Idaho Science and Technology Policy Fellowship welcomes latest cohort
September 25, 2024
MOSCOW, Idaho 鈥� The Idaho Science and Technology Policy Fellowship (ISTPF) is welcoming its fifth and largest cohort to date with two incoming fellows and one second-year fellow, bringing the total number of fellows in the program to nine.
Cailin Casey and Ellen Upton will spend this year with the Idaho Legislative Services Office (LSO). Kimberly Gardner will continue her joint appointment with the Idaho Department of Labor and Idaho Workforce Development Council.
鈥淟SO is excited to host two ISTP fellows for the next year,鈥� said LSO Deputy Director Paul Headlee.鈥� 鈥淭hey will bring research skills to our office and at the same time gain valuable insights into the policymaking process. They will provide additional resources to assist legislators during the 2025 session.鈥�
Casey is an interdisciplinary researcher who specializes in bio-inspired mechanical engineering. She earned her doctorate in mechanical engineering at Montana State University and holds bachelor鈥檚 degrees in biology and Spanish from Gettysburg College.
Upton specializes in immunology within biomedical science research. She earned a doctorate in immunology from the University of Iowa and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Grove City College in Pennsylvania.
Gardner earned a doctorate in public policy and administration from Boise State University, a master鈥檚 in public policy and administration from Baylor University and a bachelor鈥檚 in political science from Boise State University. During the first year of her fellowship, she was an integral part of the team developing metrics for Idaho LAUNCH, a $75 million grant program that aims to prepare Idaho鈥檚 students for the state鈥檚 workforce needs.
The ISTPF is a nonpartisan program that places scientists, social scientists and engineers in Idaho state government to learn firsthand about policymaking while using their knowledge and skills to address pressing challenges facing the state. The program also offers training to professionals in government, business and universities. The ISTPF is a partnership among Boise State University, Idaho State University and 果冻传媒麻豆社, with U of I鈥檚 McClure Center for Public Policy Research serving as the lead.
鈥淭he ISTPF advances the connection between science and policy,鈥� said U of I President Scott Green. 鈥淭he U of I is proud to have partnered with Boise State and Idaho State on this joint endeavor for five years. The ISTPF provides a great service to our state and aligns with our land grant mission by providing excellent opportunities for Idahoans to gain experience in science and technology policy.鈥�
The ISTPF has raised nearly $2 million to launch and expand. For more information, visit uidaho.edu/istpf.
鈥�
Media Contact
Katherine Himes
Director, James A. and Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research
果冻传媒麻豆社
208-364-4549
katherinehimes@uidaho.edu
About the 果冻传媒麻豆社
The 果冻传媒麻豆社, home of the Vandals, is Idaho鈥檚 land-grant, national research university. From its residential campus in Moscow, U of I serves the state of Idaho through educational centers in Boise, Coeur d鈥橝lene and Idaho Falls, nine research and Extension centers, plus Extension offices in 42 counties. Home to more than 12,000 students statewide, U of I is a leader in student-centered learning and excels at interdisciplinary research, service to businesses and communities, and in advancing diversity, citizenship and global outreach. U of I competes in the Big Sky and Western Athletic conferences. Learn more at uidaho.edu.