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This is an archived copy of the 2014-2015 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

Research and Extension

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Research

Research is an important activity at Iowa State University. Students play significant roles in Iowa State’s research mission. Graduate students and some undergraduates work alongside top-notch faculty and staff who are exploring new ideas and finding solutions to real problems.

Getting involved in a research activity complements your coursework and adds another dimension to your Iowa State experience. There are many opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to get involved in research at Iowa State University. The Undergraduate Research website offers a list of the latest research and presentation opportunities for undergrads. Research opportunities for prospective and current graduate students may be found within each college, at the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory , and within the many centers and institutes at Iowa State.

Support for research at Iowa State University comes from state and federal appropriations as well as from contracts and grants involving the federal government and nonfederal organizations. As part of its total program, the university also operates extension services, special laboratories, and centers and institutes.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach helps carry Iowa State University’s land-grant mission beyond the borders of campus.

Extension and Outreach’s core purpose is to provide research-based educational programs by monitoring the needs of Iowans and developing educational programs and resources to address those needs, including emerging needs such as emergency response.

Our core programs are organized around four signature issues:

  • Economic Development ― Economic development programming focuses on actions to help the Iowa economy prosper and grow – enhancing the health of communities, growing businesses, and increasing the wealth and the quality of life for all Iowans.
  • Health and Well-being ― Health and well-being programming focuses on activities and projects to help Iowans live healthier lives through improved healthy behavior, physical health, and enhanced family, work, and community environments.
  • K-12 Youth Outreach ― K-12 outreach programming connects Iowa children and youth with Iowa State University’s knowledge and research base to help them reach their full potential. Education and positive youth development experiences are offered on campus, within counties, and out of state. K-12 outreach includes 4-H Youth Development programs, outreach partnerships through the Iowa State colleges, and science, technology, engineering, and math initiatives.
  • Food and the Environment ― Global food security programming focuses on local actions to produce a safe, sustainable, accessible, and affordable food supply for Iowa, the nation, and the world.

Our educators, specialists, and volunteers live and work in all 99 counties, giving Iowa State University a presence in every county and personal connection to Iowans.