Our Progress

Researchers from Iowa State and the University of California, Santa Barbara, will work together to fundamentally change the capabilities of light-based 3D printing. They’ll study single resins that can create different properties — such as stiffness — when exposed to different light wavelengths. The project is one of 37 funded by the National Science Foundation as part of a $72.5 million investment to “create novel materials to address grand societal challenges and develop the scientific and engineering workforce of tomorrow.”

Salmonella bacteria cause an estimated 1.35 million infections and 420 deaths in the U.S. every year. Biochemistry major Braden Lewis has been researching a solution to lower those numbers since his first year at Iowa State. One approach, cold plasma, preserves food quality and doesn’t fuel microbial resistance, but takes time. He’s figured out how to cut the process nearly in half.

Animal nutritionist Garland Dahlke writes software used every day in every state by farmers and ranchers looking to raise healthy production animals and improve their bottom line. It’s a unique skill set.

No one would have blamed Maia Farber had she taken a leave of absence from her veterinary coursework after she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2021, but she was determined to pursue her dream of becoming a small-animal surgeon. Now that dream has come true. The demands of vet school proved challenging, but Farber said she made it through the first few semesters with help from faculty, clinicians and fellow students. Faculty worked with her on scheduling classwork and exams, and her classmates helped her study and kept her spirits up with care packages.

A weekend job for environmental engineering grad student Daria Dilparic turned into a spot on the team that tests the safety of Ames drinking water — the provider of water to campus.

More than 3 million Americans suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases such as Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis. While there are treatments available, they tend to be short-term, with patients developing resistance to the drugs. To improve treatments, Iowa State researchers are designing self-assembling nanoparticles that carry drugs and naturally target inflamed colons. The nanoparticles could deliver relief to those who suffer from the diseases.

Last summer, to jump-start the new nine-year strategic plan, priority projects received investments totaling $10.5 million to make an almost immediate impact. Seven months in, project leaders reported to the campus community on their progress, including outcomes and timelines.

Iowa State researchers have discovered a method for modifying an enzyme crucial to fat production. It’s a step with potential to lead to more effective treatments for childhood obesity and cancer. Researchers say they’ve identified a metabolic switch — similar to a car’s accelerator — to control the enzyme, which could lead to highly precise, highly targeted treatments. While the discovery holds promising potential, further research and testing is needed.

When inspiration struck, Hory Chikez wasted no time getting to work on designing a mobile assembly lab to give his students hands-on industry experience. The innovative lab features two different setups – a more traditional moving assembly line and an assembly formation to exemplify LEAN manufacturing concepts. Students helped design and build the lab as part of a project management case study during the fall 2022 semester. Now students are using the lab’s different setups to assemble model vehicle units and apply concepts their learning in the classroom. Chikez says the lab will open new idea pathways for students.

Iowa State is testing a digital accessibility tool, Ally, in 30 courses, including large lecture, studio, science and lab courses. When instructors upload their course content into the university’s learning management system, Ally scans it to determine which alternative file formats will work — and then creates them to customize each student’s learning. Examples include an audio file, searchable PDF, mobile device-friendlier text with style code stripped out or electronic braille. Ally is simple for instructors to use, and its availability has put accessibility at the forefront when they prepare new course content.