What's Happening in CoSE

Bruce Savage and Jim Mahar pose for a photo at the Edson Fichter Nature Area

Researchers Exploring New Approach to Addressing Idaho’s Water and Energy Needs


With the Gem State’s population projected to top more than 2.3 million by 2034, a team of researchers is looking into a new-to-Idaho way to address a portion of the state's water and energy needs in the coming years.

One hundred and twenty-five years ago, in a rugged corner of the American West, a bold idea took root. An idea that education could ignite possibility. That knowledge could transform a community. That a school built “for the people” could become a force for the future.


Help ISU celebrate 125 years by enjoying a look at our history and into our bold future. ISU units are invited to play this video or showcase the Online Memory Board at events taking place throughout the year. Contact marcom@isu.edu to request information about sharing these anniversary assets and adding to the excitement!

A still from the 125th Anniversary Cellebration

Congrats to CoSE's

Outstanding Student Achievement Award Winners!

A photo of Lauren Jager

Lauren Jager

B.S. Chemistry

A photo of Kasey Wozniak

Kasey Wozniak

M.S. Biology

A photo of Mathew Shumway

Mathew Shumway
B.B.S. and M.S. Mechanical Engineering

A photo of Rifat Ara Tasnim

Rifat Ara Tasnim

Ph.D. Computer Science

The formal awards celebration for this year's honorees will take place at the ICCU Bengal Alumni Center on Thursday, Feb. 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registrations are required by Feb. 4.

A photo of William Galik

New Faculty Spotlight: William “Bill” Galik


William “Bill” Galik is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He pursued his PhD at IUSS Pavia (Italy) in Earthquake Engineering, where he worked toward assessing earthquake damage to reinforced concrete structures. Within this context, he is developing constitutive models for implementation into finite-element routines. Beyond this current project, William's research interests extend to stability, non-destructive testing and material durability. Prior to studying in Pavia, he obtained a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Washington University in Saint Louis and an M.S. in Structural Engineering from the University of Washington in Seattle. Freshly arrived in Pocatello, William is hoping to explore the local billiards scene and spend some time outdoors, whether it's snowshoeing or fly-fishing.

Volunteers Needed for Bengal STEM Day


We’re looking for volunteers to help with the College’s 2026 installment of Bengal STEM Day on Thursday, February 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.


We need volunteers to help with setup prior to the event, take lunch tickets, man the information booth, and serve as roving helpers. Volunteers will receive a Bengal STEM Day shirt and lunch.  


If you are interested in volunteering, please complete this Google Form. If you have any questions, please reach out to Logan McDougall at loganmcdougall@isu.edu or (208) 282-4361.

Chloe Lemmon poses for a photo at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Kudos, Chloe Lemmon!


Chloe, a junior majoring in biology, was named the CPI of the Month by the ISU Career Center. She is currently working with the Department of Environmental Health, Safety, and Sustainability, and is responsible for updating the EHSS website, collecting data on sustainability metrics for the university, and assisting with sustainability events on campus.

Students Sought for Instagram Collaboration with Graduate School


We're looking for graduate students to participate in video shoots with the Graduate School that will be posted on Instagram. 

The videos will be short-form, and the students need to be willing to speak about their studies/research. If you know of a student who may be a good fit, have them email Remy Boomer, marketing intern with the Graduate School, at remyboomer@isu.edu.

Research and Creative Works Symposium Insider Sessions Scheduled


The Graduate School will be hosting a series of Insider Sessions in January and February for students interested in presenting at the 2026 Research and Creative Works Symposium. The sessions will cover best practices and what to expect from presenting at the event scheduled for March 18.


The Research and Creative Works Symposium is an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines and degree levels to present their scholarly or creative works, in progress or completed, for a chance to win cash prizes in both poster and oral presentation categories. In-person and online presentation options are available. 

RFPs Sought for Proposal Readiness and Enhancement Program Grants


The Office for Research is pleased to announce a new internal funding opportunity, the
Proposal Readiness and Enhancement Program (PREP) Grant.


This internal grant is designed to help PIs develop and submit highly competitive external research proposals by providing funding for a variety of pre-award expenses. Allowable expenses can include classes or workshops for the PI that are designed to enhance grantsmanship, graphic design support for proposals, obtaining external peer reviewers for proposals, addressing reviewer comments, and more.

Girl Scouts of Silver Sage Seek Activity Hosts for STEM Exploration Days


The Girl Scouts of Silver Sage are looking for activity hosts for the group's upcoming STEM Exploration Days on Saturday, January 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Salmon River Suite at the Pond Student Union Building.


If you are interested in participating, the group asks that you fill out their Community Partner form. If you have any questions, contact Rachel Goldschmidt, STEM program specialist, at rgoldschmidt@girlscouts-ssc.org.

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 


January 6, 2026

December 2, 2025

November 11, 2025

October 14, 2025

September 30, 2025

September 16, 2025

August 19, 2025

From Around ISU

W-2 Statements Available in MyISU

If you signed up for the all-electronic W-2 they are now available. Follow the instructions below to access and print your electronic W-2 Statement:


1. Log in to MyISU

2. Go to the Time Entry & Employment Details card

3. Click on Employee Dashboard and login

4. Click on Taxes

5. Click on W-2 Wage and Tax Statement

6. Choose 2025 from the Tax Year drop down menu

7. Click on Display


If you have any questions, please email Payroll at payroll@isu.edu.

College of Business to Offer Free Tax Prep for Students and Community Members in Need

Continuing their longstanding tradition, Idaho State University College of Business students and faculty are offering students and community members in need the opportunity to get their taxes filed for free through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA). Student volunteers will begin filing every Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. from January 22 to March 19 in the Rendezvous Complex, Room 213. 

Idaho State University Hosts Annual Percussion Ensemble Festival Jan. 31

The Idaho State University School of Performing Arts will host the Idaho Day of Percussion on Saturday, January 31, in Goranson Hall inside the Fine Arts Building at ISU. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free and open to the public.



Dates to Remember

January 19

Martin Luther King Jr./Human Rights holiday (no classes)

February 16

Presidents' Day holiday (no classes)

February 23

Early 8-week course grading opens

March 2

Mid-term week

March 9

Late 8-week courses begin

March 10

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

March 23

Spring Break (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


Biological Sciences


Event


Lab Safety Training

C. Forshee


Details


Thurs Jan 22

4 pm


Department/Program


Biological Sciences


Event


Seminar

Kirt Onthank


Details


Thurs Jan 29

4 pm


Department/Program


ALL


Event


Bengal STEM Day


Details


Thurs Feb 12

4 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.

Facebook  X  Instagram  LinkedIn