Research Support | College of Arts and Sciences

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!

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Research in Focus

Schematic of the benzenedithiol single-molecule junction

From waste heat to quantum innovation: Advancing spintronics

What if the waste heat generated by cars, factories, and even your laptop could be used to realize the next generation of energy-efficient quantum computers? Researchers at Illinois State University, in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), have discovered an effect that may make that possible.

Photo of ISU campus overpass

14 scientists at Illinios State University recognized on global list of highly cited researchers

New data from the 2023 calendar year published by the Elsevier Data Repository in Fall 2024 names 14 scientists from Illinois State University as in the top two percent (top 100,000) of cited researchers globally. The data are based on the August 1, 2024 snapshot from Scopus, updated to end of citation year 2023.

Photo of students at computer

State Farm commits $3 million to Illinois State University's new data science program

Illinois State University received a $3 million gift commitment from State Farm® on December 19. Funds will support the recruitment and retention of faculty and students in the University’s new interdisciplinary data science bachelor’s degree program, which welcomes its first class in fall 2025.

Student Researcher Accomplishments

Dr. Gina Hunter, Brenna Long, and Tara Geyer

ISU team selected to participate in prestigious professional development program

An Illinois State University team led by Dr. Gina Hunter, alongside undergraduate students Brenna Long and Tara Geyer, has earned the prestigious honor of participating in the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) 2024-25 professional development program titled Scholars Transforming Through Research (STR) Program. This program, designed to elevate the role of undergraduate research in fostering advocacy and communication, selected just 63 teams nationwide this year.

Fell Hall

Communication Graduate Students to Present at 110th NCA Convention

Seven current graduate students in the Illinois State University School of Communication will present at the National Communication Association’s (NCA) 110th Annual Convention, which will be held November 21-24, 2024, in New Orleans. Participating in this national convention offers these students the opportunity to showcase their research, engage with fellow scholars, and receive recognition for their academic achievements

Hovey Hall

James L Fisher 2024 Outstanding Thesis winners announced

The Graduate School is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 James L. Fisher Outstanding Thesis Competition at Illinois State University. The thesis competition is designed to provide recognition of outstanding master’s theses. The award is named in honor of James L. Fisher, a renowned scholar and exceptional graduate of the University who served as a professor, administrator, and vice president at Illinois State.

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

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