Chemurgy 2.0 Team Attends EPSCoR Summit in New Orleans
The Iowa EPSCoR extended team, including our PI, Co-PIs, staff, and student researchers from across the state, attended the 2026 EPSCoR Annual Summit in New Orleans, Louisiana, May 19–22, 2026. The summit provided an important opportunity to share research, exchange ideas, and connect with colleagues from EPSCoR jurisdictions nationwide. Through presentations, workshops, and networking sessions, attendees gained valuable insights and strengthened collaborations that will support ongoing and future initiatives. We extend our thanks to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS EPSCoR Hub Team) for hosting a successful and engaging event.
Pictured above, from left to right, are Irina Bassis (ISU), Marcey Seavey (UNI), Karla Webb (ISU), Binayak Raj Pandey (ISU), Cameron Jones (ISU), and Iowa State graduate students Binayak Raj Pandey, Vivek Garg, Uday Venkat Kiran Kommineni, and Tim Stanley.
Team Wins and Successes
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Nigel Reuel, Dr. Jodi McGill, and Dr. Marna Yandeau-Nelson on their promotion to full professor—among the many outstanding Iowa State faculty recognized this year.
View the full list of ISU P&T 2026-2027 Approved Faculty here.
Marcy Seavey, our new Co-PI (EWD and BP) from the University of Northern Iowa, was recently recognized for her outstanding service to the Iowa Space Grant Consortium. From her early involvement as a graduate student to leadership roles as UNI Campus Coordinator, her long-standing dedication and impact are truly commendable. Congratulations, Marcy!
Dr. Florence Williams, Chemurgy 2.0 team member and chemistry faculty at the University of Iowa, has officially earned tenure. Her impactful work in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and chemical biology continues to advance the field.
Congratulations, Dr. Williams!
In Vivo Evaluation of Bacteria Cellulose Reveals Absence of Intrinsic Adjuvant Activityonic Acid Student Presentation: Cynthia Okafor
New student presentation: In Vivo Evaluation of Bacteria Cellulose Reveals Absence of Intrinsic Adjuvant Activity. Watch Cynthia Okafor, a graduate research assistant in Dr. Aliasger Salem's group at The University of Iowa, share insights on the immunological safety profile of bacterial cellulose. Please note that the manuscript is currently in preparation and has not yet been published.
Watch her presentation on our YouTube channel here.
Watch more student presentations on our YouTube channel here.
Technology Transfer Seed Project: Dr. Ratul Chowdhury
The Iowa NSF EPSCoR Chemurgy 2.0 Technology Development/Technology Transfer Seed Fund supports high-impact projects advancing biomanufacturing and sustainable materials innovation. One funded effort, led by Dr. Ratul Chowdhury at Iowa State, titled “Foundational AI-models to understand how atomic vibrations propagate within a protein structure towards designing better enzymes and therapeutics,” uses AI-driven approaches to design smaller, more efficient enzymes without compromising performance. These enzymes—often described as molecular scissors—are widely used in products like detergents and also play critical roles in human digestion. Pictured above, first-year graduate student Mahbuba Ferdaous used 3D-printed hydrolase enzyme models during a Gilbert High School outreach activity, helping students explore how stain-removing enzymes function in everyday products.
Learn more about our seed funding opportunities here.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No.2242763
Science with Cyclones: Spring 2026 Slideshow
The Science with Cyclones event at Reiman Gardens on April 16, 2026, showcased student innovation and drew public and K-12 attendees. Our students impressed with their ability to communicate complex research to various audiences —from young to experienced—and inspired future scientists. We’re grateful to Reiman Gardens for hosting and to the Department of English for their partnership.
Relive the event through our photo gallery here.
Lunch and Learn with ORF Biologics Now Available
Now on our YouTube channel: Anant Kamath, Founder and CEO at ORF Biologics, shares insights from two decades of experience in biologics manufacturing, protein engineering, and stem cell technologies, highlighting advancements in next-generation biologics platforms.
Watch the full talk here.
News
One-on-One HPC Training for Chemurgy 2.0 Participants
Chemurgy 2.0 participants can schedule one-on-one training on high-performance computing (HPC) at the University of Northern Iowa. Led by Brandon Schmidt, sessions cover system access, navigation, job submission, and strategies to accelerate workflows. Available in person or via Zoom and tailored to individual projects. Participants should schedule at least one day in advance by contacting Brandon directly at brandon.schmidt@uni.edu.
Mba-Wright’s Research Turns Biomass into Climate Solutions
Iowa State researcher Dr. Mark Mba-Wright is exploring an innovative approach to carbon sequestration by converting agricultural and forestry waste into bio-oil to plug abandoned oil and gas wells. As associate director of the Bioeconomy Institute, his work combines bioenergy and carbon capture to address environmental challenges while creating new opportunities for rural economies.
Read the full article here.
Call for Proposals: 2026 Iowa STEM Summit (Submit by July 29)
The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council seeks proposals for presentations, panels, and roundtables at the 2026 Iowa STEM Summit (“Where Bold Ideas Take Flight”) on November 6 in Des Moines. Focus areas include innovative teaching, STEM leadership, partnerships, and emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing. 20- and 50-minute slots available; all STEM disciplines welcome. Submit by July 29 here. Questions? Email summit@iowastem.org.
More info here.
Events
EPSCoR E-CORE Office Hours (May 27 & June 17)
The NSF EPSCoR E-CORE RII program strengthens statewide research ecosystems by building sustainable infrastructure and collaborative networks that enhance research capacity and competitiveness. Researchers and administrators in EPSCoR jurisdictions are invited to join virtual office hours to discuss the E-CORE RII solicitation (NSF 25-523).
Sessions will be held from 2–3 p.m. CDT on May 27 and June 17.
Register using your institutional email and submit questions in advance to epscor-core@nsf.gov. Full details here.
Lunch & Learn: Regulatory Pathways - Case Studies and Tips (June 19)
Join us for the next Chemurgy 2.0 Lunch and Learn on Friday, June 19, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM (CT), featuring Carl Ross, Director of Development at The University of Iowa’s Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing.
He’ll share real-world case studies and practical insights on navigating regulatory pathways in biomanufacturing.
Add to your calendar here.
2026 Iowa NSF EPSCoR Symposium
TThe 2026 Iowa NSF EPSCoR Chemurgy 2.0 Symposium will be held on July 28, 2026, on The University of Iowa campus in the College of Pharmacy Building.
Poster registration and details here
Let us know if you can attend by Friday, July 10.
Symposium agenda, calendar link, and further details 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