Impactful Teaching and Research March 2025

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 for the month of March 2025. Additional faculty will be highlighted each month during the academic year.

Impactful Teaching Faculty Highlight: Kristi Glick, assistant lecturer and head of the metals and jewelry program in the Department of Art, College of Arts and Letters

Glick is nationally known for her work in metals and enameling, and her work has been exhibited in many national and international juried exhibitions. She teaches workshops for crafts schools and artists groups around the country.

Glick recently participated in an invitational, awarded, five-day artist residency at the Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft in Columbia, North Carolina. This residency, Project Mesh, was created five years ago with the goal of bringing together 12 enamelists from diverse backgrounds and practices. In the fine art field, an invitation to an exhibit or a residency is an indicator of distinguishing oneself in a field of expertise. In addition to supporting her research, Glick attended Project Mesh to help meet an important art department need, to form connections that will help ISU students find employment related to their art degree once they graduate. Focusing on what students need in her own studio time exemplifies ways that Glick consistently focuses on transforming student lives.

“I met Kristi on Bengal Visit Day and she is the entire reason I switched to be an art major, it was her kindness and encouragement that she always demonstrates to me” -

Eros Auman, Art Major, Junior

“Kristy is the reason why I keep coming back everyday, her class is the highlight of my week.” - Abby Card, Anthropology Major, Senior

“Kristi listens to everyone, she is the most inclusive teacher we have ever met. She never judges and always guides. The studio work is so difficult and she is always a step ahead of us to avoid problems before they arrive. She makes sure assignments relate to us personally. She is the kindest faculty we have ever experienced.” - Jan Smith, Debra Black Bear and Jeff Davies- non traditional students who continue to enroll in the metals class every semester

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Impactful Research Faculty Highlight: Dr. Erika Coles, associate professor of school psychology and educational leadership, College of Education 

Coles conducts research focused on interventions for ADHD and other related disorders, specifically highlighting the correlation between evidence-based interventions  that have been well documented, and significant barriers that remain in their implementation in real life settings, including schools and home.  Coles’ work seeks to explore ways of reducing these barriers through innovative research methods and training. She has received over $15 million of grant funding from both federal funding sources such as the National Institute of Mental Health, Department of Education and Institute of Education Sciences, as well as state and local funding from the Idaho Department of Education and Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade County. This funding and her work combine to support three interrelated lines of research; (1) investigating ways to increase treatment integrity in the implementation of school-based classroom interventions, (2) how to best sequence evidence-based treatments for ADHD (i.e., behavioral interventions and stimulant medication) to improve child outcomes in school settings, and (3) developing innovative behavioral consultation methods to address barriers that teachers face in the implementation of evidence-based interventions for ADHD and related disorders in the classroom, including teachers’ knowledge, skills, and beliefs.

“I have had the privilege of working on population-based mental health projects with Dr. Coles for the last two years and have witnessed the impressive impact she has had on the mental health of children in our Idaho schools. Idaho State University also benefits from the strong relationships that Dr. Coles has built with local school systems as she works to expand mental health research, direct services, and training alongside these partners.” - Dr. Kristin Van De Griend, department chair and associate professor, Department of Community and Public Health, College of Health

“Dr. Coles is a highly respected scholar whose research has made significant contributions to the field of behavioral interventions and mental health in education. Her work focuses on evidence-based behavioral treatments for ADHD, including behavior modification techniques and effective classroom behavior management strategies for students with challenging behaviors. She is also advancing important research on the gender gap in ADHD diagnosis and treatment, helping to inform more equitable and responsive approaches to support all learners. In addition to her research, Dr. Coles supports multiple educators in the field. She actively mentors teachers working with students with ADHD, providing hands-on support through classroom visits, individualized consultations, and practical guidance to strengthen behavior management strategies. Her work not only bridges the gap between research and practice but also empowers educators to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments. Her dedication is further reflected in a major grant she secured to support initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for students facing mental health challenges.” - Dr. Wendy Ruchti, associate professor, Teaching and Educational Studies Department, College of Education

“With the many barriers to treatment for mental health issues in youth, Dr. Coles' research will not only improve the lives of children and their families, but also integrate the behavioral health and educational systems, creating lasting change that goes beyond the individual student.” - Dr. Elizabeth Fore, director, Institute of Rural Health