Science in Our Communities

Idaho's professors and graduate students commonly share their knowledge and passion for science in informal settings like the Pocatello Community Environmental Fair. In spring 2007, scientists from Idaho State University helped children and adults learn about local water quality studies by collecting and identifying aquatic insects from a tributary of the Portneuf River. As a result about 150 enthusiastic young investigators now have magnifying glasses and field guides to help them identify their own aquatic insects - and to stimulate their interest in science!

Photo courtesy of Richard Inouye

Encouraging Future Scientists

Doing research, particularly in the early undergraduate years, has a profound impact on students' educational and career choices. A new program, Research Experiences for Undergraduates Undecided (REU2) about science, allows students like Jenny Durrin, of Spirit Lake, Idaho, to test their interests. As a first generation college student, Jenny used her summer to learn genetic analysis and study native plant viruses in the Palouse. REU2 helps students chose a major and puts them on track to become Idaho's future engineers and scientists.

Photo courtesy of University of Idaho Photo Services

Integrating Research and Education

How can students combine what they learn in the classroom with the actual process of scientific discovery? Try working together with other students, postdoctoral fellows, and professors from different disciplines in an outdoor laboratory. That is what's happening now with state-of-the-art research equipment in the Dry Creek Watershed, located within minutes of Boise State University. In fact statewide, more than 100 students like Master's degree candidate Katrina Ladd (pictured here) enjoy this kind of opportunity because of NSF EPSCoR.

Photo courtesy of Shawn Benner

Transferring Technology to the Private Sector

Scientists in Idaho were the first to make and explain the formation of nanometer-sized springs from different materials. Now they have a new patent-pending technique to integrate nanosprings into microelectronic devices. Equipped with the discoveries of university research, Idaho's new GoNano Technologies will pursue applications in hydrogen storage, hydrogen conversion, next-generation solar cells, and numerous applications in the chemical industry.

Photo courtesy of David McIlroy

Made in Idaho

They hydraulic characteristics of soil control the movement of water, nutrients, and contaminants below ground. The ability to accurately measure these properties is essential for researchers who study subsurface flow. Now Boise State's fully computer-automated Multi-step Outflow System enables researchers to better predict the potential for groundwater recharge or contamination. This unique tool, built by a graduate student, rivals those at premiere national soils laboratories!

Photo courtesy of Molly Gribb

What is NSF EPSCoR?

EPSCoR is a program designed by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to promote scientific progress nationwide. It is for states, including Idaho, that have historically received lesser amounts of competitive Research and Development (R&D) funding. Twenty-seven jurisdictions currently participate. EPSCoR establishes partnerships with higher education, government, and industry and provides support for key research areas at Idaho's public universities. The goal is to stimulate lasting improvements in research infrastructure, R&D capacity, and hence our national R&D competitiveness.

Photo courtesy of the National Science Foundation

Partnering to Take the Pulse of a Watershed

With new instruments and outstanding students and postdoctoral fellows (such as Ph.D. student Heather Bechtold and Dr. Amy Marcarelli, pictured here), scientists at Idaho State University are determining how land uses affect the ability of watersheds to process nutrients. The ambitious Portneuf Watershed Monitoring Network in Southeast Idaho enjoys cooperation of local, national, and tribal government organizations, university researchers, landowners, and industry. By working together, Idaho researchers are becoming internationally recognized for the study of streams and rivers.

Photo Courtesy of Colden Baxter