Richard Brey named Idaho State University Science and Engineering Interim Dean

Idaho State University officials announced the selection of Richard Brey as interim dean of the Idaho State University College of Science and Engineering.

Brey, a professor of physics, has worked at ISU since 1994 and has served as the chair of the ISU Department of Nuclear Engineering and Health Physics this year and was that department’s associate chair 2010-13. He was also the director of the ISU Health Physics Program.

"Dr. Richard Brey brings a wealth of experience in engineering and sciences research and administration to the role of interim dean," said Laura Woodworth-Ney, ISU associate vice president of academic affairs who begins duties as provost and vice president for academic affairs July 1. "I am thrilled that he has accepted this new responsibility."

Brey was also interim chair of the ISU Department of Physics September 2009-September 2010. This spring he was elected to serve as a council member of the National Council of Radiation Protection and Measurements.

"I understand the complexity and magnitude of the challenges that the College of Science and Engineering faces but, more importantly, I see an even greater number of opportunities," Brey said. "I look forward to applying my energy to help find solutions and build a better, stronger and more resilient institution."

Brey received his Ph.D. from Purdue University in Health Physics in 1994. He was the recipient of the Elda E. Anderson Award from the Health Physics Society in 2002. The Anderson Award is an honor bestowed by the Health Physics Society each year to one its members for excellence in research or development; discovery or invention; or for significant contributions to the health physics profession.

Brey has engaged in a wide variety of research varying from radiation physics and detection to agricultural applications of radiation and radiation producing machines. He has engaged in various collaborative research efforts including the evaluation of historical exposures, evaluation of animal experimental data, and redefining/ evaluating radioactive material translocation models.

Since 1995 he has been the director of the ISU Environmental Radioanalytical Laboratory, which performs approximately 1,200 sample analyses per quarter. Over the years he has served as the Director of The ISU Technical Safety Office and University Radiation Safety Officer.

Brey begins his duties July 1.