Student Researchers Share the Passion behind their Research at 'Ignite USU

Utah State University student researchers will “enlighten us, but make it quick” at Ignite USU Friday, April 10, at 1 p.m in the south atrium of the Merrill-Cazier Library. Students, faculty and the community are invited to witness what it means for students to conduct research at USU.

Part of Research Week 2015, Ignite presentations are fast-paced, in an atypical conference lecture style. Each talk is limited to five minutes with slides advancing every 15 seconds. And with each presentation, graduate and undergraduate researchers will share the stories and passion behind their academic pursuits.

“We are excited to be in this unique space in the Merrill-Cazier Library, the heart of Research Week, and share what student research is all about,” said Scott Bates, associate vice president for graduate and undergraduate research.

Five graduate and three undergraduate student researchers, representing seven colleges, were selected from more than 50 auditionees and have worked for the past two months on their talks.

“They will talk about their research, but, really, they’ll talk about their passions,” said Mark McLellan, vice president for research and dean of the School of Graduate Studies. “Come hear these students speak from the heart and share wisdom and wit from their experiences.”

Among this year’s Ignite speakers is Maureen Frank, a Presidential Doctoral Research Fellow from the S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources. Frank will tell the story of how research in the tropics brought her back to Utah’s backyard — the Great Salt Lake. The lake provides a crucial habitat for birds and other local wildlife, but many Utahns have never explored the marshy ecosystem beyond what wafts through the northern Utah air when it rains. There is still much to learn from Earth’s natural wonders, and Frank will demonstrate why she believes one doesn’t have to travel too far to discover its “Amazons.”

Before the presentations, speakers and audience members will be invited to compete in a simple build competition. Using wooden skewers and gumdrops, the team to build the longest bridge will walk away with a prize at noon. Free beverages will also be served.

Research Week is USU’s annual celebration of faculty and student research. Many lectures, receptions and ceremonies are open to the public. Questions regarding Research Week 2015 can be answered at rw.usu.edu or by emailing Brandon Crouch (brandon.crouch@usu.edu). Attendees are invited to interact on social media with #RW15.

Writer: Manda Perkins, manda.perkins@usu.edu