Alumni and Friends
Professional Achievement Award Winners
Professional Achievement Award recipients are alumni who have made important contributions to their careers or profession, to the social, political or economic well-being of the world around them and have shown continued community and civic involvement in addition to their association with and contributions to Idaho State University. Individuals selected for these prestigious awards have been out of school at least 10 years and have excelled in their chosen field, attaining significant success and accomplishments.
2024 College of Science and Engineering Professional Achievement Award Recipient
Trisha Arave
College of Science and Engineering
Trisha Arave is an accomplished professional currently serving as the Plant Manager for the J.R. Simplot Company Don Plant in Pocatello.
Trisha started her career as a research technician with the J.R. Simplot Company in 1995. From there, she has served in various roles, including research scientist, project manager, senior engineering manager, and in 2016, she was promoted to Plant Manager.
In her role as Plant Manager, Trisha oversees all aspects of plant operations, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and adherence to quality standards. She says she has “a remarkable team that she gets to work with and wouldn’t be where she’s at without them.”
Trisha currently serves on the Pocatello/Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Executive Committee for the Simplot Games. She helps to support the United Way Campaign, Food Drives, and other community sponsorships and events.
Outside of her work, she says she enjoys being outdoors hiking, fishing, hunting, or ranching and says her two sons are her pride and joy.
Trisha is a proud alumnus of Idaho State University and says it’s where she acquired the knowledge and skills that have contributed to her success in the industry.
Outstanding Student Achievement Award Winners
The Outstanding Student Achievement Awards recognizes graduating students who have demonstrated outstanding service to their respective college, to Idaho State University and to the community, and who also have exceptional scholastic achievement.
2024 College of Science and Engineering Outstanding Student Achievement Award Recipients
Alyssa Farnes
Honors B.S. Earth and Environmental Systems
Alyssa, graduating with an Honors degree in Earth and Environmental Systems, actively contributes to the University Honors Program and serves as Geoclub President, having received the 2023 Benny Award for Student Organization of the Year. Her career preparation includes collaborating with the ISU Geographic Information Systems Center, Boise State Energy Policy Institute and the Idaho National Laboratory's Center for Advanced Energy Studies to research vulnerabilities in the US power grid due to wildfires, resulting in a peer-reviewed report published in the "Fire" journal. Alyssa's Honors Senior Thesis, "The Power Grid/Wildfire Nexus," showcases her dedication to utilizing GIS and satellite remote sensing to identify vulnerabilities in the power grid.
Andrew J Anderson
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Andrew graduated from Idaho State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in mathematics, achieving a GPA of 3.89. During his internship at Janicki Industries in Layton, Utah, he played a key role in supporting the machine production floor and demonstrated proficiency in CADD design using Dassault Systemes Solidworks as a Career Path Intern at ISU's Engineering Research Center. Andrew’s exceptional leadership skills were evident as the elected President of the Idaho State University Space Initiative, guiding the rocket team to a successful launch at the Spaceport America Cup 2022.