The Peace Corps has six work sectors available and Boise State has advisors designated to each sector. The sectors are Health, Education, Youth in Development, Agriculture, Environment, and Community in Economic Development.
Health sector
Health volunteers work with their communities to promote important topics such as nutrition, maternal and child health, basic hygiene, and water sanitation. Volunteers also work in HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs.
Health Sector Advisor:
Nichole Lasich
Clinical Associate Professor
School of Public and Population Health
Office: Health Sciences Riverside (HSRV) 114
Telephone: (208) 426-3912
Email: nicholelasich@boisestate.edu
Education Sector
Education volunteers serve in the largest program area. Volunteers play an important role in creating links among schools, parents, and communities. They may work in elementary, secondary, or post-secondary schools, teaching subjects such as math, science, or conversational English. They may also work as resource teachers or teacher trainers.
Education Sector Advisor:
Dr. Michael Humphrey
Associate Professor and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer
Department of Early and Special Education
Office: Education Building, Room 230
Telephone: (208) 426-2801
E-mail: michaelhumphrey@boisestate.edu
Youth in Development
Volunteers work with youth in communities to promote engagement and active citizenship, including gender awareness, employability, health and HIV/AIDS education, environmental awareness, sports and fitness programs, and information technology.
Youth in Development Sector Advisor
Vacant
Agriculture Sector
Agriculture volunteers work with small-scale farmers and families to increase food security and production and adapt to climate change while promoting environmental conservation. They introduce farmers to techniques that prevent soil erosion, reduce the use of harmful pesticides, and replenish the soil.
Agriculture Sector Advisor:
Dr. Rebecca Som Castellano
Professor
Office: Riverfront Hall 213-D
Telephone: (208) 426-3418
E-mail: rsomcastellano@boisestate.edu
Environment Sector
Volunteers lead grassroots efforts to protect the environment and strengthen understanding of environmental issues. They teach environmental awareness in schools and to local organizations, empowering communities to make their own decisions about how to conserve the local environment. Volunteers also address environmental degradation by promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
Environment Sector Advisor:
Dr. Christopher Courtheyn, Associate Professor
Phone: (208) 426-4809
E-mail: ccourtheyn@boisestate.edu
Department: SPS Centers/Programs
Office Location: Environmental Research Building, Second Floor, 2153
Community Economic Development
Volunteers work with development banks, nongovernmental organizations, and municipalities to encourage economic opportunities in communities. They frequently teach in classroom settings and work with entrepreneurs and business owners to develop and market their products. Some volunteers teach basic computer skills and help communities take advantage of technologies that connect them to the global marketplace.
Community Economic Development Sector Advisor:
Jack Marr
Clinical Associate Professor
Office: MBEB 2104
Telephone: (208) 426-7410
E-mail: jackmarr@boisestate.edu
Information for Engineering Majors
Engineering majors and students with backgrounds in Construction Management have skills that are highly applicable to Peace Corps service. Currently, there is not an Engineering Sector in the Peace Corps, but we strongly recommend to interested students to be part of the Peace Corps Prep Program.