Fall 2025
U of I helps power Idaho’s booming semiconductor industry by partnering with Micron to give students field-based experience in microelectronics. Through industry-backed projects and experiential training in a professional-grade clean room, U of I prepares the next generation of engineers to meet the demand for skilled talent in this critical field.
For 135 years, the University of Idaho has stood as a beacon of innovation, resilience and service — fulfilling its land-grant mission with unwavering dedication. As Idaho continues to evolve, so too does our role in shaping its future. Through groundbreaking research, dynamic workforce development and wide-ranging outreach, we remain a vital force in driving the state’s growth and prosperity — opening doors to discovery, opportunity and a brighter tomorrow for all Idahoans.
A student-led legal clinic at U of I’s College of Law transforms lives, both for the veterans it serves and the future attorneys it shapes. Four times a year, law students provide free legal services to regional and student veterans at U of I-affiliated veterans clinics. For the students leading the clinic, it offers a powerful way to give back and grow as future legal professionals. With plans for mobile outreach to rural communities, the clinics’ impact continues to expand.
Learn more about how Vandals are servingWhat do Idaho’s spring water, luxury dining and cutting-edge science have in common? More than you’d expect. Dive into the fascinating world of white sturgeon caviar, where U of I researchers collaborate with local producers to refine fish diets, enhance egg quality and advance sustainable aquaculture practices. Through long-standing partnerships, U of I scientists develop innovative technologies that improve both the flavor and environmental integrity of this sought-after delicacy, helping Idaho earn its place on the global culinary map.
Read about the innovationsInvasive mussels threaten Idaho’s waterways, but U of I researchers use advanced predictive models to arm state agencies with the tools they need to stop infestations before they start. Using transportation data from motor vehicle check stations, the project identifies at-risk lakes, rivers and reservoirs that could face infestations due to watercraft traffic. The researchers aim to protect Idaho’s waterways and economy from the severe impacts of these invasive species, safeguarding state resources.
Read how U of I science drives a smarter defenseSteep hills and runoff pose major challenges for Palouse farmers, but researchers at U of I are exploring how biochar — a charcoal-like material created from wood waste — can help. The team tests how biochar could allow the soil to hold more water, prevent erosion and boost crop yields. By combining lab research with field trials and soil sensor data, U of I scientists identify where biochar applications can deliver the greatest benefit. Their work paves the way for solutions that benefit both farmers and Idaho industries.
Learn more about the project and its potentialA pair of College of Business and Economics students develop a smart pill dispenser that uses AI and facial recognition to deliver medications accurately and on time, helping reduce human error and improve patient safety. Inspired by personal experiences and refined through hands-on coursework and industry feedback, their device also connects to digital health records for easier prescription management.
See how U of I entrepreneurship leads to a start-up ready inventionCatch up on alumni news: Class Notes, In Memoriam, Marriages and Future Vandals.
After witnessing a devastating wildfire in California, a University of Idaho student finds purpose and direction through U of I’s Outdoor Program, gaining hands-on experience, earning emergency certifications and building the confidence to pursue a career as a firefighter paramedic. She plunged into rafting trips and wilderness training, quickly rising from a novice to a trip leader who now navigates peers through rugged, remote terrain.
A U of I Coeur d’Alene computer science student breaks new ground in public health by using AI to predict Valley Fever outbreaks from weather data — making it much easier to forecast disease spread. By applying long short-term memory (LSTM) models, a type of AI that excels at recognizing patterns over time, the first-generation student is developing a method that significantly outperforms traditional forecasting tools.
A creative writing MFA student steps into the world of wildfire to bring sharper realism and emotional depth to her fiction. Through the Confluence Lab’s Stories of Fire initiative, she joins prescribed burn crews, experiencing firsthand how fire transforms both landscapes and lives. This interdisciplinary program fuses science, creative arts and fieldwork, igniting a deeper, more informed understanding of wildfire.
Through strong ties between U of I and local schools, education students like Emmerson Cox gain invaluable classroom experience guided by some of the region’s most accomplished teachers. During her student teaching placement, Cox worked closely with Idaho’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, whose student-centered approach helped her develop practical strategies and build meaningful relationships with students.
The College of Natural Resources has shaped the state’s economy and outdoor resources for over a century. By preparing field-ready professionals and driving applied research, the college supports Idaho’s vital timber, water and recreation sectors.
The Vandal Family is the secret to U of I’s record-breaking fundraising success in the largest philanthropic campaign in state history. We’re celebrating surpassing our $500 million milestone for the Brave. Bold. Unstoppable. campaign.
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What gets University of Idaho researchers’ brains buzzing … besides coffee? These award-winning stories showcase researchers exploring and solving real-world problems. Browse all episodes.
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