Skip to main content
College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Mahua Biswas working on the Scanning Electron Microscope.

Discover, Innovate, and Create

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. 

Dr. Maura Toro-Morn looking off into distance

Between two flags: Dr. Maura Toro-Morn documents the lives of Puerto Ricans in Illinois 

Now an Illinois State professor of sociology and director of the Latin American and Latino/a Studies Program, Toro-Morn has dedicated decades to researching and telling the stories of Puerto Ricans in the Midwest. That research led to Puerto Ricans in Illinois, a book she co-authored in 2024 with longtime collaborator and fellow Puerto Rican Dr. Ivis Garcia, an associate professor at Texas A&M University. 

Tree branch with berries in front of Schroeder Hall

Dr. Jolliff-Scott publishes in European Journal of Politics and Gender

Dr. Brandy Jolliff-Scott, assistant professor in the Department of Politics and Government, has published an article, “Then a lady came along…,” in the European Journal of Politics and Gender. The paper examines the impact of having a queen regnant on perceptions of women in politics in Europe.

Student Researcher Accomplishments

Deborah Pappoe in front of School of Communications sign

Meet the February 2026 GradBird Scholar:  Deborah Pappoe

The Graduate School has selected Deborah Aku Shika Pappoe as its February 2026 GradBird Scholar recipient. GradBird Scholar is an initiative to recognize graduate students for their scholarly endeavors at Illinois State University.

Laura Botros with microphone presenting

'Beautiful show of knowledge':  Graduate research takes stage at Three Minute Thesis

The A simple question that almost everyone’s been asked since childhood launched Laura Botros’ first-place performance February 26 at the Illinois State University Graduate School’s 10th annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition.

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.

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