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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

hitting rock with rock

Preschoolers help solve a three-million-year-old mystery

What can a three-year-old teach us about the first humans and the origins of technology? This summer, I have been working with Indiana preschoolers to answer that question. 

outside Stevenson Hall

CAS to recognize faculty, staff excellence at annual Welcome and Awards Program, August 31

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) will host its annual Welcome and Awards Program on Monday, August 31, at 2 p.m. in the Prairie Room inside the Bone Student Center. The event is free and open to the public.

Quad with flowers blooming

Drs. Andrew Hartman and Wolfgang Stein named Distinguished Professors 

 The Office of the Provost is pleased to announce that Drs. Andrew Hartman and Wolfgang Stein have been named Distinguished Professors at Illinois State University.  

Student Researcher Accomplishments

measuring zebra mussels

Undergraduate biology student uses DNA detective work to track invasive species

Invasive species can wreak havoc on native species and cause major economic harm in their colonized environments. Illinois State University undergraduate student Jadyn Golz is using advanced DNA techniques to investigate how scientists can detect two intruders before their populations explode in new areas.

3 people inspecting insects on plants

Reimagined summer research experience connects local high school students to Illinois State faculty 

A revamped summer research experience through Illinois State University’s Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology (CeMaST) gives local high school students a personalized opportunity to participate in undergraduate research alongside Redbird faculty and students.

Driver sitting in solar caer

Illinois State Solar Car Team chases spot in Route 66 challenge

Under a cloudless sky—ideal conditions for a car powered by sunlight—the Illinois State University Solar Car Team rolled out their newest design, the Mercury 8 solar car, to a crowd of local residents, media, family, and faculty on Tuesday, July 14.

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

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 (Restricted Access)