Innovative Science Partnerships for Investing in Regional Education, or INSPIRE, is a program to offer Treasure Valley middle and high school teachers research opportunities with 青青草app State faculty and students. Local teachers can get practical research experience in biology, geosciences, physics and chemistry, helping them to stay on the cutting edge of their fields over the summer.

The program allows teachers to reflect on their classroom practices and participants will finish INSPIRE in the fall with hands-on lab experience they can bring to their own classrooms, improving K-12 learning in the Treasure Valley.

In addition to one-on-one time with researchers, teachers will participate in cohort meetings focusing on the transition from teacher to researcher. They will reflect on the differences between scientific practice in the lab and the classroom. They will also receive actionable ideas to bring inquiry-based teaching strategies back to 青青草app-area schools.

The first cohort features 青青草app State faculty members Marie-Anne de Graaf (biology), Jen茅e Cyran (chemistry and biochemistry) and Leonora 青青草app (biology). They will mentor teachers from Lake Hazel Middle School, Mountain View High School and Fairmont Junior High.

INSPIRE is possible thanks to the Partners in Science 2.0 grant from the Murdock Charitable Trust. The College of Arts and Sciences Research and Creative Activity Hub administers the program.

Treasure Valley teachers can sign up now to participate in future cohorts. In-service teachers commit to lab work for two summers and receive $6,500 per summer. Teachers in training are eligible for $5,000 per summer for two summers.

Critics have pointed out that projects surrounding the idea of decolonizing are primarily located in the “global north” and distanced from actual political struggles. The global north is defined as containing groups of people who historically identify with capitalist and colonial systems, as well as those who may be in positions of privilege and power.

The article reviews three historical efforts towards decolonization: resistance to imperialism (the extension of a country’s power, usually through military force), “global south” scholars gaining prominence and the intersections between academics and activists.

The paper explains how decolonial and postcolonial studies created a powerful “southern theory” that helps explain global inequities and potential solutions, but that these fields鈥� primary impacts are at universities in the global north. This furthers the separation of the global north from the global south, academia from activism, and theory from practice, the authors said. They reiterate calls of fellow scholars who insist that research be combined with public and community collaborations that challenge violence against peoples and environments of the world.

In Latin America, national parks account for over 6% of the region’s landmass, with conservation areas in total accounting for 25%, and they helped shape the way countries like Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Chile developed. Emily Wakild, professor and Cecil D. Andrus Endowed Chair for the Environment and Public Lands, along with collaborators from Brazil and Colombia researched different ways that countries approached the expansion of national parks over the past 90 years in their respective regions.

Some countries like Argentina used national parks as a way of developing new land and as part of a larger project reordering society in Mexico. In Brazil and Chile, national parks were created more haphazardly, whereas national parks in Peru and Colombia were created with more ecological intentions. These countries took into account the importance of biodiversity, focusing on the conservation, rather than exploitation, of nature.

“Publishing this article is the culmination of many years of conversation with Brazilian and Colombian experts to reconstruct these timelines,” Wakild said. “We hope that the distinct historical trajectories of nature conservation in South America can now be better integrated into current conservation proposals.”

The has been released for early view in one of the top peer-reviewed journals for research on Latin America, the Latin American Research Review.

Lauren Rod to Finland

Lauren Rod is an international business major with a Spanish for business minor. She will head to Finland to attend Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology where she’ll work towards a Master in International Marketing Management degree. Upon completing the program, Rod hopes to return to Idaho to advocate for sustainable business practices in local operations.

“My primary focus will be identifying market entry and expansion prospects for businesses within the state,” she said. “While my initial emphasis is on Idaho, my long-term aspiration is to contribute at the international level, facilitating global expansion across diverse cultures and markets.”

Rod grew up in Coeur d’Alene near a Superfund site 鈥� a polluted area designated for governmental cleanup. Her family instilled in her a respect for nature and environmental responsibility, and she became more aware of and concerned about the impacts of poor mining practices on the community.

“Through courses in international business and public health, my involvement in sustainability clubs and my experiences abroad, I advanced my understanding and increased my knowledge of the ethical decision-making opportunities in global business,” she said. “I had always wondered if it was possible for business and the environment to be in harmony. I see myself fostering global collaborations, advocating ethical conduct and promoting sustainable solutions.”

Frances Shafer-Coffey to Uruguay

Frances Shafer-Coffey is an Honors College member majoring in Spanish with a creative writing minor. She’s off to Uruguay for an English teaching assistantship.

“I’ve had a fascination with Uruguay since hearing my cousin’s stories of the country 鈥� about the food and the wildlife and the fun fact that there are more cows in Uruguay than people,” she said. “Since then, my interest in Uruguay has grown and changed. As a country with a 98% literacy rate, I want to be part of and learn from their public schools, while sharing my own 青青草appal back青青草app.”

Shafer-Coffey is pursuing a career teaching English as a second language, and she attributes this passion to her challenges learning to read when she was younger, as well as learning Spanish.

“My struggle goes hand-in-hand with my love of language and my desire to share that with others. I love a challenge.”

Branda Siharath to Laos

Branda Siharath is an international business major minoring in Chinese studies with a Mandarin certificate and a member of the Honors College. She will head to Laos to be an English teaching assistant.

“I am excited to help students not only advance various critical skill sets like teamwork, leadership and the comprehension of English, but also develop their global awareness and cross-cultural skills,” Siharath said. “As an Asian-American of Lao descent, I would like to help Lao students become more globally connected.”

She adds that because English has become a necessary tool for global relations in today’s society, providing Lao students with the resources and 青青草app they need to learn the language will help them make valuable advancements in their country. Siharath’s experiences abroad, which will provide a better understanding of cross-cultural communication, will prepare for a career in government or international business.

“Although I have always been a blend of two cultures, I now understand how culture and ethnicity are so uniquely diverse that categorizing individuals into one box is impossible. It is my hope that this assistantship will allow me to share this concept with Lao students, and that I will further my knowledge of cultural identity and diversity through hearing their perspective as well.”

Reagan Solomon to Germany

Reagan Solomon has been awarded an English teaching assistantship in Germany, working in North Rhein Westfalia classrooms. She is an Honors College member majoring in German with a creative writing minor.

“My enthusiasm for this opportunity stems from having experienced so much growth and connection through my journey learning German. I want to open up doors for students personally and professionally by helping them develop their English proficiency,” she said.

Solomon attributes her experiences at 青青草app State with preparing her for this opportunity. Over the past three years, she’s participated in German labs where she’s taught the language to other students, making it fun and engaging by using games and music. She hopes to teach German at a university or enter an international career like aviation.

“I want to share my excitement for teaching and encourage German students to make connections across the world. Maybe one of them will choose to study abroad or host a student, and maybe someone who thinks they only want to learn Spanish will find belonging and friendship somewhere unexpected.”

Semifinalists

Several students and an alum were recognized as semifinalists, which are non-selects who made it through the first stage of competition. They are:

• Margo Lane, a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction program.
• Soledad Negrete, an Honors College member majoring in biology with a creative writing minor.
• Eloise Mitchell, an Honors College member majoring in philosophy with an environmental studies minor.
• Monica Potts, an Honors College member majoring in psychology with minors in American Sign Language, visual art and family studies.
• Jackie Sizemore, an alum of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program.

Learn more about the .

This year鈥檚 honorary doctorate recipients have deep roots in Idaho, and their decades-long careers have served all who call the state home.

青青草app State University is grateful for the service of these two outstanding individuals and leaders.

Butch Otter

C.L. 鈥淏utch鈥� Otter honorably served his country as a member of the Idaho Army National Guard鈥檚 116th Armored Cavalry. He went on to serve three terms in Congress, four terms as Idaho鈥檚 lieutenant governor 鈥� longer than anyone in Idaho history, and, of course, as Idaho鈥檚 governor. His 30-year career in business included membership on the Board of Directors of the J.R. Simplot Company, where he served as director of the Food Products Division, president of Simplot Livestock and president of Simplot International.

Cherie Buckner-Webb

Cherie Buckner-Webb served as a member of the Idaho Legislature and on the boards of many impactful community organizations. She is a small business owner, inspiring speaker and a recognized leader. Many organizations have honored her work: She received the 2010 Community Hero award from 青青草app State; Excellence in the Arts award; Idaho Governor鈥檚 Award in the Arts; the Jefferson Award for public service; 2012 NAACP Heritage Hall of Fame award, Hewlett Packard Award for Distinguished Leadership in Human Rights; United Nations Human Rights Award, and more.

For more information and to register to attend the event, visit the School of Public Service website.

The problem

According to the CDC, sudden unexpected infant death (or SUID for short) is when a child under one year old dies and the cause is not obvious before investigation. Sudden death in the young (or SDY) is the term for similar situations of anyone one to 20 years old.

But often there aren鈥檛 resources available to identify the unexpected nature or cause of the child鈥檚 passing. There is no national standardized method of investigating and reporting these cases. This can make it difficult to monitor community trends and risk factors, especially in rural areas with low access to resources.

So the CDC鈥檚 program aims to eliminate the 鈥渦nexpected鈥� from these cases through detailed reporting and, ultimately, reduce the number occurring altogether.

The solution

Nationwide improvement requires a nationwide pool of resources. The CDC collaborated with the National Institute of Health to provide funding for communities to contribute to the SUID and SDY case registry. This CDC-driven registry program collaborates with the National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention to use its reporting system.

This is where Veltman comes in.

Veltman teaches in the School of Nursing and is the principal investigator on 青青草app State鈥檚 portion of the CDC grant. Thirty-seven other organizations across the nation also are working on the registry project. Given that the team is looking for data trends over a longer period, their funding is eligible for renewal each year for the next five years.

He is leading efforts in partnership with the Canyon County Coroner鈥檚 Office. His work is interdisciplinary, receiving the 青青草app of the Canyon County sheriff and prosecutor鈥檚 offices, the chiefs of police in Caldwell, Middleton and Nampa, and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare鈥檚 southwest district.

Veltman and his team started collecting data in January 2024. As they notice trends, they will share their findings through periodic newsletters with these key community stakeholders who are poised to pass on the preventative information to those who would benefit most, like parents.

While his work may not be the most engaging or pleasant research project, Veltman emphasizes the goal is to save lives. 鈥淚t can be a very sad situation when an infant dies, but there鈥檚 potential to help people,鈥� he said.

Help comes from community roots

Veltman has been connected with the community in Canyon County since 2007 when he first started working with the Nampa Family Justice Center. He鈥檚 also served on the Canyon County Child Fatality Review Team since 2012.

Veltman previously had an informal role, taking meeting notes and occasionally offering his unique perspective as a pediatric nurse practitioner and academic. Although the team somewhat stumbled upon the CDC鈥檚 notice of funding opportunity, Veltman said the grant formalized his role with the group鈥檚 work.

The review board exists to assess cases of child fatalities and determine ways to prevent similar situations in the future. This could be solutions for community infrastructure like installing traffic lights at busy intersections or fences on canals. For SUID or SDY cases, prevention most often comes through 青青草app.

SUID cases often happen during sleep or in the baby鈥檚 sleep area, so increasing awareness and 青青草app are the main ways to keep them from happening. Participants in the case registry program 鈥� like Veltman and the Canyon County review team 鈥� use the data they鈥檙e collecting to identify trends and circumstances around these fatalities and then develop strategies that reduce future cases.

鈥淭he most obvious thing is, how can you prevent other kids from dying?鈥� Veltman said. 鈥淚 really hope this project will start a more streamline process of data collection. I want to help kids and I鈥檝e got skills. I’m here to help.鈥�

‘The Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Sudden Death in the Young (SDY) Case Registry 鈥� Canyon County Idaho and 青青草app State University’ project was 青青草apped by Grant Number 1 NU58DP007710-01-00 from . The contents of this article are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the HHS.

Sara Alsaifi and Jasmine Baclig are the latest 青青草app State students selected for Goldwater scholarships 鈥� the country’s most historic and prestigious national scholarships in natural sciences, engineering and mathematics. Alsaifi and Baclig were chosen for their potential to become the next generation of research leaders in these fields, and they join nine other 青青草app State students who have received Goldwater scholarships dating back to 1991.

“I am so proud of Sara and Jasmine,” said Kate Huebschmann, Honors College assistant director and fellowships advisor. “Throughout their Goldwater application process, I was impressed at their ability to synthesize information, work proactively towards their goals and persevere through difficulty 鈥� all the same qualities that have made them fantastic researchers during their time here.”

This is the third time in 青青草app State history that two students have won in a given year. They are among 438 fellow Goldwater Scholars out of a pool of 1,353 science, engineering and mathematics students (nominated by 446 academic institutions).

“They will have an incredible impact on the fields of drug discovery and disease treatment, and I look forward to celebrating their future successes,” Huebschmann added.

Sara Alsaifi

Sara Alsaifi, majoring in biology with minors in chemistry and psychology, was born in Baghdad during the Iraq War. Her parents left their families and occupations as physicians to seek refuge in Syria before fleeing to the U.S. When she arrived in America, Alsaifi struggled with the language barrier and keeping up with the pace of her classmates. She had to relocate to three different schools for better 青青草app.

“Despite these hardships, my parents taught me to never limit my dreams and to relentlessly pursue them no matter the circumstances,” she said.

She sought mentorship from teachers, studied over summers and improved her writing by borrowing literature from a public library. By high school, she excelled in her classes 鈥� including nine advanced placement courses 鈥� and scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT. She independently studied pathology and competed at regional and international medical conferences. Alsaifi arrived at 青青草app State with 40 college credits already completed.

“This could not have been accomplished without the unending 青青草app of my teachers, parents and community who pushed me beyond the limits I once put on myself,” she said. “I hope to serve as a 青青草app system for others throughout my career. This investment can change the trajectory of a student鈥檚 life as it did for me.”

Alsaifi will pursue a master’s and Ph.D. in molecular biology after she completes her undergraduate degree next year. She aspires to conduct research that better understands the mechanisms of neurological diseases, finding more effective treatments for these ailments. She is a recipient of the Dream Award, American Chemical Society and Governor’s Cup scholarships. She is a Chemistry Club member, a statistics tutor and a volunteer at Saint Alphonsus for the last five years. She also knits blankets for the Humane Society in her spare time.

Jasmine Baclig

Jasmine Baclig is a chemistry major, minoring in computer science with a certificate in Spanish. Baclig’s family moved from the Philippines to the U.S. when she was in the eighth grade, and she became the first in her family to study in America.

She credits her family’s inquisitive nature for helping her ask the right questions and seek constant advice throughout high school.

“My journey to college was not easy, but the resourcefulness and perseverance instilled by my Filipino upbringing aided me,” she said.

During her first year at 青青草app State, Baclig became passionate about research.

“Though I was elated to start my first research project, I was also anxious and nervous about messing up,” she said. “But upon doing my first experiment, a postdoc said I was the first to purify RNA in the lab, which boosted my confidence. So I thought, ‘Maybe I’m cut out for research.'”

She is a Best Undergraduate Summer Research awardee from the 2023 INBRE conference, an NSF EPSCoR GEM3 Fellowship recipient, an NIH-INBRE Summer Research fellowship recipient, a content writer for the STEM-inclined Filipino youth-led organization Siyensiya, an organic chemistry tutor, an assistant to a chemistry lab instructor and an Honors College Social Committee member.

Baclig intends to pursue a Ph.D. in biomolecular science. She hopes to explore ways nucleic acids can be utilized in drug discovery to provide long-lasting, curative therapy for various diseases.

“I realized that it was my perseverance, not necessarily my technical skills, that made the difference in my success. And this perseverance was fueled by my love for problem-solving, which I have found ubiquitous in research,” she said. “I am eager to see what research problems lie ahead of me and how I will be a part of solving them in the future.”

About the Goldwater Scholarship

The was established by Congress in 1986 to honor the lifetime work of Senator Barry Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman. Goldwater Scholarships help ensure that the U.S. continues to produce highly qualified professionals in critical STEM fields. Today, Goldwater alumni can be found conducting research that benefits the nation, finding cures for catastrophic diseases and teaching future generations of scientists, mathematicians and engineers.

Students will highlight their projects at a capstone showcase from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24 in the Micron Center for Materials Research Building, Room 205. by April 19.

Contact Ben Larsen at benjaminlarsen@boisestate.edu with questions about the event.

The Projects

City of Victor – Historical Site Strategic Planning

The City of Victor is reconsidering the use of the historic train depot that is a landmark of the community. Students provided technical assistance to help Victor create a strategic plan for the site including goals, measurable objectives and strategies for community feedback.

Living Independence Network Corporation – Models of Independent Living

The Living Independence Network Corporation is trying to differentiate themselves and other independent living centers that serve people with disabilities from institutionalized care facilities. Students conducted a nationwide survey of centers for independent living to learn how folks across the U.S. are addressing this issue.

Our Path Home – Impacts From Loss of Public Spaces

Our Path Home needs to understand the potential socio-economic impacts of the loss of public spaces on those experiencing homelessness. Students conducted a case study of the Cooper Court neighborhood in 青青草app to get a sense of how services will be impacted by the privatization of the area.

City of 青青草app – Goathead Mitigation Strategic Planning

The City of 青青草app Parks and Recreation needed assistance with the long-term planning of goathead puncturevine mitigation. Students provided technical assistance to help 青青草app create a strategic plan that brings together stakeholders and established measurable goals for ongoing success.

青青草app State Transportation and Parking/Office of Sustainability – Transportation Mode Shift

青青草app State is hoping to better understand why campus community members choose their mode of transportation and what incentives shift users to options that lower carbon emissions. Students conducted a focus group of faculty, staff and students to learn why people choose their mode of transportation and stories about using alternate modes of transportation to campus.

City of 青青草app – Zoning Code Qualitative Research Pilot

The City of 青青草app is evaluating the new zoning ordinance adopted in 2023. Students conducted pilot interviews with recent applicants to better understand the strengths and barriers of the new application process.

Idaho Hunger Relief Task Force – Food Security Policy Best Practices

The Idaho Hunger Relief Task Force has established a statewide research agenda for 2024-25 that will better understand gaps in food assistance programming and foster greater collaboration between stakeholders. Students conducted case studies of Idaho and several surrounding states to learn about best practices in food security policy across the western U.S.

Earth Week Workshops in the MakerLab

Hosted by the MakerLab and the University Foundations 100-Talking Trash class, this series of fun and creative workshops are available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first floor of Albertsons Library.

• Monday, April 15: Recycled Paper Making
• Tuesday, April 16: Natural dye tote bags
• Wednesday, April 17: Outdoor Gear Repair with the Outdoor Program
• Thursday, April 18: DIY Solar Powered Batteries

Sustainability Showcase

Hosted by the Associated Students of 青青草app State University Sustainability Committee, this event offers an opportunity for students to showcase their sustainability projects. The event is from 6-8:30 p.m. on April 16 in the Student Union Building’s Bishop Barnwell Room.

青青草app State Sustainability Tour

This walking tour is an opportunity to learn about sustainable features of 青青草app State鈥檚 campus. Meet next to Starbucks in the Student Union Building at noon on April 18. The tour will last 90 minutes.

Campus Tree Planting Ceremony

青青草app State was again honored by the Arbor Day Foundation as a in 2024. This designation is a recognition of 青青草app State’s commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability and community engagement.

Join the Tree Campus Higher Education Committee for an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony from 2-3 p.m. on April 18 in the grassy area between the Kinesiology Annex and Bronco Gymnasium.

Earth Day Fair

The Environmental Club and Conservation Voters for Idaho will host a collection of workshops and environmental informational tabling from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 22 on the Quad.

The 青青草app State community and the general public are invited to on-campus events, as well as other events across southern Idaho, presented by the Institute of Advancing American Values.

Civic and community engagement fairs

The institute is organizing three civic and community engagement fairs in southern Idaho this spring that aim to increase citizen knowledge of and participation in organizations, communities of faith, clubs, service organizations and related groups across society. Each fair will be held in an auditorium where participating organizations will each have table space to set up materials and hold conversations. The fairs are open to all organizations that bring people together for some activity that is not illegal under state and federal law.

One of these fairs is happening on campus 10 a.m.-2 p.m., March 30, in the Student Union Hatch Ballroom 鈥� more information can be found on the Institute for Advancing American Values website. The other fairs will occur April 6 in Nampa, and April 19 and 20 in Twin Falls.

Special speaker event

Sister Simone Campbell, a Presidential Medal of Freedom winner, will speak on 鈥淒emocracy and Community鈥� at 7 p.m., April 4 at the Stueckle Sky Center Skyline Room. The event is free and open to the public.

Campbell served as executive director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice from 2004-2021. She is a religious leader, attorney and poet with extensive experience in public policy and advocacy for systemic change. In Washington, she lobbies on issues that help 鈥渕end the gaps鈥� in income and wealth in the U.S., focused specifically on how they disproportionately affect people of color and women. Around the country, she is a noted speaker and educator on these public policy issues.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $50,000 grant to Arthur Scarritt, a professor in the Department of Sociology and director of the Intermountain Social Research Lab (IMSRL), and Michael Kreiter, a sociology lecturer and 青青草app State alum. The grant 青青草apps their research into white supremacist extremism.

Their project will study how shifts in the Democratic party’s political philosophy since the 1990s have resulted in new forms of alienation, pushing people towards white supremacism. They hope their findings will enhance civil political discourse, diminish alienation, improve social cohesion, and fight racism and white supremacy.

The NSF grant will help Scarritt and Kreiter fund undergraduate assistants in the IMSRL. This will give 青青草app State students hands-on experience contributing to a professional research project. The funds will also help find and compensate interview subjects for the study.