Summer Student Fellows Expand Research Impact in Land, Water & Air

USU’s Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water & Air welcomed four new summer student research fellows this month. The Summer Student Fellowship Program connects curious students with real-world research needs across Utah.

This year’s cohort brings together students from four different degree programs, as well as one of USU’s statewide campuses, for a unique multidisciplinary research experience.

The fellows’ projects span a wide range of topics and applications.

“Long-duration energy storage is an important piece of strengthening energy independence and building a more resilient grid,” said Sarah Sabey Peterson, a graduate student studying anticipatory intelligence. “I’m exploring the future options and barriers to implementation here in Utah. I’m excited to work on a project that can help our state navigate a changing energy landscape and build a more reliable future.”

Environment and society graduate student Martha Rose Dawson is investigating recreation on wildlife management areas.

“The State of Utah has experienced increased visitation to its wildlife management areas over the past decade,” Dawson said. “My research investigates the policies the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is currently operating under and assesses the opportunities available to better integrate social science within the agency.”

Another project focuses on improving wintertime ozone forecasting in the Uinta Basin.

“It is the kind of groundwork that has to happen before the science behind air quality and public health decisions improves,” said Michael Davies, an undergraduate studying environmental science.

Aiming to fill funding gaps where there is interest and need, the Summer Student Fellowship Program also supports continued USU engagement on Bear Lake through research assistant Olanrewaju Adeyemi, a doctoral candidate studying plant science.

“I am examining how water chemistry affects the performance of the aquatic herbicide against invasive Eurasian watermilfoil in Bear Lake,” Adeyemi said. “The results will help explain previously observed reductions in herbicide efficacy and support the development of more effective aquatic weed management strategies.”

Designed to move quickly from curiosity to impact, the Summer Student Research Fellows Program supports students as they tackle focused research questions aligned with larger projects tied to real-world needs. Fellows advance key components of larger projects, generating results within a single summer.

“The Summer Student Fellowship Program is about turning student curiosity into meaningful impact for Utah,” said institute Executive Director Anna McEntire. “These fellows contribute to timely challenges facing land, water and air resources. Their work strengthens partnerships, informs decision-making and demonstrates the value of applied research in our communities.”

Findings from the program’s second cohort will be released by the end of the summer.

The institute was established in 2021 through a resolution by the Utah Legislature to convene stakeholders, advance research and guide policy decisions. The Summer Student Fellowship Program furthers this mission by engaging students in applied research that delivers timely insights, strengthens partnerships and supports sustainable management of Utah’s land, water and air resources.