Welcome to the Spring 2026 Semester!
As we progress through Year 3 of the Chemurgy 2.0 project, the program continues to build momentum through collaboration, creativity, and shared purpose. Research teams, educators, and partners across Iowa are making steady progress toward advancing biomanufacturing and broadening participation in STEM.
This semester brings new opportunities to strengthen connections, showcase emerging work, and translate ideas into practical applications. Thank you for being part of this growing community and for contributing to the continued success of Chemurgy 2.0.
Technology Development/Technology Transfer Seed Funding: Accepting Proposals
The Iowa NSF EPSCoR Chemurgy 2.0 Technology Development/Technology Transfer Seed Fund supports high-impact research projects in technology development or technology transfer that advance Iowa’s leadership in biomanufacturing and sustainable materials innovation.
Up to $50,000 is available for one or two projects for 12-month research efforts that align with Chemurgy 2.0 goals and have strong potential for federal funding growth and economic impact in Iowa. A 20% cost share is required.
Proposals are due by 11:59pm on February 15, 2026. Funding decisions will be announced by March 9, 2026, with projects beginning April 1, 2026.
Learn more and view the full solicitation here.
For details or to discuss project ideas, contact Dr. Nigel Reuel.
Sneak Peek: Wet Spinner at ISU
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 cellulose similar to cotton produced by plants but instead 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 photos show 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.
More photos, videos, and updates on fiber fabrication research are coming soon!
Toughened Bio-based Materials
Student Presentation: Alireza Ghanaatian
Watch Alireza Ghanaatian, Iowa State University’s graduate research assistant in Dr. Eric Cochran’s Poly Cy lab, share insights on the group’s latest research on bio-based polymers, Toughened Bio-based Materials.
Find the team’s latest publications here.
Watch more student presentations on our YouTube channel here.
Summer 2026 Undergraduate Research Projects Announced
The Iowa NSF EPSCoR PUI Network invites faculty and undergraduate students from primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) to participate in Summer 2026 research projects connected to the statewide Chemurgy 2.0 initiative. These projects integrate bioscience research with advanced manufacturing to strengthen Iowa’s leadership in biobased innovation.
Eligible undergraduate students must be enrolled at a PUI and be U.S. citizens. Participants receive a $6,000 stipend and a housing allowance, and gain hands-on experience in areas such as viral protein modeling, microbial biosynthesis, polymer chemistry, and machine learning in systems biology.
Student application deadline: January 31, 2026.
All project descriptions, mentors, and locations have been announced and are detailed here. Projects begin May - July 2026.
Faculty interested in joining the PUI Network can sign up here.
Translating to Demystify - What Are Bacterial Ghosts?
As part of the NSF Chemurgy 2.0 project’s EWD Seed Grant program, Springville High School students Abbi Hoyt and Ellie Malanaphy created an educational video explaining how “bacterial ghosts” can be used to improve targeted drug delivery. Guided by Dr. Lisa Chizek (Iowa State University), the students observed University of Iowa graduate researcher Chris Vidmar’s work in Dr. Jennifer Fiegel’s lab, translating complex biomanufacturing concepts into accessible science communication 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
News
Guest Lecture: Run Together and Look Ugly After the First Rain
Renowned artist and scholar Amanda Williams will present a public lecture titled "Run Together and Look Ugly After the First Rain" on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 6 p.m. in Room 2630, Memorial Union. This event is co-sponsored by Iowa NSF EPSCoR.
Add to your calendar here.
Amanda has also been invited to participate in the George Washington Carver Day Recognition Ceremony on Monday Feb. 2, where she will deliver remarks honoring Carver’s legacy. More information here.
A look at Amanda's art installation can be seen here.
How To Grow (Almost) Anything 2026 – Applications Open
How To Grow (Almost) Anything (HTGAA) is a global, graduate-level synthetic biology course that introduces learners to cutting-edge concepts and hands-on skills in bioengineering, from DNA design and cell-free systems to biofabrication and microfluidics. There is now an HTGAA node site in Ames, Iowa, connecting our local community to the global learning network.
The 2026 course combines weekly expert lectures with project-based work, allowing participants to explore how biology can be engineered for applications in health, materials, and beyond. You can see details of last year's 2025 course here.
HTGAA 2026 will run weekly starting February 3, with lectures on Tuesdays, from 1 to 4 p.m. CT and recitations on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. CT. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, with a final deadline of midnight on January 30, 2026. Register here.
Call for Speakers: Share Your Biomanufacturing Research with Iowa Teachers
Iowa EPSCoR is seeking biomanufacturing researchers to connect with high school teachers during a virtual professional development day for the Dubuque Community School District on the morning of February 13. Researchers are invited to give a short Zoom presentation (30–60 minutes) highlighting their biomanufacturing work and the science happening here in Iowa.
Presentations can be tailored to specific subject-area teacher groups or kept general for an audience of about 25 teachers who want to learn more about local biomanufacturing research. This is a valuable outreach opportunity to inspire classroom connections and showcase cutting-edge biomanufacturing happening across the state.
Interested in presenting? Contact Marcey Seavey at marcene.seavey@uni.edu to participate.
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
Chemurgy 2.0 Lunch and Learn Events
Join us for Chemurgy 2.0’s upcoming Lunch and Learn events, featuring leaders in biomanufacturing sharing industry insights and expertise. These sessions offer valuable opportunities to learn from and engage with experts shaping the future of advanced biomanufacturing in Iowa.
Save the date for our upcoming virtual Lunch and Learn event:
- “From Academic Project to Commercial Product: The Journey of the SMART G-Rex” at Skroot Lab - February 13 at 12:00 PM CT - Calendar link
Guest Lecture: Run Together and Look Ugly After the First Rain
Renowned artist and scholar Amanda Williams will present a public lecture titled "Run Together and Look Ugly After the First Rain" on Monday, Feb. 3, at 6 p.m. in Room 2630, Memorial Union. She was invited to participate in the George Washington Carver Day Recognition Ceremony on Feb. 2, where she will also deliver remarks honoring Carver’s legacy. Add to your calendar here.
More information about the George Washington Carver Day of Recognition here.
A look at Amanda's art installation can be seen here.
IINSPIRE Alliance Annual Conference 2026
Join STEM students, faculty, and professionals from across Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska for two days of networking, research presentations, and professional development. The conference will be held February 6–7 in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and will be co-hosted by UNI, Hawkeye Community College, and Wartburg College. Explore career opportunities at the Student Opportunity Fair, connect with peers, and share your STEM story at this inspiring event.
Learn more here.
Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) Research Conference
The 14th Annual GPSS Research Conference will take place on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Great Hall, Memorial Union on the Iowa State campus. This year’s theme, “Shaping the Future: Graduate Leadership in Research, Technology, and Innovation,” highlights the interdisciplinary work of Iowa State’s graduate and professional students.
The conference features keynote speakers, oral and poster presentations, creative exhibitions, educational sessions, graduate resource tables, free professional headshots, and lunch. Faculty, staff, students, and professionals are encouraged to attend, whether presenting or participating as audience members. Undergraduate students are also welcome to attend to learn about research, explore graduate opportunities, and connect with the ISU research community.
Registration is open until February 9, 2026.
More information and registration are available through the GPSS website.
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.
- Thursday, Feb. 5, 1–2 pm CT
- Wednesday, Feb. 25, 10 am–11 am CT
- Monday, March 16, 1–2 pm CT
- Tuesday, April 7, 10 am–11 am CT
Save the Date: 2026 Iowa NSF EPSCoR Symposium
The 2026 Iowa NSF EPSCoR Chemurgy 2.0 Symposium will be held on July 28, 2025, 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