Anatomy and physiology. Cell biology. Immunology and biochemistry. Sound exciting? Idaho State University’s Dr. Barbara Frank would say so. She’s been teaching those subjects to ISU–Idaho Falls students for the past 13 years. Her love of science began when one of her grade school assignments was to dissect a flower. She was also fortunate enough to have some “amazing” teachers who helped keep her excited about the field. That encouragement helped her decide to turn her passion for biology into a commitment and a career, although there were a few deviations from her original plan.
As she pursued her major, Barbara discovered that “the inner workings of cells were fascinating” and that she also had a “knack for chemistry,” so she switched from biology to biochemistry and earned her PhD. in that subject from Washington State University. Now she teaches what she knows to college students, and does it very well. Student Matt Sharp says of her, “Dr. Frank’s classes have pushed me to a higher level of learning. I am grateful to have such an amazing mentor on my pre-med journey.”
If you were to ask her what keeps her coming back to teach semester after semester, Barbara would tell you that it’s the students’ enthusiasm. “The students on the Idaho Falls campus are highly motivated and engaged in the learning process. It’s a pleasure to capture their interest and enthusiasm for science.” In fact, in 2005–2006, twelve of those students were accepted into medical, dental, and optometry schools across the nation, a first for the Idaho Falls campus. And they were only a few of the many professionals she has inspired. According to Mike Aughney, a current pre-health student in Idaho Falls, “I feel privileged to associate with Dr. Frank as she mentors, inspires, and challenges me.” It is because of dedicated instructors like Barbara Frank that ISU’s pre-health professions program is one of the best in the West.
Her contributions to the Idaho Falls campus don’t end at the classroom door. She is also active in campus and student activities. She’s been the faculty advisor for the Idaho Falls ASISU pre-health club (Future Healthcare Practitioners of America) since 2004. She serves as the advisor on the IF campus for both the Department of Biological Sciences and the Pre-Health Professions program. Because she is knowledgeable about so many of ISU’s programs—and because she is willing—Barbara participates in most student-oriented activities here.
As for Barbara’s history, she was born in Illinois, has lived in California and North Carolina and met her husband, Steve, when they were both in graduate school at Washington State University in Pullman. When Steve got a job at Argonne-West, they moved to Idaho Falls. At first they were excited to be here because of all the outdoor activities—skiing, climbing, hiking and rafting—but then they had kids and discovered how great Idaho Falls is to raise a family. They have two sons. The elder son is in college and the younger will graduate from Idaho Falls high school this spring, which means Barbara and Steve will be entering another parental phase: the Empty Nest.
Dr. Barbara Frank is a top educator, a mentor, and a dedicated student advocate. She exemplifies the high quality of faculty who teach at Idaho State University in Idaho Falls. As Ben Searcy, another of Dr. Frank’s pre-health students, says of her,”Dr. Frank exemplifies all the qualities of a true educator and is one of the best teachers I have met.” And Ben’s is the voice of many who would agree.
For more information about ISU-IF, call 282-7804 or email ifstsrv@isu.edu.