Research

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 virtual reality 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 solutions

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 in the thick of research discoveries, like tracking superflares in space, measuring NBA basketball players’ participation in activism or improving vocal music education for children.

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 esteemed 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 recently created a new interdisciplinary science communication certificate that equips our students with the knowledge, reasoning and ethics to effectively communicate scientific research advances while also addressing public controversy and misinformation.

True success

We are proud of our faculty members who have been elected to the prestigious American Association for the Advancement of Science 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

Wallapak Tavanapong harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to improve the quality of colonoscopies.

Arthur Winter awarded $460,000 NSF grant for photochemistry research focusing on the chemical effects of light.

Proof that speaking more than one language shields people in all cultures from the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Scientists have discovered that applying vibrational motion may make advanced quantum computing and spintronics possible.

Recent discoveries

Some military veterans may be more at-risk for PTSD
A study co-authored by Marcus Credé, psychology, finds some service members could develop post-traumatic stress disorder if they were abused in childhood.
El Niño and extreme Atlantic Ocean heat are about to clash
Christina Patricola, geological and atmospheric sciences, explains why forecasters are keeping a watchful eye on the 2023 hurricane season.
Study finds fatigued officers struggle with investigations
New research by Zlatan Križan, psychology, indicates officers who are fatigued have a harder time collecting information that could bring justice to victims.
Study shows cybersickness more likely to affect women
An interdisciplinary team of Iowa State researchers determined that women experience cybersickness with virtual reality headsets more often than men.