What's Happening in CoSE

A photo of Walter T. Smith and a dog named Pinot.

Scholarship Honors Late Idaho State University Biological Sciences Alumnus

An Idaho State University alumnus is being honored through the establishment of a new scholarship in his name.

Recently, an anonymous donor established the Walter T. Smith Memorial Biological Sciences Scholarship Endowment at ISU.

Art and Science: Graduate Uses Life, Educational Experiences to Broaden Opportunities

Like many students, Leigh Blom didn’t know what to do after high school. She wasn’t sure what path she wanted to take or where her life would end up. Last Saturday, Blom graduated with a degree in geology, plans for the future, and a 6-year-old son who is learning by example the value of lifelong learning.

Leigh Blom poses with a photo of her artwork

An innovative piece of concrete developed by Idaho State University and the Idaho Transportation Department is being highlighted in the pages of Aspire magazine.

Recently, an article authored by Mustafa Mashal, professor of civil engineering and associate vice president for research innovation partnerships; Jared Cantrell, associate director for strategic partnerships; and Zak Johnson, civil engineer with ITD, showcased the benefits of using precast piers, such as the one at I-15’s Exit 80 in Fort Hall.

NIGMS Research Funding Opportunities Webinar Scheduled for May 28

The University of Utah Graduate School and the Office for Postdoctoral Affairs, as well as other universities and national labs across Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Nevada, are co-hosting a virtual National Institute of General Medical Sciences grant-writing workshop via Zoom.

The webinar will be on Thursday, May 28, from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. RSVPs are required.

REMINDERS:

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.

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.

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!

Bengal Bio Open House Planned for May 23

Now’s your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the research happening in Idaho State University’s Department of Biological Sciences.

On Saturday, May 23, from noon to 4 p.m. in the Gale Life Science Building, 660 Memorial Drive, ISU faculty and students will host the Bengal Bio Open House. Open to the public and all ages, the event will showcase the labs and work being done by faculty and students. There will also be hands-on activities, presentations by student clubs, financial aid information, and more.

While registration is not required, attendees who register by May 18 will receive a welcome gift.

If you have any questions about the Bengal Bio 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

From Around ISU

Thousands Walk Across the Stage at Idaho State Spring Commencement Ceremonies

In a year marked by record enrollment and retention rates, and the celebration of Idaho State University’s 125th birthday, thousands of graduates walked across the stage at ICCU Dome at ISU Commencement ceremonies.

Institute of Rural Health Awarded $75,500 to Provide Free Farmers Market Produce Vouchers for Idahoans

The Institute of Rural Health received a grant of $75,500 from the Idaho Physical Activity and Nutrition Program at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to help seniors and youth expand their access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and vegetable plant starts from local Idaho farmers. The grant will expand the IRH’s presence throughout Idaho where it has provided services to improve the health of communities through research, education, and service since 1989.

Benny's Pantry Receives Statewide Recognition

Benny's Pantry was recently honored with the "Strength of Partner Agency Network" award at the annual Idaho Foodbank Partner Conference, recognizing the pantry's commitment to serving the campus community with dignity, care, and connection. The award highlights the work of the Benny's Pantry staff and volunteers, whose efforts have helped transform the pantry into more than just a food resource for students, staff, and faculty.

Dates to Remember

May 18	Classes begin for Early-4, Early-6, Early-8 and Full term
May 25	Memorial Day holiday (Monday - no classes)
June 1	Early-4 final grading opens
June 15	Early-6 final grading opens
June 15	Middle-4 and Late-8 courses start
June 16	Early-4 final grading closes at 4:00 pm
June 19	Juneteenth Holiday (Friday – no classes)
June 29	Early-8 and Middle-4 final grading opens
June 29	Late-6 courses start
June 30	Early-6 final grading closes at 4:00pm

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.

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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