ITI is a research institute that works closely with the educational mission of the University of Iowa. Many students benefit from hands-on research experiences gained working at ITIs labs and centers while also pursuing degrees. ITI supports more than 100 undergraduate and graduate students who work as research assistants under the mentorship of faculty advisors. Students interested in working in a lab can contact the lab director to inquire about opportunities.

The majority of ITI faculty and students are pursuing degrees or hold appointments in one or more of the six primary academic disciplines offered by the College of Engineering. ITI also works with faculty and students from other disciplines across campus, including physics, pharmacy, medicine, and physiology.