The office of the senior vice president and provost has announced $2.4 million in funding across two years for 24 transformative initiatives to support new academic programs, student success and career readiness, and build additional capacity in artificial intelligence (AI). Senior vice president and provost Jason Keith announced the one-time funding initiative in December, and proposals were due in early February.
"We were very impressed with both the quality and innovation of the proposals, as well as their connection to Iowa State's strategic plan," Keith said. "At their core, the projects create new opportunities for students, faculty, staff and Iowans; support future enrollment growth; and help navigate changing environments for research funding and community engagement, all while supporting the university's land-grant mission."
Proposals were reviewed and ranked by unit leaders (deans, directors, vice presidents) and forwarded to the provost's office for final consideration. A list with additional project details on the 24 proposals is on the provost's office website.
Among the 24 funded proposals are:
- "Developing a Master's Program in Biotechnology and Genome Engineering: Dior Kelley, genetics, development and cell biology (GDCB) associate professor; and GDCB Professor Jeff Essner
- "Plant-powered health: Harnessing plant biology for human wellness" — Amy Burgin, ecology, evolution, and organismal biology (EEOB) chair; Mark Hargrove, biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology (BBMB) chair; and GDCB Chair Yanhai Yin.
Learn more about the initiatives in the complete Inside Iowa State article, "Provost's office funds 24 transformative initiatives."