Environmental Health, Safety, and Sustainability Staff

• Departmental Goals 
• Strategic Initiatives
• Building and Fire Safety Inspections
• Biosafety
• CampusOptics

Jennifer Parrott serves as the Executive Director of the Environmental Health, Safety and Sustainability Department. Jennifer holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Pollution Control from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Juniata College. Prior to Idaho State, Jennifer spent approximately 10 years in the environmental field working for the private, public, and nonprofit sector. She has been employed by Idaho State since 2015. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys gardening and spending time outside with her family.

• Hazardous Building Materials (Asbestos and Lead) Consultation
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention
• Indoor Air Quality Concerns
• Public or Environmental Health Questions
• Respiratory Protection Program 

Brandi Ballard serves as the Environmental Programs Manager for the Environmental Health and Safety Department. Brandi holds a Master of Science Degree in Biology from The University of Texas at Tyler, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science from Texas A&M University - Commerce, and is a Certified Industrial Hygienist. Brandi has over 15 years of professional work experience in the environmental field that has included private sector consulting, laboratory analytics, healthcare advising, and higher education environmental health and safety management. Brandi came to Idaho State in 2022 from the University of Texas at Tyler Environmental Health and Safety Team. Outside of work, Brandi enjoys camping, hiking, and gaming.

• CampusOptics
• Confined Spaces
• Fall Protection
• Job Hazard Analysis
• PIT (Powered Industrial Trucks)

Kate has worked at Idaho State University since 2012 within the Facilites and Housing departments on campus and joined EHS in March of 2022. She has obtained her certifications as a facility locksmith, asbestos inspector, asbestos contractor supervisor, with additional certificates in lead and mold remediation. Kate has spent 25 years in the industry working in both the private sector and with higher education.  She has a passion for woodworking and is a master carpenter. Outside of work, Kate enjoys spending time with her family, camping, and cycling. One fun fact about Kate is that she once competed on a reality television program on HGTV to see who is the All American Handyman. Spoiler alert, she placed 6th out of 20.

Christopher Forshee serves as the Hazardous Materials Manager for the Environmental Health,
Safety, and Sustainability Department. Christopher holds a Bachelor of Science degree in
Ecology and Conservation Biology from Idaho State University. Prior to working for the EHSS
Department, Christopher worked as a research technician at ISU and spent 10 years at Idaho
National Laboratory as a nuclear operator. Outside of work, Christopher enjoys spending time
with family, bicycling, fishing, and hanging out with his dog.

• • Sustainability Program
  • Sustainability Goals 
  • Sustainability Initiatives
  • STARS Report

Jessica serves as the Sustainability Program Manager for the Environmental Health and Safety Department. Jessica holds a Master's in Business Administration from Texas Christian University with a certificate in Sustainable Energy & Environmental, Social, and Governance and a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from Northern Arizona University. Jessica held environmental positions in both the private and public sectors before joining Idaho State in 2023. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys traveling, being outdoors, spending time with her family and pets, and crafting.

• Waste pickup requests
• Hazardous & universal waste training
• New accumulation containers requests
• CampusOptics
• Fume hood inspections
• Waste characterizations 

Mohammed Alqurashi joined the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Department as the Hazardous Waste Specialist in February 2021. Mohammed began working for EHS in January of 2019 as a part-time Student Technician. Mohammed holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science and Management, a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry, all from Idaho State University.  During his schooling, and prior to joining EHS, Mohammed held other ISU student positions including Custodian, Teaching Assistant, Research Assistant, and Customer Representative. Outside of work, Mohammed enjoys spending time with his family, reading, fixing cars, traveling, and playing FIFA on the PlayStation platform.

• Job Hazard Analysis 
• Shop Safety 
• CampusOptics 

Zach has worked with Idaho State University since 2018 and joined the Environmental Health, Safety, and Sustainability Department in October 2024 as the EHSS Technician. Zach earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Idaho State University and holds multiple certifications for working with asbestos. Outside of work, Zach enjoys spending time with friends, camping and traveling, or gaming.

Alyssa started work at Idaho State University in July of 2022 as a Technical Records Specialist. She previously spent 8 years at Farmers Insurance mostly as a customer service representative. She attended Idaho State University from 2005-2006 as a student before joining the workforce full time. In her spare time she enjoys reading and trying new recipes.