Research is an integral part of the university educational experience, offering students the chance to pursue cutting-edge questions and pursue their independent interests as they learn about politics and gain skills and experience useful for many career tracks. The LAS undergraduate research page has more information and additional resources on how to get involved. The principal research awards for undergraduates include:
Undergraduate research assistantships
Opportunities are available for students to collaborate with faculty to explore how politics and policy work. The main program operates through the university’s financial aid office, but other projects will be announced as they arise.
LAS undergraduate research awards
The college of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers funds to pay students to work alongside a faculty mentor on a research project, up to 10 hours a week during the academic year and 40 hours a week during the summer. Find out more about the program.
Manatt-Phelps Lecture in Political Science
The annual Manatt-Phelps Lecture in Political Science was established by Charles T. and Kathleen Manatt together with Thomas and Elizabeth Phelps in 2002. This prestigious lecture, usually held in the fall, brings to campus a prominent practitioner or scholar to address the ISU community on issues of significance to the United States and to Iowa in international political economy.
Conference travel funds
Travel funds are available to help defray the expenses of attending professional conferences to present research via the Department of Student Affairs’ Undergraduate Conference Travel Fund and through the Danny O’Neil High Impact Student Experience Fund for students in political science.