Research Support | College of Arts and Sciences

Research in Focus

Dr. Kerri Milita standing outside near Milner Library

CAS faculty member utilizing Ignite Grant to investigate mental health, honor late colleague

Milita is an associate professor in the Department of Politics and Government, but the proposed research transcends her academic discipline. Milita will investigate the impact on students when mental health is acknowledged—and struggles disclosed—in a higher education setting.

Large bell in wooden frame for award presentation

Research award winners for 2025-2026 announced

Illinois State University announced the winners of the Outstanding University Researcher and the Outstanding University Creative Activity awards. Also honored are the winners of the Research Initiative Awards and the Creative Activity Initiative Awards. Recipients for these awards are selected from competitive pools of candidates.

Student accepting award from faculty member

Accepting abstracts for the 29th annual WGSS Student Research Symposium

The Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program is currently accepting submissions for its 29th annual Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) Student Research Symposium. The WGSS Symposium is a day-long event that provides both undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to present their research and creative work to other students and faculty.

Student Researcher Accomplishments

People taking a selfie in University Galleries

Illinois State students merge art and science in Image of Research competition

The seventh annual Image of Research competition held an exhibit and reception at University Galleries. For the competition, students submit one static image and a brief abstract explaining the relationship between the image and their research project.

Outside Normal Theatre marquee

Meet the 2026 Three Minute Thesis competion finalists

The annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, February 26, at the Normal Theater in Uptown Normal. 3MT is an academic competition that challenges Illinois State University graduate students to describe their research within three minutes to a general audience. The event is free, and all members of the community are welcome to attend.

Photo of student with dark hair and glasses

Kruz Barrera receives Lincoln Laureate award

Kruz Ernesto Barrera was named one of the recipients of the 2025 Laureate Award from The Lincoln Academy of Illinois in October 2025 and was recognized for this honor by the Illinois State University Board of Trustees at their February 20, 2026, meeting.

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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

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