November 2025

In this issue

Research highlights  |  Innovation spotlight  |  New awards  |  Unsung heroes
Faculty kudos  |  Research development  |  Nuts & bolts  |  Upcoming events

As climate change produces ever more heat waves, how many homes in the U.S. lack adequate cooling? Who’s most vulnerable to lethal temperatures, and where do they live? Yoonjung Ahn, assistant professor of geography & atmospheric science, has produced the most comprehensive and detailed map of AC usage in the United States — data that can improve understanding of AC access for public health officials, policymakers and others.

Joel Mendez, assistant professor of public affairs & administration, found that the fare-free bus policy has the potential to enhance mobility and quality of life, particularly for people from historically marginalized communities. 

Industry executives, state policymakers and KU leadership joined the Kansas Geological Survey for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Watney CORELAB, which more than doubles the space dedicated to preserving and storing the state’s extensive collection of rock core maintained by the KGS.

“We found for the first time that PARP14, a gene encoded by humans and all mammals, had antiviral activity against multiple viruses. It also helps boost the immune response, which demonstrates that this protein is fighting viral infections in multiple ways,” said Tony Fehr, associate professor of molecular biosciences

Premodern Buddhist temples are often discussed in Western cultures as relics of a fading tradition. Maya Stiller, associate professor of Korean art & visual culture and director of undergraduate studies in the Kress Foundation Department of Art History, studies how these buildings are better understood as innovative, “multisensory technologies” that are activated through chanting and ritual movements. 

Are you exploring how to take your research toward commercialization? Considering creating your own company to do so? The KU Center for Technology Commercialization has enhanced its online resources to make the path more accessible for KU innovators.

New startup resources page
Our new Startup Resources webpage outlines a roadmap of key steps to consider when forming a startup. The page provides information on how to form a company, define team roles, develop a business plan, explore funding options, and navigate KU policies related to licensing and use of university resources. Whether you’re just considering the idea or ready to take the next step, this page consolidates the tools and early guidance you need in a single place.

Improved Swift Startup options + licenses
We’ve also added to our Swift Startup opportunities by launching a Swift Option to go along with our existing Swift Startup License. Think of our Swift Option as a way of “trying before buying,” providing early KU faculty startups an exclusive, limited period to evaluate KU technology and intellectual property under a standard set of terms and manageable cost. The goal with both the Swift License and Swift Option is to lower administrative and financial barriers associated with negotiating agreements so innovators can focus on developing technologies that create real-world impact. Learn more about our Swift approaches and how to qualify.

Ready to see what’s possible? If you’re a KU innovator exploring whether your research could form the basis of a startup, take a minute to review these resources or email KUCTC to discuss your next steps toward commercialization.

KU researchers are managing sediment in Tuttle Creek Lake, improving traffic control in work zones, developing sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing, surveilling tick pathogens in the Great Plains, and more — all with the aid of external funding awarded in October.     

Behind every successful award are teams of KU research support staff who help investigators identify opportunities, prepare and submit complicated proposals under strict deadlines, help manage finances and compliance for funded projects, and more. They are the unsung heroes of KU research, greasing the wheels of innovation and discovery.

In each issue of KU Discoveries, we shine a spotlight on a research support staff member deemed particularly outstanding by colleagues. Click or tap the button below this month's story to nominate a deserving candidate from any unit on campus.

Kayla Dye | Facility Manager | Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research

For biologists to do their work, they need equipment in the field and lab space to process samples they acquire. Kayla Dye ensures equipment and spaces like these are suitable for University of Kansas researchers.

Dye is the facility manager for the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research, one of KU’s 11 designated research centers. She earned her bachelor’s degree in molecular biosciences and master’s degree in environmental assessment at KU before joining the survey in January 2024.

"Like the rest of KU, we have a long list of facility needs and repairs,” said Sara Baer, survey director and professor of ecology & evolutionary biology. “I am continuously astonished by how much progress Kayla makes on this list every day and maintains capacity to take on more tasks to keep the labs and buildings that support sensitive research operating."

For example, survey researchers monitor Kansas lakes for harmful algal blooms that can impact human health. Ted Harris, an associate research professor who conducts this monitoring, said Dye takes time to learn about the research needs of survey scientists to plan for potential issues. She has connected Harris and his colleagues with other facilities staff for help with welding and boat repairs.

“Kayla has come out with us multiple times to see what our lake assessment group does on lakes and subsequently supplied us with a number of items that have come in very handy if we get a flat tire or if we get stuck on a muddy boat ramp,” Harris said.

In addition to maintaining the boat and vehicle fleet, Dye oversees buildings that house essential research equipment.

She has addressed many long-term needs, including arranging for a new roof for the research annex that houses the International Collection of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (INVAM), consolidating infrequently used equipment into a shared lab space, and coordinating the creation of a lactation room.

“Kayla is ambitious, energetic, resourceful and maintains a positive attitude despite having to negotiate many hurdles to accomplishing her goals,” Baer said. “It’s also very clear that Kayla loves her position and is a superfan of KU.”

Higuchi-KU Endowment Research Achievement Awards

These awards recognize tenured faculty members for their accomplishments in research, scholarship and creative activity in the fields of arts, humanities and social sciences; basic sciences; biomedical sciences; and applied sciences. Faculty from any Kansas Regents institution are eligible. 

Amount: $10K | Deadline: Dec. 1

Steven F. Warren Research Achievement Award 

This award honors an outstanding unclassified academic staff researcher on the KU-Lawrence campus who has had significant influence in their field and/or a productive record of important research that has expanded intellectual or societal insights. 

Amount: $10K | Deadline: Dec. 1

KU Research Staff & Postdoctoral Achievement Awards 

The Staff Achievement Award and the Postdoctoral Achievement Award are intended to recognize the numerous contributions of unclassified professional staff and postdoctoral researchers to the research mission of KU, honoring outstanding individuals who have had a tangible impact on the research labs and projects in which they work. 

Amount: $5K | Deadline: Dec. 1

Please join us for a Collaborative Research Luncheon addressing the challenges of food and water security in Kansas and around the world. We will consider the environmental, social and political factors shaping the future of our food and water supply.

The luncheon will feature a panel of experts, table-based conversations, and opportunities for networking. 

Collaborative Research Luncheon No. 5:
Food + Water Security
Friday, Dec. 12 | 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Jayhawk Room, Kansas Union
Register today

Panelists include:

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend University of Kansas events. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in this luncheon, please contact Theresa Woolley at theresa.woolley@ku.edu by 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5.

For other questions, please email Dave Tell, professor of communication studies and faculty fellow in the Office of Research.

GENERAL

In concert with the entire Lawrence and Edwards campuses, the KU Office of Research will be closed over winter break as outlined below. To be proactive in meeting the research community’s needs, we have established deadlines that will help ensure we are providing necessary services while allowing staff to use the winter break leave they have earned. 

All proposal documents with deadlines between Dec. 25 and Jan. 2 must be submitted to Pre-Award Services by Wednesday, Dec. 17 to provide sufficient time for proposals to be submitted by Dec. 24. We request 2 – 3 weeks for proposal preparation and 5 days for proposal review, so please let us know if you’re aware of an early January proposal deadline. Please reach out to your Office of Research contact as soon as possible for other general questions regarding December or early January business.

Winter break hours
Closed: Thursday, Dec. 25
Reopen: Friday, Jan. 2

RESEARCH INTEGRITY

There will be no Final Friday Human Research Ethics sessions in November or December due to the holidays. Below is the spring 2026 schedule:

Each one-hour session begins at 11:30 a.m.

Questions? Comments? Content suggestions?
Mindie Paget  |  Office of Research  |  mpaget@ku.edu

KU Office of Research
Strong Hall | 1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 66045

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