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

  • Antenna-like cell appendage linked to turtles’ sex-deciding warmth-sensing

    A new study led by Professor Nicole Valenzuela in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, suggests an antenna-like cellular sensor that’s a growing focus in human health could play a central role in how turtles become male or female, which in most species is based on incubation temperature.
  • Digital repository preserves El Salvador’s last Indigenous language 

    Hugo Salgado, assistant professor in the Department of World Languages and Cultures at Iowa State University, is protecting one of the world’s most endangered languages by documenting not only how it is spoken, but also the cultural knowledge embedded within it. Through an open-access digital repository, Salgado is preserving Nawat, the only Indigenous language still spoken in El Salvador.
  • LAS research projects selected for U.S. Department of Energy Genesis Mission

    Iowa State researchers, including some in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, are part of a national initiative to build the most powerful integrated science discovery platform by uniting government, industry, academia and philanthropy. The projects will accelerate breakthroughs in energy, scientific discovery and national security through a new platform that combines artificial intelligence, supercomputing, quantum systems and advanced scientific instruments.

Help us change the world