Research

Wenyu Huang, Ph.D in the lab

We’re changing the world with research and innovation

Every day, scientists and scholars in Iowa State’s academically diverse College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) positively impact Iowa, the nation, and the world with innovative research that pushes the boundaries of science, technology, and the humanities.

Whether it’s in one of our neuroscience or robotics labs or in a state-of-the-art classroom, our community of LAS researchers is forging new paths – both individually and collaboratively.

Student conducts experiment with stem cells in a labStudent discoveries in the making

Undergraduate research is a key component of experiential learning, so LAS encourages undergraduate and graduate students to work with faculty to develop solutions to pressing global challenges. Our students are integral to research efforts, in areas such as energy security, mental health, or cancer treatment. We even have special paid opportunities for undergraduate research.

Creative collaborations

To address the grand challenges of our generation and enable new discoveries, many LAS researchers form collaborations across disciplines and continents. From the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory here on campus to government, industry and community partners across Iowa and the world, we build teams to drive research for the common good.

But we don’t stop there. LAS is preparing students to work in interdisciplinary fields. Our new integrated health sciences degree brings together LAS research strengths and knowledge from disciplines such as genetics, statistics, the humanities, and others from across the university.

True success

We are proud of our faculty members who have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences and earned the National Science Foundation’s prestigious NSF CAREER award. However, the depth of our pride resides in the research conducted by our LAS students and faculty, which truly makes a difference in the world.

Our research matters

Recent discoveries

  • Are we giving AI a pulse through language?

    English faculty members Jo Mackiewicz and Jeanine Aune are studying how we use anthropomorphizing language – or words that give human traits to non-human things – when writing about artificial intelligence. Their findings can help technical and professional communication practitioners reflect on how they think about AI technologies, both as tools in their writing process and in how they write about AI.
  • The value of particle physics

    Iowa State University physics and astronomy associate professor Matthew Wetstein advances research to understand one of the universe's most abundant yet mysterious particles: neutrinos.
  • Be kind to others, it can be good for your own health, mind

    Iowa State University psychology professor Douglas Gentile says even thinking kind thoughts can have a powerful effect.

Help us change the world