CHAS Stories & News

An image taken by UNI's new petrographic microscopes.

New UNI microscopes unveil geological world to students

At first glance, it looks like something sprung from the mind of Jackson Pollock.

But the vibrant colors strewn across the image represent not the paint strokes of an artist, but the tiny, mineralogical components of a rock. And they were produced by a new set of scientific instruments at the University of Northern Iowa that will give students a deeper, more detailed look into geology than was previously possible.

University of Northern Iowa professor of languages and literature Jeffrey Copeland

5 questions with Jeffrey Copeland

A deadly outbreak without a cure. Local governments urging residents to stay inside and avoid other people. Medical professionals on the frontlines trying to halt the rapid spread of an infectious disease.

It’s not COVID-19, but the 1924 outbreak of the Black Plague in Los Angeles.

UNI graduate student Paige Mathews works in the athletic training area in the Human Performance Center.

With state's first master's degree program, UNI athletic training makes big impact

Paige Mathews always knew she wanted to help others. She was pursuing a nursing degree when she unexpectedly discovered her true calling while taking a prerequisite athletic training class.

“I went in and I thought, ‘I’m just gonna’ go and tape some ankles and watch people on the sidelines. It’s gonna’ be so boring,’” said Mathews, now in her second year of graduate studies in UNI’s athletic training program. “Now, I’m still surprised every day of what athletic trainers can do.”

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.