Drake University science students seeking to publish original research, secure competitive graduate fellowships, and work side-by-side with industry experts are getting a major boost this fall.
Chris Kliethermes, Ph.D., officially steps into the role of director for the Drake Undergraduate Science Collaborative Institute (DUSCI) this month. An associate professor and chair of Drake’s Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Kliethermes brings a rich background in cross-disciplinary research to the post. He holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and biology from Lincoln University and a doctorate in behavioral neuroscience from Oregon Health & Science University.
As director, Kliethermes will oversee DUSCI’s key initiatives, including its flagship event: the annual Drake University Conference on Undergraduate Research in the Sciences (DUCURS). The conference celebrates student-led discovery across dozens of STEM and health disciplines, showcasing work in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, neuroscience, pharmaceutical sciences, environmental sustainability, and K–12 science education.
Under Kliethermes’ leadership, DUSCI aims to expand collaborative opportunities, connect students directly with industry mentors, and strengthen Drake’s position as a premier institution for undergraduate research.
“Undergraduate research is at the heart of what makes a Drake education special,” said Kliethermes. “I’m eager to build on DUSCI’s strong momentum by helping to strengthen our summer research program, expand our colloquium series, and showcase our students’ breakthrough work at our annual conference.”