Belin-Blank Center at the University of Iowa

08/19/2026

Summer programs are over, the semester is about to begin, time we head back to The Office. 😉

08/18/2026

This week, we are pleased to welcome Mei Zheng, postdoctoral research scholar, to the Belin-Blank Center.

Under the supervision of the Belin-Blank Center Director Megan Foley-Nicpon, Mei will work alongside Dr. Ann Shoplik, adjunct professor in Psychological and Quantitative Foundations and Belin-Blank administrator for the Acceleration Institute and Research. In her role, Mei will contribute to the Integrated Acceleration System study, support the Belin-Blank Center’s Javits grant, and collaborate with the Center’s twice-exceptionality research group.

Welcome, Mei!

08/12/2026

From new ideas and strategies to meaningful connections, educators participating in APSI, B-BALI, and the Belin-Blank Talent Development Fellowship made the most of their professional learning experiences.

Take a look back at all the learning, collaboration, and growth that educators experienced this summer.

We’re already looking ahead and planning for even bigger and better opportunities next year. Keep an eye out for what’s ahead in 2027!

08/10/2026

Before we head back to school, let’s

08/05/2026

This week, educators from across Iowa are gathering in Des Moines for the School Administrators of Iowa - SAI Conference at the Community Choice Convention Center.

If you're attending, stop by our table and connect with the Belin-Blank Center Iowa Online AP Academy team to learn what's new and how we're supporting advanced learning opportunities for students across the state!

August 4 – 6, 2026, Des Moines, IA

08/04/2026

Unlock new opportunities for your middle or high school student!

The University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center offers free Honors and AP courses to 6th – 12th grade students across the state of Iowa through the Iowa Online AP Academy. These online courses are designed to challenge, inspire, and provide students with the chance to excel academically. Any eligible Iowa student may register.

Enroll by Monday, August 17, visit belinblank.org/ioapa to learn more.

08/03/2026

07/30/2026

This week, educators in the Jumpstarting Student Research Fellowship attended a two-day summer course focused on integrating scientific research into middle and high school classrooms. Led by the The University of Iowa College of Education Baker Teacher Leader Center and the Belin-Blank Center, the Fellowship program helps teachers incorporate research and individual research projects into their classrooms.

We’re grateful to have welcomed Jon Markus Adel DeSoto Minburn Community School District, Jared Almandinger Waukee Community School District , Herky University of Iowa , Michelle Delvaux NCSD Cardinals, Dani Reagle Clinton Community School District, Jacob Flanagan Iowa City Community School District , Carey Dieleman University of Iowa Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Jen Poole Ankeny Schools Community Engagement, Kathy McGrane West Des Moines Community Schools, Marci Denney New London Community School District to this week’s fellowship program!

07/29/2026

Five weeks of research, collaboration, and discovery came to a close as SSTP students presented posters at the Iowa Memorial Union on the The University of Iowa campus.

Last week, they showcased the results of their hard work during a poster presentation, highlighting their research, discovery, and lab experience. Congratulations to our poster award winners:

🏆 Adrian Chan – Best Data Visualization🏆 Trisha Shivakumar – Best Flow of Poster🏆 Daniel Sun – Overall Design

Congratulations to all SSTP students on successfully completing the program! We are excited to see where your curiosity and dedication take you next.

07/27/2026

This week, educators participating in the Jumpstarting Student Research Fellowship are gathering at the University of Iowa for a two-day summer course, “Incorporating Scientific Research into the Middle and High School Science Classroom”.

Presented by the UIowa College of Education Baker Teacher Leader Center and the Belin-Blank Center, the program equips teachers with tools and strategies to bring authentic scientific research experiences into their classrooms.

With a focus on expanding research opportunities for students in rural Iowa communities, the fellowship provides support for lab supplies, professional development, and participation in regional science fairs.