The Fall 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. This issue features highlights from the 2026 Iowa NSF EPSCoR Symposium, industry visits with Kemin Industries and Merck Animal Health, summer REU and RET experiences, and the launch of the NSF RuralSTAMINA Biomanufacturing Engine in Iowa and Nebraska.
Summer 2026 REU and RET Highlights
This summer, Iowa NSF EPSCoR supported five Chemurgy 2.0 participants through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) and Research Experience for Teachers (RET) programs. REU students Greta Musgrave and Sage Perkins, along with RET educators Brenna McIlvoy, Erin McBroom, and Luizviminda Dinglasan, gained hands-on research experience, connected with mentors and peers, and explored new ways to bring curiosity, voice, and agency into STEM learning.
Across six weeks, participants contributed to research in areas including advanced materials, computational biology, and sustainable bioplastics while taking part in professional learning sessions. The experience strengthened their confidence as researchers and educators and will help bring more authentic, student-centered science learning to classrooms.
Read the final write-up here and explore all the participants’ reflections.
Jared Almandinger Awarded Seed Funding
Congratulations to Jared Almandinger, medical and bioscience research instructor at Waukee Community School District (pictured above), and the Waukee APEX Program on receiving Chemurgy 2.0 EWD Seed Funding for “Growing Future Biomanufacturing Professionals Through Research & Camp Engagement.” The project connects students with hands-on research in plant-based plastics and protein diagnostics, as well as Iowa biomanufacturing partners. Stay tuned for updates!
Jared was also recently honored with the Iowa STEM Teacher Award, recognizing his commitment to STEM education and student success.
Interested in seed funding opportunities? Learn more about a new round of seed funding below.
Education & Workforce Development (EWD) Seed Funding Available
The EWD Seed Funding Program has launched its third funding round, inviting Iowa institutions, schools, nonprofits, and government organizations to propose educational projects that build biomanufacturing awareness and expand career pathways for Iowa students.
This round prioritizes curriculum development for grades 9–12, with projects aligned with Iowa science standards and informed by Iowa biomanufacturing research.
Priority will be given to proposals connected to 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 are reviewed on a rolling basis. Funded projects must be completed by July 31, 2027, and include a project representative’s participation in the July 2027 Annual Symposium at Iowa State University.
Eligible applicants include Iowa colleges and universities, K–12 schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and state, county, or municipal government organizations. Project teams must include Iowa biomanufacturing researchers and curriculum development specialists, and final materials must be freely available to Iowa high schools and the broader education 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.
Student Presentation: Selective Membrane Separation Using Organic Solvent Nanofiltration
Watch Jeff Tjaden, a graduate research assistant at the University of Iowa in Dr. Ned Bowden’s lab, share insights into the group’s latest research on size exclusion membranes and polarity-based membrane separation, “Selective Membrane Separation Using Organic Solvent Nanofiltration.”
Find the team’s latest research here.
Watch more student presentations on our YouTube channel here.
Student Presentation: STEM Identities of Iowa State Universities Biological and Biomanufacturing Systems Technology Students
Watch Levi Nettleton, a physics and advanced chemistry teacher at Indianola High School, share his research with Professor Dawn Del Carlo (University of Northern Iowa) on how Iowa State’s Biological and Biomanufacturing Systems Technology program influences students’ STEM identity, career aspirations, and sense of belonging in STEM fields.
Watch his presentation on our YouTube channel here.
News
Team Publication: “From Source to Use“ A new collaborative article led by Dr. Florence Williams, “From Source to Use: Cellulose Separation, Processing and Opportunities for Modern Applications,” is now in press. The article examines cellulose—an abundant, sustainable biopolymer—and its potential across advanced materials, biomedicine, energy, and other emerging applications. It offers an accessible overview of cellulose sources; separation, purification, and processing methods; physical properties; solubilization strategies; and opportunities to improve sustainability throughout the material’s lifecycle. The publication reflects a statewide collaboration among researchers at the University of Northern Iowa, the University of Iowa, and Iowa State University, supported by Iowa NSF EPSCoR. Congratulations to Florence Williams, Binayak Raj Pandey, Nazanin Tabatabaei, Cynthia Okafor, Iman Ghaderi Jouybari, Uchechukwu Grace Ugboka-Johnwealth, Prateek Aryal, Scott Shaw, Hyeongmin Seo, Xuan Song, Colin Weeks, and Chunhui Xiang.
Iowa State University Professor and Chemurgy 2.0 Associate Director for Research and Technology Transfer, Dr. Zengyi Shao, leads research to advance biomanufacturing through engineered microbes and innovative reactor systems. In collaboration with Professor Dennis Vigil, her lab is developing a compact Continuous Taylor Vortex Fermentor Extractor Separator that combines fermentation, product extraction, and separation in one device. This integrated approach could simplify biomanufacturing processes, reduce costs, and expand access to the field.
New NSF ENG Funding Opportunities for Core Research Programs
Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GFRP) The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) supports outstanding students pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in eligible STEM fields. The fellowship includes a three-year annual stipend, cost-of-education allowance, professional development opportunities, and access to a national community of scholars.
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Events
Practice Presentation: Iman Ghaderi Jouybari (September 25)
Chemurgy 2.0 graduate students are invited to join a practice talk on Friday, September 25, at 12:30 p.m., featuring Iman Ghaderi Jouybari from the Florence Williams’ research group at the University of Iowa. Iman is scheduled to share an update at the Chemurgy 2.0 All-Hands meeting on September 29. This is a practice session on providing constructive feedback, asking questions about Iman’s research, and preparing for their future student presentations. All are welcome.
Join via Zoom here.
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, including experiments or games for families and youth (all ages welcome), on Thursday, October 8, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Youth Development Center in Monticello. The festival-style event brings STEM to life while sparking curiosity and introducing STEM careers.
Learn more and register here.
All-Southern Iowa STEM Festival (October 17)
The All-Southern Iowa STEM Festival is seeking exhibitors for a day of hands-on activities connecting K through 8 students and families with Iowa career opportunities. Join the event on Tuesday, October 17, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Corydon, Iowa.
Learn more and register here
NSF Webinars
I-Corps Events
UofI I-Corps Cohort Program - (9/26)
Materials, Manufacturing & Energy in the Age of AI I-Corps (10/1)
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