Walk the halls: A new tradition of connection and discovery

The Office of Technology Transfer team with Nancy Glenn visit the School of Computing and Computer Science faculty, staff, and students. From left to right: Business Operations Coordinator Andrew Martin, Administrative Assistant II Susie Gillikin, Computer Science Chair and Professor Jerry Alan Fails, and Vice President for Research and Economic Development Nancy Glenn

It's one thing to read about the Office of Technology Transfer in an email or newsletter, but it's something else entirely to meet them in the hallway, face-to-face, where the real magic of Boise State's research happens.

This fall, the office launched a new campus tradition called "Walk the Halls," joined by Nancy Glenn, Vice President for Research and Economic Development. Across four journeys in September and October, the team set out on foot with clipboards, curiosity and candy for conversationalists in hand, to visit departments, labs and offices across campus. The goal? To meet people where they are, to make connections and to encourage ongoing conversations about research, innovative technology solutions and the creative power of collaboration.

The Office of Technology Transfer helps faculty transform their discoveries into real-world impact, but unless you've filed an invention disclosure or worked directly with them, you might not realize how their services can support your work. As representatives of the office and Glenn walked the halls, they found themselves greeted by genuine interest, laughter and an occasional exclamation of surprise: "Wow, I didn't know we had that kind of an office on campus!" What followed was a flood of ideas and invitations.

What began as a simple outreach experiment soon grew into something more profound: a shared sense of possibility.

Ideas that inspire go both ways

At each stop, Nancy Glenn and the Office of Technology Transfer crew: Brett Adkins, Sarah Anderson and Natasha French, were joined by communications team members Jenny Gilman and Kayden Jones, as well as department chairs and school leaders and faculty Neal Bangater, Amy Spurlock, Kelley Connor, Eric Hayden, Jerry Fails and Ira Burton. Together, they covered several buildings and engaged with more than 250 faculty, staff and students.

Some visits were quick introductions; others turned into spontaneous lab tours or deep dives into ongoing research. One highlight was a visit to the School of Nursing's Simulation Center, where the team stepped into a 12-bed practice lab designed for high-stakes training. The lab's realistic medical scenarios using advanced manikins and actors as patients made it clear that innovation doesn't just happen in high-tech labs; it thrives wherever people are learning, testing and refining their skills.

Awareness to action in an afternoon

The outcomes of Walk the Halls exceeded expectations. Within days of the first walk, the Office of Technology Transfer began receiving new invention disclosures and follow-up questions from faculty, staff and graduate students eager to collaborate. They also received invitations to present at departmental seminars and offers to tour additional facilities. For an office that thrives on partnership, these are the signs of a growing, healthy research ecosystem.

By simply showing up in person, within our hallways and everyday spaces where research happens, the Office of Technology Transfer reminded participants that research support isn't a distant concept. It's right here, within reach, waiting to be utilized.

Building a culture of connection

Walk the Halls was more than a campaign; it was a joyful reminder of why Boise State's research culture feels so alive. It demonstrated that even a brief hallway conversation can spark new ideas, demystify processes and open doors to collaboration.

"We met faculty we work with daily, but also many who had never heard of us," said Natasha French. "That blend of familiarity and discovery made each step worthwhile."

The team plans to continue this tradition in the months ahead, expanding its route to reach even more departments and buildings.

If they didn't make it to your hallway this time, don't worry, they're coming your way soon. And if curiosity strikes before then, the Office of Technology Transfer would love to hear from you at [email protected].

Because sometimes, the best ideas start with a simple walk down the hall.

Share This

• Share on Facebook
• Share on X
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share through Email