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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

premature baby with medical devices

Preterm birth influences reading and math outcomes in adolescence

Dr. Jamie Mahurin-Smith, of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, has published a paper in the October issue of Early Human Development investigating academic outcomes among children born preterm.

Milner Library behind campus bridge

Department of Sociology and Anthropology faculty publications and presentations 2024-2025

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology is proud to celebrate its faculty’s publications, presentations, and other creative works from 2024-2025.

Jason Cieslik headshot

Cieslik co-authors article about ABA-approved paralegal program marketing 

Illinois State Assistant Professor Jason Cieslik co-authored an article with Elgin Community College Associate Professor Laura Haske titled “Getting Strategic About ABA-Approved Paralegal Program Marketing” that was published in October in the Journal of Paralegal Education and Practice.

Student Researcher Accomplishments

campus photo of trees and sidewalk

Fall 2025 FIREBird and BirdFEEDER Grant winners announced

Each semester, the Office of Student Research (OSR) at Illinois State University awards research grants to support undergraduate and graduate projects. These grants are part of ISU’s commitment to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement.

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