A new science building dedicated to interdisciplinary life science, biomedical research, neuroscience and more will start being utilized by students by 2029.
Nancy Glenn, vice president of research, notes that the building’s construction is a direct result of the increasing enrollment of STEM majors at Boise State.
“The new science research building will significantly enhance opportunities for STEM majors at Boise State by expanding existing learning spaces,” Glenn said. “With enrollment in STEM fields increasing and the current science building exceeding capacity, this facility will provide critical state-of-the-art laboratories, modernized learning environments and resources that support hands-on research experiences and workforce development. This building plays a key role in addressing Idaho’s increasing demand for skilled professionals in essential STEM fields.”
One of the goals behind the building’s construction is to foster a sense of collaboration between students.
“This facility is a direct investment in the future of STEM at Boise State. By providing modern research spaces, advanced equipment, and collaborative learning environments, the university is reinforcing its commitment to student success in these fields and to the workforce demands of our state,” Glenn said.
Drew Alexander, assistant vice president of campus operations, echoed the focus on collaborative research among students and faculty. The design team for the building went through several location choices before deciding on Belmont Street and Euclid Avenue, located behind the Environmental Research Building.
“Like any major infrastructure project, selecting a location and initiating design work involves extensive planning and stakeholder engagement,” Alexander said. “This location allows for close proximity to existing science facilities, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between faculty and students. Site planning began with ten potential locations, each having unique benefits. This location was ultimately selected due to its close alignment with the project’s goals and guiding principles.”
“This facility is a direct investment in the future of STEM at Boise State. By providing modern research spaces, advanced equipment, and collaborative learning environments, the university is reinforcing its commitment to student success in these fields and to the workforce demands of our state,” Glenn said.
Both Drew and Alexander explained that the exterior of the research building will improve university streetscapes and sidewalk functionality.
Kaiya Schmidt, a Geoscience major, is eager to hear if there will be any sustainability efforts in the building or geothermal heating.
Schmidt described the small Geoscience Learning Hub located in the Environmental Research Building and said they are excited for more space in the new building.
“It definitely can get pretty packed in there sometimes because you have three TAs and all these geology students from different levels,” Schmidt said. “It’d be really cool to see something like the CIC, where maybe they have an undergraduate space for GEO101 students who are just completing their foundation of science versus geology students who are at the 300 level, like me, who need more specialized help.”
Schmidt is excited about the continuous growth of STEM majors at Boise State and hopes to continue to see more diversity in students and faculty. They also hope to see Boise State utilize geothermal heating or embrace additional sustainable energy sources.
“It’s really motivating to see that people are taking interest in STEM especially because it has been a male dominated field for so long, and especially as a non binary person, I love to see more women and more non binary people in this field, and I’m starting to see that,” they said.
“I’m also really passionate about seeing diversity in professors as well,” Schmidt said, explaining they didn’t have a professor who was a woman until Jennifer Pierce, their junior year. “It’s also a breath of fresh air to have a different perspective and just a different voice in the geoscience community,” they said. “There are definitely more women around, but she’s the first one I’ve had my entire career here at Boise State.”
Through the construction of this new science building, future generations of Broncos will be able to further their education within the STEM program.
This Post Has One Comment
If Republicans stop funding BSU, will it hurt Football recruiting?