College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa

Over more than 25 years in CLAS, Shonda Monette, Department Administrator The University of Iowa Chemistry Dept. has worn many hats — student, alumna, staff member, faculty member, administrator, and now president of CLAS Staff Council.

From helping build new traditions to recognizing colleagues across CLAS, Shonda's work is rooted in connection and community. Her commitment to helping people feel seen and valued has touched every corner of the college.

Thank you, Shonda, for supporting CLAS in so many different ways. 💛

Harindu Rajapaksha (Forbes Group) was selected as the 2026 D.C. Spriestersbach Dissertation Prize winner in the area of Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Engineering in recognition of the excellence of his doctoral dissertation: “Experimental and First Principles Insights into High Valent Actinide Chemistry.”

The winner of the D. C. Spriestersbach Dissertation Prize receives $5,000 award stipend. Being selected as the recipient of the 2026 D.C. Spriestersbach Dissertation Prize is an important recognition of your scholarship.

Congratulations, Harindu!

Three thousand years later, "The Odyssey" still captivates readers.

Classics Department at The University of Iowa's Assistant Professor, Celsiana Warwick, explains why Homer's epic remains strikingly modern—and why students today still debate Odysseus, his choices, and what it means to find one's way home.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is proud to celebrate all 13 University of Iowa students who earned prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for 2026–27.

Of the 13 recipients, 10 are CLAS students or recent graduates—and every University of Iowa Fulbright semifinalist this year came from CLAS. Their achievements reflect a commitment to research, teaching, cultural exchange, and global engagement that extends far beyond Iowa.

Congratulations to these outstanding Hawkeyes as they represent the University of Iowa and the United States around the world.

Congratulations to The Department of Religious Studies at the University of Iowa's students honored at the 2026 E.P. Adler Awards Reception.

These awards recognize outstanding undergraduate and graduate students for their achievements in research, teaching, scholarship, and service. Thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters, the E.P. Adler Awards have helped celebrate student excellence for more than 50 years.

Join us in recognizing this year's award recipients and their contributions to the study of religion, culture, and society.

Fascinated by fire,, PhD candidate Jennie Sekanics is exploring how one of humanity's oldest forces has shaped American culture, literature, and ideas of modern life.

Her work recently earned the prestigious AAUW American Fellowship, awarded to just 60 scholars selected from more than 600 applicants nationwide.

The fellowship will give her dedicated time to continue the archival research and writing behind her dissertation, "Pyromodernity: Media and Modernisms of Fire."

What if furniture could be woven instead of assembled—and produce far less waste in the process?

That's the question CLAS professor Monica Correia will explore in France as a result of earning the prestigious Fulbright Scholar Award.

A professor of 3D design in the School of Art, Art History, and Design, Correia will collaborate with researchers at the University of Lille to investigate innovative weaving techniques that could create seamless, functional seating forms while reducing waste generated by traditional manufacturing.

The project brings together art, design, and textile engineering—and will help shape the courses she teaches back in Iowa.

Congratulations to Monica on this remarkable achievement and the opportunity to advance more sustainable approaches to design. 👏

Congratulations Raul Curto, professor in the Department of Mathematics, on being named a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society—one of the highest honors in the mathematical sciences.

The distinction recognizes Curto's internationally recognized research, sustained scholarly contributions, mentorship, and service to the field.

Throughout his career, he has published more than 160 papers, delivered more than 260 invited lectures worldwide, and helped shape generations of students and mathematicians.

In March 2024, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences hired its first student care manager, Emily Hurst, through the Hawkeyes Helping Hawkeyes Fund.

Since then, Emily has helped students navigate mental health concerns, family crises, housing issues, and other barriers that can affect their success.

Her role became especially important following an off-campus shooting that affected several CLAS students. Emily organized a dedicated support space for students, friends, and family members and worked alongside faculty and department leaders to ensure those impacted had access to the care and resources they needed.

The need for this kind of support continues to grow. Over the past two years, the number of students reaching out for assistance has tripled.

As students navigate an increasingly complex world, support systems like these can make the difference between struggling alone and finding a path forward. Thank you, Emily, for all you do for students!