Faculty to Watch

The rising profile of the College of Engineering’s Computer Science department is in large part because of the efforts of its chair, Professor Amit Jain. He is passionate about the relationships between industry and academia that have been instrumental in this transformation. Over his career, he has received more than $16 million in grants. Formerly the chief scientist at Boise-based information technology services and consulting firm Balihoo, his research covers parallel computing, distributed systems, cybersecurity and computer science education.

“The future growth of the Computer Science department at Boise State University is going to be a critical foundation for the continued success of the tech ecosystem in Treasure Valley and Idaho. Strong support from the community will be essential to go to the next level, benefiting more and more of the residents.”

If you think about food for long enough, eventually you’ll start to wonder where it comes from and who supplies it. Associate Professor Rebecca Som Castellano sheds light on these questions in Idaho. Her research includes agrifood system change, gender and labor, land use change, stratification and inequality, and climate change adaptation. In one of Idaho’s largest economic sectors, Castellano seeks to inform policy and public opinion on the processes of these agricultural systems.

“While we all eat, many of us don’t think much about the who and how of it all. My research sheds light on the people and processes involved in the agriculture and food system, and provides actionable data that can help us address some of the social and environmental problems facing our community, including the well-being of those who labor to bring food to our tables; the barriers that people face when working to achieve food security; and the changing social and environmental landscape of rural Idaho.”

With new digs in Pioneer Hall and undertaking multi-year projects like the Narrative Television Initiative — a multi-semester project in which students write, film and produce an original series — the Film and Television program has big ambitions. Much of that is because of Professor Rulon Wood. Wood has overseen the growth of the Film and Television program, with enrollment more than doubling expectations in the fall semester of 2021. His students graduate with hands-on experience that makes them industry-ready.

“My goal is to be an active member of this great community of learners. I believe that education is the path to a fulfilling and interesting life. I am so grateful to the wonderful teachers who have enriched my life, and I try to pass along some of the lessons I have learned to my students. What a blessing to be part of that chain of knowledge that exists between teachers and learners who are striving to make the world a better place.”