ISU Office for Research Expands Jared Cantrell’s Role to Associate Director for Strategic Partnerships and Innovation

Cantrell, who has been an integral part of the university’s research infrastructure as a Laboratory Manager and Research Engineer, will maintain his current operational duties while expanding his scope to lead external partnership development. He also retains his Joint Appointment at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL). His role is designed to incentivize ongoing research partnerships and ensure that academic efforts translate into impactful benefits for faculty, students, and the private sector.

“Jared has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of how to connect academic research with real-world needs,” said Dr. Mustafa Mashal, Associate Vice President for Research: Innovation Partnerships. “In his expanded role, he will help lead efforts to develop ISU’s partnerships, strengthen innovation-driven research, and advance collaborations with our public and private partners.”

Cantrell’s focus will be on bridging the gap between ISU, INL, and industry needs. Drawing on his background in structural engineering and applied research, he identifies community infrastructure improvement as a primary avenue for growth. He points to continued collaboration with the Idaho Transportation Department, local municipalities, and the private sector as key areas for piloting effective infrastructure solutions. “The emerging opportunities we are now seeing are the result of years of work and relationship building,” said Cantrell. “My excitement stems from having contributed to these relations for many years and from seeing actionable collaborations take shape.”

Cantrell highlights the SUPER Agreement between INL and ISU, which established a framework for exploring the domestic supply of critical materials, and the launch of the Institute for Construction Education, Research, Technology, and Sustainability (ICERTS) as examples of the foundational work he intends to build upon. “Idaho has always been a place defined by hard work and dedication, and the commitment of the people driving these opportunities makes it all the more impactful,” Cantrell said. “Together, we are making future opportunities more effective and productive to drive innovation forward.”