Learning by Doing: ISU Professor's Research Focuses on How to Best Inspire Future Scientists

Anna Grinath made a fateful trip to the dollar store as an undergrad.

At the time, she and another student were working in Professor Sallie Sheldon's lab at Middlebury College in Vermont over the summer, tackling research in aquatic ecology. 

In the dollar store, Grinath wasn’t shopping for low-priced items to outfit her dorm room. Sheldon sent the lab group on a mission with a hyper-specific aim: tap into their inner MacGyver and find supplies for science.

Make sure to tell your students about the upcoming STEM and Business Career Fair on Wednesday, September 30. 

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Pond Student Union Building Ballroom, more than 50 employers from around the region will be available to talk with students about career opportunities at their organizations. A wide variety of industries and fields will be represented, including engineering, construction, banking, government agencies, insurance, and more. 

More about the STEM and Business Career Fair >>

The Idaho State University physics program needs your help with the Haunted Science Laboratory.

Set-up for the event will take place from September 30 through October 14, with field trips scheduled for October 15 through 22. The public day will be October 24, and take-down sessions will be from October 25 through 31. 

For more information on volunteering and to sign up, contact Steve Shropshire at (208) 282-2212 or shrostev@isu.edu. 

More about the Haunted Science Lab >>

Have you RSVP'd for the CoSE Dean's Homecoming Breakfast?

Opportunities for Students to Present Research

It’s time to start thinking about opportunities for students to present their research throughout the year.

The Idaho State University Graduate School’s 10th annual Three-Minute Thesis Competition will take place on Thursday, November 12, 2026. Meanwhile, students of all degree levels and colleges can also participate in the 2027 Research Symposium on Wednesday, March 17, 2027. This is a university-wide conference-style event with three different presentation categories: poster, oral, and creative works.

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ISU Mourns the Loss of Emeritus Professor of Pharmacology and Biochemistry Dr. Judy Fontenelle

The Department of Biomedical Sciences, the College of Pharmacy and Health Professions, and the greater ISU community mourn the loss of Dr. Lydia “Judy” Fontenelle, Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry and Pharmacology. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Fontenelle attended Louisiana State University for her undergraduate, earning a B.S. in Mathematics and Science Education. She went on to receive a Ph.D in Biochemistry from Tulane University and a National Institute of Health Fellowship. In 1969, Fontenelle joined ISU as a professor of biochemistry and pharmacology.  

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ISU to Host 2026 Mountain West Marching Invitational at ICCU Dome

More than two dozen high school marching bands from across Idaho, Utah and Nevada will gather at Idaho State University on Sat., Oct. 17, for the 2026 Mountain West Marching Invitational, a full day of competition and musical performance at the ICCU Dome.

The invitational will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., showcasing approximately 25 marching bands performing precision drill, musicianship and visual artistry before judges and spectators. The event is open to the public, with admission $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets will be available for purchase at the ICCU Dome on the day of the event.

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Dean's Excellence Fund Accepting Requests from Students

The College of Science and Engineering Dean's Excellence Fund is intended to support students in their journey through ISU. The Dean's Office is particularly interested in providing financial assistance to students who might not be able to enroll in or complete the semester because of short-term financial hardships. Students seeking such support should be in good academic standing.

If you know of a student who is in need of short-term support, please have them complete this form.

September 25: Last day to WITHDRAW from early 8-week courses

October 5: Early 8-week course grading opens

October 12: Mid-term week

October 12: Spring 2027 Class Schedule viewable online (subject to change)

October 19: Late 8-week courses begin

October 20: Early 8-week course grading closes at 5:00 pm

October 23: Last day to add/drop late 8-week courses

October 30: Last day to WITHDRAW from full-semester courses

Updates can also be found on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Bluesky, and Instagram. To add events to the calendar, please contact the Administrative Assistants in your department. The university-wide calendar of events is available here.