SPARK a FIRE for Transfer Success

Mission: To give transfer students the tools needed to thrive as science majors and in multidisplinary science careers or graduate school

Undergraduate Research Spotlight: Select an image below to read more about this research

Melissa Rivas, an undergraduate majoring biology, working in the Molecular Research Core Facility lab.

Anirban Chakraborty studies a sample of deep-sea sediment in his lab on the ISU Pocatello campus. The deep-sea sediments contain Earth's hardiest organisms - known as extremophiles - these organisms may help shine a light on to where life may be found in outer space.

Dr. Cori Jenkins, left, inspects a vial of sulfur-based polymer while Cameron Call prepares a batch of the solution at Idaho State University’s Pocatello campus. Call and Jenkins developed a solution of polymers that captures heavy metals like gold, silver, and lead. This solution can help purify water from industrial waste and test for lead without specialized equipment.

Dr. Julia Martin and Emily Beargen pose at the Pocatello wastewater treatment plant. They collect wastewater in East Idaho to look for COVID-19.

Dr. Pak engaging with student, Emily Morley in his chemistry lab.

Rhys Ellis studies a sample of deep-sea sediment in Anirban Chakraborty's lab.

Heather Ray and Maygan Sampson investigate how a pair of genes in frog embryos controls craniofacial development.

Undergraduate research assistant inspecting a bacteria culture flask.

Research on how adding certain types of bacteria, fungi, and micronutrients to the soil may improve restoration

Dr. Devaleena Pradhan poses for a photo with Lythrypnus dalli, Blue-banded goby in her lab

Dr. Kristin Lane investigating malaria mitochondrial gene regulation.

SPARK a FIRE Scholarship

Scholarship award up to $10,000 per year
Apply Now

Review of applications will begin April 1, 2023.
Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed until funds are exhausted.

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarship Consideration

be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
be enrolled full-time in a qualified* degree-seeking program
be enrolling in ISU as a transfer student and expect to complete their degree in 2-3 years
have a minimum transfer GPA of 2.5
demonstrate financial need

*Qualified Bachelor of Science degree programs: Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry

(NOTE: Students intending to enter health professional programs such as pharmacy, medical, or dental school are not eligible for this scholarship)

Gather Application Materials

You will need the following to apply:

Email address of one current or former college science instructor who has agreed to provide a letter of recommendation for your application. Be sure to communicate with your letter writer directly about the context of the scholarship application.
- The letter should provide insight into your academic potential and motivation specifically related to 1) completing a rigorous biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or chemistry degree program, and 2) participating in a cohort-based program with transfer student peers in these majors.
Personal Essay (typed, 500-word maximum)
- The essay should describe 1) what your interest and motivations are to study biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or chemistry and 2) ultimately why you want to pursue a career or graduate school in this area. Include a statement of your interest in and commitment to this cohort-based transfer student success program, including your commitment to participate in program activities and contribute to this transfer student community.
Estimate your Science GPA & Science credits
- Provide the total number of college science course credits completed and currently enrolled in
- Average your GPA for your completed college science courses
Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- If you need assistance, please contact the ISU Financial Aid Office at (208) 282-2756.

SPARK a FIRE gets Transfer Students Involved on Campus

Scholarship award up to $10,000 per year for 2-3 years
Faculty and peer mentorships
Connections to student communities and clubs
Fully Immersive Research Exploration course
Leadership and career development opportunities
Research experiences

Contact Us to Learn More

Visit these campus sites to learn more about our programs, opportunities to increase college access, and other student support services specific to community college transfer students.

NEW INCOMING TRANSFER STUDENTS