CHAS Stories & News

Tibbs

UNI Physics, Biochemistry grad finds passion for bioengineering

UNI provided Tibbs, a double major in biochemistry and physics, with cutting-edge research opportunities, helped him land several esteemed internships and assisted him as he earned prestigious scholarships and fellowships, but he said what makes UNI unique is the people.
UNI chemistry instructor Brittany Flokstra.

What's on my desk? UNI chemistry instructor Brittany Flokstra

The objects people keep on their desks can tell you a lot about them. That’s why we’re visiting offices occupied by some of the talented and creative people at UNI - to hear the stories behind the decor. This time, we’ve asked UNI chemistry instructor Brittany Flokstra - an expert on both weapons-grade chemicals and the works of Joss Whedon - to show and tell.

Items on loan to the Grout Museum from UNI Professor Catherine Palczewski.

UNI professor, an expert on women's suffrage, loans collection of artifacts to museum exhibit

As a group of revolutionaries huddled together in Philadelphia to craft what would become the Declaration of Independence, Abigail Adams made a simple request.

“Remember the ladies,” the future First Lady implored in a letter to her husband John. “And be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors.”

Steve, the American alligator that lives on the University of Northern Iowa's campus.

Meet the alligators of UNI

A beast resides deep in the bowels of McCollum Science Hall.

This fearsome creature - with teeth that shred and claws that clatter - lurks in a corner of a laboratory behind a formidable gate marked with a sign that warns “enter at your own risk.” 

And this menacing monster’s name is...Steve, an American alligator, who, contrary to his appearance - almost five feet long with black and yellow banding across his boney scales - is harmless.

Women in World War I.

UNI lecture examines the women of World War I

Before Rosie the Riveter ever rolled up her sleeves, there were the women of World War I.

Women like Maria Botchkareva, a Russian Army officer who formed the Women’s Battalion of Death, an all-female combat unit that won respect for their toughness fighting on the front lines. Or Edith Cavell, a British nurse working in German-occupied Belgium who helped hundreds of Allied soldiers escape the country. 

UNI graduate student Athena-Sade Whiteside sings at commencement.

Music shines light on UNI student’s life

After running away from an abusive home environment in high school and ending up in a youth homeless shelter, this student found solace in music at UNI.
UNI's Cyber Defense team

Developing cyber strategy

For the past several years, teams of University of Northern Iowa computer science majors have been competing in cyber defense contests, often taking on schools several times their size to either fight off or take part in cyber attacks in a purely digital battle. 
Theatre UNI performs Cabaret.

Putting on a "Cabaret": Inside a Theatre UNI production

Abby Chagolla slouched over in a chair in UNI Assistant Professor Amy Osatinski’s office, doodling in her binder, trying to find the right question for the answer she was desperately seeking. The senior theatre performance and communications studies double major was struggling to figure out her role in the upcoming Theatre UNI production of “Cabaret.” She hoped her meeting with Osatinski, director of this production of “Cabaret,” would help her find clarity.

UNI student Madison Miller

Coming back from the unknown

Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is a neurological autoimmune disease that can cause hallucinations, memory loss and even death — but it hasn’t stopped this UNI student from remembering where she’s going.
UNI students research swallowing disorders.

Making it easier to swallow

Swallowing can be something we take for granted. We do it without thought. But for someone suffering from dysphagia, which is the medical term for a difficulty with swallowing, this seemingly simple task is actually an intricate dance between the many nerves and muscles that coordinate eating and breathing. A misstep can be the difference between life and death. For these individuals, UNI is there to help.