ISU Alumnus Rick Carron Funds Museum’s Technology For Student Training

The Idaho Virtualization Laboratory (IVL) at the Idaho Museum of Natural History (IMNH) expects major advances this year, thanks to generous funding from Idaho State University alumnus Rick Carron. 

Carron’s funding will support the IVL’s purchase of portable scanning equipment and advanced software, strengthening the facility’s role as a national leader in training students in digital museum archiving. The IVL creates 3D digital reproductions of real-world objects and artifacts that are made available online to give access for research and education, while protecting the original specimens from potential damage. 

Carron is a long-time advocate for educational advancement and technological innovation. “His commitment to students at ISU is really special,” said Dr. Leif Tapanila, director of the IMNH. “Staying current with technology is critical to being able to train students and build relevant skills for their future careers. Rick’s support will have a significant impact on ISU students from a wide range of programs in the sciences and arts. 

Hands-on training has been a vital part of the IVL’s mission since it began in 2004 as one of the first digital museum labs in the world. Over that time, dozens of ISU students have trained in the processes of making 3D ‘virtual’ objects and 3D printing. 

Abby Gallegos, recent ISU graduate (Bachelors of Biology in Biomedical Science, 2024) and IVL career path intern, said “The old graphics card is the current weak point in my software workflows and project creations for the museum and university…leading to diminished use of programs and loss of work due to crashing. Upgrades to our graphics cards would remedy many of the issues I am having as well as increase the output quality of renders, animations and research projects.” 

Looking ahead, the IVL remains dedicated to exploring new avenues for research, and empowering the next generation of scientists and learners.