Iowa State University – College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

University researchers are beginning to explore how they could support the development of a hydrogen economy in the state, as companies look for geologic hydrogen deep beneath Iowa’s farms, towns and cities. ⚛️

“Iowa’s deep rocks have been under exploration for geological hydrogen with momentum building rapidly. This momentum reflects both global growth in the hydrogen industry and increasing recognition of the role geological hydrogen will play in the hydrogen economy, as well as unique opportunities in Iowa,” said Elizabeth Swanner, a professor in the Department of Earth, Atmosphere, and Climate, in a 13-page document on the topic.

Continue reading here: https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/hydrogen-deep-under-iowa-state-universities-can-help-build-hydrogen-economy

New faces, new journeys, and plenty of Cyclone spirit! ✨

We’re well over halfway through orientation and still loving every moment of welcoming the newest class of LAS students to campus.

LAS Career Services is here to help you every step of the way — explore your interests, build experience, and prepare for your future career. Click here to learn more: https://careers.las.iastate.edu/

The Minds of LAS: Aron Nakama 🧠

Aron Nakama, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, began as a teaching lab coordinator in 2018 and will start lecturing this fall. He enjoys the challenge of keeping students engaged by sparking their curiosity.

“I have been impressed with the undergraduate research experience programs. They provide inspiration through experience. Many students that I speak with who get involved with lab research continue to be motivated by their major,” said Nakama.

Swipe to discover an interesting fact you may not have known about Aron Nakama. ➡️

Click here to learn more about the Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology: https://www.gdcb.iastate.edu/

Throwback Thursday: Kevin Leininger (‘87 physics) ✨

Kevin Leininger, a member of the LAS Dean’s Advisory Council, has leveraged his degree and technical expertise to apply mathematics and physics across diverse roles, contributing as a technology entrepreneur and investor involved in multiple startups, successful exits, and IPOs.

“The benefits of a physics degree from [Iowa State University] are numerous,” said Leininger. “I can’t tell you how many times early in my career that someone saw a physics degree from ISU on my resume and said how impressed they were in seeing that on my resume.”

Learn more about a degree in physics here: https://www.physastro.iastate.edu/

Curriculum developed by researchers at Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa is helping future math teachers bring data science into high‑school classrooms. 📊

By building on the math content pre-service teachers already know, the program strengthens their data-science skills and positions them as key drivers of integrating data science into secondary education.

“We want to show pre-service math teachers that data science isn’t a separate universe from the math they already study,” said Eric Weber, professor and chair of mathematics at Iowa State University. “It’s built on it.”

Continue reading about the curriculum here: https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/preparing-future-math-teachers-teach-data-science

Driven by a desire to deepen her understanding of the Spanish language and culture, Megan Johnson (‘27 Spanish secondary education) chose to study abroad in Valencia through the Summer on the Mediterranean program, a six-week LAS summer program led by ISU faculty. ✈️ 🇪🇸

“Since I want to become a Spanish teacher, I feel it is my responsibility to bring my future students the best information on cultures and people who speak Spanish,” said Johnson. “My trip to Valencia has provided me with everything and more than I could ask for! I have learned so much about the history of Spain that I can teach my future students.”

Find your perfect study abroad program here: https://abroad.las.iastate.edu

The Minds of LAS: Daniela Dimitrova 🧠

Daniela Dimitrova, University Professor and LAS Dean’s Professor in the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, joined the Iowa State faculty in 2003 with a focus on global journalism. Through her role, Dimitrova has connected students with international colleagues across Europe, creating opportunities for global media work, study, and teaching.

“My favorite part about teaching is when I can see the students’ educational horizons expand – when they are surprised, engaged, and even challenged with new concepts covered in class," said Dimitrova. “Seeing the spark in their eyes is truly a special moment!”

Swipe to discover an interesting fact you may not have known about Daniela Dimitrova. ➡️

Click here to learn more about the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication: https://www.gdcb.iastate.edu/

We want to give a huge welcome to all of our new Cyclones joining us this month for orientation! 🚨 We can’t wait for you to call Ames home!

LAS Career Services is here to help you every step of the way — explore your interests, build experience, and prepare for your future career. Click here to learn more: https://careers.las.iastate.edu/

Two Iowa State student-designed apparel pieces are now available on the market, thanks to the university’s Cyclones Take New York design competition. 🗽

Recent LAS graduate Sarah Bernick (‘26 public relations) partnered with graphic design student Tiara Young to earn second place with their collection. The duo will travel to New York as part of a multi-day program that brings together students from across the country, offering an inside look at the fashion and retail industries.

“Being able to work with Tiara was so beneficial because we could bounce ideas off each other, see the process all the way through and produce something we’re really proud of,” said Bernick. “I’ve been inspired by previous winners and taking second place was such an honor.”

Read more about the competition here: https://hs.iastate.edu/news/from-classroom-to-closet-iowa-state-students-launch-market-ready-designs/

Faculty in Iowa State’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advancing AI innovation while examining its ethics — efforts that helped inspire the Trusted Innovation in AI initiative.

“Our strengths across the humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences allow us to examine AI through the lenses of ethics, communication, policy, human behavior, and scientific rigor simultaneously. By bringing these disciplines together, we can help ensure that AI systems are not only innovative, but transparent, accountable, and worthy of public trust,” said Benjamin Withers, dean of LAS.

Learn more about the initiative here: https://news.las.iastate.edu/2026/05/26/las-launches-new-interdisciplinary-initiative-on-trustworthy-ai/