Undergraduate Research Award Winners Honored

The Utah State University Student Showcase event on April 11 celebrated the award winners for Undergraduate Researcher of the Year and Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year.

The undergraduate research program at USU provides students with the opportunity to learn about the research process, as well as participate in it.

 

“We have a great undergraduate research program at Utah State,” said Joyce Kinkead, vice provost for undergraduate studies and research. “It provides students with the opportunity to do hands-on research in their field of study, and to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to a real life scenario.”

 

The awards for Undergraduate Researcher of the Year were presented to: Katie Brown, College of Agriculture; Zachary Ames, College of Business; Brianne Bartlett, College of Education and Human Services; Zac Humes, College of Engineering; Sarah (Hatch) Thompson, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences; Jake Gibson, College of Natural Resources; Glen de Guzman, College of Science; and David A. Evans, Extension.

 

The awards for Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year were presented to: Heidi Wengreen, College of Agriculture; Ken Bartkus, College of Business; Melanie Domenech Rodriguez, College of Education and Human Services; Barton Smith, College of Engineering; Susan E. Manon, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences; Phaedra Budy, College of Natural Resources; Lisa Berreau, College of Science; and Lianna Hatfield Etchberger, Extension.

 

The award was created in 2003 to recognize outstanding faculty as mentors of undergraduate researchers. This award is part of the research matters initiative that demonstrates the added value of an undergraduate education at a research university.

 

Faculty members at Utah State who mentor undergraduate researchers are characterized as counselors and guides who encourage, instruct and advocate. These faculty mentors provide advice on methods of research and manner of analysis. Utah State faculty mentors often provide students with their first entry into professional circles by supporting the distribution of the student’s work, through professional conference participation or publication.

 

The award for Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher was initiated in 2004 to recognize the college’s undergraduates who have made a difference through their research efforts. This award has been presented to several students who have made a significant contribution to their field.