Utah State Students Send Message to Legislators

Utah State Students Send Message to Legislators: Undergraduate Research is Important

With the Utah Legislative session in full-swing and the capitol building full of lawmakers, undergraduate students from Utah State University and the University of Utah joined forces in a program called Undergraduate Research Day and visited the bustling building to highlight research at the state's two flagship institutions. The students were there to present research posters and discuss the importance of research in their educations to Utah legislators and Utah Gov. Olene Walker.

Students from all of Utah State's seven colleges presented a wide array of research posters that included such topics as Web accessibility, anti-viral agents and, of course, space research.Dietetics major Caralee Wilcock shared her studies on iron deficiency in young adult women attending Utah State; Kori Moore, an environmental engineering major, told legislators he is trying to predict when inversions occur so communities can take preventative measures; Ryan Bair, a biology major, is examining genetic hearing loss and wanted his legislators to "hear" all about it; and physics major Andrew Auman explained to Gov. Olene Walker that he is working on a program that will provide public school children, as well as undergraduate students, opportunities to place experiments on the International Space Station.

"I think it's important that we come down here and share our research with the legislators," said Mark Greenwood, an environmental engineering major. "Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our research that we forget it can be important and that it can make a positive contribution to society. Sharing our research with others reminds us of its importance."

Business information systems students Matthew Jenson and Joshua Wheeler explained that their research is actually making a difference right here in Utah. The two are working on a one-stop application process that allows Utah families with special needs children to fill out health and financial services forms in one location. The program, available on the Internet, is currently offered in several counties in Utah and has been so well received that other states are looking into what it has to offer.

Freshmen were also invited to participate in the event this year. Tyler Hatch, a freshman majoring in family, consumer and human development, presented as a vice president for research fellow. Upon entering the university this year, Hatch was one of 30 freshmen selected by the Utah State Vice President for Research office to receive a $1,000 scholarship. He put that scholarship to good use and worked with faculty mentor Lori Roggman on a research project that studied toddler play foods.

"Utah State believes that research is invaluable for a student's intellectual growth and development," said Joyce Kinkead, vice provost for undergraduate studies and research at Utah State. "Undergraduate research provides a unique, hands-on experience that enhances learning and improves the value of students' degrees. Involving students in research in the freshman year really enhances their educations.”

All students participating in the day agreed that research has made a valuable impact on their educations.

"I could have never learned this in a classroom," said Amy Anderton, a biology major studying grasses that are resistant to the active ingredient in Round-Up. "I always thought my research had to be exact, like following a recipe. It wasn't until I began doing the research hands-on that I realized I had to try different combinations to get the results I wanted. This has definitely been a learning experience."

Garry Miller, a biology student, has been working to develop a test that will screen potential antiviral drugs. He concurred that undergraduate research has been a vital part of his education at Utah State and said it definitely helped his chances of being accepted into medical school.

"What better way is there to enhance a student's learning than through participating in undergraduate research," said Miller's faculty mentor, Joseph Li. "Garry is receiving great undergraduate training and participating in hands-on research, which re-emphasizes that fact."

Biology major Scott Larsen said he was excited to participate in Undergraduate Research Day because legislators need to be reminded how important research in higher education is and also need to know the professional quality of work that is produced at an undergraduate level.

"After all, there are a lot of impressive students here," said anthropology major Jennifer Hulse.

For more information on Undergraduate Research Day or undergraduate research in general contact Kinkead at (435) 797-1706.

Writer: Maren Cartwright, (435) 797-1355,maren.cartwright@usu.edu
Contact: Joyce Kinkead, (435) 797-1706,joyce.kinkead@usu.edu