What's Happening in CoSE

Curt Anderson teaches a class at Idaho State University.

The College of Science and Engineering is saddened by the passing of Professor Curt Anderson.

"Curt’s love for learning and his devotion to others were unwavering," said Janet Loxterman, professor and chair of the biological sciences department. "Curt dedicated his life to teaching and found joy in sharing his passions—whether it was anatomy, physiology, meditation, emergency medicine, sled dogs, herpetology, or evolution."

More information about services for Curt will be shared when they are available.

Geosciences Professor Shannon Kobs Nawotniak and students Tess Oldroyd-Johnson, Daliedmarie Delgado Maisonet, Emily Ford, along with Bailee Zinzer and Erika Rader from the University of Idaho, just spent a week collecting data at Craters of the Moon and in the Mud Lake area.

Their research will help scientists learn more about not only the volcanoes in our region, but could also yield new insights into the volcanoes on the Moon and Mars.

After last month’s magnitude 8.8 earthquake off the Russian coast, Ryan Anderson, assistant professor of geosciences, spoke with Ryan Hill from KMVT News about what Idaho’s been seeing in terms of quakes over the last couple of months.

CoSE Elections and Nominations: Please vote and/or submit your nominations by 5 p.m. on August 29

One position is ready for your vote, but there are still two open committee seats for the upcoming Academic Year (25-26).

Elections are Available for the Following Position - due August 29 at 5 p.m.

1. Academic Integrity Council (AIC)

Nominations are still needed for the following CoSE Committees:

1. Faculty Professional Policies Council (FPPC) - Bio Sci/Chem/Geo Sci

2. Standing Appeals Panel (SAP) - Bio Sci/Chem/Geo Sci

Nominations are due August 29 at 5 p.m. Before submitting a nomination, please ensure that the nominees are aware of their nomination and that they accept it. Self-nominations are welcome, and all terms are three years unless specified otherwise.

To vote or submit a nomination, navigate to the "CoSE Elections" course page on Moodle.

If you are having any issues with the Moodle forms, please submit the nominee's name and committee preference to April Robinson via email by 5 p.m. on August 29.

Idaho State Students Earn Three Awards at 2025 INBRE Conference

Idaho State University’s delegation to one of the Gem State’s largest conferences focused on biomedical research earned itself a trifecta of honors at this year’s event.

Held annually in Moscow, Idaho, the INBRE Conference brings together experts and students from institutions and organizations from around the state for talks, presentations, and meetings focused on biomedical research and education.

The ISU delegation to the 2025 INBRE Conference poses for a photo

You're Invited! Welcome Reception for Dean Widmann Sept. 10

Faculty and staff are invited to stop by and chat with new CoSE Dean Jim Widmann on Wednesday, September 10, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Goody's Deli, 905 S 5th Avenue. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Attendees can purchase alcoholic beverages from the pub.

Please Notify the Admissions Office of Your Outreach Activities in High Schools

At a recent Leadership Council Meeting, Admissions requested that the Colleges and the Departments notify the Admissions Office of any visits that are planned to high schools.

This is to ensure that the unit outreach activities are not interfering or overlapping with University-level efforts. If you or someone in your Department is planning to visit a high school, please contact Nicole Joseph, Director of Admissions, at nicolejoseph@isu.edu.

Presidential Pop-Up Planned for Oct. 6 in LEL 111

President Wagner is excited to continue his Bold Path Forward initiative this academic year by hosting a series of Presidential Pop-Ups around campus.

Faculty and staff from the College of Science and Engineering are invited to attend this casual gathering on October 6 at 3 PM in Lillibridge Engineering Laboratory 111. Refreshments will be provided by the President's Office.

Proposals for 2026-27 Catalog Changes Sought

The Undergraduate Curriculum Council is currently accepting proposals for catalog changes for the 2026-27 academic year. All proposals are due by October 20. Those requiring State Board of Education approval must be submitted by September 5, 2025.

If you have any questions about the proposal process, email CoSE's UCC representatives, Randa Kress and Sherry Adams.

Only complete proposals, with all impact responses entered and concerns resolved, will be accepted and processed for UCC's consideration.

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

President Wagner to Host Open House

As Idaho State University celebrates the start of a new academic year, President Wagner invites all faculty and staff to a welcome back open house on Tuesday, September 2 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m at the University House, 341 S. 7th Ave.

Town Hall: Legislation Related to DEI and Its Impact

On Thursday, August 28 at 2 p.m., you are invited to an Academic Affairs Town Hall. Provost Adam Bradford will be discussing the recent steps the university has taken to address the passage of legislation related to diversity, equity and inclusion and its impact on the university.

Members of the Academic Affairs team will be present and can answer any questions you may have. The Town Hall will be recorded for those unable to join and will be made available to view at a later date.

Invitation to Participate in Indigenous Peoples Day Oct. 13

This year’s theme, "Indigenous Joy: Celebrating Strength & Resilience," offers an important opportunity to honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples, with a focus on the strength and resilience that have guided these communities through generations.

Dates to Remember

August 25	Fall classes begin
September 1	Labor Day Holiday (no classes)
October 6	Early 8-week course grading opens
October 13	Mid-term week
October 20	Late 8-week courses begin
October 21	Early 8-week course grading closes at 5:00 pm

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

New Graduate Student Orientation

Details

Sat, Aug 23

Department/Program

Physics

Event

Colloquium: Phase Transitions in the Dynamics of Quantum Entanglement Brian Skinner

Ohio State University

Details

Mon, Aug 25

4 - 5 pm

https://isu.zoom.us/j/83730680845

Department/Program

Biological Sciences

Event

Introduction to Seminars

Jim Groome

Idaho State University

Details

Thu, Aug 28

4 - 5 pm

LC 10

Department/Program

Physics

Event

Colloquium: Burning Bright: Exploring Be Stars and their Mysteries from our Campus Observatory James Dull

College of Idaho

Details

Mon, Sept 8

4 - 5 pm

https://isu.zoom.us/j/89732879365

Department/Program

ALL

Event

Dean Widmann's Welcome Reception

Details

Wed, Sept 10

3 - 5 pm

Goody's Deli

Department/Program

Biological Sciences

Event

BSRC Research Roundup I

Details

Thu Sept 11

4 - 5 pm

Department/Program

Biological Sciences

Event

BSRC Research Roundup II

Details

Thu Sept 18

4 - 5 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.

View this email as a web page.