Dean's Research Challenge Symposium

Please join us on October 11 for the inaugural Dean's Research Challenge Symposium. There will be presentations throughout the day on our themes of "Equity" and "Environment". Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Mariela Fernandez, University of Illinois, “Advancing Environmental Justice Research through Community Partners". The event will be held from 8am-5:30pm in STV 401 and all are welcome.

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!

Search CAS Research and Publications

Research in Focus

Fell Hall

2024 Sustainability Research Conference

Illinois State University will host the IIN Sustainability Research Conference on Oct. 17-18, 2024. The conference will give attendees an opportunity to learn about diverse research that has been supported by the IIN, network with scholars from across Illinois, and learn about funding opportunities.

Photo Dr. Lisa Szczepura

Dr. Lisa Szczepura named Distinguished Professor

The Office of the Provost is pleased to announce that Dr. Lisa Szczepura has been named Distinguished Professor at Illinois State University.

Photo Dr. Wolfgang Stein working with student Charlotte Steiger

Crab Lab takes ISU to forefront of climate research with international study

When you think of climate change consequences, the nervous systems of crabs might not be at the top of your list. However, these 10-legged crustaceans could be a bellwether of how the planet’s warming temperatures impact other animals.

Student Researcher Accomplishments

Sarah Schroeder digs for pottery

Anthropology and art history major uncovers career passion during archeological dig

At an archaeological site in Central Italy, Illinois State University student Sarah Schroeder discovered something profound about herself.

Sivanujan Suthaharan with Dr. Alice Johnson

Graduate student wins award for distilling research from the Royal Society of Chemistry

The results of long lab hours can be difficult to pare down to the length of a research paper, let alone a two-minute, single-slide presentation. But that’s exactly what Sivanujan Suthaharan, a master’s student in computational chemistry, was asked to do at the 2023 Royal Society of Chemistry Dalton Division Meeting in England.

Alina Niftulaeva the September 2024 GradBird Scholar

Meet the September 2024 GradBird Scholar: Alina Niftulaeva

The Graduate School has selected Alina Niftulaeva as its September 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. 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

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