Established in 2011 by the Osher Institute Advisory Board, the Osher Faculty Grant has awarded over $151,000 to fund Boise State faculty research projects. The grant supports Boise State faculty and raises awareness of the Osher Institute within the University. Annual member contributions to the Osher Excellence Fund make the grant possible.
The 2021 Osher Faculty Grant recipients are:
Dr. Daibao Guo and Dr. Eun Hye Son, Department of Literacy, Language, and Culture; Dr. Evelyn Johnson and Dr. Patricia Hampshire, Department of Early and Special Education
“Improving Literacy Skills and Science Knowledge for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Using Augmented Reality (AR)”
This project will beta test an AR experience that will promote better science content learning and improved comprehension skills for students with ASD. Through an engaging, interactive AR app, students will play the role of field researcher and complete observation records that are designed to teach them general comprehension strategies and science concepts.
Dr. Lisa McClain, Department of History and Gender Studies Program
“Reclaiming the Past: LGBTQ+ Idahoans Take Their Place in State History”
This project will uncover and share the roles LGBTQ+ Idahoans have played in Idaho’s development which, heretofore, have remained largely invisible. Research will be utilized in the LGBT Collection of Boise State’s Special Collections and Archives (SCA), resulting in a series of articles on LGBTQ+ history in Idaho.
Dr. Rulon Wood, Department of Theatre, Film, and Creative Writing
“Letting Loose the Hounds: A Film Adaptation”
In 2010, Boise State English Professor Brady Udall published a collection of short stories entitled Letting Loose the Hounds. This project will adapt the title story as a screenplay for an independent film, which will utilize local actors, production personnel, and exhibitors, and will be used as a case study to illustrate interdisciplinary filmmaking.
Congratulations to these Boise State faculty! Our thanks go to the Faculty Grant committee for reviewing the 2021 grant applications, and to our members for contributing to the Osher Excellence Fund. The Osher Faculty Grant would not be possible without your generosity.