Research & Impact

College of Health, Science and Technology (Building)

At CHST, scholarship is part of how we teach, mentor, and prepare students for what鈥檚 next.

Computer Science

At UIS, our Computer Science researchers are driving breakthroughs in areas such as deep learning, secure distributed systems, and natural language processing. Faculty labs develop AI models that personalize education, deploy blockchain solutions for data integrity, and craft human鈥慶entered interfaces for emerging technologies. Collaborations with industry partners ensure that theoretical advances translate into scalable, real鈥憌orld impact.

School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability, and Public Health

Our faculty conduct research to strengthen environmental resilience, optimize sustainable resource management, and design community鈥慸riven health interventions that address challenges of our rapidly changing world.

Mathematical Sciences

The Department of Mathematical Sciences tackles complex challenges in statistics, numerical analysis, and algebraic topology to underpin discoveries across disciplines. Researchers employ advanced modeling techniques from stochastic processes that forecast climate patterns to optimization algorithms that streamline supply chains. Through interdisciplinary projects, they turn abstract theory into practical tools for economics, biology, and engineering.

Psychology

Exploring mind and behavior through cognitive neuroscience, developmental studies, clinical interventions, and social鈥慹motional processes.

School of Health Science

Cutting鈥慹dge research in exercise physiology, medical laboratory science, rehabilitation therapy, and public health promotion.

Philosophy

Rigorous inquiry into ethics, logic, philosophy of mind, and environmental and social justice鈥攇rounding critical thinking across disciplines.

How Scholarship Drives Our Mission at CHST

At the College of Health, Science and Technology (CHST), scholarship plays a central role in how we deliver on our mission and vision. We are committed to being a college where faculty have the support they need to succeed as scholars and where students are actively engaged in hands-on, meaningful learning

  1. We Invest in Faculty Research

Strong research programs don鈥檛 happen by accident鈥攖hey require consistent support. At CHST, we鈥檙e taking concrete steps to ensure faculty have the resources to pursue their scholarly interests and stay at the forefront of their disciplines. This support allows them to remain active in their fields, bring cutting-edge knowledge into the classroom, and mentor students along the way

Our faculty benefit from:

  • Internal research grants for new and ongoing projects
  • Support for travel to present at academic and professional conferences
  • Access to updated labs and equipment
  • Assistance with identifying and applying for external funding, including proposal development and administrative support
  1. We Involve Students in the Research Process

We also want students to benefit directly from being at a college where research is active and accessible. As a regional public university, one of our key advantages is that students know their professors and often work alongside them in labs, on field projects, and through research teams. These opportunities provide students with practical experience that strengthens their learning and gives them a competitive edge in applying for graduate programs or jobs after graduation.

Research involvement gives students:

  • Practical experience with real-world questions and methods
  • A deeper understanding of how knowledge is created and applied
  • Access to mentoring relationships that support personal and professional growth
  1. We Prioritize Experiential Learning Across Disciplines

Scholarship and hands-on learning go hand in hand. Our programs are designed to help students apply what they learn in the classroom to complex, real-world challenges. This experiential focus is built into courses and often leads to direct collaboration with faculty.

Examples of this include:

  • Participating in experimental psychology research
  • Supporting public health projects in the community
  • Contributing to sustainability and environmental initiatives
  • Working with data and systems in computer science and technology labs
  1. We Strengthen the Infrastructure that Makes It All Possible

Behind every successful research effort is a system that supports it. We鈥檙e actively investing in our infrastructure to reduce barriers and make it easier for faculty and students to focus on meaningful work.

This includes:

  • Upgrading lab spaces to support a wider range of projects
  • Improving internal systems for applying for funding or student involvement
  • Streamlining processes to reduce administrative friction
  1. We Share Opportunities to Engage

In the coming months, we鈥檒l feature blog posts highlighting how to connect with CHST faculty in specific areas of interest. These posts will showcase the depth of scholarship across our college and the many ways students and partners can engage with our work.