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

Discover, Innovate, and Create

Research in Focus

Flowers and Founders Bell on the quad

Dr. Vijay Devabhaktuni, Dr. Ross Kennedy named University Professors at Illinois State University

The Office of the Provost announced that Dr. Vijay Devabhaktuni and Dr. Ross Kennedy have been named University Professors at Illinois State University. Devabhaktuni joined Illinois State University in 2023 as the founding chair of Electrical Engineering in the College of Engineering. Kennedy joined Illinois State University in 2002 and has served as chair of the Department of History since 2017.

Jason Cieslik

Cieslik publishes in Criminal Law Bulletin 

Department of Politics and Government Assistant Professor and Pre-Law Advisor Jason Cieslik has published a featured article for the April issue of the Criminal Law Bulletin titled “Seeking Accountability: Prosecuting Third Parties of Mass Shooters.” 

Student in labcoat working in lab

Win-win:  Dean's Research Challenge Grant supports knowledge, opportunity 

 As a recipient of a Dean’s Research Challenge Grant this spring, Dr. Jan-Ulrik Dahl earned funding from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) to continue research to help us better understand a common medical ailment while also providing a transformative opportunity for an undergraduate student researcher.

Student Researcher Accomplishments

Hannah Hogue in front of big letters ASHA

Meet the March 2026 GradBird Scholar:  Hannah Hogue

The Graduate School has selected Hannah Hogue ’24 as its March 2026 GradBird Scholar recipient. GradBird Scholar is an initiative to recognize graduate students for their scholarly endeavors at Illinois State University.

Twinkle Jaswal

Confidence and creativity on display at University Research Symposium

Marking one of the largest participant turnouts in program history, more than 500 Illinois State students presented projects spanning academic and creative disciplines at the 35th annual University Research Symposium on Friday, April 10.

Dr. Kathyrn Jasper and student looking at medieval manuscript

Paleography illuminated: Manuscript translation project connects language, history

Dr. Kathryn Jasper can’t help but smile when her research students nervously and cautiously turn the pages of a medieval text for the first time.

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.  Undergraduate students who are presenting internationally or in non-contiguous U.S. states may be eligible for an additional $250 in funding.   

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

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 (Restricted Access)