What's Happening in CoSE

Curtis Smith and Jacquie Janibagian pose for a photo

Bengal Couple Pays it Forward with Establishment of Smithibagian STEM Scholarship


An Idaho State University alumni couple is paying forward the kindness they say they received as students with an endowment of their own. 


Recently, Jacquie Janibagian and Curtis Smith established the Smithibagian STEM Scholarship at ISU. The scholarship’s unique name–Smithibagian–is a portmanteau of the pair’s last names.

Kudos to Mustafa Mashal!


Recently, he was elected to membership in The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.


Mashal, a professor of civil engineering and associate vice president for research, innovation partnerships, will be inducted into Phi Kappa Phi at the ISU chapter’s ceremony on April 29. 

A photo of Mustafa Mashal
A collage of photos of Tess Oldroyd-Johnson, Emily Ford, and Shannon Kobs Nawotniak at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Houston.

Tess Oldroyd-Johnson, doctoral student in geosciences, and Emily Ford, geology major, recently returned from presenting their research at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Houston. 


The pair is working with Shannon Kobs Nawotniak, professor and chair of the geosciences department, on research projects that use the volcanoes in East Idaho as stand-ins for mountains on the moon and other planets. Their work is helping prepare astronauts for the Artemis missions to the moon and laying the groundwork for trips to worlds beyond our own.

RSVP for the CoSE Back to School BBQ


Please let us know if you can join us for a fun summer barbecue on Thursday, Aug 20, at 4:30 p.m. at Centennial Park, South Grant Avenue and Idaho Street.


This is a family-friendly event with kids' activities, outdoor games and great food!

Reminder: CoSE Spring Forum and Social Hour Scheduled for April 30


All faculty and staff are invited to the CoSE Spring Forum and Social Hour on Thursday, April 30, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Physical Science Complex Room 144.


A social hour will follow in the PSC Atrium.

Faculty Invited to Take Biomedical Research Survey


The Office for Research invites faculty conducting biomedical/health research or interested in conducting such research to participate in a brief online survey to assess the biomedical research environment at ISU.


This project is led by Kristin Van De Griend and Michele Brumley. The objective of Biomedical Research Investing in Growth and ISU Talent (BRING-IT) is to develop an institution-wide, data-informed action plan that will guide improvements in biomedical research capacity at ISU.


This survey will take approximately 20 minutes or less.

REMINDERS:

YOU'RE INVITED! Donuts with the Dean, Students, and Faculty - April 28, 29, and 30


Donuts will be served: 

Tuesday, April 28 | 9:30 - 11 a.m.
Lillibridge Engineering Building lobby


Wednesday, April 29 | 9:30 - 11 a.m.

Physical Science Complex atrium


Thursday, April 30 | 9:30 - 11 a.m.

Gale Life Science Building lobby


The event is organized in collaboration with CoSE's ASISU Senators and the Dean's Office.

RFPs Sought For Proposal Assistance Toward High-impact Funding Award


The Proposal Assistance Toward High-impact funding (PATH) Award is a new internal grant designed to support principal investigators on a trajectory to submit external large-scale funding proposals of at least $1 million. 

PIs are expected to develop projects that will address priority topics for ISU (health, energy, environmental stewardship and security, and community connection), have the strong potential to build research capacity and promote collaboration, and drive innovation and impact. All projects will be considered, including projects conducting or developing research, instruction, program development, outreach, service, workforce development, etc.


The first PATH deadline is May 1. If you have questions, reach out to Michele Brumley. For application submission, applicants must work with Steve Wright in the Office of Sponsored Programs and Support to submit and route proposals through Cayuse.


Faculty Drop-in Hours with Dean Widmann


Dean Widmann invites faculty to a drop-in hour on the third Thursday of each month, from 1 to 2 p.m., in Room 121 of the Physical Science Complex. The next will be held on Thursday, May 21.


This optional opportunity gives faculty a chance to chat with the Dean about projects, ask questions, share successes, and provide input regarding the future of the College.

Postponed: Bengal Bio Open House Rescheduled for May 23


Know a student interested in pursuing a STEAM career?


The Department of Biological Sciences will host the Bengal Bio Open House on Saturday, May 23, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Gale Life Science Building. At the event, students of all ages can learn more about ISU degrees, student clubs, scholarship and internship opportunities, and more. Lunch will be provided.


Spots are limited, and registration is required


If you have questions about the open house, contact Kasey Wozniak at woznkase@isu.edu.

CLIE Seeks Proposals for Fall 2026 Workshops


The Center for Learning and Instructional Excellence is seeking proposals from all faculty, clinical faculty, and adjunct faculty interested in sharing their interests, expertise, and teaching insights through our upcoming programs. 


  • Faculty Lecture Series ($200 stipend) - “One Thing Everyone Should Know About…” Share a big idea, theory, book, or finding from your discipline or research that everyone should know. Target audience: faculty, staff, students, and community members.
  • Master Teacher Series ($200 stipend) - Present an innovative or effective teaching strategy others can adapt for their own courses. Target audience: faculty and graduate teaching assistants.
  • Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs, $600 stipend) - Lead a semester-long discussion group focused on a shared teaching and learning theme - such as student engagement, technology, or a book club.


All Faculty Lecture Series and Master Teacher Series presentations are scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. and will be hosted in Rendezvous 129. Faculty Learning Communities schedule meetings based on the group’s availability.


The deadline for submissions is June 1.

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.

CoSE Chairs and Directors Meeting Minutes 


April 7, 2026

March 3, 2026

February 17, 2026

January 20, 2026

January 6, 2026

December 2, 2025

November 11, 2025

October 14, 2025

September 30, 2025

September 16, 2025

August 19, 2025

From Around ISU

Digital Accessibility Requirements Deadline Updated to 2027

In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice issued final regulations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act that directly impacted public universities.

The deadline for compliance has been updated to April 26, 2027 but it is important to begin addressing these requirements now. The required areas include public websites (such as isu.edu), mobile apps (such as library access and registration), social media, online learning platforms, course content (e.g., syllabi, videos, lecture slides, PDFs), student services portals, and internal systems used by staff, faculty, and students.

Celebrating Laura Blad and Her ISU Journey

You’re invited to join us in celebrating Laura Blad and the lasting Bengal legacy she has created at Idaho State University. Laura has shared her passion, positivity, and genuine care for others across campus and throughout the Pocatello community.


Laura's final in-person day at ISU will be May 1, and all are invited to a celebration May 7 at 4 p.m. at the ICCU Bengal Alumni Center. 

Innovation Hub Website Launch

 As part of ongoing efforts to support work across the university, the Innovation Hub has launched a new website to serve as a central starting point for coordination, collaboration, and support. The site introduces the Innovation Hub, outlines the Hub service centers, and provides a simple way to connect with the team.

Dates to Remember

April 27

Late 8-week and full semester course grading opens

May 4

FINAL Examinations

May 8

Spring 2026 classes end

May 9

Commencement - Pocatello (May & August 2026 graduates)

May 11

Commencement - Meridian (May & August 2026 graduates)

May 12

Late 8-week and full semester course grading closes at 4:00 pm

May 18

Classes begin for Early-4, Early-6, Early-8 and Full term

May 25

Memorial Day holiday (Monday - no classes)

Upcoming Events in the College of Science and Engineering 

For a complete list of CoSE events, check out the College Event Calendar. 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.

Department/Program


Mathematics and Statistics


Event


Colloquium: How to Lie with Graphs and Statistics


Crystine Chipman

Idaho State University


Details


Fri Apr 24

2 pm

PS 308

https://isu.zoom.us/j/84197528125


Department/Program


Physics


Event


Colloquium: Reaching Towards High Frequency Axion Cavity Haloscopes


Tom Braine

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory


Details


Mon Apr 27

4 pm

https://isu.zoom.us/j/83187145542

Department/Program


ALL


Event


Donuts with the Dean and Faculty


Details


Tues Apr 28

9:30 to 11 am

LEL Lobby

Department/Program


ALL


Event


Donuts with the Dean and Faculty


Details


Wed Apr 29

9:30 to 11 am

PSC Atrium

Department/Program


Geosciences


Event


Seminar Presentation


Details


Wed Apr 29

4 pm


Department/Program


ALL


Event


Donuts with the Dean and Faculty


Details


Thu Apr 30

9:30 to 11 am

GLS Lobby

Department/Program


ALL


Event


CoSE Spring Forum and Social Hour


Details


Thu Apr 30

3 to 4:30 pm

PSC 144

Department/Program


Biological Sciences


Event


Kavita Sharma

Idaho State University


Details


Thu Apr 30

4 pm

Department/Program


Biological Sciences


Event


Field Ecology Final Poster Presentation


Details


Tue May 5

2 pm

Department/Program


Biological Sciences


Event


Senior Reception


Details


Fri May 8

2 pm

Help Us Share Your Accomplishments!


Our College’s outstanding faculty, staff, and students achieve many notable research and professional accomplishments. In addition, our departments regularly have newsworthy advancements. We want to make sure those stories are shared publicly. Here are a few ways you can provide a news tip to help get the word out:

 

Use this Story Submission Form to send your news tip to the Office of Marketing and Communications.


Send an email to Logan McDougall (loganmcdougall@isu.edu) with a brief description of the news to be shared.


You are always welcome to create a draft story, submit it via the Story Submission Form, or send it to Logan. The Office of Marketing and Communications and Logan will coordinate to get the story finalized and distributed to the media outlets/platforms that best tell the story.

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