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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

Professor and student working in lab

CAS grants to support general education, research

Illinois State University’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) has announced applications are open to three grant programs intended to promote the future of general education and research in the University’s largest college. 

Dr. Mahtob Aqazade in front of blackboard

Game changer: CAS faculty member's grant-funded research will develop games to teach math concepts

Dr. Aqazade is conducting research that aims to address students’ feelings toward math and their readiness to learn new mathematical concepts. Specifically, she and her co-principal investigators (co-PIs) seek to introduce the concept of negative numbers to elementary school students to prepare them for the jump to middle school when they’re first exposed to algebra.

Photo Gordon Duguid

Duguid publishes op-ed in the "Diplomatic Diary" of the Washington International Diplomatic Academy

Distinguished Professor Ali Riaz has published a new book on the democratic transition in Bangladesh. The book, A Fractured Path: Challenges of Democratic Transition in Bangladesh, examines the challenges ahead after the spectacular downfall of the Hasina regime in August 2024 after 16 years of autocratic rule. 

Student Researcher Accomplishments

Outside of Hovey Hall from quad view

James L. Fisher 2025 Outstanding Thesis winners announced

The Graduate School is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 James L. Fisher Outstanding Thesis Competition at Illinois State University. The thesis competition is designed to provide recognition of outstanding master’s theses. The award is named in honor of James L. Fisher, a renowned scholar and exceptional graduate of the University who served as a professor, administrator, and vice president at Illinois State. 

Photo of Mustafizurrrahman Rahat on campus

Meet the October 2025 GradBird Scholar:  Mustafizurrrahman Rahat

The Graduate School has selected Mustafizurrrahman Rahat as its October 2025 GradBird Scholar recipient. GradBird Scholar is an initiative to recognize graduate students for their scholarly endeavors at Illinois State University.

Dillon Schmidt holding plaque with Mike Kamin

Environmental systems science and sustainability student receives Outstanding Student Award from Illinois GIS Association

Dillon Schmidt, a senior environmental systems science and sustainability (ESSS) major, was awarded an Outstanding Student Award by the Illinois GIS Association (ILGISA) at its annual conference held October 19-21 in Lisle.

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