Strategic Investment Initiative | School of the Environment

PI Name: James McNamara

Project summary: This seed project investigates how declining mountain snowpacks affect Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs) in the Dry Creek Experimental Watershed (DCEW) near Boise, Idaho. As snow-dominated systems shift toward rain-dominated precipitation due to climate change, key hydrological and ecological dynamics—especially those sustaining springs, riparian zones, and Redband Trout habitat—are at risk. The interdisciplinary team from Boise State University, the College of Idaho and CSIRO (Australia) will analyze ecohydrological data from field plots installed across an elevation gradient and assess soil moisture, plant water use and groundwater interactions. Project outcomes include recruiting a PhD student, submitting conference abstracts, publishing a peer-reviewed article and developing a competitive proposal to the NSF’s Water, Landscape, and Critical Zone Processes (WaLCZ) program. The project advances understanding of climate impacts on mountain GDEs and lays the groundwork for a multi-year, externally funded research collaboration aligned with the School of Environment’s themes of Water, Science and Society and Ecosystem and Species Conservation.

PI Name: Jenée Cyran

Summary: This project aims to investigate chemical species present on the gate surface of the ENVIRonmental Optically Gated Transistor (ENVIR-OGT) after water sample measurements, using surface-specific sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy. The ENVIR-OGT is a real-time chemical sensor capable of detecting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as PFOA, PFOS, PFPeA, PFPrA, and perfluorooctane at low concentrations (10 ppb to 400 ppt). While the sensor effectively distinguishes PFAS types, it is unknown if its detection process produces hazardous byproducts, particularly since some short-chain PFAS are more biohazardous than their long-chain counterparts. Using SFG spectroscopy, a surface-selective nonlinear optical technique, the project will probe molecular-level changes on the ENVIR-OGT gate after PFAS exposure. This will determine whether PFAS molecules bind intact to the gate surface or undergo dissociation/degradation during sensing. Results will enhance understanding of sensor operation, safety implications, and provide foundational insights for improved in-situ PFAS detection and remediation technologies. The interdisciplinary team, combining expertise in spectroscopy and device engineering, will correlate electrical sensor responses with surface chemical data, advancing both fundamental science and environmental monitoring applications.

PI Name: Matt Williamson

Summary: This project investigates how jurisdictional fragmentation across federal, state, tribal, and private lands in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem hinders the restoration and movement of key wildlife species like bison, wolves, and grizzly bears. By mapping these governance boundaries and studying their impact on habitat connectivity, the project aims to identify strategies that promote wildlife restoration and coexistence. Collaborating with local tribes and conservation organizations, the team will produce research to guide better management and support broader ecological conservation efforts.

PI Name: Julie Heath

Summary: The BRIDGE (Biodiversity Research and International Development for Global Exchange) partnership formalizes international collaboration between Boise State University, The Peregrine Fund, HawkWatch International, and UAE-based conservation leaders to advance raptor and biodiversity research. This initiative supports the hiring of a BRIDGE coordinator to sustain institutional partnerships, develop collaborative research proposals, and facilitate student exchanges and experiential learning. Aligned with SoE themes of ecosystem conservation and global engagement, BRIDGE will foster interdisciplinary studies, support conservation policy, and build a lasting international network of researchers, students, and conservation practitioners.

PI Name: Jennifer Forbey

Summary: The Transform Recruitment through Use-inspired Student Training (TRUST) project aims to build a recruitment pipeline for rural Oregon students to Boise State University and provide hands-on, use-inspired training in ecological restoration. In collaboration with partners such as the High Desert Partnership, Treasure Valley Community College, The Peregrine Fund, IDFG, and others, students will participate in three experiential courses focused on native plant restoration, seed collection, and wildlife nutrition. TRUST aligns with SoE’s themes of ecosystem conservation and climate adaptation, while expanding access to STEM education, supporting research, and preparing students for regional conservation careers through place-based learning.

PI Name: Seth Ashley

Summary: This project will engage students in COMM 319: Environmental Communication in a hands-on learning experience that addresses a critical need on campus: improving communication strategies around Boise State University’s sustainability initiatives. In collaboration with Campus Sustainability, students will act as communication consultants to develop a strategy for engaging the campus community—especially students—with information on sustainability projects and goals, including energy conservation initiatives like the space heater trade-in program and waste-reduction efforts. Campus Sustainability has a limited staff and no dedicated communication professional, making this project a valuable opportunity for students to apply environmental communication theories in a real-world setting while filling a crucial gap in outreach efforts. This initiative will encourage students to explore communication challenges, conduct research on audience engagement, and experiment with new messaging strategies that align with student interests and priorities.

PI Name: Jeffrey Johnson

Summary: This project proposes hosting a National Geographic Explorers Symposium at Boise State University to connect students and the broader community with 12–15 explorers whose work aligns with themes of environmental science, climate adaptation, and science communication. Through a special ENVSCI workshop course, students will engage with the explorers’ research and creative work in advance and participate in a campus-wide event that fosters experiential learning, public outreach, and interdisciplinary dialogue.

PI Name: Mari Rice

Summary: This project enhances service-learning opportunities in ENVSTD 121 and 300 by using the Boise State campus and riverfront as a living laboratory. Students will engage in hands-on projects focused on water quality, riparian restoration, and urban forestry, gaining technical skills, certifications, and real-world experience with community partners. The grant funds water quality kits, a student TA, and faculty training in ARCGIS Dashboards to support long-term data collection, analysis, and storytelling. The initiative strengthens community partnerships and supports experiential, career-oriented learning for a diverse student population.

PI Name: Jennifer Pierce

Summary: The Story of Fire is a new multidisciplinary, team-taught course at Boise State University that explores wildfire and climate change through science, history, technology, and storytelling. Led by faculty across Geoscience, History, Media, GIMM, HES, and MEM, the course integrates fieldwork, drone and water quality data, historic research, immersive media, and collaboration with community partners like Grandjean Lodge and the USFS. Students will participate in hands-on learning and cohort-building field experiences, culminating in a public exhibit at The Luminary. The course pilots an innovative, cohort-based model for addressing environmental change and supporting long-term academic and public engagement.

PI Name: Greg Kaltenecker

Summary: This project establishes a new Vertically Integrated Project (VIP) course offering hands-on undergraduate research experience in bird banding and avian data collection at the Intermountain Bird Observatory’s Diane Moore Nature Center. Students will gain technical skills in species identification, data handling, and ecological monitoring, while engaging in discussions on conservation, research ethics, and analysis. Aligned with the School of Environment’s focus on Ecosystem and Species Conservation, the course builds a mentorship-based student cohort and prepares participants for careers in wildlife research and conservation.

PI Name: Samantha Harvey

Summary: This project supports the creation of a Linked Learning Community (LLC) at Boise State University that brings together students and faculty from English Literature, Geosciences and Gaming, Interactive Media and Mobile Technology (GIMM) to collaboratively build a digital tool addressing climate change. The centerpiece of this interdisciplinary initiative is the development of the Million Changes & Me (MC&M) mobile application—a gamified, equity-focused carbon tracking app designed to highlight how small, everyday choices can lead to collective climate action. Supported by The Nature Conservancy and built through experiential, team-based coursework over three years, this project fosters interdisciplinary learning, student engagement, and real-world environmental impact.

PI Name: Peter Mullner

Summary: This project supports the redesign of Materials, Resources, and Sustainability, an interdisciplinary course launching in spring 2026 at Boise State University. The course will examine how critical materials used in modern technologies—such as smartphones and electric vehicles—are sourced, and the environmental, social, and policy implications of domestic mining. A central feature of the course will be the MARESUNEX Seminar, a public-facing speaker series featuring experts from government, industry, and academia. Students will engage with real-world case studies and career pathways related to sustainable resource management. The project also includes a pre- and post-course survey to assess how interdisciplinary teaching influences student attitudes toward domestic mining, environmental protection, and sustainability-focused careers. This course aligns with School of the Environment priorities by promoting experiential learning, public engagement, and informed decision-making in the face of climate and resource challenges.