Assistant Professor Casey DeRoo will receive the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean's Scholar Award, which recognizes faculty candidates for promotion who excel in both teaching and scholarship or creative work.

DeRoo was among the CLAS faculty who will be promoted to associate professor this fall to receive the two-year award. It carries a one-time grant, which may be used for equipment, travel, supplies, and other support for research and teaching initiatives. These faculty development awards are funded by the UI Alumni Association's endowment of the Dean's Chair in the Liberal Arts and Sciences. The CLAS Committee on Faculty Promotion and Tenure selects each year's class of Dean's Scholars from among those faculty recommended for promotion and/or tenure.

DeRoo’s research areas include astronomy, astrophysics, and space physics. He is interested in researching high energy astrophysics and astronomical instrumentation. DeRoo also prioritizes professional development opportunities for graduate students.