Dr. René Rodriguez Named Associate Dean of ISU’s College of Science and Engineering

Dr. Scott Snyder, Dean of Idaho State University’s College of Science and Engineering, has named Chemistry Professor Dr. René Rodriguez as the College’s associate dean. 

 

“Dr. Rodriguez has a long association with ISU and is recognized as a talented educator and innovative researcher,” said Snyder. “His previous leadership of the Chemistry Department gives him tremendous insight into the college's operations. I look forward to working more closely with René as we work across the college to move the College of Science and Engineering into a promising future.”

 

“The cornerstones of the College of Science and Engineering are the faculty and staff dedicated to the education of students in the STEM-related fields,” Rodriguez said. “I look forward to working with the faculty and staff to continue our mission of offering an inviting and high-quality educational environment for our students.”

 

Rodriguez joined ISU’s Chemistry Department in the fall of 1988. A portion of his research currently focuses on using infrared thermography to recover serial numbers from firearms that may have been used in crimes. He’s also looking into how thin films of materials - sometimes just a hundred atoms thick - can be used in semiconductors and other technology-based applications and the properties of ionic liquids, a relatively new class of materials. His research has led to publishing more than 30 different papers. In addition to his research, he’s taught more than 20 different courses at ISU and served as the Chemistry Department’s Chair from 2013 to 2018.  

 

“Idaho State University offers a quality education to its students,” said Rodriguez. “The university offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees and opportunities for students to participate in clubs and extracurricular activities. Students may have some large classes and interact with faculty in smaller classroom settings.  The university attracts many international students and students from many cultural backgrounds, providing a diverse population. Also, Pocatello is a very nice city, and its citizens and the students of ISU interact well with one another.”

 

Rodriguez has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Colorado, a Master of Science in Physical Chemistry from the University of Minnesota, and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Idaho. He’s also served as the Treasurer of the Idaho Section of the American Chemical Society, President and Journal Editor for the Idaho Academy of Science and Engineering, President of the Snake River Section of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy, and more.

 

Rodriguez will step into the role this summer.

 

“As associate dean, I hope to serve the College of Science and Engineering by helping to foster an environment that supports the growth of faculty, staff, and students, Rodriguez said. Communicating well with the faculty and staff in the college is an essential part of this process.  I will work with the Dean and faculty and staff in the College to provide our students with the best possible educational opportunities.”  

 

For more information on ISU’s College of Science and Engineering, visit isu.edu/cse.