A cornerstone of the land-grant mission of Iowa State University is a focus on research. And in the College of Human Sciences, our research has a direct impact on the way our communities live and learn. Consider some of the current projects:

• Marian Kohut, an associate professor in Kinesiology, and a team of ISU researchers are making groundbreaking discoveries on critical health issues related to exercise and symptoms of the influenza virus.

• Steve Garasky and Kim Greder, faculty members in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, along with field specialists, are identifying communities with high food insecurity – and how to do something about it.

• Corey Drake, an associate professor in curriculum and instruction, is leading a research collaboration of six participating schools in the TEACH MATH project, which was awarded a five-year, $3.5 million grant by the National Science Foundation. The project is designed to improve preK-8 mathematics teaching and student learning in the nation’s increasingly diverse public schools.

These are just a few examples of the many outstanding research efforts being conducted in the College of Human Sciences. Whether it’s a focus on STEM education or nutrient bioavailability, our research is at work around the world, improving the lives of others.

Research News

Website helps prevent “brain drain” in rural Iowa While many college graduates flock to bustling cities, Rachel Griffith felt pulled toward charming, close-knit towns in southwest Iowa. More »

Improving overall employee wellness could yield multiple benefits Controlling health care costs is crucial for Iowa manufacturers to remain competitive. But a big question for many companies is whether investing in an employee wellness program will cut costs and improve productivity. To help answer that question, a team of Iowa State University researchers is conducting a pilot program with three Iowa manufacturers. More »

Human health and performance conference to be held at Iowa State An international conference to be held at Iowa State University will focus on protein-centric scientific developments that will enhance human health and performance. More »

Improving mental health starts with early childhood relationships Making sure children grow up in a safe and stable environment is the goal of Iowa State University researchers working on a statewide evaluation through the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting programs. Researchers want to improve effectiveness as well as access for families to prevention and intervention programs. More »

Iowa State an invaluable resource for growing Iowa wine industry From the evaluation of cold-hardy grapes to providing quality assurance and chemical analyses, Iowa State University researchers are lending their expertise to put the state’s growing wine industry on the map. More »

Iowa State to showcase research on technology at national meeting Iowa State University will showcase innovative research about technology in the classroom and will offer international perspectives at the American Educational Research Association's annual meeting, April 27-May 1 in San Francisco. More »

Iowa State helps businesses improve health, wellness of employees Iowa State University’s College of Human Sciences is working on multiple fronts to improve the health and wellness of workers throughout the state, which in turn increases productivity and improves companies’ bottom line. More »

Faculty research to enrich Financial Counseling Clinic A new Iowa State University study shows that individual financial counseling helps college students finish their degrees. With that benefit in mind, Iowa State’s Financial Counseling Clinic is using a new research-based approach to enhance its services. More »

Nutrition and Wellness Research Center to undergo changes The Nutrition and Wellness Research Center (NWRC) will undergo changes effective May 16, 2013 to increase efficiencies in its operation. More »

Three CHS students among those presenting research at the Iowa Capitol AMES, Iowa -- From an analysis of college student debt in Iowa to an analysis of food storage and cheese making on the moon, there will be lots to talk about when 25 Iowa State University undergraduates present their research to legislators and others during the annual "Research in the Capitol." More »