor, and highlights of seed‑funded projects that showcase the advanced biomanufacturing in practice.
Read the new issue here.
First-Generation Scholar Spotlight: Scott Shaw
Professor Scott K. Shaw, a first-generation scholar and leading researcher in analytical chemistry at The University of Iowa, directs the Shaw Research Group, which investigates molecular behavior at interfaces for bio-renewable materials, energy storage, ionic liquids, and environmental remediation. One of 16 University of Iowa faculty participating in Iowa NSF EPSCoR, his team advances the use of agricultural biomass to develop durable, sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based materials such as cotton or nylon, using advanced spectroscopies and electrochemical methods.
In addition to research, Shaw serves as Director of Graduate Studies in Chemistry and Chair of Research Council. He also founded the Rural Scholars program, which has supported more than 60 rural first-year STEM undergraduates since 2015, helping expand research participation and scientific awareness in underserved communities. A recipient of both the NSF CAREER Award and the Cottrell Scholar Award, Shaw exemplifies the integration of cutting-edge science with inclusive mentorship.
Review Dr. Shaw’s June 2025 Rural Scholar presentation here.
Find Dr. Shaw’s recent publications here.
As a first-gen scholar, what sparked your interest to pursue an education in science?
There's not a great reason for me picking science… I grew up on a farm. None of my family went to college, and I didn't really want to go to college. My parents wanted me to go, and I made a deal with them that I would go for just one year. I thought that if I was there for a year, maybe chemistry would give me some information on soil chemistry or fertilizers I would use when I came back home. That's what started me in science. The joke in my family now is that I’ve never really left school… I just kept going. I still like going home to visit and work outside.
Can you share a specific challenge you've faced in your research and how it has shaped your approach moving forward?
Since becoming a PI, I've received some criticism that certain projects in my research are too “exploratory” in nature. The peer review process likes hypothesis-driven research, and that approach certainly has merit, but I also believe there's real value in exploring for the sake of what we might learn or discover. I convinced enough people that pursuing some of these ideas was a worthwhile investment. Now that the projects are funded, these exploratory efforts have become some of the most rewarding work I've been involved in.
What is “advanced biomanufacturing” to you?
That's a broad term and it could mean a lot of different things, depending on who you ask. From my perspective as a scientist, biomanufacturing means either making things from bio-sourced materials or using biological organisms to create some product. The word ‘advanced’ can be interpreted in countless ways, so I’ll leave it open to interpretation.
How does Iowa EPSCoR connect/help your project(s)?
The ESPCOR program has been an important source of federal research support for my work as a scientist. The current project, Chemurgy 2.0, is just one of several EPSCoR awards I’ve received or participated in. Through Chemurgy 2.0 I've been able to apply ideas and techniques my group has developed in areas such as catalysis and batteries to biomaterials research. It has especially been rewarding to adapt prior knowledge to new projects and challenges. Crossing disciplinary boundaries in this way is what often leads to the most interesting and productive scientific discoveries.
What inspires you?
I think it's the act of exploring, really, of the unknown—yet, always with an eye of improving people’s lives through research. I like to think about how we've designed new materials over the years, and how much difference they’ve made in our daily lives. Everyday items like light switches, phone screens, or band-aids - are easy to take for granted, but each took thousands and thousands of hours of research and development to bring to market. I hope the work in my research group contributes to innovations like these.
What advice would you give today’s young scientists?
I think the most important question young scientists should ask themselves is: What do I enjoy doing? They need to explore, take risks, and discover what truly interests them. That process will include some failure—and that’s a good thing. Research can be difficult, success rates are often low, and frustration is part of the journey. It’s important to recognize that this is normal. If you genuinely enjoy learning and have a passion for discovery, you can keep going. Otherwise, what’s the point? You have to find something you truly enjoy.
Another key point is understanding how things work at multiple levels. A scientist needs to understand not only their own field but also how to get their science done. Research requires resources, infrastructure, and collaboration. Learning how these systems operate—and how to work within them (and sometimes around them)—has been invaluable in building a successful research group that produces meaningful science.
Bacterial Cellulose: Direct Dissolution and Fiber Regeneration Student Presentation: Binayak Raj Pandey
Watch Binayak Raj Pandey, a graduate research assistant at Iowa State University in Dr. Chunhui Xiang’s lab, share insights into the group’s latest research on generating sustainable fibers using bacterial cellulose, “Bacterial Cellulose: Direct Dissolution and Fiber Regeneration.” The wet spinner featured in this research can be seen in action in the video below.
Find the team’s latest publications here.
Watch more student presentations on our YouTube channel here.
Wet Spinner Equipment
A new wet spinner has been installed on the Iowa State University campus through the Iowa NSF EPSCoR program, enabling the production of continuous, long fibers from biodegradable materials such as bacterial cellulose—a plant-like cellulose produced by friendly bacteria. Led by Dr. Chunhui Xiang, co-lead of Chemurgy’s Fibers for Flexible and Rigid Materials focal area, and her graduate research assistant, Binayak Raj Pandey, a third-year PhD student and Chemurgy participant, this equipment supports the development of next-generation wound dressings and functional textiles.
The featured video shows two complementary systems: a wet electrospinning setup and a lab-scale wet spinning machine. In wet electrospinning, extremely fine fibers—thinner than a human hair—are formed using high voltage and collected on a water surface to create soft, three-dimensional, mesh-like mats. The wet spinning machine, by contrast, produces long, continuous, thread-like fiber yarns that can be further processed into fabrics.
Summer 2026 Research Experiences in Biotech for Teachers and Undergrads
Summer Research Experiences for Teachers & Future Teachers
Iowa State University invites K–12 educators and pre-service teachers to join its 2026 Summer Research Experience programs—hands-on opportunities to collaborate with faculty, explore real research, and bring discovery back to the classroom.
Research Experience for Teachers (RET)
June 17–July 31, 2026 | $900/week stipend | Travel & housing support available
Apply by March 20.
Full details here.
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
June 8–July 31, 2026 | $5,000 stipend | Travel, housing, and meal plan included
Apply by March 20.
Full details here.
Seeking Faculty Mentors
Partnering with our RET and REU programs supports broader impacts, brings fresh classroom perspectives, and connects your research with Iowa’s educators.
Learn more here.
For questions, contact Maureen Griffin (maureeng@iastate.edu).
Translating to Demystify - What Are Nanobodies?
North Tama County High School students Tyrus Luker, Nathan Reese, and Jonathan Cochran created educational videos demystifying advanced biomanufacturing as part of Dr. Lisa Chizek's (Iowa State University) “Translating Information to Demystify Advanced Biomanufacturing” project, funded through the Iowa NSF EPSCoR EWD Seed Grant Round 1. Guided by Dr. Chizek, the students observed graduate student Bret Lange's work in Dr. Nigel Reuel's lab, translating complex research on Iowa's biomanufacturing innovations into accessible content for general audiences.
Watch on our YouTube channel here.
More student-led projects spotlighting Iowa’s biomanufacturing research will be featured in upcoming issues and on our website.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No.2242763
Amanda Williams Guest Lecture Recording
Thank you to Amanda Williams for delivering the keynote lecture, “Run Together and Look Ugly After the First Rain,” as part of the George Washington Carver Day of Recognition. Her presentation explored how George Washington Carver’s innovative use of blue pigments from clays continues to shape contemporary art and design.
This event was co-sponsored by Iowa NSF EPSCoR.
Watch the lecture here, and explore Williams’s work through the Casey Kaplan Gallery here.
News
Soy-based pavement replaces, renews 24 miles of rural Iowa roadways
Iowa State engineers Eric Cochran and Christopher Williams scaled soy-based biopolymer technology to a 24-mile “soy roads” demonstration spanning Fayette and Clayton counties, and the city of Volga. Soybean-derived binders replaced petroleum-based modifiers in recycled pavement and hot-mix asphalt, using an estimated 12,000–15,000 bushels of soybeans and displacing more than 40,000 barrels of crude oil.
Backed by $4M in federal funding, matched by contributions from the state of Iowa, the Iowa DOT, Iowa State University, and industry partners, the upgraded roads are already reported to be smoother, more durable, and to feel “like floating on a cloud.”
Read the full article here.
Volunteers Needed for Upcoming STEM Competitions
Help inspire Iowa’s next generation of scientists and engineers by volunteering at this year’s major STEM events on the Iowa State University campus.
Iowa Regional Science Bowl
- Middle School Event: February 21
- High School Event: March 7
- Location: Howe Hall, Iowa State University
Volunteers are needed to serve as judges, moderators, timers, scorekeepers, and runners. Training, a volunteer T-shirt, and lunch (for full-day volunteers) are provided. Setup assistance is also needed the evening before each event from 4 until 7 p.m. Learn more about the event here.
Sign-up to volunteer here.
Eastern Iowa Science and Engineering Fair
- Date: March 21, 2026
- Location: Lindale Mall, Cedar Rapids
Faculty, staff, and students from all Iowa universities are welcome to volunteer, exhibit, or judge at the Eastern Iowa Science and Engineering Fair—an excellent opportunity to support regional STEM talent and showcase UNI programs. Departments or clubs interested in hosting an exhibit table can contact STEM Support Services for assistance with sponsorship fees. To volunteer or learn more, complete the interest survey or reach out to Mallory (UNI alum) directly at mallorywills-howe@eisef.org.
Remember: UNI also offers a $2,000 STEM scholarship for eligible 11th-grade participants through the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa. STEM Support Services can provide QR codes or handouts for your exhibit.
Learn more here.
Iowa Science Olympiad
- Date: April 11
- Location: Iowa State University
The Science Olympiad challenges middle and high school students in events across biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and engineering. Volunteers and event supervisors are essential to making this statewide competition possible, no prior experience required! Learn more about the event here.
To get involved, email iowascioly@iastate.edu.
Events
Symposium on Sustainability
Celebrating its annual commitment to a greener future, Iowa State University hosts the Symposium on Sustainability on March 2, followed by the 2026 Sustainapalooza on March 3. This year’s keynote features Ashlee Piper, sustainability expert, author, and TV personality, sharing insights on sustainable living and mindful consumption.
The event includes sustainability art and research showcases, interactive tabling, and Sustainapalooza, featuring GIY activities, green giveaways, and local refreshments.
Learn more at the ISU Lectures Program and Live Green! websites.
The Future of Biomanufacturing: New Manufacturing for the Bioeconomy (IMSE Grad Seminar Series)
MIT Professor J. Christopher Love will present “The Future of Biomanufacturing: New Manufacturing for the Bioeconomy” as part of the IMSE Graduate Seminar Series on Wednesday, March 4, at 4 p.m. in 1311 Therkildsen Building. Love will discuss how MIT’s Initiative for New Manufacturing is transforming U.S. biomanufacturing through modular, AI-enabled systems designed to strengthen supply chains and accelerate innovation in the bioeconomy.
His talk will explore new models for producing biologically enabled products more efficiently and sustainably, highlighting how next-generation facilities and technologies can help bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world impact.
Learn about The Love Lab (MIT) here
More info about Dr. Love's 3/4 seminar here
EPSCoR Research Fellows Spring 2026 Office Hours
NSF EPSCoR hosts virtual office hours on the EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement: EPSCoR Research Fellows (NSF 24-528), supporting early- and mid-career investigators via extended collaborative research visits. These sessions cover NSF and NASA tracks with applicant guidance. Register for a session below and contact EPSCoR-ERF@nsf.gov with any questions.
Save the Date: 2026 Iowa NSF EPSCoR Symposium
The 2026 Iowa NSF EPSCoR Chemurgy 2.0 Symposium will be held on July 28, 2026, at The University of Iowa.
Agenda, registration, and poster submission details will be provided as the symposium date approaches.
Stay tuned for more details! Calendar link 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