Idaho Science and Technology Policy Fellowship welcomes sixth cohort

BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Science and Technology Policy Fellowship (ISTPF) continues to grow, welcoming its sixth cohort with two new fellows. The program has now supported 11 fellows in total.

The ISTPF, led by University of Idaho’s McClure Center for Public Policy Research, is a nonpartisan program that places scientists, social scientists and engineers in state government to develop and implement solutions that address some of Idaho’s greatest challenges. The ISTPF is a partnership among Boise State University, Idaho State University and University of Idaho.

Austin Shannon and Ryan Tarver will spend this year with the Idaho Legislative Services Office (LSO).

“We are pleased to welcome our two new fellows to the Legislative Services Office,” LSO Director Terri Kondeff said. “They bring extensive academic research experience, making them valuable resources for lawmakers, while providing the fellows with a unique opportunity to experience the policymaking process firsthand.”

Shannon is a microbiologist with experience in science policy and science communication. He earned a doctorate in microbiology and immunology at the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science and minors in chemistry and philosophy from Northern Arizona University.

Tarver is a socio-ecological systems scientist who focuses on social aspects of natural resource management. He recently completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at Boise State University. He earned a doctorate in environment and society at Utah State University and holds a master’s degree in cultural and environmental resource management and a bachelor’s in recreation and tourism management from Central Washington University.

“ISU is proud to work alongside Boise State and U of I on this collaborative fellowship program,” ISU President Robert W. Wagner said. “The ISTPF provides opportunities for Idahoans to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the impact of science and technology across Idaho. The ISTPF supports science and technology policy in state government, along with creating lasting connections with three ISTPF fellows hired at their respective agencies.”

The ISTPF has raised nearly $2 million to launch and expand. For more information, visit uidaho.edu/istpf.

Media contacts

Katherine Himes 
Director, James A. and Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research 
University of Idaho 
208-364-4549 
katherinehimes@uidaho.edu

Stephany Galbreaith   
Director of Media
Office of Communications and Marketing 
Boise State University 
stephanygalbreaith@boisestate.edu

Miriam Dance
Associate vice president of marketing and communications
Idaho State University
208-282-4407
miriamdance@isu.edu