Utah State Today press release: Thursday, April 07, 2016

Week-long Celebration of USU’s Research Excellence Begins April 11

Utah State University’s week-long celebration of research excellence begins Monday, April 11.

Research Week 2016 highlights USU’s legacy of discovery and the faculty and student researchers committed to that legacy.

“Once a year we celebrate USU’s longstanding commitment to research innovation, but incredible discoveries happen every day on this campus and at our distance campuses,” said Vice President for Research and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies Mark McLellan. “This past fiscal year resulted in a second consecutive year of sponsored awards funding, and that wouldn’t be possible without our hardworking faculty who uphold this standard of excellence.”

Most of this year’s events will be held in the Merrill-Cazier Library, the academic heart of campus.

Per tradition, the previous year’s D. Wynne Thorne Career Research Awardee will speak Wednesday [April 13] in the New Books Lounge. Alvan Hengge, head of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, will share a glimpse into his career and the lessons learned along the way at the D. Wynne Thorne Lecture.

“Dr. Hengge is one of Utah State’s premier researchers, and I’m looking forward to his address,” McLellan said. “As a recipient of the highest research honor bestowed at USU, there is certainly something all of us can learn from his storied career.”

The Merrill-Cazier Library will be buzzing on Thursday [April 14] as more than 300 graduate and undergraduate students present their research to faculty members and fellow students during the Student Research Symposium. This provides students with the opportunity to present the product of their hard work while sharing their passion for discovery with the university community.

“Student research is a pillar of Utah State’s mission,” said Scott Bates, associate vice president and associate dean of the School of Graduate Studies. “We hope this symposium, not only showcases the work of our students, but sparks a research interest in the rest of the student body.”

Research Week concludes Friday [April 15] with Ignite USU, an atypical lecture series where nine graduate and undergraduate students will, “enlighten us, but make it quick.” Much in the style of TEDxUSU, students will share the stories behind their research and what drives their success in five minute talks with presentation slides advancing every 15 seconds.

Jeannie Woller, an undergraduate Ignite speaker and USU women’s soccer player, will share how playing Division I soccer has impacted her life both on and off the field.

“Soccer has had a huge impact on my life,” she said. “I’m excited to tell my story and how the lessons I’ve learned as an athlete translate into life and the things we all experience.”

The Office of Research and Graduate Studies hosts a series of events each April to showcase the exceptional research and researchers at USU. Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to attend many Research Week events, free of charge.

Writer: Katie Feinauer

 

Ignite Student Presentors

Watch the talks: https://ignite.usu.edu/videos/

Antra Boča: Of Earth They Were Made and Into Earth They Return

Danielle Christensen: Choosing to Embrace Trauma Research

Daisha Cummins: Simple Movements to Understand Autism Spectrum

Matt Fiske: Found and Fired

CJ Guadarrama: Why I Trespassed in the Intermountain Indian School

Brett Hurst: Doctor + Nurse Makes a Virologist

Enjie Li: Happy Baby, Frustrated Collaborator

Amy Moser: All I Do Is Rocks Rocks Rocks No Matter What

Jeannie Woller: Coming Out and What Soccer Has to Say About Living