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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

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CAS grants to support general education, research

Illinois State University’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) has announced applications are open to three grant programs intended to promote the future of general education and research in the University’s largest college. 

Dr. Taeok Park viewing computer monitor

Illinois State research links left-hemisphere stroke airway protection when swallowing

A new study by researchers from the Swallowing Research Laboratory at Illinois State University has clarified how the side of a stroke lesion affects the critical timing of airway protection. 

Dr. Daniel Kpienbaar

 

CASNEWS faculty spotlight:  Dr. Daniel Kpienbaareh

Questions and answers with Dr. Daniel Kpienbaareh with a statement from Dr. Eric Peterson, chair of the Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment on Kpienbaareh.

Student Researcher Accomplishments

student working with professor in lab

'I'd rather be in the lab':  Donor support helps provide CAS students research experience

Omoniyi was one of four College of Arts and Sciences students who presented to the Illinois State University Foundation Board of Directors in December 2025. The student group shared personal accounts of how and why donor support and external funding made a difference in their Illinois State experiences, enriching their education through hands-on research opportunities that will prepare them for careers in science.

Photo of Emmanuel Agyei

Meet the December 2025 GradBird Scholar:  Emmanuel Agyei

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

Economic students posed on staircase

ISU economic students attend Illinois Economic Association Conference for the first time

Illinois State University economics students attended the 2025 Illinois Economics Association (IEA) Annual Conference October 24 in Chicago. This marked the first time the Department of Economics organized a field trip for students to join economists from across the state, giving them the chance to observe research presentations and engage in professional networking.

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