Idaho Science and Technology Policy Fellowship welcomes latest cohort

MOSCOW, Idaho — 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.

“LSO is excited to host two ISTP fellows for the next year,” said LSO Deputy Director Paul Headlee.  “They 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.”

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’s 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’s 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’s in public policy and administration from Baylor University and a bachelor’s 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’s students for the state’s 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 University of Idaho, with U of I’s McClure Center for Public Policy Research serving as the lead.

“The ISTPF advances the connection between science and policy,” said U of I President Scott Green. “The 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.”

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

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Media Contact

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