Chuck Rizzo
Interim Executive Director
Office: Physical Science Building Rm. 101A
Chuck Rizzo serves as the Interim Executive Director of the Environmental, Health, and Safety. Chuck holds a Master of Public Health degree in Environmental & Occupational Health Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign. Prior to joining Idaho State University, Chuck spent more than 30 years working in the Environmental, Health, and Safety field in both the private and higher education sectors. Chuck also serves Idaho State University as the Director of Research Integrity and Compliance.
Vacant
Assistant Director of Occupational Health and Safety
- Hazardous Building Materials (Asbestos and Lead) Consultation
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention
- Indoor Air Quality Concerns
- Public or Environmental Health Questions
- Respiratory Protection Program
Christopher Forshee
Hazardous Materials Manager
Office: Physical Science Building Rm. 105D
- Laboratory Safety
- Chemical Inventory
- Chemical Safety
- Hazardous Materials Shipping
- Research Safety
Christopher Forshee serves as the Hazardous Materials Manager for the Environmental Health,
Safety, and Sustainability Department. Christopher holds a Bachelor of Science degree in
Ecology and Conservation Biology from Idaho State University. Prior to working for the EHSS
Department, Christopher worked as a research technician at ISU and spent 10 years at Idaho
National Laboratory as a nuclear operator. Outside of work, Christopher enjoys spending time
with family, bicycling, fishing, and hanging out with his dog.
Mohammed Alqurashi
Hazardous Waste Specialist
Office: Physical Science Building Rm. 105B
- Waste pickup requests
- Hazardous & universal waste training
- New accumulation containers requests
- CampusOptics
- Fume hood inspections
- Waste characterizations
Mohammed Alqurashi joined the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Department as the Hazardous Waste Specialist in February 2021. Mohammed began working for EHS in January of 2019 as a part-time Student Technician. Mohammed holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science and Management, a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry, all from Idaho State University. During his schooling, and prior to joining EHS, Mohammed held other ISU student positions including Custodian, Teaching Assistant, Research Assistant, and Customer Representative. Outside of work, Mohammed enjoys spending time with his family, reading, fixing cars, traveling, and playing FIFA on the PlayStation platform.
Pallavi Pokharel
Sustainability Manager
Office: Physical Science Building, Room 104B
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- Sustainability Program
- Sustainability Goals
- Sustainability Initiatives
- STARS Report
Pallavi Pokharel is the new Sustainability Manager at the Department of Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Kathmandu University in Nepal and a master’s degree in Environment, Natural Resources, and Society from the University of Wyoming, where she was recognized with the Outstanding Graduate Student Award. Pallavi brings over six years of experience in sustainability, energy transition, community engagement, and climate adaptation. She has worked on multi-million-dollar clean energy transitions, climate resilience programs, and international climate negotiations.
Pallavi believes that it is not only about protecting the environment but also about safeguarding the future of generations to come. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, dancing, and exploring new places. She values connecting with people and forging meaningful relationships.
Zach Hendricks
Environmental Health Specialist
Office: Physical Science Building Rm. 101C
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Hazardous Building Materials
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Building Inspections/Surveys
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CampusOptics
Zach has worked with Idaho State University since 2018 and joined the Environmental Health, Safety, and Sustainability Department in October 2024. Zach earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Idaho State University and holds multiple certifications for working with hazardous building materials. Outside of work, Zach enjoys spending time with friends, camping, and traveling.
Yashodha Nyaupane
EHSS Technician
Office: 101D
- Hazardous waste
- Biological waste
- Universal waste
- Fume hood inspections
Yashodha Nyaupane serves as an EHSS Technician in the Department of Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability. She started working with EHSS as a Safety Program Assistant in May 2025. Yashodha is graduating with a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science and Management from Idaho State University in the fall of 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Tribhuvan University.
Before joining EHSS, Yashodha held the roles of Teaching Assistant, Research Assistant, and CPI in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at ISU. She received the Best Graduate Poster Presentation Award at the IASE/ICE Joint Symposium on Sustainability and Earth’s Climate at ISU in 2024.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping, and traveling.
Griffin Schriock
Safety Technician
Office: Physical Science Building, Room 101B
- Shop Safety
- Aerial Lifts/Fall Protection
- Confined Spaces
- Powered Industrial Trucks
Griffin Schriock serves as the Safety Technician for the Environmental Health, Safety, and Sustainability Department. Griffin holds a Bachelor of Science in Geosciences from Idaho State University. Griffin began working for EHSS in January 2023 as a student employee before being hired full-time in September 2025. Outside of work, Griffin enjoys hiking, fishing, rock collecting, hitting the gym, and spending time with his dog.
Alyssa Ferguson
Technical Records Specialist
Office: Physical Science Building Rm. 105C
Alyssa started work at Idaho State University in July of 2022 as a Technical Records Specialist. She previously spent 8 years at Farmers Insurance mostly as a customer service representative. She attended Idaho State University from 2005-2006 as a student before joining the workforce full time. In her spare time she enjoys reading and trying new recipes.