Idaho State University Hosts Congressman Simpson to Highlight Key Research Priorities

Idaho State University recently welcomed staff members from Congressman Mike Simpson's office for a campus tour focused on the university's core research areas. Faculty and administrators gave the congressional delegation a look at ongoing work in energy, the environment, health sciences, and creative scholarship. The visit aimed to highlight both current projects and emerging research across ISU's main focus areas. Beyond sharing updates, university officials used the visit to build stronger ties between Congressman Simpson's leadership team, ISU administrators, and the university's Washington, D.C. advocacy team. At the heart of these efforts is expanding collaboration with federal partners to elevate ISU's research enterprise and drive impactful creative scholarship.

The delegation began at the Eames Complex with an overview of advanced energy workforce training offered through the Energy Systems Technology and Education Center. Visitors toured specialized nuclear operations facilities, getting a firsthand look at glovebox and manipulator training areas as well as the Nuclear Control Room Simulator and Simulation Lab. The group then moved to lower campus to visit the GIS Training and Research Center in Gravely Hall, where Dr. Keith Weber covered wildfire management research and training initiatives focused on western land management.

“Idaho State University is really an institution on the rise,” said Congressman Mike Simpson. “I’ve been proud to support the university’s efforts throughout the years, and I will continue to do so. When you look at the work being done in their labs and classrooms, it is clear ISU is building something that will contribute to the future of the entire state of Idaho.” 

Attention then turned to health sciences at Leonard Hall. Dean Tom Wadsworth guided visitors through the L. S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, sharing details on current pharmacy education and research programs. Associate Dean Chris Owens followed with a presentation on ISU's health mission, highlighting rural and Tribal health initiatives, regional medical education partnerships such as WWAMI and ICOM, and Area Health Education Centers. The visit concluded at the Stephens Performing Arts Center, where guests enjoyed showcases from student musicians, including a string quartet from the music performance program and a trio representing the commercial music program. Following the performances, ISU President Robert Wagner hosted a dinner and working discussion. University leaders presented several key project priorities seeking community project funding, including industrial cybersecurity research, the Idaho Accelerator Center, core research instrumentation upgrades, biomedical research, and new academic approaches in the School of the Arts.

“When we bring federal leaders into our labs and training facilities, they see the real value of what happens here every day,” said Dr. Martin Blair, vice president for research and economic development. “Partnering with Congressman Simpson and his team helps ensure our research priorities directly match state and national needs, from energy security to rural healthcare.”