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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Spring 2025 Catalyst Grantees