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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!

Search CAS Research and Publications

Research in Focus

Dr. James M. Scott

Dr. Scott recognized by the International Studies Association

Dr. James M. Scott, University Professor and chair of the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University, received a leadership appreciation award from the International Studies Association’s Governing Council at the 2025 annual convention.

  

research posters on display

Visit the University Research Symposium, Friday, April 11

The Graduate School is excited to invite the community to the University Research Symposium, the showcase for the scholarship and creative expression of Illinois State University’s amazing student scholars. It will take place on April 11 in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center, with the morning session taking place from 9-11 a.m. and the afternoon session from 1-3 p.m. Students will be available to answer questions regarding their scholarly works and make connections with fellow researchers. This event is free to attend and open to the public.

Dr. Isaac Chang adn Savanah Kinney

2024 Researchers to Know

The Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC) has named three Illinois State University professors as Researchers to Know.  Dr. Isaac Chang, Dr. Pranshoo Solanki, and Dr. Wolfgang Stein were selected for demonstrating excellence in their field.  Chang and Sloanki are from the Department of Technology.   

Student Researcher Accomplishments

Suthaaran in front of Fell Hall

Meet the February 2025 GradBird Scholar:  Sivanujan Suthaharan

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

photo Tara Geyer, Dr. Gina Hunter, Brenna Long in front of The Capital

Redbirds push for student research funding on Capitol Hill

Tara Geyer, Dr. Gina Hunter, and Brenna Long visited the Capitol March 3 to speak with policymakers through the Council on Undergraduate Research's Students Trnsforming through Research (STR) Advocacy Program.  

Image of Research winners

Picture perfect:  Image of Research exhibit shines light on ISU's diverse student research 

Second time was the charm for Apollo Johnson.  The anthropology master's student won first place in the graduate category at the sixth annual Image of Research competition after receiving Honorable Mention recognition last year.   

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