Idaho
NSF EPSCoR Highlights
Strengthening Idaho by Investing in Discovery,
Learning, and Research Infrastructure
- - Featured
Idaho EPSCoR Postcards
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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 |
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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
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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 |
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Why Zebrafish?
Idaho scientists are using cutting-edge genetic techniques to
study how zebrafish respond to varying levels of both nutrients
and pollutants. The small size and fast reproductive rate of
zebrafish allow scientific experiments that otherwise would be
very difficult and time consuming. The more we know about
zebrafish, the easier it is to make discoveries about salmon and
trout - fish of great importance to Idaho.
Photo courtesy of Barrie Robison |
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Experiencing
Research Firsthand
Legislator in the Laboratory is a unique program that invites
legislators, members of the press, congressional staffers, and
other public officials to experience hands-on scientific research
at Idaho's public universities. What better way to see how
professors and students lay the groundwork for discoveries that
contribute to our quality of life! "...now I can tell people
why research is important. It's a tremendous asset." -
Representative Maxine Bell
Photo courtesy of Times-News |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Investing in People
Nationally competitive science and engineering
requires outstanding people. That is why Idaho's EPSCoR Research
Infrastructure Improvement grant provides initial funding for new
faculty positions to be created at Idaho's public universities.
Professor Jeff Hicke (pictured) was recently hired at the
University of Idaho to study the effects of environmental change
on ecosystems, particularly on the carbon and water cycles. Dr.
Hicke and other new professors represent lasting additions to
Idaho's research capabilities.
Photo Courtesy of University of Idaho Photo
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Computer Simulations
Improve Nanosensors
Idaho scientists are actively developing nanosensor technology -
not tiny sensors, but rather the incorporation of nanometer-sized
materials into sensors. Physicists grow nanowires and nanosprings.
Chemists create new sensing molecules that attach to those
materials. Other physicists use computer simulations (pictured) to
understand how these sensing molecules work at the molecular
level. Then engineers design very sensitive devices to detect
specific compounds. Now that's teamwork!
Photo Courtesy of Marty Ytreberg
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Honing the
Competitive Edge
Discovery increasingly requires the expertise of people with
different perspectives. National Science Foundation (NSF) EPSCoR
programs encourage contributions from all people, including women,
minorities, and persons with disabilities who are underrepresented
in science and engineering. The efforts of professors such as Dr.
Rod Hill (pictured with research group) are helping our nation to
develop a diverse, well-prepared, globally engaged workforce.
Diversity helps stimulate research that can compete with the best
and win. |
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