The University of Iowa: Research Resource

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Welcome to the April issue of the CLAS Research Resource newsletter! As our scientists, scholars, and artists well know, the research landscape has changed considerably since our January newsletter. Amid much uncertainty and concern, this newsletter emphasizes many good things worth celebrating.

Outstanding mentors are training talented student researchers; labs are starting work on substantial new federal grants; the NASA TRACERS mission is nearing its launch into orbit; May will see the debut of "Meandering River," a grant-supported, multi-media performance involving dancers, artists, and engineers that will guide audience members along the Iowa River; and our Grant Support Office has helped CLAS researchers propose over $101 million in new grants this fiscal year, exceeding our 10-year average by 12%.

Enjoy the articles and never hesitate to reach out! We’re here to help in any way we can.

Joshua Weiner
Associate Dean for Research and Infrastructure
Professor of Biology
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Image: Spring flowers in front of Schaeffer Hall

Upcoming grant and fellowship deadlines

Check out this extensive list of grant opportunities available internally and externally. Deadlines are approaching quickly for several listings. CLAS Grant Support Office maintains this list and its staff are happy to help if you have questions or need support.

Recent grant awards

Although the university experienced a noticeable downtick in new federal awards and renewals from January to March, funds are starting to flow again. CLAS is still on track for an excellent year of external grant funding. Please congratulate members of our community on their recent awards.

Two CLAS faculty receive grants from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust

Scott Daly, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry, and Katheryn Rothenberg, assistant professor in the Department of Biology, discuss their research projects and what the funds will allow them to do to advance their respective fields.

Third-year CLAS student named 2025 Goldwater Scholar

Seren Castellano, who is pursuing a double major in biology and anthropology and a minor in ancient civilizations, received the nation’s most prestigious scholarship for undergraduate students pursuing careers in research.

PBS assistant professor receives $3 million NIH grant

Dorit Kliemann, assistant professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, received funding from the National Institutes of Health to study the psychology and neuroscience behind social behavior.

Computer science assistant professor receives NSF grant to improve safety of autonomous vehicles

Guanpeng Li, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science, received a $310,077 National Science Foundation grant, which focuses on ensuring autonomous vehicle systems are dependable and safe.

Physics and astronomy faculty and staff bring TRACERS closer to launch

Faculty and staff researchers along with students have been working on TRACERS, which is funded by NASA, and is the largest externally funded research project in institutional history. TRACERS was previously scheduled to take flight May 11, but the launch was recently delayed, with a new date to be determined.

HHP assistant professor named 2025 Student Supervisor of the Year

Anna Stanhewicz, assistant professor in the Department of Health and Human Physiology, received recognition by the university for outstanding mentorship and for the working environment she’s created for her students.

Meet these CLAS student researchers

CLAS students are doing amazing work. Learn more about the research, creative projects, and interests of fifth-year PhD student Simal Gerot, second-year undergraduate student Arissa Khan, fourth-year PhD student Harindu Rajapasksha, second-year MFA candidate Heidie Senseman, and third-year undergraduate Ellie Wojcikowski.

Image: Flowers in front of the Old Capitol

15 CLAS graduate students awarded collegiate fellowships

Graduates students were awarded the Marcus Bach and CLAS Dissertation Fellowships for the 2025-2026 academic year. Learn more about the students, their projects, and how these important fellowships will support their work.