2026 Iowa NSF EPSCoR Year 3 Symposium Highlights
The Third Annual Iowa NSF EPSCoR Symposium brought together researchers, students, and partners from across the state for a full day of connection, learning, and collaboration at the University of Iowa. We welcomed a strong and engaged group of attendees who participated in a keynote from Patrick Mueller (IBI Scientific), interactive sessions led by Jeff Keuter (the University of Iowa) and Amy Colbert (the University of Iowa), and student-focused programming with Taylor Sklenar (Iowa State University). From industry-focused discussions to hands-on professional development and research presentations, the symposium highlighted the growing momentum and collaboration shaping this work across Iowa.
Keynote speaker Patrick Mueller, President of IBI Scientific in Dubuque, shared, “It was such an honor for me to address the attendees of the Chemurgy 2.0 Symposium. I was so impressed by the professional and student researchers in attendance. The research community throughout the State of Iowa is truly engaged in improving our environment and the human condition.”
A special congratulations to our poster winners:
- 1st Place: Cynthia Okafor, Binayak Raj Pandey, Chunhui Xiang, Aliasger Salem
- 2nd Place: Greta Musgrave, Brenna McIlvoy, Andrew Tan, Maharram Jabrayilov, Annex Ogbu, Matthew Panthani
- 3rd Place: Jalyn Struble, Jiale (Catherine) Yu, Joseph Jang, Manuela Ayee-Leong.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Salem for his outstanding leadership and coordination of the Third Annual Iowa NSF EPSCoR Symposium at the University of Iowa. We also thank the University of Iowa staff for their warm hospitality and for hosting the event in their beautiful facilities, which helped make the symposium such a success.
View our photo library here.
Education & Workforce Development (EWD) Seed Funding Now Available
The Chemurgy 2.0 Education and Workforce Development (EWD) Seed Funding Program has officially launched its third round of seed funding, inviting proposals from Iowa-based institutions, schools, nonprofits, and government organizations. This funding opportunity supports high-impact educational projects that increase awareness of biomanufacturing and strengthen career pathways for Iowa students.
Round 3 prioritizes curriculum development projects for 9th–12th-grade students, focusing on aligning content with Iowa science standards and integrating authentic examples from Iowa-based biomanufacturing research. Priority will be given to proposals that connect directly to one of Chemurgy 2.0’s three technical focus areas: Plastics for Additive Manufacturing, Fibers for Flexible and Rigid Materials, and Proteins for Diagnostics and Therapeutics.
Proposals of up to $50,000 will be accepted on a rolling basis until available funds are awarded. The program anticipates funding two to three projects this round. All funded projects must be completed by July 31, 2027, and must include travel for at least one project representative to present results at the next Chemurgy 2.0 Annual Symposium, held at Iowa State University in July 2027.
Eligible lead institutions include Iowa public or private colleges and universities, K–12 schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and state, county, or municipal government entities. Project teams must include Iowa scientists actively engaged in biomanufacturing research and curriculum development specialists. Final project outputs must be made freely available to Iowa high schools and the broader educational community.
For more information about proposal requirements, eligibility, and how to apply, visit the Chemurgy 2.0 EWD Seed Funding Program page or contact Marcy Seavey at marcene.seavey@uni.edu.
Lunch and Learn - SABER Chemical Now Available
Now on our YouTube channel: Baker Kuehl from SABER Chemical shares the company’s journey from early research concept to a growing startup, highlighting how scientific innovation can translate into scalable, real-world bioplastic solutions with meaningful environmental impact.
Watch his full talk here.
News
RuralSTAMINA Named One of 12 NSF Engines
Iowa State University’s NSF RuralSTAMINA Biomanufacturing Engine is one of 12 NSF Regional Innovation Engines selected nationwide, with a mission to strengthen rural economies across Iowa and Nebraska. The project will connect research, industry, workforce, and entrepreneurship partners to turn agricultural resources into new high-value products, create jobs, and expand manufacturing opportunities in the region.
“Our work in Chemurgy 2.0 was foundational to the launch of the NSF RuralSTAMINA Biomanufacturing Engine effort, which is also focused on engineered, biologically derived materials such as the monomers, fibers, proteins, and cell products found in our EPSCoR research portfolio. Moreover, I was able to start bridging collaborations across many of our state research institutions and make connections to industry prior to the launch of the Engine. These efforts have helped prepare me for the role of CTO in the NSF Engines as I look to work with even more university partners, industry members, startups, and state government partners in Iowa and Nebraska. Our top priority in the Engine is to make our region the go-to center of knowledge and resources for ventures seeking to scale up and manufacture products from biological feedstocks. I look forward to continuing my work with the great EPSCoR team members in this role. Keep on building!”
— Dr. Nigel Reuel, Chief Technology Officer, NSF RuralSTAMINA Biomanufacturing Engine
A big thank you to Dr. Reuel as he departs Iowa NSF EPSCoR to take on a new role with RuralSTAMINA. Learn more about the project here.
Watch Iowa State Vice President for Research Peter Dorhout discuss the announcement here.
Dr. Aliasger Salem Named Senior Associate Vice President for Research
Dr. Aliasger Salem, our Institutional Lead from The University of Iowa, has been named senior associate vice president for research in the UI Office of the Vice President for Research. Salem, the Bighley Chair and Professor, is a leading pharmaceutics researcher with more than 285 peer-reviewed publications, 12 patents, and over $85 million in research funding.
Congratulations, Ali!
Events
Healthcare Career Pathway Day (September 29)
Exhibitors wanted: Healthcare organizations and community partners are invited to lead 10–15 minute interactive demonstrations for groups of 10–15 high school students (grades 10–12) on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM at Dubuque Senior High School. Students will explore healthcare careers and industry trends through hands-on activities with professionals.
Learn more and register here.
Northeast Iowa Family STEM Festival (October 8)
Exhibitors wanted: Bring engaging, interactive STEM demonstrations like experiments or games for families and youth (PreK–8, all ages welcome) on Thursday, October 8, 2026, 4:00–7:00 PM at the Youth Development Center in Monticello. The festival-style event brings STEM to life for eastern Iowa families while sparking curiosity and introducing STEM careers.
Learn more and register here.
NSF Webinars
EPSCoR E-RISE Office Hours - (7/31, 8/5, 8/7)
NSF PESOSE Proposal Preparation Webinar - (8/11)
I-Corps Events
Informational I-Corps Teams Webinar - (8/6)
The UofI I-Corps Cohort Program - (9/14)
Materials, Manufacturing & Energy in the Age of AI I-Corps (10/1)
The ISU I-Corps Cohort Program - (10/21)
Stay up-to-date with our Events here!
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No.2242763