@ISUResearch

Official Twitter account for #RedbirdScholar magazine and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs @IllinoisStateU.

 Normal, IL
IllinoisState.edu/RedbirdScholar
Joined April 2014
  • Tweets19.2K
  • Following805
  • Followers1.8K
1.2KMedia
Add University Galleries to your Halloween itinerary! Morgan Price (associate professor, printmaking) will lead a fabric doll-making workshop on October 31, from 1-3:30 pm. Free and open to the public (all ages). Register forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/….
A sculpture on a pedestal comprises a fabric doll and a small wooden truck.

ALT A sculpture on a pedestal comprises a fabric doll and a small wooden truck.

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Learn how @UGalleriesISU is connecting @IllinoisStateU students with artists and the professional art world through its new Creative Practice Lab: about.illinoisstate.edu/news… Photo credit, second image: Kendra Paitz @ISUfinearts @artschoolisu
Artist and educator Selina Trepp, back left, answers questions from students at the September 23, 2026, Creative Practice Lab at University Galleries.

ALT Artist and educator Selina Trepp, back left, answers questions from students at the September 23, 2026, Creative Practice Lab at University Galleries.

Artist and educator Jason Lazarus speaks with students while signing complimentary copies of his monograph that was published by University Galleries at his Creative Practice Lab session in September 2026. (Photo/Kendra Paitz)

ALT Artist and educator Jason Lazarus speaks with students while signing complimentary copies of his monograph that was published by University Galleries at his Creative Practice Lab session in September 2026. (Photo/Kendra Paitz)

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.@ISUGradSchool student Maria Sanso Font is studying how dialect prejudice can push people to change the way they speak and, in some cases, hide parts of their identity. Her research examines Southern students navigating Northern universities and the pressure to conform to dominant speech patterns. Dr. Montserrat Mir, professor of Spanish and applied linguistics, said the researcher’s work stands out for how it applies to everyday life. “Maria’s research humanizes scientific inquiry. She captures lived experiences in rich detail, moving beyond the limits of quantitative approaches.” Read the latest issue of #RedbirdScholar to learn about the hidden cost of sounding different: news.illinoisstate.edu/2026/…
Maria Sanso Font portrait

ALT Maria Sanso Font portrait

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The @artschoolisu M.F.A. cohort will host an open house at their studios in Eastland Mall during Saturday of #RedbirdHomecoming. Details: news.illinoisstate.edu/2026/…

Meet the M.F.A. cohort: Studio open house and first-year student introductions

On Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 4 to 8 p.m., the Wonsook Kim School of Art and Design's Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art cohort will host an open house at their studios in Eastland Mall. This...

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Illinois State engineering student Isaiah Kerr is researching how small changes in design can make mechanical components stronger and safer. As the College of Engineering's first FIREbird grant recipient, Kerr worked with Dr. Hafizur Rahman to test different notch designs using 3D-printed components and computer simulations. “I planned to do research at some point in my college career,” said Kerr, a mechanical engineering major from Normal. “I didn’t think I would get the opportunity until I was in my third or fourth year. So when Dr. Rahman offered me this opportunity, I accepted, because I was like, ‘Oh, I like this. This is manufacturing. It’s what I want to do.’” Computational analysis showed that replacing sharp-edged notches with rounded geometries, or implementing a patterned notch configuration instead of a single notch, reduced maximum von Mises stress by approximately 40%. Experimental analyses further showed a nearly 25% enhancement in load-bearing capability. “These findings suggest that careful geometric design, particularly the use of curvature at stress risers, can substantially enhance structural performance and delay failure under applied loads,” Kerr’s research abstract states. Read the latest issue of #RedbirdScholar to learn how Kerr is gaining hands-on research experience as Illinois State’s engineering program takes shape: go.illinoisstate.edu/4ywDnqL
Dr. Hafizur Rahman has been mentoring Isaiah Kerr on the College of Engineering's first FIREbird-supported project.

ALT Dr. Hafizur Rahman has been mentoring Isaiah Kerr on the College of Engineering's first FIREbird-supported project.

The researchers used a tabletop tensile testing device to measure the stress concentration of different geometrically shaped notches.

ALT The researchers used a tabletop tensile testing device to measure the stress concentration of different geometrically shaped notches.

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What happens when cultural heritage meets contemporary fashion design? Franklin Akuoko-Frimpong, an @ISUGradSchool fashion design and merchandising student in @ISUFCS @ISUSciTech, is showing us. He has had his work, Adinkra Reimagined: Cultural Memory in Transition, accepted by the International Textile and Apparel Association. His design challenges how culturally significant symbols are used in fashion—moving beyond surface embellishment to let symbolic meaning shape the garment's actual architecture. Read more: news.illinoisstate.edu/2026/…
A person with a stylish high-top hairstyle is wearing a black jacket with cut-out details and gold buttons, standing against a plain background.

ALT A person with a stylish high-top hairstyle is wearing a black jacket with cut-out details and gold buttons, standing against a plain background.

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What can a hit TV comedy and the history of racial terror teach us about the inequities that continue to shape African American communities? Drs. Sara Jones and Oguzhan Dincer will explore this question as part of the @ISUAAS Fall Lecture Series 10/30: about.illinoisstate.edu/news…

Drs. Sara Jones and Oguzhan Dincer to give 2026 African American Studies fall lecture

Dr. Sara Jones and Dr. Oguzhan Dincer will examine educational inequities and the lasting effects of racial terror during the 2026 African American Studies Fall Lecture Series on Friday, October 30,...

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"Now"... The Faculty Biennial opens today! The exhibition will be open at 9:30 and the opening reception will be from 4-5:30. Free and open to the public. More info at galleries.illinoisstate.edu/…
An detail of an artwork installed in a gallery is shown. Three small squares sit on a wooden shelf. The left and right square are lightly colored felt with stitches and knots embroidered onto them to form round shapes. In the middle, the word "Now" and a comma are typed in dark ink onto a light square of paper.

ALT An detail of an artwork installed in a gallery is shown. Three small squares sit on a wooden shelf. The left and right square are lightly colored felt with stitches and knots embroidered onto them to form round shapes. In the middle, the word "Now" and a comma are typed in dark ink onto a light square of paper.

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Research at ISU retweeted
Andrew Hartman
@HartmanAndrewOct 12
Illinois history teacher friends. Check out our symposium!
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Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts will celebrate five college alumni award recipients and induct Barry Blinderman into the college’s Hall of Fame with an Ovation Award on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at University Galleries, Uptown Normal. news.illinoisstate.edu/2026/…

Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts to honor five alumni award recipients and Ovation Award inductee...

Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts will celebrate five college alumni award recipients and induct Barry Blinderman into the college's hall of fame with an Ovation Award on Friday, October 23.

news.illinoisstate.edu
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What if the future of ceramics isn’t just in the studio, but in the lab? @IllinoisStateU researchers and students are combining art, engineering, and emerging technology to reimagine what ceramics can do. Through the C-Innovate project, an interdisciplinary team is developing lithium-free flameware and new silicon carbide glazes while providing students with hands-on experience at the intersection of creativity, science, and innovation. Read the latest issue of #RedbirdScholar to see how Illinois State is reshaping ceramics and creating new possibilities along the way. ▶️ go.illinoisstate.edu/3UJ01xt @ISUfinearts @BusinessISU @educationISU
An individual concentrates on a detailed task, juxtaposed with a row of arranged red and blue pegs. Bold text over the image reads "Art Meets Engineering."

ALT An individual concentrates on a detailed task, juxtaposed with a row of arranged red and blue pegs. Bold text over the image reads "Art Meets Engineering."

A person with glasses observes another person demonstrating pottery techniques on a wheel in a studio. Various pottery tools and clay are visible in the background.

ALT A person with glasses observes another person demonstrating pottery techniques on a wheel in a studio. Various pottery tools and clay are visible in the background.

A group of people engaged in pottery activities in a classroom setting. Two individuals are standing, observing others who are shaping clay on pottery wheels. Various tools and clay pieces are scattered around the workspace, with shelves and doors visible in the background.

ALT A group of people engaged in pottery activities in a classroom setting. Two individuals are standing, observing others who are shaping clay on pottery wheels. Various tools and clay pieces are scattered around the workspace, with shelves and doors visible in the background.

Two people in a laboratory setting, illuminated by red and blue lighting, examine small cylindrical objects on a table. They appear to be discussing the items. Shelves in the background hold various containers and boxes.

ALT Two people in a laboratory setting, illuminated by red and blue lighting, examine small cylindrical objects on a table. They appear to be discussing the items. Shelves in the background hold various containers and boxes.

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.@IllinoisStateU's College of Arts and Sciences will host the Dean’s Research Challenge Symposium on Monday, October 12, showcasing scholarly projects conducted by recipients of the Dean’s Research Challenge Grant program. More info: news.illinoisstate.edu/2026/…

CAS Dean’s Research Challenge Symposium returns October 12

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) will host the Dean’s Research Challenge Symposium on Monday, October 12.

news.illinoisstate.edu
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Research at ISU retweeted
sandile ngidi
@mahlephulaOct 6
South Africa's national poet laureate, Mongane Wally Serote is off to the US for a brief tour of several US universities. Safe travels seaparankwe. American novelist, poet and essayist, Jeff Renard Allen worked hard towards this beautiful moment. Jeff cares deeply about Mzansi, his second home. Salutes! @IllinoisStateU #BlackHistoryMonth @SAEmbassyUS @SABCNews @Sowetan1981
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Research at ISU retweeted
Applied Sci & Tech@ISUSciTechOct 6
Department of Agriculture professor Dr. Robert L. Rhykerd has been named one of the 2026 Researchers to Know by the Illinois Science and Technology Coalitio. #IllinoisStateUniversity #ISUSciTech #CAST #AgricultureDepartment news.illinoisstate.edu/2026/…

2026 Researchers to Know: ISU professors recognized for innovative research

The Illinois Science and Technology Coalition has named two Illinois State University professors as Researchers to Know: Dr. Robert L. Rhykerd and Dr. Ben Sadd.

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Research at ISU retweeted
Applied Sci & Tech@ISUSciTechOct 5
Dr. Oliver will present “Seeking Sounds from the Margins: The Development of an Activist Approach to Teaching” on October 14 at the Bone Student Center. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the lecture at 6 p.m. about.illinoisstate.edu/news… #IllinoisStateUniversity #CAST

Physical education activist to deliver McGinnis Scholar Lecture, October 14

Dr. Kimberly Oliver will deliver the Esther Larson McGinnis Scholar Lecture on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

news.illinoisstate.edu
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What if technology could make a class of 300 feel more like a class of 20? Through @IllinoisStateU's Adaptive Edge Institute Faculty Fellowship, #RedbirdScholars Dr. Aaron Pitluck and Dr. Sandeep Jagani are exploring how #AI can personalize student support, track learning progress, and streamline time-consuming faculty work. From identifying students who may need extra support to analyzing course data and learning outcomes, their projects show how AI can be used to strengthen—not replace—the human connection at the heart of education. Read the latest issue of #RedbirdScholar to learn how Illinois State faculty are turning data into dialogue and using emerging technology to help students succeed. ▶️ go.illinoisstate.edu/4hcumgC
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Check out @ISUResearch & Honors featuring the latest #RedbirdScholar publications and presentations: news.illinoisstate.edu/2026/…

Research and Honors, October 2026

Research and Honors is a monthly column of "The Redbird Report," celebrating recent Honors, Publications, and Presentations of Illinois State University faculty and staff.

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Friday at 7pm! Closing performance and reception for Selina Trepp: Unprofessional Practices! Free and open to the public.
A flyer features a still image from a stop-motion animation. The major text on the flyer says: "Performance and reception with Selina Trepp, Yea Big, Michael Carlson, Grant Souder" on October 2 at 7:00pm at University Galleries of Illinois State University."

ALT A flyer features a still image from a stop-motion animation. The major text on the flyer says: "Performance and reception with Selina Trepp, Yea Big, Michael Carlson, Grant Souder" on October 2 at 7:00pm at University Galleries of Illinois State University."

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