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College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Mahua Biswas working on the Scanning Electron Microscope.

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Research in Focus

Dr. Matt Himley

Himley to deliver Arts and sciences Lecture March 31

Dr. Matt Himley, professor of Geography, will deliver the biannual Arts and Sciences Lecture on Tuesday, March 31, at 5 p.m., in the Bone Student Center’s Old Main Room. Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend.

Jason Cieslik

Cieslik publishes in Criminal Law Bulletin 

Department of Politics and Government Assistant Professor and Pre-Law Advisor Jason Cieslik has published a featured article for the April issue of the Criminal Law Bulletin titled “Seeking Accountability: Prosecuting Third Parties of Mass Shooters.” 

Dr. Megan VanGorder

The woman who ranked a general:  Dr. Megan VanGorder '10 publishes biography of Civil War nurse Mary Bickerdyke 

When Assistant Professor of History Megan VanGorder ’10 began researching women’s contributions to improving Civil War sanitary conditions, one name kept appearing: Mary Bickerdyke.

In February, VanGorder published her first book, A Mother’s Work: Mary Bickerdyke, Civil War-Era Nurse.

Student Researcher Accomplishments

Hannah Hogue in front of big letters ASHA

Meet the March 2026 GradBird Scholar:  Hannah Hogue

The Graduate School has selected Hannah Hogue ’24 as its March 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