Impactful Teaching and Research
As part of an initiative to recognize impactful research, teaching and creative scholarship across Idaho State University campuses, two faculty who have made meaningful contributions in these key focus areas are being honored each month during the academic year.
Impactful Teaching
MACKENZIE GORHAM, BS, MS, MS
Coordinator, Clinical Senior Instructor
Department of Nuclear Operations Technology
College of Technology
Mackenzie Gorham is the Program Coordinator for Nuclear Operations Technology at the Energy Systems Technology and Education Center (ESTEC), where she prepares students for careers in the nuclear industry through hands-on instruction. Drawing on ten years of experience with the U.S. Department of Energy at INL and previous work as a research reactor operator, she connects classroom learning with real-world applications, including reactor operations and nuclear emergency management field studies in Chernobyl, Ukraine, and Fukushima, Japan.
- Developed and implemented multiple new instructional laboratories within the Nuclear Operations Technology program, expanding opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience, develop technical competencies, and practice industry-relevant skills.
- Emphasizes experiential learning by integrating real-world scenarios, technical simulations, and practical exercises that connect classroom theory to professional applications in the nuclear industry.
- Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Idaho State University, as part of her commitment to continuous improvement in teaching. She also draws on industry collaboration to develop innovative learning experiences that prepare students for success in the workforce.
Mackenzie Gorham has been my most influential instructor while at ISU. She pushed me, and is always willing to help her students succeed if they put in the work. Her knowledge of the nuclear industry and her career constantly surprise me. Mackenzie Gorham is my inspiration going into the workforce.”
— Ellen Jenkins, Class of 2023
Impactful Research
WENDY RUCHTI, PH.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Teaching and Educational Studies
School of Education
Dr. Ruchti’s research advances K–12 STEM education by connecting theory with real-world school transformation. She studies how educators integrate STEM disciplines and how project-based learning strengthens teaching practices and teacher efficacy. Her work supports Idaho’s educational pipeline by co-authoring the state’s STEM Designation standards, coaching educators, and securing more than $1.65 million in funding, including NSF Noyce grants, to recruit, train, and retain high-quality STEM teachers.
- Developed research-backed frameworks for schoolwide STEM implementation
- Co-authored Idaho’s STEM Designation standards and coached educators
- Secured over $1.65 million in grants, including a $1.2M NSF Noyce grant
- Advanced integrated STEM, data science, and project-based learning research
- Presented research internationally and authored NSTA publications
Wendy’s research has helped us better understand how STEM designation can strengthen teacher engagement, deepen knowledge of integrated STEM, and build confidence in what we can accomplish together. At J.R. Simplot Elementary, her partnership has supported our teachers in connecting learning across subjects through meaningful, authentic projects. Her ability to translate research into practical classroom strategies has strengthened our STEM work and created engaging learning opportunities for students. Her work makes a lasting difference by helping educators see themselves as a team capable of improving student learning.”
— Michelle Anderson, Principal of JR Simplot Elementary