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��͹��Ƶ is one of several colleges and universities offering undergraduate research opportunities this summer as part of . Undergraduate students who are enrolled at primarily undergraduate institutions and are U.S. citizens are encouraged to apply.

Iowa EPSCoR Chemurgy 2.0 is a state-wide program on networked research experiences for undergraduates. ��͹��Ƶis one of several Iowa institutions where researchers collaborate to build the knowledge, infrastructure, and capacity for the state to be a leader in advanced biomanufacturing. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is providing support in the form of a five-year, $20 million grant from the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) to researchers across the state of Iowa who will work to adapt and modernize the concept of “chemurgy,” a term coined by agricultural scientist and inventor George Washington Carver to describe applied chemistry that produces industrial materials from crops. The project is known as Chemurgy 2.0.

“��͹��Ƶ’s history of developing high quality, mentored summer experiences for undergraduate research students provides a strong connection between the EPSCoR research projects and primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) in Iowa,” says Dr. Manuela A.A. Ayee-Leong, associate professor of chemical engineering, who is conducting research as part of this endeavor.

The projects listed below provide opportunities for students at PUIs to actively participate in the integration of bioscience research with advanced manufacturing through mentored faculty research, working together to make the state of Iowa a leader in the field of advanced biomanufacturing.

Participating in an Iowa EPSCoR Undergraduate Research Experiences

An undergraduate student who is enrolled at a PUI and is a U.S. citizen is eligible to participate. Undergraduate students who participate in these summer research experiences find wonderful opportunities to engage in hands-on research where a project connects directly to a larger state-wide effort. Students also develop skills that are helpful for further study or future employment.

To apply for a Summer 2025 EPSCoR Undergraduate Research Experience, please visit . Be sure to complete one application for each project you wish to apply for.

Application deadline is 11:59 p.m., CST on February 15, 2025.

For questions related to the application, please contact Kielstra Center Program Coordinator Emily Mettler. For questions related to a particular project, please contact the faculty mentor(s).

EPSCoR Undergraduate Research Experiences

Molecular Simulations of Protein Interactions

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Manuela Ayee-Leong, Engineering, ��͹��Ƶ

As part of a multi-institutional project aimed at positioning Iowa as a leader in advanced biomanufacturing, student researchers will assist Engineering faculty with modeling proteins for diagnostics and therapeutics. Other tasks to support the Engineering department and faculty will be assigned as needed, including small projects and administrative tasks. A variety of computational techniques such as molecular dynamics simulations, protein docking, and statistical data analysis will be used.

Stipend: $6,000 (10 weeks, 40 hours / week). Housing allowance included.

Location: ��͹��Ƶ, Sioux Center, Iowa.

Using Hidden Markov Models and Nonlinear Fitting to Analyze Polymerization Kinetics in Nucleoprotein Macromolecules

Faculty Mentor: University of Northern Iowa

The project will develop and compare two computational codes utilizing hidden Markov models and nonlinear fitting techniques to analyze the polymerization process of macromolecules. By applying these models to mass spectrometry data, we aim to determine the distribution of various oligomers. The project will run over a 10-week period.

Stipend: $6,000, 10 weeks (40 hrs/week). Housing allowance included.

Location: University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Synthesis of Isatins through the DMSO-Mediated Oxidation of Indigo

Faculty Mentor: Central College

This project will utilize synthetic organic chemistry and chemical analysis techniques in a laboratory setting. The broad goal of our research group is the low-cost synthesis of indirubins for potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry as they have been shown to act as kinase inhibitors. In addition, electron poor systems show some potential to bind oxyanions such as phosphate giving potential to indirectly detect organophosphate containing groups in support of public health. We recently published a paper for the direct synthesis of homodimeric indirubins from indole and are completing the next stage of trapping the formed indoxyl intermediate with isatins to form heterodimeric systems. One current limitation is the differential availability of isatins, which are either low cost, or expensive and unattainable for certain substitution patterns. Our proposal is to develop a mild and low-cost synthesis of isatins for utilization in our indirubin synthesis project and beyond for others utilizing this valuable synthetic precursor.

Stipend: $6,000, 10 weeks (40 hrs/week). Housing allowance included.

Location: Central College, Pella, Iowa

Dates: June 2 – August 8, 2025

The Synthesis of Superabsorbent Polymers from Renewable Sources

Faculty Mentor: Central College

This project will utilize synthetic organic chemistry and chemical analysis techniques in a laboratory setting. Broadly, the Wackerly lab is interested in utilizing carbon dioxide from the air and transforming it into a useful purpose. This project will involve using molecules derived from corn and converting them into novel polymeric products utilizing organic synthesis techniques. Utilizing the new polymer analysis instrumentation available at Central College, these polymers will be evaluated for their viability for use as superabsorbent polymers.

Stipend: $6,000, 10 weeks (40 hrs/week). Housing allowance included.

Location: Central College, Pella, Iowa

About ��͹��Ƶ

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, ��͹��Ƶ equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, ��͹��Ƶis a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.