Advancing Faculty Research and Creativity at ISU

With his experience as an associate professor of English and director of graduate studies, Levay brings a wealth of expertise to this forward-thinking role.

One of ISU’s primary objectives is to expand research, clinical, and creative activities to change lives for the better. This fellowship is intended to give faculty members in the fine arts, humanities, and social and behavioral sciences additional support in applying for external funding for their research. 

“This position is the result of an excellent collaboration between the College of Arts and Letters and the Office for Research,” says Zackery Heern, Ph.D, associate dean for the social and behavioral sciences in CAL. “I am immensely grateful to the Office for Research for providing this resource to support the invaluable scholarship of our faculty,” 

Michele Brumley, associate vice president for research and economic development says that “Matthew Levay’s experience, supportive approach to providing feedback, and excitement for pursuing research opportunities is a great fit for the faculty research development fellow position in CAL. The Office for Research is happy to help expand support for faculty research, scholarship, and creative activities through this partnership.”

Levay will be offering feedback on applications in progress but also working with faculty to brainstorm possible avenues for future research and support. 

“I'm excited to be a resource for colleagues across the College, helping them to identify grant opportunities, develop their applications, and, more broadly, establish or further a record of support for their work,” Levay says.

The support is intended for faculty at any stage of their careers, but Levay says he is especially interested in working with new and early-career faculty members who are just beginning to launch their research programs; mid-career faculty who are looking to develop their research in new ways or to reframe long-term projects; and those who, for various reasons, have not yet applied for support and are looking for advice on how to start.

“I want to help promote and strengthen the amazing research that faculty do, in the humanities, fine arts, and social sciences,” Levay says. “ISU has a vibrant culture of research, and this position recognizes CAL faculty's vital role within that culture.”