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  • A blue- and gold-colored alloy that is oval shaped.
    Scientists to use superpowers of AI and innovative synthesis to develop new, stronger magnets

    A team led by Kirill Kovnir, professor of chemistry, will use artificial intelligence tools and innovative synthesis methods to develop new, super-strong magnets. The U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy is supporting the work with a $2.7 million grant.

    July 13, 2026

  • An Iowa State information technology employee tests equipment in a new broadcast studio in Hamilton Hall.
    New broadcast studio part of summer tech updates

    A new broadcast studio in the basement of Hamilton Hall for the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication will equip students with the skills needed for media careers.

    July 9, 2026

  • Two people playing chess at a round table.
    National honors recognize culture of support for military-affiliated students

    Iowa State was named the No. 2 Military Friendly School and No. 8 Military Spouse Friendly School among Tier 1 research institutions by Military Friendly® Schools and will be recognized as a Top Yellow Ribbon School in the September issue of U.S. Veterans Magazine.

    July 9, 2026

  • Aerial view of Iowa State University's central campus during fall, with colorful autumn trees, the iconic Campanile clock tower, and campus buildings in the background. A red banner at the bottom reads 'LAS NEWS' in bold white letters.
    Three new leaders will take the helm in LAS departments

    Benjamin C. Withers, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS), has announced three new leadership roles in LAS departments effective July 1. Department of History David B. Hollander (Christopher Gannon/Iowa State University) David Hollander, professor of history and director of the classical studies program, was selected as…

    June 30, 2026

  • From curiosity to connection 

    Carter Wolbers (‘26 history) discovered a passion for museum work through volunteering with the Ames History Museum, proving that one small opportunity can lead to unexpected career possibilities.

    June 30, 2026

  • A cotton ball closed and then opened.
    Cotton’s roots trace to Yucatan Peninsula, where wild gene pool runs deepest

    A research team led by Distinguished Professor Jonathan Wendel, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, confirmed cotton was domesticated from a diverse population native to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, a potentially fruitful target for finding genetic traits that could strengthen the world’s most important fiber crop.

    June 18, 2026

  • A professor stands in front of a screen while talking with a group of students seated at tables.
    Writing with AI demands more thought from students, not less

    In a new study, Abram Anders, associate professor of English and the Jonathan Wickert Professor of Innovation, and co-author Emily Dux Speltz suggest the biggest hurdle in teaching students to write with AI isn’t the technology — it’s the students’ assumptions about what writing is.

    June 15, 2026

  • Professor Elizabeth Swanner, Department of the Earth, Atmosphere, and Climate
    Hydrogen from deep under Iowa? State universities can help build a hydrogen economy

    As companies search for geologic hydrogen deep below Iowa's farms, towns and cities, university scientists, including Professor Elizabeth Swanner, Department of the Earth, Atmosphere, and Climate, are starting to discuss how they could help the state develop a hydrogen economy.

    June 10, 2026