Idaho State University has an outstanding reputation in stream ecology, due largely to the success of Dr. Wayne Minshall. We have a unique opportunity to build on this success and at the same time address local, state, and regional needs related to water quality, natural resource management, and recreation. The Department of Biological Sciences, the Center for Ecological Research and Education, and the University as a whole will benefit from the creation of an endowed chair in Stream Ecology. Creating this position will allow us to attract an established scientist with a strong research program and an international reputation, someone who will maintain our existing emphasis in stream ecology well into the future. Visit the Stream Ecology Center Website.

The Frank Church seminar series provides a high level of exposure for Idaho State University and brings national and international experts to speak at ISU. We plan to establish an endowed seminar series in Biological Sciences that will bring renowned experts to our campus to give public presentations on topics of local and regional importance.

Microscopy plays a central role in the sciences, with key applications in almost all fields of biology (including biomedical sciences), chemistry and geology. In all of these areas, microscopy can quickly place a myriad of information in its most meaningful spatial context. The Department of Biological Sciences has taken a leadership role in developing a sophisticated repertoire of contemporary instrumentation designed for the imaging and micro-analysis of structure, and the localization of specific molecules with remarkable resolution. We have two state-of-the-art research light microscopes, a transmission electron microscope, and a scanning electron microscope. The future vitality of a wide range of programs in the sciences at ISU will depend on our ability to maintain a productive campus Center for Light and Electron Microscopy where faculty and students can learn how to apply these important tools to meet their specific research needs. We hope to establish an endowment that will support a technician who will train and assist students and faculty in using equipment in our microscopy center.

The Department of Biological Sciences has an excellent track record of involving students in research projects; hundreds of undergraduate students have participated in the departmental research. We believe that this is the best way for students to understand the process of science and to gain experience that will help them decide if they want to pursue a career in science. We want to increase the funding that we have available for scholarships, to help us attract and retain the best undergraduate and graduate students, and we want to increase the support we offer for students who are involved in research projects.

You can support the newly established Barry Keller Memorial Scholarship in the Department of Biological Sciences at Idaho State University. The fund has had a solid start and we know that it will grow to become a major source of support for future deserving students.

Barry had a long, distinguished career and was an integral member of the faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences. He taught students from the freshman to graduate levels and maintained an active research program in mammalogy. In addition to being a Professor of Ecology, he was Curator of Mammals at the Idaho Museum of Natural History and also served as Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences. Barry was active in a number of civic organizations including the South Bannock County Museum, the Idaho Falls Symphony, and Anam Cara.

Donations to this scholarship fund are tax deductible and can be made by contacting the Department of Biological Sciences or the ISU Foundation at the phone numbers or addresses listed below. Thank you for supporting the development of these future biologists.

You can support the Graduate Student Endowment recently established in memory of Jay Anderson. The fund has experienced rapid growth and will become a major source of support for graduate students in the Department of Biological Sciences at Idaho State University.

Jay was a cornerstone of our department and the university community. Jay had a strong social and environmental conscience that set a wonderful example for many others. A number of our best students and young colleagues naturally gravitated to him. He was an inspiring mentor, a treasured colleague, and an insightful and careful researcher. His work will continue through efforts such as the establishment of this fund.

Donations to this scholarship fund are tax deductible and can be made by contacting the Department of Biological Sciences or the ISU Foundation at the phone numbers or addresses listed below. Thank you for supporting the development of these future biologists.

You can support the Edson Fichter Endowment in Wildlife Ecology established in memory of Dr. Edson Fichter. The fund is a major source of support for undergraduate students attending Idaho State University full-time, majoring in Biology or Ecology.

Edson Fichter's wildlife career spanned over 40 years. He was truly one of the founding biologists of wildlife conservation. Most of his career was spent in Idaho. As a professor of wildlife at Idaho State University, as a wildlife researcher, an artist and a writer he became regarded as a renown authority on pronghorn and the sagebrush grassland ecosystem on which it depended. Edson loved to share his knowledge by mentoring many aspiring biologists. Today, his legacy remains through the students he inspired.

Donations to this scholarship fund are tax deductible and can be made by contacting the Department of Biological Sciences or the ISU Foundation at the phone numbers or addresses listed below. Thank you for supporting the development of these future biologists.