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College of Arts and Sciences
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!

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Research in Focus

John Sedbrook with students

John Sedbrook named 2024 IIN Innovator to Know

Dr. John Sedbrook , professor of genetics in the School of Biological Sciences at Illinois State University, was among eight innovators recognized in 2024. This group was recognized earlier this year during the total solar eclipse at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. You can watch a  video  of the recipients describing their work

Photo Dr. Jeffrey Wagman

CAS Distinguished Lecturer:  Dr. Jeffrey Wagman

The Department of Psychology congratulates Dr. Jeffrey Wagman, who has been named a College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Distinguished Lecturer for the 2024-25 academic year. Wagman will give his talk, “An Ecological Approach to Perception by Touch (from Head to Toe),” at 3:30 p.m. Monday, October 21, in the Circus Room of the Bone Student Center.

Dr. Joseph Zompetti

Why digital literacy matters:  Five questions with Dr. Zompetti

Dr. Joseph P. Zompetti, a professor in the School of Communication at Illinois State University, teaches courses in political communication, social movements, and rhetoric. He is a recipient of three Fulbright grants to study in Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Kyrgyzstan. He has taught in nearly 30 countries and is internationally known for his research and teaching of argument, critical thinking, political communication, democracy promotion, disinformation, and political engagement.

Student Researcher Accomplishments

Photo of reearch on display

Fall 2024 FIREBird and BirdFEEDER Grant Winners Announced

The Office of Student Research (OSR) at Illinois State University announces the winners of the fall 2024 FIREBird and BirdFEEDER research grants. These small grants provide funding to support student research, scholarly inquiry, and innovation at Illinois State.

Fell Hall

Communication Graduate Students to Present at 110th NCA Convention

Seven current graduate students in the Illinois State University School of Communication will present at the National Communication Association’s (NCA) 110th Annual Convention, which will be held November 21-24, 2024, in New Orleans. Participating in this national convention offers these students the opportunity to showcase their research, engage with fellow scholars, and receive recognition for their academic achievements

Tuba Yasmin Lubna

Meet the September 2024 GradBird Scholar:  Alina Niftulaeva

The Graduate School has selected Tuba Yasmin Lubna as its October 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