First-Gen Spotlight: Dr. Scott Shaw

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.