In fall 2022, Boise State’s Division of Research and Economic Development welcomed the first cohort of the Research Enterprise Internship/Traineeship Program. This cohort of seven students will develop specialized knowledge and skills required to help faculty develop successful research programs, to manage the administrative and financial aspects of sponsored research, and to assist and advise with research compliance activities.
Meet the Cohort
Carl Agren, a junior chemistry major, said that the program’s competitive funding and the opportunity to gain valuable view of the ‘back-end’ of research administration was especially compelling. “It’s really helping me understand the numbers, and that side of the work to get research grants that you need.”
He hopes that it will inform his future research goals and career options, such as his upcoming Amsterdam internship, in which he will assist in the development of immersive coolants for computer processing.
Meliah Anchustegui, a junior in the general music program, says that she applied for the internship with the goal to enhance her understanding of research administration for graduate school.
“I am going to be applying for graduate programs in musicology, which has a research element in it,” Anchustegui said. “Research is vital to not only our university and region, but for the betterment and advancement of humanity and knowledge. We gain knowledge through research projects that can help us to plan a better future.”
Taylor Oxley will graduate with her Master of Public Health degree in May 2023, and holds a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from Boise State. An interest in grant writing and a background in health sciences pushed her to apply for the program. She wants to use the knowledge gained to advocate for researchers and support their work to better the region and the world.
“Boise State has such a respectful research department that we need to ensure it is supported and maintained at the highest level of ethical and political standards. The professors and students have had such great ideas, and have ultimately bettered our communities for it,” Oxley said.
Emily Cates is a senior environmental studies student, and formerly worked with College of Engineering Research Development Coordinator, Karen Marker.
“I wanted to learn more about the whole lifecycle of research administration. I hope to learn more skills within research compliance, and develop a stronger understanding on how research behind the scenes is played out on campus,” Cates said.
Outside of Boise State, she also conducted research with The Department of Environmental Quality. “I spent the summer camping throughout the Eastern Idaho region and collected invertebrate and fish samples in a variety of tributaries. This data was put on the department website to refer to water quality within the region.”
Ethan Neff is a senior majoring in finance, minoring in information technology management, and earning a Certificate in Business Analytics. The research enterprise experience immediately spoke to him as a chance to apply the lessons learned through his education.
“I was immediately drawn to this internship for the elements of finance, law, contract management, accounting transactions and project/grant management. The learning outcomes of this internship expose me to how sponsored research is facilitated, as well as the field of research administration.”
Kaden Smith is a senior pursuing a bachelor’s of finance. He is planning to take what he learns as a cohort member into a master’s program in management.
“My reason for choosing this internship was the conglomerate of topics that it covered. From contracts, to financial management, this program offered me a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the deeper world of business and research,” Smith said.
Smith is excited to support research breakthroughs that “increase employment, funding, and income for the university, which can spread into the full region of Idaho.”
Serena Sheldon is a junior in biology and chemistry, and eager to find her own niche and develop skills in research administration. In her time at Boise State, Sheldon conducted research alongside faculty members Lisa Warner, Sven Buerki and doctoral student Paige Ellestad. Being a cohort member will empower her to support research in a new way.
“Research allows for an economy to prosper, with innovative new technologies, industry and business development and growth, and product creation that matches and predicts the modern and future demands of the economy and community,” Sheldon said.