Catalyst Innovation Program

Catalyst Innovation Program is sponsored by Michigan State University Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation. Supports new ideas to enhance digital learning experiences and advance inclusivity at MSU.

Catalyst Innovation Program | Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation | Michigan State University Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation > Grants and Recognition > Catalyst Innovation Program Catalyst Innovation Program Michigan State University is committed to enhancing students’ digital learning experiences.

CTLI supports this work by funding new ideas through seed grant opportunities that align with the goals of improving digital learning and advancing inclusivity. By integrating digital strategies into teaching, these efforts aim to enrich student learning while making assessment and analysis more effective.

Many impactful institutional innovations begin as small, experimental projects — emerging from individual courses, cross-disciplinary collaborations, or insights gained from student feedback and needs analysis. The Catalyst Innovation Program provides one-time, just-in-time funding to test new ideas or make incremental improvements.

Proposals that require ongoing funding should outline a plan for sustaining the innovation beyond the Catalyst Innovation Program. The spring application cycle is now closed. Our application for fall typically opens in September.

Please ensure your proposal includes the following components: Aim, hypothesis, and rationale of the innovation project and idea Evaluation and Assessment Plan Review Process and Evaluation Criteria The Catalyst Innovation Program offers up to $10,000 in funding for creative and innovative uses of tools, technology, and pedagogical approaches.

These funds are intended for experimentation with the potential to enhance student learning experiences on a digitally-immersed, global campus. Please note that funds are restricted to one-time expenses for software, technology, equipment, and services (either external vendors or internal services through a service center with approved rates) . Catalyst funds cannot be used for salaries or recurring expenses.

Alignment with Student Learning Objectives: Clearly ties the project to specific learning goals (e.g., “Students will enhance their systems thinking skills by using the virtual reality program Noda to build concept maps collaboratively.

”) Provides means for all qualified, motivated students to complete courses, degrees, or programs in their disciplines of choice (e.g., universally designed experiences) Foster Equitable and Inclusive Digital Learning Environments: Enhances accessibility of course materials Utilize Learning Analytics: Enables adaptive or personalized pedagogy Innovative Assessment Strategies: Implements real-world and innovative assessment methods Increase Student Engagement: Enhances participation, collaboration, and peer learning Project Proposals Will Be Evaluated Based On: Alignment: Clearly aligns with one or more of our priorities Readiness to Implement: Demonstrates feasibility and preparedness Scalability: Potential for reuse or adaptation in different courses Assessment Plan: Well-articulated evaluation and assessment strategy Sustainability: Solid plan for maintaining the project beyond the grant We Will Not Fund Proposals That: Request Salaries or Recurring Expenses: Funding is restricted to one-time expenses only Missing implementation, evaluation, or sustainability plans Do Not Align with Program Goals: Projects not focused on enhancing digital learning experiences and inclusivity Intend Large-scale Technology Pilots without IT Approval: Projects using software or educational technology across multiple instructors or courses should consult MSU IT Preparing for Catalyst Information Session : Presentation slide deck Call for Proposals Opens : Typically in late September Proposals Due : Typically in late October Awards Announced : Typically in early November Funds must be used in the current semester or before the next semester.

For the spring application cycle, preference will be given to projects that can spend the award before Dec. 30 of that year. For the fall application cycle, preference will be given to projects that can spend the award before June 30 of the following year.

Note : This grant is available twice a year — in the spring and the fall. Request a consultation to refine your proposal or explore innovative ideas. Our team is here to assist you with every step of your application process.

Spring 2026 Catalyst Grantees A Technology-Enhanced Wildlife Course-Based Research Experience Grantees : Katie LaCommare, Jeremy Hartsock, and Angela Burrows in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife / College of Agriculture and Natural Resources This project enhances a required wildlife research course by integrating autonomous acoustic recording devices and environmental data loggers into a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE).

Students will design and conduct original field-based research on wildlife activity across Michigan State’s campus, expanding their ability to investigate diverse species, habitats, and ecological patterns. Catalyst funding supports the purchase of acoustic monitoring devices and environmental sensors, enabling students to collect, analyze, and interpret real-world ecological data using tools commonly employed in the field .

Integrating STEM Pedagogy into Music Technology Courses through the Synthesizer Design Toolkit Grantee : Anthony T. Marasco College of Music This project strengthens learning in music technology courses by incorporating hands-on synthesizer design to support STEM-based thinking and collaborative problem-solving.

Students will engage in building and experimenting with synthesizer components, deepening their understanding of sound design, signal flow, and technical systems. Catalyst funding supports the purchase of synthesizer kits and related equipment, providing students with equitable access to the tools needed for active, experiential learning .

Technologies of Writing: Combining Analog and Digital Tools for Learning and Engagement Grantee : Kristen L. Pratt in Writing, Rhetoric, and Cultures (WRAC) This project explores how alternative writing technologies can support student engagement and creativity by introducing distraction-free drafting tools into the writing classroom.

Students will experiment with analog-inspired digital devices to practice focused writing and reflect on how different modalities shape their writing processes. Catalyst funding supports the purchase of Freewrite Alpha typewriters, enabling students to engage in structured writing activities that emphasize sustained attention, idea generation, and process-oriented learning .

Promoting Global Learning at MSU through Shared Studios Virtual Global Classrooms Grantees : Leticia Cherchiglia and Inge Steglitz in International Studies & Programs, Center for Global Learning and Innovation This project expands access to global learning experiences by developing a shared virtual classroom environment that connects students with international partners in real time through Shared Studios.

Through immersive, technology-enabled interactions, students will engage in cross-cultural dialogue and collaborative learning without the need for travel. Catalyst funding supports the development and implementation of 40 Shared Studios packages, enabling faculty to integrate global learning experiences into their courses .

Fall 2025 Catalyst Grantees Creating a sectional 3D-printed brainstem model for medical education Grantee: Halie Kerver in Radiology Department / College of Osteopathic Medicine This project addresses “neurophobia” in medical education by developing a sectional 3D-printed brainstem model that allows students to visualize and physically manipulate the midbrain, pons, and medulla (regions that are particularly difficult to understand using traditional 2D resources).

The models will be used to support hands-on learning in neuroanatomy instruction and improve students’ spatial understanding of internal brain structures. Catalyst funding is supporting the production of the 3D brainstem model, including 3D printing materials (e.g., resin/filament), model development software, and the creation of supporting instructional and lab materials for integration into medical education curricula.

Bridging Theory and Practice: Incorporating Immersive Online Simulation to Strengthen Competency-Based Social Work Education Grantees: Kalah Villagrana and Raelyn Elliott-Remes in the School of Social Work This project integrates simulation learning into three graduate-level courses in the School of Social Work to strengthen students’ readiness for professional practice.

Through structured online simulations, students will engage in realistic client interactions and decision-making scenarios aligned with competency-based social work education. Catalyst funding supports the purchase and implementation of the Genius Academy Immersive Course Pack licenses, enabling student access to the simulation platform.

Meet MELL: Mobile Experiential Learning Lab at the College of Communication Arts and Sciences Grantee: Jeana-Dee Allen in Communication Arts and Sciences Dean's Office/School of Journalism The Mobile Experiential Learning Lab (MELL) is intended to be a portable “library” of low-tech prototyping, design sprint, and collaboration tools that supports early-stage ideation and hands-on learning across courses in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences.

By bringing these tools directly into classrooms, MELL reduces barriers to participation and expands opportunities for experiential, team-based learning before students move into digital production environments. Catalyst funding supports the purchase of creative supplies, including core, drawing, and construction materials that serve approximately 40 students across multiple courses and co-curricular activities.

Development of an echocardiogram phantom simulator with real preserved porcine hearts and assessment of student learning with hands-on simulations compared to traditional lecture-based learning Grantee: Nathan Mitchell in Small Animal Clinical Sciences The goal of this project is to develop an echocardiogram phantom simulator using real preserved porcine hearts to provide students with repeated, hands-on practice performing ultrasound imaging in a controlled learning environment.

The simulator will be used to compare student learning outcomes between simulation-based and traditional lecture-based instruction. Catalyst funding supports the materials required to construct the simulator, including 3D printer filament spools, silicone kits, and various chemicals and materials necessary to build a functional ultrasound-compatible training model.

Enhancing student learning of plant metabolism and the science practice through increased engagement in real-time probing of respiration and photosynthesis using gas sensors. Grantee: Jameel Al-Haddad in Plant Biology This project aims to enhance plant biology laboratory instruction by enabling students to collect and analyze real-time data on respiration and photosynthesis processes.

Students will engage directly in scientific practices by using gas sensors to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, improving both conceptual understanding and data literacy. Catalyst funding supports the purchase of twelve Vernier Go Direct O₂ gas sensors and twelve Vernier Go Direct CO₂ gas sensors, which will be used in laboratory courses to facilitate real-time experimentation and data collection.

Dance and Movement Entrepreneurialism and Creativity Grantee: Bradley Willcuts in Theatre This project will pilot a Portable Digital Lighting Lab (PDLL) within MSU Theatre to allow students to practice digitally driven stagecraft in standard classroom spaces rather than being limited to dedicated performance venues.

The PDLL enables hands-on learning in lighting design, technical production, and creative experimentation as part of dance and movement-based coursework. Catalyst funding will support the purchase of PDLL equipment, including wireless lighting equipment, several power strips and cables, as well as various cases for the equipment.

Immersive Digital Storytelling at Scale Grantees: Justin Wadland and Eli Wachter in Libraries: Digital Scholarship Lab (DSL) This project, led by the Digital Scholarship Lab (DSL), expands the capacity to deliver immersive digital storytelling experiences in courses with enrollments of up to 50 students.

By scaling access to immersive technologies, the project supports active learning and deeper engagement through narrative-based digital environments. Catalyst funding will support the purchase of ten Insta 360 cameras, selfie-sticks, and cases.

Integrating Interactive Digital Media to Enhance Engagement in Experiential and Pre-Professional Learning Grantees: Christina Igl and Holly Wright in College of Natural Science Undergraduate Academic Student Affairs This project integrates interactive digital learning tools (H5P) into two undergraduate courses in the College of Natural Science: NSC 493: Internship in Natural Science and NSC 490: Applied Preparation for the Workforce in Natural Science.

The goal is to increase student engagement with course material and to create opportunities for repeated, low-pressure practice of high stakes skills (NACE competencies, SIRS testing) in both experiential learning and professional school preparation contexts.

Catalyst funding supports the purchase and implementation of interactive digital media tools and platforms that enable students to create, document, and reflect on experiential learning, as well as resources needed to integrate these tools into both courses.

Enacting speculative literacies through computational art-making Grantee: Mia Shaw in African American and African Studies This project introduces students in a Black Feminisms course to computational art-making as a way to explore speculative literacies through interdisciplinary, creative practice.

Students will design projects using electronics and programming tools such as MakeCode and CircuitPython to produce interactive, expressive works. Catalyst funding supports the purchase of hardware and materials for computational art-making, including microcontrollers, electronic components, and related supplies needed for students to design and build their projects.

Fall 2024 Catalyst Grantees ‘Close’ Sensing: Immersive and Empathic Mapping of Community Using GoPro Cameras , Grantee: David Baylis Catalyst, Center for Integrative Studies, College of Social Science Expanding Access to Mobile Technology for Peer Co-Creation of Equitable Mental Health Tools and Beyond , Grantees: Susan Bonner and Celeste Campos-Castillo, Department of Media and Information in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences Building a Digital Platform for Advancing Learning and Community Engagement , Grantees: Jinjie Liu; Christoph Benning, Biological Sciences Program; MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory Advancing Student Success and Equity through Personalized Learning with Tailored Tutor , Grantee: Natalie Vandepol, Broad College Exploring Pedagogical Possibilities through Digital Magazine-making , Grantee: Sheri K.

Lewis, African American and African Studies Spring 2025 Catalyst Grantees Integrating Handheld Ultrasound Technology into PA Education to Enhance Digital Learning and Inclusivity , Grantee: Adams Storts, Department of PA Medicine Digital Expeditions: Bringing the Field to Students through Immersive Virtual Field Trip Experiences , Grantee: Erin L.

Bunting, Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences Applied Theatre For Grounding Discussion of and Equitable Access to Ethical Scenarios in a Medical Curriculum , Grantee: Laura Freidhoff, College of Human Medicine, Office of Medical Education Research and Development MSU RCPD “Glean for Education” Pilot: Accommodation and Access Tool for Students with Disabilities , Grantee: Allen H.

Sheffield from UHW Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) Augmented and Virtual Reality Lab to Supplement Language Learning and Improve Accessibility , Grantee: Charles Moulding, Romance and Classical Studies (RCS) Incorporating Virtual Reality to Enhance Students’ Experience in Learning Drug Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry , Grantee: Kin Sing Stephen Lee, Pharmacology and Toxicology Unlocking 360-degree Video Production , Grantees: Judith Walgren and Megan Kudzia Broadening Access and Representation Undergraduate Learning Assistants , Grantee: Stephen Thomas Access to Flow Cytometry , Grantee: Susan McQuiston Interactive Video Platform: PlayPosit , Grantee: Quentin Tyler New Media Performance Laboratory , Grantee: Bradley Willcuts Opening New Windows , Grantee: Jon Frey Integrating Eye-tracking and Facial Expressions , Grantee: Linda Nubani QR code-based instruction , Grantees: Suntil Chakrapani and Jenifer Saldanha Integrate 3D Scanning Tech into AAHD , Grantee: Rebekah Blesing Bright Flexible Spaces , Grantee: Kris DeAngelo Expanding Access to Interactive Learning , Grantee: Adam Gacs Virtual Reality Immersive Observation , Grantee: Kristy Stein Immersive VR in Interior Design Studios , Grantee: Jisun Lee Handheld 3D Scanner , Grantee: Denice Blair and Amanda Tickner SchoolSims Software , Grantee: Jada Phelps and Julie Helber XR Devices for Human Physiology Lab , Grantee: Keeler Steele Apple Dev Academy Micro-Credentialing , Grantee: Sarah Gretter Energy Audit Classroom VR , Grantee: Kristen Cetin Design Education through Generative AI , Grantee: Hala Sun Eye in the Sky - Engineering with Drones and AI , Grantee: Surya Congress Scientific Discovery through Cultural Lens , Grantee: Elia Hefner Pharm/Tox Orientation Site Redesign , Grantee: Isola Brown RFID Mobile Lab , Grantees: Denice Blair, Bahar Aliakbarian, and Mark Sullivan Plant Mutant Screening Project , Grantees: Jinjie Liu Glean for Education , Grantee: Allen Sheffield IoT Technologies for Rural-Urban Design , Grantee: Jean Bohaczek Digital Magazine Making , Grantee: Sheri Lewis Expanding Access to Mobile Technology , Grantees: Susan Bonner and Celeste Campos-Castillo Pharmacology and Toxicology VR , Grantee: Kin Sing Lee Language Learning VR , Grantee: Charles Moulding Applied Theatre in Medical Curriculum , Grantee: Laura Freidhoff Personalized Learning with Tailored Tutor , Grantee: Natalie Vandepol Handheld Ultrasound Technology , Grantee: Adam Storts Virtual Field Trip Experiences , Grantee: Erin Bunting