Ignite USU Videos Available Online

The Utah State University Ignite USU talks are now available online at ignite.usu.edu.

The culminating event of USU's Research Week, Ignite USU is similar to TEDxUSU, but highlights the work of students.

Ignite gives eight student researchers the opportunity to share the experiences they have had while involved in undergraduate and graduate research. During their presentations, each student had 5 minutes and 20 auto-advancing slides to present their information.

The 2017 presenters were Erica Hawvermale, Britney Chamberlain, Millie Tullis, Chris Glaittli, Sun Jeon, Maggie Hallerud, Camden Debruler and Tommy Thompson.

Hawvermale began the event by discussing her research regarding an individual’s sense of community.

According to her, a psychological sense of community means, "a feeling that members have of belonging, a feeling that members matter to one another and to the group, and a shared faith that members' needs will be met through their commitment to be together."

Hawvermale found her sense of community through Cosplay.

From Cosplay to cosmos, Chamberlain studies how to rid space of satellite debris that may jeopardize further space travel.

She has developed a solution using the CubeSat structure and hybrid rocket-motor technology recently developed at USU.

Tullis shared her experience of researching Sylvia Plath. After being sexually assaulted, reading Plath comforted, confused and complicated the way she saw her own life and trauma.

Tullis talk touched many of the attendees, and an anonymous event survey participant said, "It's amazing that the students are willing to open up about their lives (both the positive and negative events) -- it's very inspiring."

Glaittli opened up about his fashion pursuits and his initial desire to be editor and chief of GQ, and Jeon discussed the high suicide rates of her native country, South Korea.

According to Jeon, 41 of every 100 young adult deaths in South Korea is caused by suicide. This number perplexed her and she began to study the stories behind the numbers. She personally interviewed family and friends who lost loved ones in this tragic way.

"Numbers are numbers. But when you listen to the stories, you become more sensitive," Jeon said. "Then, you can see more things from the same numbers."

Jeon personally came to realize for every life lost, there was a friend or family member grieving, and the pain and sadness they felt could never be fully reflected in numbers.

Following Jeon's talk, Undergraduate Researcher of the Year, Hallerud took the stage. She discussed the challenges she has faced researching the cougar, a very difficult animal to study even with the right technology and knowledge.

As an undergraduate researcher without access to the expensive technology, Hallerud has learned how to view mistakes as learning opportunities.

Debruler presented his research on the flow battery, which would help meet our national energy demand through a renewable source.

He believes that engineering a powerful, safe and inexpensive flow battery is the next step in renewable, environmentally conscious electricity.

Closing Ignite USU, Thompson told the story of finding his passion in scientific research after breaking free from an addiction and incarceration cycle.

A survey administered afterwards showed many of the attendees found the event enjoyable and engaging.

"It was one of the best things I’ve been to at USU," said one respondent.

Another added, "It was an outstanding opportunity to celebrate the diversity of research at USU."

To learn more about Ignite USU and watch this year's talks, please visit the Ignite USU website and the USU RGS channel on YouTube. 

Related links:
Research Week
Robins Awards 2017
Office of Research and Graduate Studies  

Writer: Bentlee Rice | Office of Research and Graduate Studies | bentlee.rice@usu.edu