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College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Mahua Biswas working on the Scanning Electron Microscope.

Discover, Innovate, and Create

Research by students, faculty, and staff in the College of Arts and Sciences advances knowledge and contributes to our global society. CAS members are deeply engaged in a wide variety of research and creative projects. Find out what we are doing and how you can get involved!

Research in Focus

Students with posters at Universtiy Research Symposium

Research Symposium celebrates ISU's student scholars

Illinois State’s 33rd annual showcase of student scholarship and creative expression was a boon for the curious mind. Hundreds of students from across campus shared their research on topics as diverse as artificial intelligence in fashion, corruption in government, hip-hop in education, and game theory in investing at the Graduate School’s Research Symposium  held April 12 in the Bone Student Center.

 

Dig in Italy

Inside look at the recipients of the inaugural Advancing Research and Creative Scholarship program awards

The Office of the Provost has launched a $3.2 million program to encourage scholars across Illinois State University to collaborate to solve some of the world’s most complicated problems.

Dr. Katherine Ellison

Deeper meaning:  Ciphers reveal more than hidden messages

Mysteries routinely arrive in Dr. Katherine Ellison’s email inbox. Sometimes they are presented by descendants of long-dead relatives who have come into possession of documents written in a secret language. Other times they come from treasure hunters who believe they have found the key to untold riches.

Student Researcher Accomplishments

Sumaiya Hasan accepts award

Biology student wins Three Minute Thesis competition for research on decoding cancer puzzle

This year’s Three Minute Thesis competition saved the best for last in the view of the judges. The 10th and final presenter, Sumaiya Hasan, stepped onto the stage at the Normal Theater and delivered a 155-second distillation of her master’s research.

Photo of economics students

Economics students attend the 2024 Midwest Economics Association annual conference

Illinois State University’s economics students joined hundreds of economists throughout the Midwest and elsewhere in March to attend the 2024 Midwest Economics Association (MEA) Annual Conference in downtown Chicago.

Photo Aleena Mangold

Meet the March 2024 GradBird Scholar:  Aleena Mangold

The Graduate School has selected Aleena Mangold ’21 as the March 2024 GradBird Scholar recipient. GradBird Scholar is an initiative to recognize graduate students for their scholarly endeavors at Illinois State University.

Make your impact.

Get involved in research at Illinois State.

You can make major contributions and move society in a positive direction. CAS faculty, students, and staff team up with each other and work solo on projects they’re passionate about.

Supporting Your Research

You have important work to do. Here’s how we support your research efforts.

Student Travel Funds

CAS Student Travel Funds are internal awards intended to promote high-quality research, scholarship, and creative activity by undergraduate/graduate students of the College of Arts and Sciences at Illinois State University. This is intended to supplement travel funds provided by departments/schools or other organizations to help defray the costs of travel. Awards may be funded up to a maximum of $250 for travel to a professional conference or meeting to present the results of research or creative activity. A student may be funded once per academic year.

CAS Undergraduate Scholar Fund Undergraduate students who are presenting internationally or in non-contiguous U.S. states may also apply for the CAS Undergraduate Scholar Fund to receive another $250 in funding (in addition to the Student Travel Funds).

Selection Process and Criteria

The Office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences will make these awards. Applications from Undergraduate students with either a first or second major in the College as well as Graduate students in a College of Arts and Sciences graduate program will be considered. Students must be presenting, not just attending.

Proposal Process and Submission Deadlines

Travel is funded during the fiscal year (July 1- June 30) in which the travel takes place. Note: Applications may be submitted at any time but will be awarded based on the timing of the trip and availability of funds.

How to Apply

Applications may be submitted at any time but will be awarded based on the timing of the trip and availability of funds.

Apply Now

Check out the Travel Fund Instructions (ULID login required)

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding the CAS Student Travel Fund, please contact the College of Arts and Sciences at (309) 438-5669.

Resources For Faculty

Faculty and Staff in the CAS can access important resources by visiting the CAS Faculty/Staff Intranet