ISU Research, Innovation, and Creativity Insights

Martin Blair

Welcome to ISU Research, Innovation and Creativity Insights, where we explore the transformative power of Idaho State University’s research and creative activities. We talk about cutting-edge research and innovation shaping the future of Idaho, the region and beyond. Join us as we engage with ISU’s leading scholars and inspiring students who are pushing the boundaries of knowledge and discovery. From breakthrough discoveries in science and technology to advancements in the arts and humanities, ISU Research, Innovation and Creativity Insights showcases the array of talent and expertise thriving at ISU. And, we always end with the question, “So What?” Our guests help us understand how their work makes a positive and lasting impact in our community and society.

  1. Apr 27

    Creative Music Connections with Idaho Communities and Beyond!

    Dr. Nell Flanders, ISU’s Director of Orchestral Activities and music director of the Idaho State-Civic Symphony talks about her own musical journey and how it led her to ISU. She talks about ISU’s efforts to bring beautiful music to Idaho communities, and how ISU brings young artists together to learn and hone their talent. Dr. Flanders discusses her international outreach activities that have a strong musical impact on ISU and Idaho.

    31 min

  2. Mar 29

    What ISU researchers are learning about hearing loss, cutting-edge technology and how our brains learn to hear again

    ISU researchers are discovering how the human brain adapts to hearing technologies such as hearing aids and cochlear implants. ISU professor Curtis Billings and doctoral student Garrett Anderson describe how advanced hearing technology works and how hearing impacts our day-to-day activities. Join us to learn more about the audiology (hearing) clinics and services on ISU campuses in Pocatello, Meridian, and Salmon, Idaho.

    30 min

  3. Jan 26

    What We Learn From the Connections Between 20th Century Literature, American Comics, Popular Culture…and More…

    Dr. Matthew Levay, ISU professor of English, discusses his decade of research on modernist literature and how the variety of forms, including novels, magazines and even comics and file, describe the times in which they were written, and provide lessons for today. We talk about how the literature of the past provides a window into our understanding of the culture and the issues that persist, rightly or wrongly, over generations. Dr. Levay discusses the role that research plays in the discovery of new knowledge and joy.

    32 min

  4. 12/23/2025

    Building bridges to get Idaho healthcare where it’s most needed

    The American Public Health Association defines a Community Health Worker (CHW) as “a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served.” Join a conversation with Idaho’s Community Health Worker Academy to learn about how ISU is building bridges between health care providers and those who need health care services. We discuss ISU’s role in building health resources and information assistance for Idaho’s most vulnerable citizens. Visit the online Community Health Worker Training Academy to learn more about how to register for the program, to take classes or to bring these unique resources to your community.

    30 min

  5. 10/27/2025

    Nuclear research leading U.S. energy independence for today and tomorrow

    ISU’s Dr. Mary Lou Dunzik-Gouger and current undergraduate nuclear engineering/ mechanical engineering student Angela Trejo talk about ISU research that is molding the U.S. energy future. They tell us how students work side-by-side with ISU faculty to better understand how ISU’s research nuclear reactor is answering questions to guide the design of the next generation of advanced reactors.

    30 min

  6. 09/29/2025

    Communicating effectively with remote employees: What works…and what doesn’t.

    Join Idaho State University's Interim Dean of the College of Business, Alex Bolinger, MBA graduate Rehnaz Karanjia, and current MBA student Alicia Pino as we discuss their research on effective communication with remote employees. Their work delves into what strategies are most effective when managing remote teams, as well as common pitfalls to avoid. The conversation will highlight key findings from their research on leadership and project management in remote work environments.

    29 min

  7. 03/05/2025

    ISU Researcher Explores Peace and Conflict in the Middle East

    ISU Professor and Associate Dean for Social and Behavioral Sciences, Zackery Heern, talks about the Middle East, religious persecution, and the hope that comes from understanding our common humanity. Heern’s research explores political and religious influences on the region and how these influences explain how people co-exist, or don’t, in this volatile region of the world. His 2015 book, “The Emergence of Modern Shi’ism: Islamic Reform in Iraq and Iran” reviews the foundations of modern Islam, and provides insight into the region's religious and political developments both past and present.

    29 min

  8. 01/17/2025

    ISU Biological Science and Human Developmental Disorders

    ISU Biological Sciences assistant professor Dr. Heather Ray and Nelly Cyuzuza, an ISU graduate student, describe what they are learning about genetics and developmental disorders. They tell us how they got “hooked” on their interest in developmental biology.

    29 min
See All (20)

About

Welcome to ISU Research, Innovation and Creativity Insights, where we explore the transformative power of Idaho State University’s research and creative activities. We talk about cutting-edge research and innovation shaping the future of Idaho, the region and beyond. Join us as we engage with ISU’s leading scholars and inspiring students who are pushing the boundaries of knowledge and discovery. From breakthrough discoveries in science and technology to advancements in the arts and humanities, ISU Research, Innovation and Creativity Insights showcases the array of talent and expertise thriving at ISU. And, we always end with the question, “So What?” Our guests help us understand how their work makes a positive and lasting impact in our community and society.

Information