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ISU Colleagues:
Join us on Wednesday, December 14 at 3 p.m. to learn about the Idaho Energy Engineering Science Alliance (IEESA). The proposed IEESA is an engineering and science collaboration between Idaho’s public universities and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), and a focal point for the clean-energy industry that supports research and training. This concept was commissioned by members of the Idaho State Board of Education.
At the forum, we will discuss the origins of the IEESA concept, partnerships involved in its initial development, and potential impact on higher education research and academic programs in Idaho. We will reserve time for questions and comments.
Virtual Town Hall
Wednesday, December 14
3 - 4 p.m.
Zoom Link: https://isu.zoom.us/j/82583624833
Meeting ID: 825 8362 4833
Passcode: 712998
Additional Information
Vision
IEESA increases the eastern Idaho presence of Idaho’s institutions of higher education to promote a vibrant academic and clean-energy research ecosystem. IEESA encompasses current collaborative research and advanced education activity among Idaho’s public research and teaching universities and Idaho National Laboratory. IEESA leverages existing academic and research resources in Idaho Falls, including the Idaho State University-University of Idaho (ISU-UI) University Place campus, Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES), and the collaborative INL Collaborative Computing Center (C3) and Cybercore facilities. IEESA provides a framework to expand collaboration across academic, industry and government sectors.
Benefits and Potential Economic Impact
Enhancing Idaho’s investment in research, graduate and advanced education, IEESA will:
- Provide highly-qualified graduates to support clean-energy workforce needs across the state and regions. A technically-educated workforce results in higher paying jobs and a more reliable, sustainable tax base;
- Work collaboratively with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to increase research partnerships;
- Help the nation move toward energy self-sufficiency while assuring the nation's energy resources are reliable and secure; and,
- Create a positive economic impact on Idaho communities, particularly in east Idaho.
Building the supporting physical infrastructure, IEESA will:
- Draw outside public and private investment into the region;
- Demonstrate and ensure Idaho’s energy stewardship and sustainability for future generations; and,
- Position Idaho as a leader in clean energy-related sciences.
Workforce and Research Needs
Substantial growth is anticipated across the state and throughout the nation in the engineering and science fields. The US Department of Labor Statistics predict the vast majority of engineering and technology-based disciplines are experiencing positive growth over the next 10 years. This translates to an average percentage growth of 5.1% or 117,000 positions each year. Additionally, INL has a projected growth of approximately 2,900 positions over the next five years. The Idaho Colleges and Universities are well positioned to provide credentialed students to help meet these statewide and national workforce needs, as well as provide the faculty expertise to build on INL research and development objectives. IEESA graduates will be highly sought-after in the new-hire job market, both in Idaho and nationally.
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