undergraduate research iowa state

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research opportunities at Iowa State are numerous and are an important part of the educational experience. In our department, students work with our faculty members on several leading research areas of civil, environmental, and construction engineering, including: construction engineering and management, environmental/water resources engineering, geotechnical/materials engineering, structural engineering and transportation engineering.

I just truly believe in this research and the outcome of what I am studying. It’s amazing what this stuff can do, and I am learning so much. This program is giving me an amazing research opportunity with new technology.

Shanna Fellows, junior in Civil Engineering, researching heat wave analysis to project low vs. high emission futures

What is the Undergraduate Research Program?

The program allows students to conduct research in the department and become more comfortable with the research realm, learning what is a good fit for them and if they want to do research in the future. The program also allows students to develop skills outside the classroom and work in a challenging and exciting field.

What is the structure of the program?

The program allows students to apply for a $15/hour research position with a maximum of 100 hours per semester working closely with a CCEE faculty member. Students are eligible to apply per semester.

I can’t thank this program enough. I want to make sure that the environment I grew up in will stick around for future generations. Having the opportunity to start researching that now, as an undergrad, is a great opportunity to get involved in what I want to do early in my career.

Liam Lenahan, sophomore in Civil Engineering, researching holographic hard hat technology

How do I apply?

To apply to this program, you must be a student with at least one semester at ISU, a minimum 3.0 GPA and an interest in research.

Contact Omar Smadi at [email protected] with questions or Seth Loyd at [email protected] to apply.

We are trying to provide an experience with hands-on research working on a real-world problem funded by industry, and a class where students learn research skills and professional development activities.

Omar Smadi, Associate Professor in CCEE

Iowa State undergrads sharing research nationally

Posted Apr 5, 2021 9:00 am

AMES, Iowa — Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Iowa State University undergraduate students have persevered in their research. Sixty ISU students will share their research and scholarship with their peers from across the nation in April. 

The 34th annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research takes place online April 12-14. About 4,000 undergraduate students from across the U.S. present their research at this annual conference, the largest undergraduate research conference in the country. 

The NCUR was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making 2021 the fourth year that ISU students have attended NCUR. Iowa State’s 60 students represent 29 different majors. In addition to presenting their research and scholarship, these students also will have networking and professional development opportunities. 

"Despite the challenges that student and faculty mentors faced during the last year due to the pandemic, the high number of 2021 NCUR participants tells us that ISU faculty and program coordinators did an excellent job of encouraging students to continue their research involvement and provided them with a safe environment to do so," said Svitlana Zbarska, coordinator of the Undergraduate Research Program . "NCUR empowers students as scientists and gives them an opportunity to represent ISU undergraduate research at the national level."

Iowa State students selected to present their research at NCUR, along with their hometowns, majors and research titles are: 

• Antonio Ball , Ames, sociology, “The Myth of Universal Sisterhood: An Examination of The Complexities of Gender, Race, and Class” 
• Jazlyn Beeck , Denison, geology, “Origin of carbonate concretions in Iowa’s loess soils” 
• Noah Berthusen , Waukee, software engineering, “Design of Quantum-classical Computing Hybrid Algorithms for Materials Simulation” 
• Lauren Bilek , Council Bluffs, horticulture, “Tomato Quality Effects in Reduced Tillage and Cover-Crop-Based Rotations in Organic Tomato Production” 
• Aaron Bodenham , Mount Pleasant, mechanical engineering, “Application to Analyze Color Calibration Needed for Automated Grinding of Metalcastings” 
• Alexandra Bohlin , Dubuque, community and regional planning, “A Spatial Analysis of Socio-economic Characteristics and COVID-19 Cases in California’s Counties” 
• Darcy Bonds , Troy, Missouri, horticulture, “Improving the Sustainability of Animal and Crop Production Agriculture: Evaluation of Biochar-Manure Mixture Impact on Soil Nutrient Availability and Plant Uptake” 
• Remy Braun , Olathe, Kansas, mechanical engineering, “Patient-Specific Four Chamber Cardiac Modeling” 
• Kathryn Burda , Prior Lake, Minnesota, biology, “Nesting ecology of the leatherback sea turtle, Dermochelys coriacea” 
• Megan Carty , Dysart, biology, “Economic Pressure Across Generations: The Impact on HCC” 
• Sasha Celada , Moline, Illinois, microbiology, “Using Virtual Reality to Increase Resistance to E. coli Infection in Chickens” 
• Celeste Chadwick , Iowa City, food science, “Examining the Thermal Stability of Rice Bran Wax-Gelatin Bigels Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry” 
• Yahan Chang , Mason City, mechanical engineering, “Evaluating Iowa State University Writing and Media Center’s relationship with English as an additional language (EAL) students” 
• Nick Cheung , Pleasant Hill, architecture, “City Leisure and Play” 
• Laurice Verlaine Chewouo , Ames, chemistry, “Hand hygiene knowledge and practices of college students before and during Covid-19 pandemic” 
• William Crow , Ames, biology, “Creating a Transgenic Drosophila Line Expressing mRFPruby in Primordial Germ Cells” 
• Elizabeth Cuvelier , New Hartford, elementary education, “Mental Health Among College Athletes” 
• Megan Davis , Tyler, Texas, genetics, “The Effects of Irradiation on Transposable Elements in Maize and Arabidopsis Genomes” 
• Liliana Delgado , Bellevue, Nebraska, mathematics, “Assisting Forensic Image Comparison Experts: a Study to Help Verification of Object Matching by Computer Algorithm” 
• Haley Dostalik , Urbandale, genetics, “Functional Annotation of the Grape Genome” 
• Oluwatobiloba Fagbule , Port Harcourt, Nigeria, architecture; and  Rushi Patel , Marion, mechanical engineering, “Validating the impact of vegetative wall coverings on building cooling loads using heat-flux sensors and infrared images” 
• Katherine Flatt , Geneva, Illinois, biology, “Sequencing of the Sf1 Gene in Apalone spinifera Softshell Turtles” 
• Isabelle Fraetis , Boone, art and design, “Discovering the True Image of Kate Shelley” 
• Jesse Gallegos , Houston, Texas, chemical engineering, “Reaction Energetics of 1,2,3-Propenetriol Bonding on Metal Catalyst Surfaces” 
• Jacob Gasper , Manchester, architecture; and  Cyle King , Lake City, architecture, “Architectural Clay Formworks” 
• Aridania Gerardo , East Moline, Illinois, anthropology, “Oral Health, Diet, and Gender at the Archaeological Site of Cerro del Teul, Zacatecas, Mexico” 
• Abigail Hammer , Bettendorf, aerospace engineering;  Matthew Cauwels , South Beloit, Illinois, electrical and computer engineering; and  Benjamin Hertz , Cedar Falls, aerospace engineering, “Implementing Specifications onto a Runtime Verification Unit” 
• Christa Heffern , Harpers Ferry, animal science, “Retrospective Analysis of Porcine Circovirus 2 and Porcine Circovirus 3 in the U.S. Swine Industry” 
• Dahlia Hensley , Champaign, Illinois, art and design, “Parallels of the Evolution of Beekeeping and Printmaking” 
• Nethmi Hewage , Matara, Sri Lanka, chemistry, “Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Transport Properties of Ag6Ge10P12-xAsx (x=2-12)” 
• Michael Huntley , New Hartford, aerospace engineering, “Aerodynamic Shape Optimization of Double Façades to Mitigate Wind-Induced Effects on Tall Buildings” 
• Anushrut Jignasu , Vadodara Gujarat, India, mechanical engineering, “Direct 3D Printing of CT Scan Data” 
• Delaney Kennedy , Grayslake, Illinois, art and design, “Clover Vail: A Forgotten Avant Garde” 
• Chase Krug , Marion, agronomy, “Analysis of Plant Height in Zea mays” 
• Candide Mafuta , The Democratic Republic of Congo, biology, “Tau Pathology and Recurrent Seizures in Experiment Model of Epilepsy” 
• Paiton McDonald , Fletcher, North Carolina, agricultural biochemistry, “Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product supplementation on the acute-phase response during bovine respiratory disease in neonatal calves” 
• Donielle McGruder , Norwalk, psychology, “What is the Better Motivator? : Token Economy System and Autism Spectrum Disorder” 
• Jayna Misra , Ames, environmental science, “Effects of Basil in Controlling Post-harvest Loss Against Maize Weevils” 
• Samuel O’Brien , Waterloo, biological systems engineering, “Improving the Sustainability of Bioethanol Production by Integrating Thermochemical Treatment of Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles” 
• Lexie O’Brien , Des Moines, microbiology, “The Role of Artificial Selection in Developing Plastic Degrading Microbes” 
• Jennifer Ortiz , Des Moines, biology, “Does the Invaginated Eye of the Disco Clam Use Opsin-based Phototransduction to Detect Light” 
• Madison Porter , Lenexa, Kansas, biology; and  Paiton McDonald , Fletcher, North Carolina, agricultural biochemistry, “Applications of thoracic ultrasonography to evaluate progression and severity of bovine respiratory disease” 
• Madison Porter , Lenexa, Kansas, biology, “Monitoring subclinical pneumonia progression via thoracic ultrasonography in neonatal calves” 
• David Reynolds , Grand Island, Nebraska, mechanical engineering, “Development of a Microfluidic Platform for Embryonic Zebrafish Confocal Microscopy Imaging” 
• Kathryn Rohlfing , Dunlap, Illinois, computer science; and  Cameron Brecount , Argyle, software engineering, “SafeWalk: Software Engineering of a Jetpack Simulator” 
• Yahriel Salinas-Reyes , Clive, aerospace engineering, “Paper-Based 2-3D Piezoelectric Devices” 
• Devin Scott , Port Byron, Illinois, finance, “Accounting for Seasonality in Intraday Volume for Forex Volatility Measures” 
• Toni Sleugh , Carmel, Indiana, biology, “Restoration of the Three-ridge Mussel, Amblema plicata, to the Cedar River” 
• Elizabeth Smith , Waterloo, environmental science, “Oak Tatter Severity and Proximity to Agricultural Fields in Iowa” 
• Paola Soto Mendez , Miami, Florida, animal ecology, “Could Wasps Be Pollinators? a Study on Body Pollen Carriage and Floral Fidelity” 
• Reed Tisdell , Lakeville, Minnesota, biology, “Examining the effects of socioeconomic factors and activity-related behaviors on severity of depressive symptoms in young adults during implementation of COVID-19 restrictions” 
• Pedro Vieira Marasciulo , Sarasota, Florida, economics, “The Digital Service Industry” 
• Elke Windschitl , Iowa City, biology, “Evaluating the Use of Autonomous Recording Units for Monitoring Northern Bobwhite Coveys” 
• William Winnett , Harlan, biology, “Fetch: a Pipeline to Parse NCBI and Organize Data into a Multiple Forms Based on Biopython” 
• Zizheng Yang , Beijing, China, mathematics, “Phase Transition of a Statistical Mechanics Competition Model in Ecology” 
• Sau Qwan Yap , Bandaraya Melaka, Malaysia, genetics, “APOE and TOMM40 variants in mitochondria dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease” 

Svitlana Zbarska, Undergraduate Research Program, 515-294-2064, [email protected]

Chelsea Davis, News Service, 515-294-4778,  [email protected]

The 34th annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research takes place online April 12-14. About 4,000 undergraduate students from across the U.S. present their research at this annual conference, the largest undergraduate research conference in the country. This year, that includes 60 ISU students representing 29 different majors.

Coming soon: Symposium on Undergraduate Research

Iowa State's 15th annual Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression will take place Wednesday, April 21, at the Student Innovation Center. The event is part of the Ignite Innovation Showcase , an eight-day series of events highlighting the collaboration, inventions and opportunities that set Iowa State apart.

More than 200 undergraduates from all academic disciplines will have an opportunity to share their research with the university community and other guests through conference-style oral presentations. The symposium represents part of a larger effort at Iowa State to enhance, support and celebrate undergraduate research.

Undergraduate research

To learn more about undergraduate research opportunities, contact Svitlana Zbarska,  undergraduate research  coordinator, at  [email protected] . 

LAS Undergraduate Research

In the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS), we believe your curiosity can change the world.

That’s why we fund researchers from the beginning—at the undergraduate level. Working alongside our world-renowned faculty members, our undergraduate students help push the boundaries of science and innovation.

LAS offers competitively selected research awards to students who have a primary major in the college. Since 2018, the college awarded about $639,500 in LAS Dean’s High Impact Awards for Undergraduate Research .

One of my favorite moments in research was the first time I accidentally rediscovered an exoplanet…This excitement has never ceased. Every time I look at something new, it’s like opening a treasure chest.

Patrick Stanley, physics

Students who embark on research adventures often journey further than they could have ever imagined. All the way to Costa Rica to study tropical cyclones, to the New York Library to unearth archives of women’s suffrage leaders, and to the highest levels of academic excellence. And, LAS students regularly win the Goldwater Scholarship , the nation’s premier undergraduate scholarship in mathematics, natural sciences and engineering. Check out some of our recent honorees .

Undergraduate Student Research

Undergraduate students at Iowa State University have many opportunities to work alongside faculty on a variety of research projects. Working with a professor on a research project provides students hands-on, practical experience, enhances a student’s academics and provides students a mentor.

Research Opportunities on Campus

Post a research opportunity.

Undergraduate Biology Program

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Undergraduate Research Opportunities

The importance of research in a program of study.

Sciences are often thought of as bodies of knowledge, or a collection of facts and data that tell us about the world.  Learning this body of knowledge is a major focus of science majors and an important component of science education, including Biology.  But all of those facts and figures came from somewhere, and the heart of the sciences is action and practice: doing research!  Engaging in undergraduate research provides students with a fuller perspective of sciences, and also provides valuable experience that is similar to what they can expect to be doing on the job once they graduate.  Students considering graduate or professional schools are strongly encouraged to get involved in a professor’s research lab, as this experience helps build a competitive portfolio for program applications.  Biology-related research experiences done with Iowa State faculty can also count directly towards a student’s degree requirements in Biology.

Getting Involved in Research

As a major research institution, there are plenty of opportunities to engage in undergraduate research at Iowa State for the students who are interested in doing so.  The Biology Program alone has around 60 faculty members between its two departments (EEOB & GDCB), most of whom have research labs; several other departments on campus also offer biologically-focused research opportunities.  

Students can reach out to  Dr. Norah Warchola, Experiential Learning Coordinator  who can assist you with finding a suitable research opportunity. 

You can also reach out to your advisor for assistance in locating a suitable research opportunity.  Research opportunities are sometimes posted on bulletin boards in science buildings such as Bessey Hall, but usually students need to do some networking on their own.  A good place to start is by looking at the faculty pages on the  EEOB  and  GDCB  website and learn more about what various professors are doing in their labs.  Then, use those networking skills to make introductions, express interest, and see if there are lab openings available.  

Credit for Research Experiences

Biology-related research experiences with Iowa State faculty can count directly towards Biology degree requirements.  Students can earn credit for introductory research experiences by signing up for BIOL 299, while more senior students, or those with prior experience can register for BIOL 499.   More information about setting up a BIOL 299/499 .    

Undergraduate Research in Honors

Honors students have the opportunity to gain access to research opportunities as early as freshman year through the First-Year Mentor Program . Undergraduate students play a significant role in Iowa State’s research mission. They work alongside top-notch faculty and staff who are exploring new ideas and finding solutions to real problems. They are part of the team, gaining firsthand experience with equipment and laboratory procedures. Often, they connect with other students who have adventurous minds and become part of a student-led project. As part of their graduation requirements, members of the University Honors Program complete an independent research or creative project  and participate in the Honors poster presentation by their senior year.

Participating in a research activity complements your coursework and adds another dimension to your Iowa State experience. The opportunities are as rich as your imagination and can be found across the university, in laboratories and libraries, in the field or at a computer, and in disciplines that represent the breadth of ISU’s mission.

Getting involved in research offers you a valuable opportunity to gain skills, to learn more about a field of study, and to make a difference in today's world.

For further information, visit the ISU website for Undergraduate Research  here .

First Year Mentor Program 

Honors project, honors poster presentation, campuswide undergraduate research, research in the capitol, national conference on undergraduate research, isu undergraduate research symposium.

• Strategic Research Areas

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

Iowa State University is known across the nation for its stellar research. There are many opportunities for undergraduates to participate in research that is quite literally shaping the future. And this kind of real-world research is limited or completely unavailable at undergraduate-only institutions and community colleges. Professors often recruit the best students from their classes to work in their research labs. These immersive research experiences are engaging and exciting, and many students go on to graduate studies, and employers also take note.

There are multiple ways to participate in research:

• Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is our summer program where you’ll be matched with a research mentor and work side-by-side with them in their research lab. 
• You can work in a research lab for course credit as an independent study.
• You can work in a research lab for pay.
• Mechanical Engineering hosts a summer REU program for Multiscale Sensing Actuation and Imaging Research, called MoSAIc .

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Research Opportunities

Undergraduate research opportunities.

Students at Iowa State have the opportunity to conduct original research under the supervision of our excellent research faculty. Students will collaborate with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to learn the skills and techniques required for modern chemistry research. Conducting research as an undergraduate is an excellent opportunity to prepare for graduate studies or a career in the natural sciences.

Academic Year Research Opportunities

Nearly all of our faculty are happy to supervise undergraduate researchers. Feel free to contact them directly, or you may talk to your academic advisor for advice on which group might match your interests best. For tips in finding a research group and contacting a faculty mentor please see the guide  here . 

Most undergraduate research is carried out on a "for credit" basis. We have course numbers for research for students to receive academic credit:

Chem 299 – This is entry-level research designed to be more observational, or heavily prescribed, by the research instructor.  Chem 299 is also designed as a single semester experience and no final research report is required.

Chem 399 – The foundational research course.  The research instructor expects students to be involved in all levels of research and research group meetings.  Students are encouraged, not required, to dedicate multiple semesters in the research group.  A research report is required after each term - chem_399_sample_report.pdf .

Chem 499 – An option for students who have conducted multiple semesters of research under the Chem 399 course heading.  Chem 499 is designed to be a student driven research experience independent of research group dictates.  The student is expected to be enrolled in Chem 499 a minimum of two semesters and submit a research report after the second term - chem_499_sample_report.pdf .

Chem 599/699 – Graduate level research class designations.  Students must be admitted to the Graduate College as chemistry students.

Research may be carried out during the academic year or during the summer. In a few instances, research may be carried out on a "for pay" basis as an hourly employee or work-study.

Summer Research Opportunities

National Science Foundation – Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF – REU) NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. An REU Site may be at either a US or foreign location. https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/   Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) program encourages undergraduate students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers by providing research experiences at the Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories. Selected students participate as interns appointed at one of 16 participating DOE laboratories. They perform research, under the guidance of laboratory staff scientists or engineers, on projects supporting the DOE mission. https://www.energy.gov/science/wdts/workforce-development-teachers-and-scientists   Nuclear Forensics Undergraduate Summer School (NFUSS)

For a list of faculty, research descriptions, and contact information, click here .

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Undergraduate research.

Students play a significant role in the department's commitment and focus of discovery, research, and creative work.  They work alongside top-notch faculty who are exploring emerging data-rich and informatics-enabled disciplines and contributing to those fundamental advances needed to address challenges in the environment, food, health, energy, and security and increasing the competitiveness of Iowa and the nation. They are part of the team and gain firsthand experience while connecting with other students who have adventurous minds. 

Getting involved in research offers undergraduates a valuable opportunity to gain skills, to learn more about a field of study, and to make a difference in today's world.

Department Research

Past Research Projects

Opportunities on Campus

Presenting Your Research

Undergraduate Research

Work closely with Greenlee faculty in areas such as environmental, science, and political communication, new media technologies, and global news through independent undergraduate research opportunities.

These partnerships develop through university programs, such as the University Honors Program and the ISU McNair Program , as well as through assistantships supervised by faculty to support their research.

If you’re interested in pursuing undergraduate research, contact your Greenlee academic or faculty advisor for more information, or consult the resources below.

University Resources

Undergraduate Research at Iowa State University

University Honors Program

ISU McNair Program

Undergraduate Research Assistantships

Student Experiences

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Undergraduate Research Assistantships

Iowa State University’s Undergraduate Research Assistantship (URA) Program encourages outstanding juniors and seniors to pursue graduate study by offering them hands-on experience in a formal research environment.

The URA Program benefits students and faculty alike by providing them with an opportunity to make career decisions and to work with other talented individuals in a research environment similar to graduate research and fellowships.

The research roles assigned to the students promote the development of technical and manipulative skills, as well as foster originality, imagination, judgment, and patience — all characteristics of an independent scholar.

Requirements for the 2024-2025 URA Program

To qualify for the Undergraduate Research Assistantship Program, students must:

• Be classified as juniors or seniors by the beginning of fall semester
• Maintain an ISU cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25
• File the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA )
• Be eligible for Work-Study funding
• Complete the URA application

First Year Students

• First year students may earn a maximum of $4,300 for the nine-month academic period
• 40% of the wages are paid by the faculty sponsor
• 60% of the wages are paid by the College Work-Study (CWS) program
• The pay rate for first year URA students is a minimum of $12.00 per hour

Renewal Students

• Renewal students continuing work with the same faculty member may earn a maximum of $5,000 for the nine month academic period
• The pay rate for renewal URA students is a minimum of $14.00 per hour
• Soft deadline of March 29, 2024 for Spring interviews. Applications will be accepted after this date, but may have a delay in matching.
• Completed Letter of Intent signed by  all parties
• Must have selected the Work-Study job profile in Workday (employer only)

Undergraduate Research Assistant (URA) Documents

• Information
• Letter of intent
• Student application
• Faculty application
• Renewal application

For 2023-24 information and forms, contact: Julie Arnold Phone: 515-294-0103 Email: [email protected]

Where Do I Start?

Finding the right research opportunity can take time and patience, but the Undergraduate Research Program is here to help. Check out the opportunities listed both for our campus research options and summer experiences . Individual advising is also available, and we recommend you attend UR seminars listed below.

By attending these seminars, you can learn more about preparing to apply for research opportunities, finding a faculty research mentor and how to get the most out of your undergraduate research opportunities. During the Fall 2023 you are invited to attend these Undergraduate Research Seminars: 

• September 6 th , 3 p.m.-4 p.m., MORRILL 2019
• September 7 th , 11 p.m.-12 p.m., CARVER 0001
• September 8 th , 2 p.m.-3 p.m., CARVER 0268
• September 12 th , 1 p.m.-2 p.m., CARVER 0001
• September 14 th , 3 p.m.-4 p.m., TROXEL 1001
• September 15 th , 1 p.m.-2 p.m., CARVER 0268

September 19th, 2 p.m.-3 p.m., CARVER 0001

September 20th, 3 p.m.-4 p.m., MORRILL 2019

September 21st, 1 p.m.-2 p.m., CARVER 0001

September 22nd, 2 p.m.-3 p.m., CARVER 0268 

Office of Undergraduate Research

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Applications for academic year fellowships are now closed. .

Thank you to all applicants!  Applications currently in review  Stay tuned for upcoming award opportunities  

2024 Spring Undergraduate Research Festival (SURF)

20th Annual SURF Wednesday, April 3rd 3:30pm-6:30pm  2nd Floor Old Capitol Town Center (201 S. Clinton St.)

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How do ssris interact with maternal physiology and offspring neurodevelopment, anatomy and physiology instructor position, visiting chemistry instructor position, biology instructor position, our academic year research fellowship deadline fast approaching, upcoming events, 2024 research in the capitol.

Monday, March 25, 2024 11:30am-1:00pm Iowa State House, Des Moines

2024 Spring Undergraduate Research Festival

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024 3:30pm-6:00pm 2nd Floor Old Capitol Mall (201 S. Clinton St.)  

Physics and Astronomy

Voyager 1 (NASA-JPL image)

Kurth Ecstatic About Re-establishment of Voyager Communications

When the loneliest spacecraft in the universe suffers a glitch, it is not just a case of switching it off and on again.

Voyager 1 - which in 2012 became the first human-made object to leave the Solar System - fell silent in November, meaning no science or engineering data was being sent back to Earth.

The probe was relaying crucial data about the ‘stuff between the stars,’ and the sudden loss of contact left Nasa stumped.

The spacecraft is 15 billion miles away speeding along at 32,000mph, meaning any commands sent from mission controllers take 22.5 hours to reach the little probe, and once they arrive, the engineering team must wait the same time again for a response.

To make matters worse, Voyager 1 was built in the 1960s and 1970s, meaning experts had to trawl the archives for decades-old paper documents written by engineers who had never anticipated the problems, or even knew the probe would travel so far.

But this week Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) announced Voyager was operational again after receiving history’s most impressive and long-distance software patch.

Bill Kurth, Research Scientist at the University of Iowa who has been a member of the Voyager science team since 1974, told The Telegraph: “We were all ecstatic to re-establish two-way communications with Voyager 1.

“The Voyager team at JPL has performed a miracle in recovering this magnificent explorer, making ongoing scientific discoveries possible.

“Now, we look forward to seeing the flow of scientific data from Voyager 1 in the coming weeks.

Read the rest of the article here: https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/nasa-engineers-bring-voyager-1-back-to-life-after-interstellar-glitch/ar-AA1nLoI5

Kurth was also interviewed about Voyager on KWWL-TV : https://www.kwwl.com/news/national/iowa-ties-to-voyager-space-mission/article_b22a963c-040b-11ef-9b66-b76e5907be6c.html

NOTICE: The University of Iowa Center for Advancement is an operational name for the State University of Iowa Foundation, an independent, Iowa nonprofit corporation organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, publicly supported charitable entity working to advance the University of Iowa. Please review its full disclosure statement.

Current Students

Tippie Top 21, 2023-2024

Anna is a graduating senior from Urbandale, Iowa majoring in Finance and Economics. During her time at the University of Iowa, she has been a member of several organizations, including the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, the Business Student Ambassador Organization, the Hawkinson Institute of Business Finance, and the Tippie Gender Inclusivity Task Force. She has also held several leadership roles, such as President, Vice President, and Director of External Relations for InvestHer, Treasurer for Chi Omega, and Senior Vice President for Delta Sigma Pi. Her exceptional leadership and initiatives as President of InvestHer earned her the Charlotte M. Sojka FBS Student Leader Award, recognizing her outstanding dedication and performance beyond her expected duties. Outside of her involvement in student organizations, Anna worked as an equity research analyst for the Krause Fund. This experience provided her with valuable technical knowledge that enhanced her performance during internships at Midwest Growth Partners and Barclays, where she had the opportunity to collaborate with the London consumer retail team. After graduation, she will continue her career at Barclays as an investment banking analyst in New York City. 

Colin is a senior from Gilberts, Illinois majoring in Business Analytics & Information Systems and Marketing Analytics with a minor in French. Throughout his time as a student, he has strived to take advantage of everything Tippie and the University has to offer. He has been the Director of Professional Development for Alpha Kappa Psi and a Communication Consultant for the Frank Center, where he has been able to use his skills in French to additionally tutor French-speaking students. Within Tippie, he is doing research with Professor Bigsby on machine learning about selecting plays in football and optimizing play-calling for his favorite NFL team, the Chicago Bears. He has done case competitions through the Tippie Technology and Innovation Association and translated the skills from his experiential learning to his internship as a Cybersecurity Analyst with Bank of America in Denver, Colorado. He is graduating with Honors in the Major and Distinction and following graduation he will be returning to Bank of America in their Chicago office to continue working in cybersecurity. He is thankful to his friends, family, and mentors that helped him succeed during his time as a Tippie student and is extremely honored to receive the Tippie Top 21 award. 

Kim is a third-year student from Urbandale, Iowa pursuing double majors in Marketing and Business Analytics & Information Systems, complemented by a Leadership Studies Certificate and a minor in Media Management. Alongside her coursework, she actively contributes to the university community. Last fall, she served as a Tippie Direct Admit Seminar Peer Mentor, a role she will resume in the upcoming fall semester. She also engages in various extracurricular activities, including serving as a Marketing Institute Scholar and an Undergraduate Research Fellow for Tippie. Beyond academics, she fosters community and diversity within Tippie through her involvement in Tippie Buddies and the Multicultural Student Business Association. She also applies her skills as a Photo Production Student for the Visuals team at the University of Iowa Health Care System's Marketing and Communications department. This summer, she will embark on an internship at Horizon Group alongside their Director of Research, where she will gain hands-on experience in marketing research. She expresses deep gratitude for the transformative experiences she has had at Tippie over the past three years.

Emma is a third-year honors student from Norwalk, Iowa double-majoring in Business Analytics & Information Systems and Psychology. She has fully immersed herself in Tippie opportunities through a variety of leadership experiences. Emma is the current Vice President of Tippie Senate, Vice President of the Multicultural Business Student Association, and a Tippie Direct Admit Seminar Peer Mentor. She has also made it a priority to take her learning outside of the classroom through working as a management research assistant and participating in ENGCOMM 2024, an international case competition at the intersection of business and engineering. One of Emma's most influential experiences at the university thus far was interning abroad in Sydney, Australia during summer 2023. She worked for Bambuddha Group, a training and development start-up, while also experiencing the rich culture of Australia. Emma is thankful for the supportive mentors and friends she has connected with at Tippie and is honored to be a Tippie Top 21 2024 recipient.

Tyler Cooper

Tyler is a senior from Batavia, Illinois studying Finance and Accounting. Throughout his time at Tippie, he has demonstrated outstanding leadership and has become heavily involved in a number of organizations. His involvements included President of Tippie Real Estate Club, a scholar in the Hawkinson Institute, Vice President of HawkTrade Stock and Investment Club, Director of Professional Development for Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, a member of the Business Student Ambassador Organization, and a Manager and Practice Player for the historic Iowa Women's Basketball team. Outside of the University, he has gained invaluable experiences through his internships at Ares Management Corporation in Los Angeles as a Private Equity Intern and Lincoln International in Chicago as an Investment Banking Summer Analyst. He will begin working full-time at Lincoln International following his graduation in May. He is honored to be named a recipient of the Tippie Top 21 Award and is grateful for the opportunities, relationships, and memories Tippie has offered him over the past four years. 

Elijah Dail

Eli is a graduating senior from Oswego, Illinois with a major in Finance and a Certificate in Sustainability. During his time at Tippie, he has demonstrated outstanding leadership and mentorship qualities, holding several positions including president of the Financial Management Association, researcher and presenter for HawkTrade, a mentor for MoneyThink, fundraising chair for Alpha Kappa Psi, and a mentor and scholar in the Hawkinson Institute. Additionally, he co-founded Iowa Interactive Investments, which established the Iowa vs. Iowa State stock pitch competition. Outside of the University, he has gained invaluable experiences through multiple internships with Summit Agricultural Group, an agriculture and energy focused private equity firm based in Iowa. During his internships, he gained experience with financial modeling, creating presentations, investment research, project development, and commodities. After graduation, he is joining Summit full-time and is excited to use his analytical and entrepreneurial skillset to help build companies that reduce emissions, increase food production, and create new markets for agriculture. He is thankful for all the opportunities, friendships, and mentorship that Tippie offered, and is honored to receive the Tippie Top 21 Award.

Maddie Doyle

Maddie is a fourth-year accounting student from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and a born Hawkeye! She currently serves as Chapter President of Beta Alpha Psi, the professional accounting fraternity, and has worked diligently to grow the chapter and increase awareness within Tippie. In her time on the executive board, she helped increase membership to its highest numbers since 2018 and implemented financial assistance for students who wished to join. With a purposeful commitment to scholarship, she has earned prestigious accolades such as the National Scholars Award, Colorado Access Award, and Beta Rho Foundation Scholarship. Her dedication to service extends to initiatives such as assisting low-income taxpayers in the community to file their tax returns through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance clinic, teaching Spanish classes at the Iowa City Senior Center, and other organizations through her social sorority Kappa Alpha Theta. With profound gratitude for the opportunities afforded by the Tippie College of Business, she remains steadfast in her commitment to giving back and making a positive impact in her community and beyond. 

Ethan Fairfield

Ethan is a senior from Eldridge, Iowa studying Finance and Economics with a minor in Philosophy. During his time at Iowa, he has been the Vice President of External Affairs for the Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, Head of Special Situations Research for Iowa Interactive Investments, a Direct Admit Peer Mentor, and a Teaching Assistant. Through these roles, he aimed to be a valuable resource for all Tippie students by helping peers enhance their professional development skills and technical knowledge. He also had the opportunity to represent Tippie in an international case competition in Montr é al, Qu e bec. He was an investments intern at UFG Insurance in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 2022. The following summer he interned for Susquehanna International Group (SIG) as a buy-side research intern in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. Upon graduation, he will be returning to SIG as a buy-side research analyst in Chicago. He would like to thank his professors, mentors, and classmates for their continued support which has helped him better serve the Tippie community. He is honored to be recognized with this award and will continue to be a resource for Tippie students.

Sarthak Hood

Sarthak is a junior from Des Moines, Iowa pursuing a double major in Accounting and Finance with a certificate in International Business. He is heavily involved in Tippie organizations and held many leadership positions throughout the university. He has served as Treasurer for the Tippie Business Honor Society, National Communications Coordinator for Associated Residence Halls, and has just been elected as Gathe Raho Director for the Indian Student Alliance. Outside of his extracurricular activities, he is in the University Honors Program and has expanded his education through many experiential learning opportunities. He is a scholar in the Hawkinson Institute for Business Finance, a Krause Fund Analyst for Applied Equity Valuation, and was previously an undergraduate teaching assistant for Principles of Microeconomics. He also has a passion for corporate finance, which has led to internships with Farm Bureau Financial Services, Old National Bank, and a corporate banking internship with BMO Capital Markets in Chicago this summer. He is truly honored to be recognized as a member of Tippie's Top 21 and is thankful to his family, friends, professors, and mentors who have supported him. 

Drew Jauron

Drew is a graduating senior from Grimes, Iowa. He has a major in Management, with certificates in Leadership Studies, Sustainability, and Writing, and a minor in International Studies. The last two years, Drew was a tutor and later head tutor for the Frank Business Communications Center, where he had the chance to help Tippie students with their written, spoken, and visual communication assignments. Drew has spent the last three years on the Iowa Spirit Squads as a cheerleader, performing and representing Iowa at high-profile sporting events around the country, and will graduate as a member of the Iowa Letterwinners Club. As a sophomore, Drew was part of the President's Leadership Class, and with classmates he later founded the PAWS at Iowa student organization. He was a member of the Tippie Business Honor Society and will graduate with University Honors, Honors in the Major, and with Highest Distinction. As a senior, Drew began engaging in management research as a pre-PhD student, working on an honors thesis and other management department research projects. He was accepted as a PhD student in management at Tippie and will begin doctoral studies in the fall. 

Lisa is a fourth-year honors student from Des Moines, Iowa graduating in May with a BBA in Management. She was born and raised in Vietnam and immigrated with her mother to the U.S. at age 14. In her college years, she served as Peer Mentor for the BizEdge Mentoring Program and Student Assistant in the Dean's Office. She represented Tippie at the 2023 National Women's Case Competition sponsored by Apple, where her team brought home 2nd place. In her final year, she is one of two students involved in the pilot program for the Tippie Undergraduate Research Fellowship, analyzing the experiences of standard and direct admit students of Tippie. Outside the classroom, she explored different career paths by working as a Consulting Intern for PwC, Design Coordinator at UIHC, and Event Intern for CSC. After graduation, she will return to PwC as a Business Processes Consultant in the Chicago office. She credits the staff and faculty members of Tippie as well as her friends, mentors, and mentees, for making every achievement possible.

Emma Mangarelli

Emma is a senior honors students from Fox Point, Wisconsin studying Accounting and Finance with a minor in Spanish and a certificate in International Business. She is a member of the Tippie Business Honors Society and is graduating with High Distinction. Last summer, she interned with Deloitte in their Audit & Assurance practice and will be returning to work there full-time in the fall. Throughout her time at Iowa, she has served in several leadership roles including President of Beta Alpha Psi, Member of the Executive Team for Orientation Services, and Family Representative Co-Chair for Dance Marathon. She also had the opportunity to participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program where she helped prepare and file income tax returns for low-income individuals in the Johnson County community. Additionally, she was selected as a 2023-2024 Faculty Scholar by the Accounting Department. She is graduating with 150 semester hours and will spend her summer preparing for the CPA exams. She is grateful for her family, friends, and professors who have supported her throughout her time at Iowa and is honored to receive a Tippie Top 21 award.

Lucas Manley

Lucas is a junior from Rockford, Illinois majoring in Economics with minors in Psychology and Philosophy. During his time at the University of Iowa, he demonstrated his leadership qualities by serving in three executive board positions, including President of Delta Sigma Pi and as a committee chair for the Undergraduate Student Government. He has supported his peers as a Frank Center Communication Consultant, a Direct Admit Seminar Peer Mentor, and as a member of the Tippie Thrive Mental Health Advisory Board. He has represented Tippie in national case competitions, where he won the 2023 Teneska Business Case Competition and was an observer in the 2024 Eller Ethics Case Competition. He is currently studying abroad in Florence, Italy where he is expanding his global perspective and building international connections. He is especially grateful to the Economics Department for supporting him throughout his academic career and recognizing his efforts beyond the classroom by awarding him the 2023 EconQuest Impact Award. The economics faculty helped prepare him for his previous internship at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. This upcoming summer, he is excited to begin his second internship with the Public Consulting Group in Chicago. He is thrilled to be recognized alongside his peers and is thankful for all that Tippie has given him.

Benton Renaud

Benton is a fourth-year student from Ankeny, Iowa. He is graduating with the highest distinction in May with majors in Finance and Political Science and a minor in International Relations. During his time at Iowa, he has been a part of Tippie Business Honor Society, Undergraduate Student Government, and Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity. Most notably, he has served as Co-Chair of the University Lecture Committee, a University Charter Committee that seeks to bring in the world's greatest speakers to campus. He also works as a Resident Assistant in Burge Residence Hall and as a Panelist for the Office of Admissions. Beyond the classroom, he does research on peace negotiations within civil wars, studied abroad in London, England, and has done internships with Bankers Trust and The Boeing Company. After graduation, he will enter into a Financial Analyst Rotation Program with The Boeing Company in Seattle, Washington. He is thankful for all the opportunities, friendships, and memories Tippie offers, and is honored to receive the Tippie Top 21 Award. 

Madeline Rigdon

Madeline is a fourth-year student from Swisher, Iowa majoring in Marketing with a focus on professional selling, along with a minor in Sociology. Throughout her tenure at the Tippie College of Business, she has been actively involved in the student organizations, Women in Business and Delta Sigma Pi. As previous Vice President of External Relations for Women in Business, she played a key role in organizing the Big10 Women in Business Connections Leadership Conference, raising over $23,000 to facilitate the participation of multiple Big Ten Universities and professionals in the conference, hosted at the University of Iowa. Additionally, she served as Vice President of Fundraising for Delta Sigma Pi. This academic year, she was elected President of Women in Business, the largest student organization in the Tippie College of Business. Under her leadership, the organization hosted its first private career fair, which attracted eight companies and was open to all majors. She also excelled in a PepsiCo sales competition, where her team achieved first place after delivering a sales pitch in under four hours. She is honored to be recognized among Tippie's Top 21, and extends her thanks to her family, friends, professors, and peers for their support during her time at Iowa.

Aubrie Robel

Aubrie is a fourth-year Honors Program student from Des Moines, Iowa graduating in May with a degree in Marketing Management and a Psychology minor. She was born in Des Moines, Iowa and attended Abraham Lincoln High School as well as Central Academy. She is a President’s List student, was a part of the 2021 President’s Leadership class, is a member of the Tippie Business Honor Society, and a 2024 recipient of the Carol Fethke Academic Excellence Scholarship. In her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, she held the Event Director position and is a 2024 recipient of the Hawkeye Excellence Awards’ T. Anne Cleary Scholarship. Within Tippie, she is a Head Tutor for the Frank Business Communication Center, a Business Student Ambassador, and a member of the 3-semester Marketing Institute program. She has completed multiple marketing internships, including one abroad in Milan, Italy that expanded her perspective of the world and how business is conducted cross-culturally. She is grateful for the ways she has been able to grow academically, professionally, and personally during her three years at Tippie and is passionate about continuing to give back to others in the same way she was generously supported by others.

Lauren Sharpe

Lauren is a fourth-year student from North Oaks, Minnesota pursuing dual majors in Business Marketing and Psychology at Iowa. She has been very involved in Tippie's organizations throughout her time at Iowa. She currently holds the position of Vice President of the American Advertising Federation, where she has gained valuable advertising experience working on campaigns for Clinique, DeNovo, and Hills Bank. Additionally, she serves as the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability for the American Marketing Association, a role she has fulfilled for the past two years. Furthermore, her academic achievements have earned her membership in the Tippie Business Honors Society and Gamma Sigma Beta, which recognize the top 10% of Tippie students. During her junior year, she spent a semester studying abroad in London, where she took international business courses and collaborated on a sustainability project with local thrift stores aimed at repurposing fast fashion materials. She is deeply grateful to her family, friends, and the Tippie community for their unwavering support during her four years at Iowa, which played a significant role in shaping her into the driven, resilient self-starter she is today. Honored to receive such a prestigious award, she's determined to let her curiosity and drive continue to propel her forward.

Ainsley Shird

Ainsley is a senior from Dubuque, IA, studying Business Analytics & Information Systems and Sport and Recreation Management. She was one of five students selected from a highly competitive pool of BAIS majors to establish a new Student Ambassador program within the Tippie College of Business. The program's mission is to showcase the BAIS major and recruit new students, specifically targeting women and minorities underrepresented in the field. Additionally, she founded the Green Bandana Project at the University of Iowa to promote mental health awareness on campus. She has consistently advocated for mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health within the university community. She collaborates with various university departments and local community members in these efforts. She also participated in the International Business in London Data Analytics course, analyzing the acquisition of Wrexham AFC by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney with a focus on risk management. She additionally attended the CIMBA Italy Summer Study Abroad Program, enhancing her intercultural communication skills and fostering meaningful connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Overall, her contributions and achievements emphasize her role as a leader and active participant in initiatives that make a difference on campus.

Mina is a third-year honors student from Cedar Rapids, Iowa majoring in Business Analytics & Information Systems and Marketing with a minor in Art. During her time at Tippie, she has had the pleasure of contributing to multiple student organizations. Currently, she serves as the President of Tippie Senate, Tippie's undergraduate student government, where she also held the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion position for two years. She is also involved with the Tippie Judicial Board and the Tippie Business Honor Society, and has had leadership roles in the Business Analytics & Information Systems Student Ambassadors and Delta Sigma Pi. Outside of the classroom, she pursued unique learning opportunities through studying abroad in Sydney, Australia and working as a Data Management and Analysis Intern at the UI Department of Academic Support & Retention. She is honored by this recognition and would like to thank her peers, roommates, advisors, family, and her mom, whose strength and unwavering conviction in her success inspires her every day. 

Kathy Truong

Kathy is a first-generation honors student from Davenport, Iowa pursuing degrees in Accounting and Business Analytics & Information Systems. Throughout her time at Iowa, she has involved herself in several of the numerous leadership opportunities available on campus. This year, she is the President of The Women's Network, a newly founded organization that started last spring. Additionally, she holds responsibilities as Treasurer for Beta Alpha Psi, serves as the Public Relations Director for Tippie Students for Service, and is a community service member for the Tippie Business Honor Society. Outside of student organizations, she participated in the VITA program and works as an accounting associate for the student organization business office (SOBO) for Iowa. This summer, she is excited to spend her time in Des Moines working as a tax intern for Ernst & Young. She is honored to be recognized for the Tippie Top 21 award and is incredibly thankful for the close friendships, mentorships, and guidance she has received along the way. 

Sraavika Vaddadi

Sraavika is a junior double majoring in Finance and Business Analytics & Information Systems. Throughout her time at the college, she has strived to make a meaningful impact on the Tippie community through her active participation and leadership roles. Her most significant contribution has been through serving as President for the InvestHer finance club, empowering female finance students on their collegiate and professional journeys. She is proud to share that during her presidency, InvestHer was awarded Outstanding Student Organization of the Year at the Hawkeye Excellence Awards. In addition, she has been a mentor for the BizEdge Mentorship Program, a student assistant at the Tippie Undergraduate Program Office, and an active member of Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, Quantitative Finance Club, and Tippie Buddies. She was also a tax preparer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and served as a TA for the introductory Financial Management course. Following her passion for the energy industry, she will be returning to Denver this summer as an intern for BP on their Midstream and Marketing Team.