Spring 2025 Newsletter

The Iowa Sciences Academy is home to a range of programs that support the success of undergraduate students interested in research, graduate school preparation, and scientific communication. ISA offers access to hands-on research, professional development, and scientific outreach opportunities. We strive to build a strong community of students, staff, and faculty engaged in the sciences.

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A message from ISA Director, Professor Lori Adams

As we close the 2024-2025 academic year, we celebrate our ISA graduates' achievements and are filled with pride and admiration for their hard work and dedication. Despite recent challenges with the pending NIH MARC grant termination, ISA's commitment to supporting students in their pursuit of research careers and improving science communication skills remains strong. Thanks to the continued support from our students, alumni, faculty, and administration across the University of Iowa, we are optimistic about the future.

ISA has been a cornerstone of student success in science for decades. Our programs enhance professional skills through coursework and development opportunities, preparing students for advanced academic and research careers. ISA students gain valuable skills in presenting research, project management, and networking. 

We are proud of our students and alumni who have received prestigious awards, including Goldwater Scholarships and NSF-GRFP recognitions. With 95% of our alumni graduating with STEM degrees and pursuing STEM careers, the impact of ISA is evident. We are excited about the upcoming summer research program and the new fall cohort, which promise to bring fresh energy and innovative ideas to our community. 

Lori Adams, PhD

Distinguished Professor of Instruction, Department of Biology

ISA Students Present at Conferences, Receive Awards and Recognition

ISA students have presented their research or attended local, regional, and national conferences during the fall and spring semesters. Conferences ISA students have participated in have included FURF and SURF at the University of Iowa, Research in the Capitol in Des Moines, and several regional and national conferences. Congratulations to all presenters!

ISA Alumni Continue to Impress

Graduates of the Iowa Sciences Academy continue to pursue scientific research and communication in their respective fields, their hard work displayed through publications, awards, and other forms of recognition. The ISA is proud to represent former students throughout their scientific endeavors. This article features a recent conversation with a couple of ISA alumni along with sharing a list of outstanding accomplishments of the ISA alumni for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

Jahnavi Pandya: A Journey of Passion, Resilience, and Dedication

The journey from Mumbai to the heart of Iowa for Jahnavi Pandya, ISA Career Counselor, is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the field of psychology and her passion for helping others. Her story is one of resilience, interdisciplinary engagement, and a deep appreciation for art and literature. 

ISA Graduating Seniors

On May 2nd we recognized 13 ISA graduating seniors at a celebration held in the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU). Graduating seniors, their mentors, other ISA students, and staff attended the event. 

ISA MARC: Preparing Students for Research Careers

The UI-MARC (Maximizing Access to Research Careers) program supports juniors and seniors at the University of Iowa who are committed to pursuing a PhD or combined MD/PhD program after graduation. This Spring semester, ISA Graduate Assistant Joe Starr taught ISA:4041 Senior Capstone Project. 

2025 Latham Showcase

The Latham Science Engagement Initiative (LSEI) is a two-course fellowship program offered through the Iowa Sciences Academy that promotes science communication and outreach. Each spring, students in LATH:3001 create outreach projects such as podcasts, books, Instagram accounts, brochures and other projects to share with the community. 

The 6th Edition of Synthesis is Here

Check out the collection of science comics in the latest Synthesis Publication. Synthesis publishes content related to student science communication. All works represent students' efforts to experiment with science communication in order to reach audiences beyond the scientific community. 

Mentor Appreciation

Through the Iowa Sciences Academy, students are provided with access to hands-on mentored research. Thank you to all our mentors who supported our students this year!