Research Symposium poster outside of the Williams Conference Center

Keynote Sessions

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Joe Barnes - (Department of the Interior) Twenty-two Years of Raptor Studies in the Arid Lands of Nevada

Joe Barnes

Thursday, May 7 from 12-1 PM in Sacajawea Hall, Room 115

Our keynote speaker on Thursday, May 7th at noon is wildlife biologist Joe Barnes from the US Department of the Interior. His talk “Twenty-two Years of Raptor Studies in the Arid Lands of Nevada”, is a description of various aspects of raptor research and monitoring he has been conducting across the Great Basin and Mojave deserts. Joe has specialized in Peregrine Falcons, Golden Eagles, and Ferruginous Hawks with emphasis on understanding population dynamics, studying movement and habitat use, diet, and assessing exposure to environmental contaminants.  Much of his research has been conducted with state and federal agencies with an underlying goal to address conservation threats and to understand impacts raptors face from large-scale landscape development projects.  His presentation will detail various aspects of the rise and subsequent decline of Peregrine Falcons and understanding the population dynamics of the iconic Golden Eagle. 

Faculty Keynote Sessions

The Faculty Showcase keynote session on Wednesday, May 6th at noon will highlight six LC State professors in various academic disciplines.

Educating from a Place of Expertise in an AI Environment

Bio: A business professor with a terminal degree in applied economics and experience across corporate, government, and entrepreneurial settings. He brings real-world insight into the classroom, equipping students to understand 
markets and adapt to rapidly evolving technologies like AI.

Topic: Educating from a Place of Expertise in an AI Environment

Evolving the Library: Partnerships, Student Support and Future of Innovation

Bio: Has served as Library Director at LC State since 2017, working to transform the library into a central hub for student support. Awarded the rank of Professor in 2025. Outside of work, she and her children enjoy hiking, spending time by the rivers, and exploring the region.

Topic: Evolving the Library: Partnerships, Student Support, and the Future of Innovation

Participation of First Semester Nursing Students in an Unhoused Simulation with Use of Standardized Patients

Bio: A certified oncology nurse and simulation educator with 16 years of nursing experience. Integrates high-fidelity simulation and theatrical techniques to bridge classroom learning and clinical readiness.

Co-presented with Dr. Peggy D. Mata.

Topic: Participation of First Semester Nursing Students in an “Unhoused” Simulation with Use of Standardized Patients

Bio: Associate Professor at LC State since 2023. Earned her DNP in Healthcare Leadership from the University of San Diego and brings 9+ years of clinical placement coordination and nursing faculty experience.

Co-presented with Chelsea Cronin.

Topic: Participation of First Semester Nursing Students in an “Unhoused” Simulation with Use of Standardized Patients

Biomedical Research Spotlight: 25 Years of INBRE at LC

Bio: Has taught Chemistry at LC for over 20 years, leading an undergraduate atmospheric chemistry research group. Recently appointed Idaho INBRE’s Statewide Student Program Director, helping LC students and those around the state benefit from INBRE’s mission of biomedical research excellence.

Topic: Biomedical Research Spotlight: 25 Years of INBRE at LC

Dynamic Social Influence

Bio: Earned his PhD in experimental psychology from Ohio State University, focusing on auditory and music perception, and now researches reasoning, decision-making, argumentation, and group dynamics.

Topic: Dynamic Social Influence

AI in 2026: A Practical Overview

Bio: A first-generation college graduate, has taught computer information technology at LC State since 2016, after starting as a TRiO tutor in 2008, and focuses on how people adapt to rapid advances in artificial intelligence.

Topic: AI in 2026: A Practical Overview