Articles from June 2026

students work backstage in the communications booth during an athletic event

CLAS communications students discover endless possibilities through hands-on learning

Monday, June 29, 2026
The Communication Studies program blends creativity, hands-on learning, and career exploration to prepare students for opportunities in a variety of professional fields.
Drone photo of the University of Iowa Pentacrest and surrounding area

CLAS faculty at the forefront of AI education at Iowa

Monday, June 29, 2026
As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries, workplaces, and everyday life, faculty in CLAS are helping lead AI education as the University of Iowa's new AI certificate rolls out to undergraduate students this fall.
A student demonstrates a wooden articulated prototype with several hinged arms while standing in a workshop. A whiteboard beside them displays a hand-drawn sketch of the machine's design, and an orange geometric prototype sits on a chair in the foreground, illustrating the progression from concept sketch to physical model

From Iowa studios to Berlin labs, students bring fantastical machines to life.

Monday, June 29, 2026
During McTernan’s spring 2026 Fantastic Drawing Machines class, art students experimented with designing weird kinetic art objects, ultimately creating drawings and mock-ups for their own “fantastic drawing machines.” The project is a collaboration between McTernan and Ina Holfelder, professor of mechanical design and machine elements at Berliner Hochschule für Technik.
Tony Tran sits with his chin on his hand, wearing an Iowa hoodie, in a room with lights on the wall behind him.

The geography of belonging: How CLAS alumnus Tony Tran explores language, culture, and connection

Monday, June 29, 2026
English and creative writing alumnus Tony Tran uses language to understand the world—exploring the human side of technology while building community through culture and conversation.
students walk through the hallway with the School of Journalism sign overhead

New AI and Media course helps students navigate an evolving industry

Monday, June 29, 2026
The CLAS course offered by the School of Journalism and Mass Communication explores the opportunities, risks, and real-world applications of artificial intelligence in media fields.
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CLAS Communication Sciences and Disorders student finds community and career preparation at Iowa

Monday, June 29, 2026
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences program combines hands-on learning, faculty mentorship, and research opportunities to prepare students for careers in speech-language pathology and audiology.
Kelvin Nucico poses with the camera equipment in his care

CLAS alumnus helping the next generation of Cinema students succeed

Tuesday, June 16, 2026
From crash-course lessons to project guidance and support, Kelvin Nucico, Instructional Services Coordinator for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, is committed to helping students from start to finish.
Jake Mayer headshot

How one former SJMC student is now a champion for student success in CLAS

Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Jake Mayer, a 2019 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) graduate, has spent the past three years helping students as student success and engagement coordinator in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
A profile photograph of Shonda Monette

Staff spotlight: Shonda Monette cultivates connection across CLAS

Monday, June 15, 2026
Over the past 25 years, Shonda Monette has known the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as a graduate student, faculty member, staff member, and now, president of CLAS Staff Council. As the university's largest college, CLAS spans more than 40 departments and countless disciplines, perspectives, and areas of expertise. That breadth presents a challenge: how do you help people across dozens of departments feel connected to something larger than themselves? That's where Shonda comes in.