Boise State University’s College of Engineering faculty received the Blue Turf Thinkers award on September 12, recognizing their contributions to Idaho’s energy workforce and national security research. The honor highlights the university’s expanding role in nuclear innovation and cybersecurity within the Treasure Valley.
A Legacy of Energy Innovation
Idaho has maintained a leading position in power generation for more than 70 years. The state’s history includes significant milestones, such as the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) introducing the world’s first reactor to generate usable electricity in 1951. Four years later, Arco became the first community globally powered entirely by nuclear energy.
Recent activity signals a renewed focus on this sector. Since June of this year, four new reactors have reached criticality in Idaho, marking the first such developments since 1977. College of Engineering Dean Amy Fleischer emphasized the state’s strategic advantage during the recognition ceremony.
“Idaho is uniquely positioned to lead the future of power and energy,” Fleischer said.
University Partnerships Drive Research
The College of Engineering strengthens its research capabilities through formal agreements with national laboratories. A Strategic Understanding for Premier Education and Research (SUPER) Agreement links Boise State with INL, anchoring two primary research thrusts: advanced materials for extreme environments and secure energy systems.
Faculty members also hold joint appointments with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). These roles allow professors to bring laboratory-grade tools and projects directly into university classrooms. Professor Sin Ming Loo utilizes his joint appointment to build Idaho’s cybersecurity workforce pipeline, while Professor Edoardo Serra focuses on artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.
Loo noted that the workload buyout associated with his joint appointment allows for deeper concentration on specific research goals.
“I don’t have to split my efforts, I can focus on one thing at 150 percent,” Loo said.
Impact on Students and Local Industry
The collaboration extends beyond faculty appointments. The college works with Idaho Power and PNNL to accelerate innovation across the energy lifecycle. This structure provides students with direct access to industry mentors and real-world projects.
Bishal Lakha, a doctoral student working under Professor Serra, completed an internship at PNNL focused on artificial intelligence applications. Other faculty members recognized for their contributions include Brian Jaques, Max Taylor, and Claire Xiong.
The Blue Turf Thinkers series honors outstanding groups and initiatives at each Boise State home football game, providing a platform to showcase academic achievements that benefit the broader Idaho economy. For more on local community developments, readers may also review updates on Ada County’s Park at Expo Idaho or recent public health initiatives in Ada County rat management efforts.