January 12, 2012

STEM Research

Child building model of molecule

Scientific research boosts economic growth, creates jobs, and can save taxpayers money. It may have even solved what we can do with piles of garbage.

Joan Cartan-Hansen talks with the administrators who oversee an array of cutting-edge scientific research at the state's three major universities to find out more about their work and their support for science education in Idaho.

Cartan-Hansen's guests are Mark Rudin, vice president of research at Boise State University; Deb Easterly, Richard Jacobsen, Executive Director of Research and Technology Transfer at Idaho State University; and John "Jack" McIver, vice president for research and economic development at the University of Idaho. Included in this week's show is a report from Idaho Public Television reporter Aaron Kunz about how scientists are using microscopic creatures to repurpose garbage.