january 20, 2005:
Research
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welcome:
Welcome!
On behalf of Utah State University, I welcome
you to 2005’s Research on Capitol Hill. Each
year, students from throughout Utah gather at
the state capitol to share a year’s worth of hard
work and discovery with their peers and the
rest of the state. These students truly repre-
sent the finest young minds in Utah.
I invite you to experience firsthand the
outstanding effort of these students. Their
interests are diverse, yet each of their projects
contributes to our collective body of knowledge
and our ability to address real-life issues.
The findings of these projects will be far-reach-
ing. Some of them will be published in aca-
demic journals, while others will be presented
at research conferences throughout the country.
Many of them will be used to solve practical
problems by guiding action on community and
state issues.
At the same time, these students have been
well-primed to achieve even greater intellectual,
practical, and personal accomplishments in the
future. By honing their inquisitve instincts and
scientific skills, they will be prepared to make
significant contributions to Utah’s economy and
intellectual capital.
Thank you for taking time to visit with these
stellar students. We appreciate your support of
Utah State University.
Sincerely,
Kermit L. Hall, PhD
President
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welcome:
Greetings!
Last year, a team of Utah State students
launched the USU Wright Flyer, a replica of the
Wright Brother’s original airplane and one of the
most ambitious student research projects ever.
It was a national success.
This year, Utah State students continued to set
their sights high—and into space—as a student
team created a human-powered moon buggy
and demonstrated it at NASA’s Great Moonbug-
gy Race in Huntsville, Ala. The team, participat-
ing in the competition for the first time, won the
award for the best engineering design.
All of Utah State’s student researchers are
reaching for the stars by expanding their
academic potential. Whether studying Utah’s
natural environment, health factors of danger-
ous diseases, or the behaviors of consumers,
these students are demonstrating their intellect,
bolstering their skills, and enriching their col-
lege experience. Their unique efforts deserve
recognition.
We are extremely proud of our undergradu-
ate students’ accomplishments and invite you
to get to know them and their extraordinary
projects at this year’s Research on Capitol Hill
event.
Learning, discovery, and engagement go hand-
in-hand at Utah State University. Thank you for
your interest in our students’ research.
Best Regards,
Brent C. Miller, PhD
Vice President for Research
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welcome:
Welcome to Research on Capitol Hill!
When we think about undergraduate research at
Utah State we think invaluable. Undergraduate
research gives an edge to students to compete
for national and international scholarships and
awards. Lara B. Anderson is at Oxford this year
as a Rhodes Scholar. “I can’t say enough good
things about undergraduate research. It was
everything for me, and it got me to where I am
”
today. Stephanie J. Chambers, a biology major,
and David Hatch, who studies physics, brought
home prestigious Barry M. Goldwater awards to
finish their undergraduate careers as scientists.
Kurtis Reed won the Phi Kappa Phi award to sup-
port his study at the Mayo Clinic College of Medi-
cine. Abigail Jensen extends her studies through
a Fulbright Award to Mexico. Kori Moore won a
national award for his research on air quality.
Utah State is committed to providing hands-
on learning opportunities for its students. By
undergraduate research, we mean not only
laboratory science but also scholarship and cre-
ative activity. Utah State believes that research
is invaluable for a student’s intellectual growth
and development. Yes, a research university
does add worth to an undergraduate education.
Students with a research track record are more
competitive for graduate school fellowships and
career opportunities.
Invaluable? Yes, to the students, to their com-
munities, and to the world. Utah State students
truly make a difference.
Sincerely,
Joyce Kinkead, PhD
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies and Research
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Letter from Kermit Hall 1
Letter from Brent Miller 2
Letter from Joyce Kinkead 3
Student Abstracts
Ali, Maysun 20
Bala, Andre 20
Baumgartner, Amber 7
Buck, Molly 8
Calvert, Chris 29
Cannon, Angie 9
Carlson, M. Jake 10
Conrado, Christine 20
Dorton, Delores 11
Evans, Jessica 12
Humes, Zachary E. 13
Israelsen, Anne 14
Johnston, Derrick Lynn 15
Karren, Landon J. 16
Kearl, Tyce J. 17
Keele, Dustin J. 18
Lafeen, Justin 29
Lewis, Brittany 19
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table of contents:
Merkley, Jocelyn 20
Miller, Brock 20
Mitchell, Brad Lynn 22
Nielson, Ashley 23
Olsen, Hayley 24
Robinson, Justin 25
Robinson, Rebecca 20
Schiess, Ladd B. 22
Schliesser, Joshua Alan 27
Seal, Angie 20
Smith, Nathan M. 28
St. John, Sarah 29
Stokes, Kristen 19
Stolworthy, Ashley 29
Thompson, Darren R. 10
Vawdrey, Eric 30
Wallis, Jeffery Mark 31
Williams, Kimberly M. 27
Yost, Morgan 32
Research at Utah State
Utah State Research Timeline 34
2004 Research Highlights 41
Undergraduate Research 42
Facts of Interest 44
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college of agriculture:
Functional Genomics of
Exopolysaccharide in Streptococcus
thermophilus MR-1C
Amber Baumgartner Jeff Broadbent
Lewiston, Utah Nutrition & Food Sciences
Student Researcher Faculty Mentor
The rise in consumer demand for The production of cps in MR-1C
cheese products has challenged is controlled by a 13-gene cluster
the food science industry to located on the bacterial chromo-
develop bacterial starter cultures some. In this study, we are
that enhance cheese quality. concerned with the function of
Lactic acid bacteria are com- the cps F gene of MR-1C’s cps
monly used as starter cultures for cluster. Studies in another strain
cheese because of their abil- of eps+ Streptococcus thermophi-
ity to acidify milk. Some lactic lus suggest the eps F gene may
acid bacteria also produce an be responsible for a branching
exopolysaccharide (eps) that can glycoslytransferase that contrib-
improve the functional properties utes to the unique sugar composi-
of cheese. MR-1C, a strain of the tion of eps (Stingele et al, 1999).
lactic acid bacterium Streptococ- Te determine the function of the
cus thermophilus, produces a cps F gene in MR-1C, we used
capsular exopolysaccharide (cps) a temperature sensitive plasmid
that remains tightly attached to vector to obtain cps F- strains. The
the bacterial cell. It has been cps product of cps F- strains can
shown experimentally that MR-1C now be analyzed and compared
can increase the water content, to that of MR-1C to determine the
meltability, and yield of low fat effect of this gene on cps produc-
and nonfat mozzarella cheese. tion and composition.
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college of agriculture:
The effects of Kochia prostrata
on livestock
Molly Buck Ken Olson
Logan, Utah Animal, Dairy & Veterinary Sciences
Student Researcher Faculty Mentor
Research & Interest : Potential make a total of six diets. The diets
uses of Kochia prostrata, or forage included 100% kochia, 50%
kochia, (a half-shrub native to arid kochia/50% wheat grass, and
regions) for livestock. Kochia has 100% wheat grass. Diets were
the potential to be a source of used twice each, once marked
forage for the beef industry in the with ytterbium and again with
western U.S., but little is known dysprosium to evaluate these
about its nutritional value. The rare-earth elements as digestion
objective is to evaluate intake and markers. This measured the
digestibility responses by beef effectiveness of a low quality
cattle to different dietary ratios. To forage in the rumen. Each collec-
collect data, five ruminally can- tion period consisted of 13 days
nulated steers were placed in adaptation, 7 days of total fecal
metabolism crates to evaluate and urine collection, and 14 days
intake and digestibility by using of fecal sampling and in situ bag
different dietary rations of forage calculations to show rate of diges-
kochia and tall wheat grass the tion. Rumen fluid samples were
beef steers were fed twice collected to assess VFA produc-
daily with a predetermined mea- tion and flood samples to look at
sured amount of feed. They were metabolites.
fed three diets two times each to
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college of natural resources:
Irresponsible Images and Words in
OHV Print Advertising:
A Content-Analytic Study
Angie Cannon Mark Brunson
Layton, Utah Environment & Society-
Student Researcher Faculty Mentor
A content analysis is presented Images of the vehicle not on a
of OHV print advertisements ob- visible road, in water, speeding,
tained from 1987 1995, and 2003
, and on a wet road or surface were
issues of Motor Trend, Outside, ”
defined as “irresponsible. Usage
Outdoor Life, and National Geo- ”
of the words “off-road, “wilder-
graphic. The specific objective of ”
ness, and other irresponsible
the study was to quantify irrespon- phrases were also identified. The
sible outdoor recreation behaviors results indicate a high percent-
portrayed in OHV advertising. Two age of advertisements containing
judges examined 520 OHV adver- irresponsible phrases, the words
tisements for the presence of “ir- ”
“off-road, and images of the
responsible” images and words. vehicle not on a visible road.
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college of science:
Immunogenetics of Autism: Detecting
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in
Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Gene
M. Jake Carlson Darren R. Thompson
North Logan, Utah Centerville, Utah
Student Researcher Student Researcher
Anthony R. Torres Thayne Sweeten
Center for Persons Center for Persons
with Disabilities with Disabilities
Faculty Mentor
Autistic disorder (autism) is a necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)
neuro-developmental disorder gene. We have been using
with a strong genetic component. restriction length polymorphisms
Ongoing research at the Center (RLPM) to detect single nucleotide
for Persons with Disabilities at polymorphisms (SNP) in this gene.
Utah State University investigates TNF-alpha and other cytokines are
immunogenetics in this disorder. known to be important in immune
One gene of interest is the tumor mediated diseases.
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college of education & human services:
Discounting of Delayed Food and
Monetary Outcomes:
Effects of Amount
Delores Dorton Amy Odum
Provo, Utah Psychology
Student Researcher Faculty Mentor
Previous research has suggested outcome was either $100 worth
that delayed food outcomes are of the participant’s favorite food
discounted more steeply than and $100 or $10 worth of the
delayed hypothetical monetary participant’s favorite food and
outcomes, meaning that individu- $10. Participants experienced the
als are willing to wait longer for outcome types in different orders,
monetary rewards than food re- and were compensated with class
wards. This difference could reflect credit for their participation. Food
the degree to which consumable was discounted more steeply than
and non-consumable reinforcers money for both groups. This result
are discounted. We examined the indicates that steeper discounting
effects of reward magnitude on of primary, consumable outcomes
differential discounting of food is a robust phenomenon across
and money. Participants who different outcome amounts. These
did not report eating disorders results have implications for
answered questions about which understanding types of reinforcers
of two options they would prefer: to be used in behavioral therapy.
an immediate adjusting outcome These data indicate that primary,
or a delayed constant outcome. delayed reinforcers are not as
The delay varied from 1 day to 2 effective as monetary, delayed
years. There were two outcome rewards. For example, when work-
types, tested separately: food and ing with children it would be more
money. There were two delayed effective to use a token reward
outcome amounts, tested across system for a later reward, than
groups. The delayed constant promising them a cookie later.
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college of natural resources:
Badly Burned? Effects of an Escaped
Prescribed Burn on Social Accept-
ability of Wildland Fuels Treatments
Jessica Evans Mark Brunson
Avon, Utah Environment & Society
Student Researcher Faculty Mentor
In September 2003, Forest Ser- in northern Utah. Subsequently
vice officials ignited a prescribed we surveyed residents of three
fire to improve ecological condi- affected counties about accept-
tions on the Uinta National Forest. ability of fuels management
The fire escaped, costing nearly practices. Included in the survey
$3 million to extinguish while were respondents to a 2001 study
choking Utah cities with smoke for of the same topic. Results sug-
a week. When the incident drew gest that prescribed fire remains a
harsh criticism from local officials socially acceptable tool for some
and news media, fire managers situations, but citizens doubt agen-
worried that prescribed burn- cies’ ability to use it effectively,
ing no longer would be feasible especially near populated areas.
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college of engineering:
Steady Circulation Generated by
Oscillating Flow Through a Cone
Zachary E. Humes Barton Smith
Price, Utah Mechanical Engineering
Student Researcher Faculty Mentor
The conversion of thermal energy computer modeling of this engine
to acoustic energy and then into is essential for the design pro-
steady flow is a promising means cess. Current models cannot ac-
to cool objects, such as computer curately predict the conversion of
chips. Prototypes of ther- oscillatory flow to time-averaged
moacoustic engines that perform flow in a cone. The model being
this conversion have been built in built will allow for accurate adjust-
the Experimental Fluid Dynamics ments to be made for analysis.
Laboratory (EFDL) at USU. There Experiments on this flow will be
are substantial benefits to cooling performed using an unobtrusive la-
in this manner; reliability and cost ser velocity measurement device
being the two largest. Thermal (Particle Image Velocimetry, or
management is of substantial PIV) to measure the asymmetric
interest to mechanical engineers. losses in two flow directions.
The ability to perform accurate
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college of business:
The Determinants of Customer
Purchases at Independent Garden
Centers in Utah
Anne Israelsen Ruby Ward
North Logan, Utah Economics
Student Researcher Faculty Mentor
This study examined the effects impact on per-visit expenditures.
of customer demographics, The results of this study will make
customer preferences, purchasing an important contribution to an
intentions, advertising, and other area of agricultural economics that
variables on the per-visit expen- has previously been neglected
ditures by customers at inde- by researchers. Because of
pendent garden centers in Utah. the potential importance of this
Survey data was collected over a industry to Utah’s agricultural sec-
three-year period, during fall and tor and overall economy, a better
spring, from customers as they understanding of the economics
were leaving independent garden of the industry will allow industry
centers around Utah. Multiple decision-makers and Utah public
regression analysis was used with policy-makers to direct resources
per-visit expenditure (adjusted for in an efficient and beneficial man-
inflation) as the dependent vari- ner. This is particularly impor-
able and customer demographics, tant in states like Utah that are
customer preferences, purchase experiencing substantial urban-
intentions, advertising, season, ization and relative reductions in
and other factors as explana- traditional agriculture. Information
tory variables. Demographics, from this and future studies will
purchase intentions, advertising be useful in helping such states
and other variables had a statisti- make the transition to an urban-
cally and economically important ized economy.
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college of science:
Metastasis suppression by BRMS1
Involves Reduction of Phosphoinositide
Signaling in MDA-MB-435
Breast Carcinoma Cells
Derrick L. Johnston Daryll DeWald
West Point, Utah Biology
Student Researcher Faculty Mentor
Several molecules that suppress rescence microscopy to examine
metastasis without suppress- cellular distribution confirmed that
ing tumorigenicity have been PtdIns(4,5)P2 distribution with
identified, but their mechanisms cells was unchanged but was
of action have not yet been uniformly decreased throughout
determined. Breast cancer me- the cell. While the gross morphol-
tastasis suppressor 1 (BRMS1)- ogy of 435/BRMS1 cells is similar
transfected MDA-MB-435 cells to the parent, Factin was more
were examined for modifications readily apparent in 435/BRMS1.
of phosphoinositide signaling Intracellular calcium, measured us-
as a potential mechanism for ing Fluo-3 and Fura-2 fluorescent
metastasis suppression. 435/ calcium indicator dyes, was some-
BRMS1 cells expressed <10% what lower, but not statistically
of PtdIns(4,5)P2 compared to different in 435/BRMS1 compared
parental cells, while levels of the to parental cell. However, when
PtdIns(4)P and PtdIns(3)P were ,
stimulated with PDGF MDA-MB-
unchanged. Inositol (1,4,5)-tri- 435 cells, but not 435/BRMS1
sphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) were cells mobilized intracellular
decreased in 435/BRMS1 cells calcium. Taken together, these
by ~50%. PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 levels results implicate signaling through
were undetectable in 435/BRMS1 phosphoinositides in the regula-
cells, even when stimulated by tion of breast cancer metastasis,
exogenous insulin or platelet de- specifically metastasis that can be
rived growth factor. Immunofluo- suppressed by BRMS1.
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college of science:
The Role of Iron in Electron Transfer
Involving Homocysteine
Landon J. Karren Steven D. Aust
Logan, Utah Chemistry & Biochemistry
Student Researcher Faculty Mentor
There is currently considerable of the redox potentials for MV2+
interest in homocysteine as an and sulfhydryls, -0.45 volts and
indicator of oxidative stress. It +0.92 volts, respectively, would
is considered a risk factor for suggest that the reverse reac-
Alzheimer and cardiovascular dis- tion would prevail. Indeed, when
eases. There is therefore interest extreme care was taken to avoid
in developing an assay specific for transition metals, no reduction
homocysteine, especially in the of MV2+ by homocysteine was
presence of other sulfhydryl ami- observed. Rapid reduction of
no acids and glutathione, which MV2+ by homocysteine was
are usually present in high con- observed when a catalytic amount
centrations. Most of the proposed of iron was included. When the
assays are dependent upon the same reaction was performed
reducing capacity of homocyste- in the presence of Desferal, an
ine. Unfortunately electron trans- iron chelator, no reaction was
fer reactions involving reductants observed. Similarly, no reaction
such as homocysteine can be was observed when GSH was
significantly affected by transition included, but we have previously
metals. We propose that such is shown that GSH is a very poor re-
the case for a recent report that ductant of iron. We conclude that
homocysteine will reduce methyl assays for homocysteine based
viologen (MV2+, paraquat) to its upon its reductive capacity may be
blue cation radical. A comparison inappropriate.
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college of science:
Biophysical Properties of Human and
Bovine Cardiac Voltage-Gated
Channels in the Presence of SDZ
Tyce J. Kearl Peter Ruben
Mantua, Utah Biology
Student Researcher Faculty Mentor
Cardiac voltage-gated sodium this is due to differences in the
channels allow sodium to enter channels’ structure. A mutant hu-
heart cells and thus initiate the man channel differing in the same
myocardial action potential (heart- region as the human and bovine
beat). Both mutations in the chan- channels has also been implicated
nel and specific drugs can cause in raising the risk of heart arryth-
the channel to function abnormally mias through similar biophysical
and cause life-threatening arryth- mechanisms. This mutant channel
mias. Conversely, other drugs can has been found in over 13% of
manipulate channel function in African-American families and in
positive ways; such as to increase white families to a lesser extent.
the strength of heart contraction Hopefully, by using this study as
in patients with failing hearts. We a foundation, researchers will be
evaluated the biophysical proper- able to determine how the identi-
ties of human and bovine channels fied region causes the observed
in the presence of SDZ, a thera- physiological differences and aid
peutic drug. Interestingly, SDZ in designing drugs capable of
had a much larger effect on the lessening the risk of life-threaten-
bovine channels. We suspect that ing arrythmias.
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college of science:
Ordos Basin Gas Reservoir Analogs:
Permian Braided Fluvial Sandstone of
the Zhuozi Shan and Helen Shan, China
Dustin J. Keele Brad Ritts
Vernal, Utah Geology
Student Researcher Faculty Mentor
The Ordos basin consists of a sedimentary structures within
largely undeformed platform that the sandstone include planar and
experienced intense deformation trough cross-stratification, plane
along its margins during the Me- beds and macro-scale low-angle
sozoic and Cenozoic. A promising cross-stratification, indicating
gas play involves tight upper Pa- bed-load transport in traction. The
leozoic sandstone that is a proven thickness of the amalgamated
petroleum reservoir. However, sandstone bodies are in excess
data about the depositional con- of a few hundred meters. Within
trols on geometry, heterogeneity the Permian are thin laterally dis-
and provenance in these Paleozoic continuous intervals of mudstone;
rocks are limited. Permian sand- however, the mudstones in the
stone outcrops in the Helen Shan upper Permian are thicker and
and the Zhuozi Shan on the north- continuous over kilometers. The
west margin of the Ordos basin amalgamated sandstone bodies
represent geographically proximal split and join depending on the
analogs for the subsurface gas depth of incision and interbed-
reservoirs of the Sulige area in ded mudstones thickness. These
the north-central Ordos basin. sandstone bodies are interpreted
These Permian outcrop analogs to be channel and bar deposits of
are composed of medium to very sandy braided rivers. Their internal
coarse-granular siliciclastic sand character, heterogeneity and
derived from the Yinshan belt that geometry are important controls
was deposited by south flowing on reservoir behavior in the sub-
rivers in a foreland basin. Primary surface.
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college of agriculture:
A study of Raisins’ Anti-Oxidative
Effects on Grain Products
Brittany Lewis Kristen Stokes Deloy Hendricks
South Jordan, Utah Logan, Utah Nutrition & Food Sciences
Student Researcher Student Researcher Faculty Mentor
Raisins are known to have anti-oxi- 58 degrees centigrade. Chemical
dative properties. The objective of and colorimeter measures were
this study is to test the effective- assessed every other week for
ness of a raisin paste treatment eight weeks. Sensory evaluations
in preventing the oxidation of were conducted using taste and
lipids in grains products. Design: aroma panels. Results: Chemical
Samples of treated and non-treat- and colorimeter results are still
ed grain products were prepared, pending. Sensory evaluations in-
measured, packaged, and placed dicate a preference for the treated
in storage under controlled tem- product when compared to the
peratures of -38, 8, 38, 48, and control samples.
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college of education & human services:
Development of an HIV/AIDS Stigma
Questionnaire
Brock Miller Christine Conrado Rebecca Robinson
Logan, Utah Smithfield, Utah Logan, Utah
Student Researcher Student Researcher Student Researcher
Angie Seal Maysun Ali Jocelyn Merkley
Logan, Utah Logan, Utah Logan, Utah
Student Researcher Student Researcher Student Researcher
People with an HIV and AIDS sociated with HIV / AIDS stigma-
diagnosis share one characteris- tization. Data were collected from
tic: having to deal with the social 40 men and 40 women living in
stigma associated with their Northern Utah. Responses were
infection. Stigmatization involves given on five-point Likert response
negative stereotypes, generates scales. Both reliability analyses
shame, and can leads to discrimi- and factor analyses were used to
nation and social rejection. We develop our final version. Sev-
developed a scale for the assess- enteen out of 20 items showed
ment of HIV/AIDS related stigma substantial item-total correlations
with the aim to be able to quantify and contributed to the internal
and target prejudice in the society. consistency of the scale (Cron-
Based on the above definition of bach’s Alpha= .89). These items
stigma, we developed a pool of were retained and summed to a
20 items intended to measure total sum score. Scores ranged
prejudice, misconceptions, stereo- from 20 to 67 with a mean of 36.8
types, discriminative behavior as- and a standard deviation of 11.2.
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Andre Bala
Logan, Utah
Student Researcher
Kerstin Schroder
Psychology
Faculty Mentor
Although internal consistency was resulted in a Cronbach’s Alpha of
high, item content suggested two .88, with a mean of 25 and a stan-
different dimensions, distinguish- dard deviation of 8.4; the 6 items
ing between cognitive-attitudinal of the “Stigma-Attitude” subscale
aspects and behavioral aspects yielded an internal consistency of
of stigma. The two-dimensional .75, a mean of 11.1, and a standard
structure was supported by a Prin- deviation of 4.0. The final scales
cipal Component Analysis with were tested for gender differences.
Varimax Rotation. Items express- Reliability analyses indicated that
ing behavioral aspects of stigma internal consistencies were slightly
loaded on Factor 1, and items higher among women. The initial
expressing negative attitudes results indicate high accuracy in
towards HIV/AIDS. Subsequent assessing behavioral and attitudinal
reliability analyses indicated high aspects of stigma. Construct validity
internal consistencies for both would need to be tested by further
subscales. The 11 items of the correlational and experimental
“Stigma-Behavior” subscale studies.
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college of education & human services:
The Effect of Anterior Pelvic Tilt on
Viscoelastic Properties of the Plantar
Flexor Muscles
Brad Lynn Mitchell Eadric Bressel
Logan, Utah Health, Physical Education
Student Researcher & Recreation
Faculty Mentor
The purpose of this study was range of motion. Differences in
to investigate the viscoelastic these measures between lumbar
properties of the calf muscles positions (extended or flexed)
during passive dynamic and static were compared. Results: Statisti-
stretching, specifically, to examine cal comparisons revealed a signifi-
the effects of lower back position cant effect for peak stiffness and
on peak force, stiffness, and peak range of motion (p = .002
range of motion of the ankle joint. and .009), but no difference was
Methods: Fourteen healthy vol- observed for the peak torque mea-
unteers from the Utah State Uni- sure between conditions (p = .44).
versity student population were Ankle stiffness was 17% greater
asked to participate in this study. in the lumbar extended versus
The participants sat in an upright lumbar flexed position while range
long sitting position on the Biodex of motion was 23% less in the
dynamometer, with their left ankle lumbar extended versus lumbar
securely fastened to an ankle/foot flexed position. Discussion: The
support at a starting point of 10� major finding of this study was
plantar flexion. The Biodex moved that lumbar position influences
the foot into dorsiflexion at 5 viscoelastic measures at the ankle
deg/sec until the subject actively joint. However, future research is
stopped the machine due to mild needed to examine how lumbar
discomfort. The viscoelastic de- position influences functional
pendent variables of interest were outcome measures such as walk-
stiffness, peak torque, and peak ing/running performances.
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college of natural resources:
Effects of Lakes on Physical
Characteristics of Arctic Streams
Ashley Nielson Chris Luecke
Garden City, Utah Aquatic, Watershed &
Student Researcher Earth Resources
Faculty Mentor
Lakes and streams are linked, measured. The presence of lakes
complex systems shaped by directly affected outflow stream
their landscapes. We examined temperatures. In the spring when
how the presence of lakes within lakes were ice covered, tempera-
stream networks altered physical ture of outflow streams were less
and biological characteristics of than corresponding inflows; how-
streams. We examined these ever, lake warming after ice-out
linkages in two paired watersheds increased temperatures of outflow
near the Toolik Field Station in stream segments. Substrate size,
northern Alaska. One watershed as measured using pebble counts,
contained seven lakes and the was larger in outflow streams
second watershed contained one compared to substrates in inflow
lake. We measured stream water reaches. Invertebrate density
temperatures, substrate size, and tended to increase in streams
biomass of drifting invertebrates near lake outflows. The potential
at 16 sampling stations through- effect of lakes on the biological
out the watershed. Thermal productivity of streams is also
stratification of lakes was also examined.
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college of natural resources:
How Will Climate Change Affect CO2
Loss from Forest and Rangeland Soils
in Northern Utah?
Hayley Olsen Helga Van Miegroet
Brigham City, Utah Forest, Rangeland &
Student Researcher Wildlife Sciences
Faculty Mentor
Soils represent the largest carbon SOC losses via decomposition in
(C) storage reservoir of all ter- forest-rangeland soils in Northern
restrial ecosystems. The ability Utah. The vegetation types under
of soils to hold on to this soil comparison were conifer, aspen,
organic carbon (SOC) depends sagebrush, and grassland, which
upon a number of processes typify forest-rangeland mosaics
and controlling factors, including in the semi-arid west. One of the
climate and C quality. The SOC future climate change scenarios
dynamics in forest and range for this area predicts an increase
ecosystems in montane areas in rainfall during the summer
of the Intermountain West are monsoon season. To mimic this
still poorly understood. Ques- climate change scenario, treat-
tions arise as to how changes in ment plots in all vegetation types
precipitation and temperature may were irrigated in the summer of
affect the sink-strength of SOC 2004. We measured CO2 release
pools in this region. Therefore, from the soil to indicate microbial
it is important to understand the decomposition rates under field
influences of C quality and climate conditions. Results indicate that
on SOC storage and retention SOC decomposition rates vary
so we can apply future manage- among vegetation types, as well
ment decisions accordingly. This as with season and temperature.
study addresses how C quality, This implies that SOC in differ-
influenced by vegetation type, ent vegetation types may vary in
and climate affect the rate of sensitivity to climate changes.
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college of natural resources:
Influence of Planktivorous Fish and
Lake Water Levels on Abundance
Patterns of Daphnia in Bear Lake
Justin Robinson Chris Luecke
Hyrum, Utah Aquatic, Watershed &
Student Researcher Earth Resources
Faculty Mentor
Daphnia species are an impor- ized by both low and high water
tant part of the food web in Bear years. Analyses of the ten year
Lake, Utah/Idaho and can be the data indicated that both lake water
main food source of the endemic level and cisco abundance were
zooplanktivore, Bonneville cisco significant variables in explaining
Prosopium gemmifer. Previous variation in Daphnia abundance.
studies indicated that Daphnia Daphnia abundance was high dur-
population abundance is cyclic ing the last year of low lake water
in Bear Lake and may be related levels and was low when cisco
to water levels. We tested this abundance was higher than the
relationship by examining the ten-year average. Subsequently
abundance and spatial distribution diet analysis of the suite of native
of Daphnia in Bear Lake during the fishes and stable isotope analyses
summers of 2003 and 2004, years of C-13 and N-15 indicated that
culminating a five-year drought Daphnia contributed to the diets
period. We compared our results of these fishes even during times
to previous samples collected dur- of low Daphnia abundance.
ing 1988-1996, a period character-
research on capitol hill
25
college of humanities, arts & social sciences:
Tooele Charrette
Ladd Schiess Kimberly Williams David Bell
Smithfield, Utah Syracuse, Utah Landscape Arch. &
Student Researcher Student Researcher Environmental Planning
Faculty Mentor
Tooele is a fast growing city with ties in Tooele’s downtown. There
a major state highway dissecting were a variety of topics studied
it through the middle. The current including traffic, architecture,
development is taking place on parking, art, historic uses, and
its north end. As a result, the accessibility. The project is called
historic downtown area is becom- a charrette, a French word mean-
ing empty and neglected. In ing a very intense design project
order to address these concerns, taking place in a short period of
the city of Tooele contacted USU time. This charrette involved site
Extension and invited the LAEP visits, research, and development
department to do this project. The of designs and guidelines for
department divided into teams downtown. Teams then produced
of 5-8 students of sophomores, posters (29 in all) and a Power
juniors, seniors, and graduate Point presentation which team
students. Each team addressed leaders then presented to the city
problems as well as opportuni- in a public meeting.
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college of science:
Quinone Induced Release of Iron
from Ferritin
Joshua Schliesser Steven D. Aust
Vernal, Utah Chemistry &
Student Researcher Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor
The physical-chemical proper- were investigated for the release
ties of iron allow it to be used of iron from ferritin. Catechol and
in many cellular processes vital hydroquinone were tested for the
to life. However, these same direct release of iron. Although
properties enable iron to promote both quinones caused the release
the formation of potentially toxic of iron from ferritin, the rate was
oxygen radicals. This oxidative slow as compared to 6-hydroxy-
stress has been shown to cause dopamine, a non-physiological
diseases such as atherosclero- quinone. Menadione (vitamin
sis, myocardial infarction, and K3), which requires the use of
cancer. Ferritin, a known iron a quinone reductase to release
storage protein, has recently been iron, showed a greater rate of
correlated with these diseases. iron release than catechol and
Although ferritin is thought only to hydroquinone, but not as great
sequester iron, it may somehow as paraquat, a non-physiological
release iron causing a cascade chemical which uses a similar
of problems. A class of organic enzymatic mechanism to release
compounds called quinones has iron from ferritin. Although the
been shown to release iron from amount of iron released per fer-
ferritin. We propose that a natu- ritin molecule due to the presence
rally occurring quinone may be the of quinones was found to be low,
possible link between diseases high levels of ferritin may release
and ferritin levels. Mechanisms sufficient iron to cause damage to
involving physiological quinones tissue macromolecules.
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college of agriculture:
Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of
24,25(OH)2D3 Actions
Nathan M. Smith Ilka Nemere
Logan, Utah Nutrition & Food Sciences
Student Researcher Faculty Mentor
The rapid stimulation of intes- whether addition of 50 μM H2O2
tinal cell phosphate uptake to isolated cells influenced uptake
by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 of phosphate, as measured by
[1,25(OH)2D3] is inhibited by the .
the radionuclide 32P Incubations
metabolite 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin of control cells (with or without
D3 [24,25(OH)2D3] as part of an H2O2) maintained steady levels
endocrine feedback loop. When of radionuclide, while addition of
added to isolated enterocytes, 1,25(OH)2D3 stimulated uptake
24,25(OH)2D3 was found to 130-140% of controls between
inhibit cellular activity of catalase 5-20 min after addition. Preincu-
within 1 min, while 1,25(OH)2D3 bation of cells for 10 min with 50
did not in parallel experiments. μM H2O2 completely abolished
We subsequently asked whether 1,25(OH)2D3 stimulation of 32P
hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) produc- uptake. We conclude that part of
tion was increased in cells incu- 24,25(OH)2D3 signaling is medi-
bated with 24,25(OH)2D3, and if ated by H2O2. These findings
so, whether 50 μM H2O2 inhibits have implications for biomedical
1,25(OH)2D3-stimulated phos- research relating to healthy bone
phate uptake. Our results indicate mineralization, as well as for agri-
that physiological concentrations cultural research, in that enhanced
of 24,25(OH)2D3 increases H2O2 phosphate uptake will reduce
production by 110%, 110%, and phosphate in manure contributing
118% of corresponding controls to the sustainability of agriculture
at 2-, 5-, and 10-min of incuba- in the United States.
tion, respectively. We then tested
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college of humanities, arts & social sciences:
Extensive Public Relations and
Marketing Strategy for a Worldwide
Scrapbook Wholesaler in Logan, Utah
Ashley Stolworthy Sarah St. John Chris Calvert
Logan, Utah Logan, Utah Logan, Utah
Student Researcher Student Researcher Student Researcher
Justin Lafeen Troy Oldham
Logan, Utah Journalism & Communication
Student Researcher Faculty Mentor
A four-person team of senior-level outlets, past press coverage, and
Utah State University Public Rela- specifics of the overall business.
tions students conducted a field- Through the research process it
based case study operation with was discovered that the company
a leading worldwide manufacturer has several key areas where it is
of scrapbook materials and sup- an industry leader. At the end of
plies. The team approached the the semester, the team presented
corporation with a proposition to their findings and plan to the
allow them to analyze their current company’s PR Director, who plans
PR strategies with the end-goal to implement these strategies and
of delivering an extensive PR and tactics. It has also offered a short-
marketing plan. They examined term employment project as well
the company’s existing commu- as a future internship to continue
nication process, features and its relationship with Utah State
benefits of its offerings, com- University and implement against
petitive landscape, relevant media the plan.
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college of science:
Analysis of Airborne Particles in
Cache Valley with an
Aerosol Mass Spectrometer
Eric Vawdrey Phillip Silva
Riverton, Utah Chemistry & Biochemistry
Student Researcher Faculty Mentor
The air quality in Cache Valley of in the field and allowed to sample
Northern Utah has become an during the temperature inver-
increasing problem as a growing sions. This experimentation led
population combines with a small, to an increased knowledge about
mountainous, agricultural valley. what makes up the fine particulate
The air quality reaches danger- matter that is accumulating dur-
ous levels during wintertime ing inversions, and what type of
temperature inversions. A mass chemical reactions are occurring
spectrometer is an instrument in the environment. The research
capable of real time chemical performed helps to identify vari-
speciation of fine particulate mat- ous factors that are leading to air
ter. The winter of 2004 brought pollution and helps identify actions
temperature inversions during the to better control air quality in the
months of January and February. valley.
A mass spectrometer was placed
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college of humanities, arts & social sciences:
Mysteries of Chance Gulch
Jeffery Mark Wallis Bonnie Pitblado
Logan, Utah Anthropology
Student Researcher Faculty Mentor
During her research at Chance tions between the stones found
Gulch in Colorado, Dr. Bonnie Pit- in Chance Gulch and with stones
blado came across some incised found in Hogup Cave and Danger
pebbles. These pebbles were rare Cave. These are two sites within
because they had never appeared the great basin. The research is
in Colorado before. For the past not intended to show diffusion,
two months I have been research- rather it is intended to find out
ing incised stones in the western what the stones are and any pos-
United States. I have found sible correlation between the site
some very interesting correla- in Colorado and surrounding areas.
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college of science:
Alkaloids and Old Lace: Pollen Toxins
Exclude Generalist Pollinators from
Death Camas
Morgan Yost Jim Cane
Logan, Utah Biology
Student Researcher Faculty Mentor
Many plants produce toxins lian toxicity. Many adults and lar-
to which specialist herbivores vae of the generalist solitary bee,
– typically insects – have evolved Osmia lignaria (Megachilidae),
counter-adaptations, sometimes were paralyzed and soon after
resulting in a co-evolutionary arms died when fed biologically relevant
race. Although many non-social doses of zygacine. Such lethality
bee species are likewise taxo- probably explains the absence
nomic host specialists, the pol- of this and 50+ other native bee
lination guilds at their floral hosts species from this potential host.
frequently include diverse floral The sole pollinating bee, Andrena
generalists as well, even on plants astragali, is known to use only
that are otherwise chemically death camas pollen to feed itself
defended. In this study, we show and its progeny. Thus, pollen and
that pollen and nectar of foothills nectar toxins exclude generalist
death camas (Toxicoscordion [=Zi- pollinators from foraging at death
gadenus] paniculatum) contains camas, despite the necessity of
zygacine, the alkaloid responsible pollinators for seed set.
for this plant’s notorious mamma-
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research at utah state:
Research at Utah State University:
Building on a Tradition of Excellence
1888-1899
1888 Land-Grant College approved for Logan
1890 Classes began at the Agricultural College with 139 students
(coed); curriculum emphasized practical education as well as the
classics and literature
1893 The Agricultural College of Utah won a bronze medal for its
exhibits on field research at the Columbian Exposition, Chicago’s
World Fair
1896 Cazier-Act passed to fund Agriculture Experiment Station to hold
an annual Farmers’ Institute in each of the new state’s 27 coun-
ties--Extension Service began
1900-1919
1903 State authorized establishment of six branch arid farms through-
out the state to perfect dry-farm agriculture
1903 President Kerr advocated awarding of graduate research degrees
1904 “Lecture Train” featured whistle-stop teaching in Utah and Idaho
with exhibits from the Experiment Station
1904 The AC won a gold medal for its research exhibits at the World’s
fair in St. Louis
1906 Extension department established
1908 First scientific studies to measure the application of water to
crops and vegetables at Greenville Farm in North Logan
1909 Ground-breaking research on spread of plant disease by insects
1910 Dry Farming, by John A. Widstoe, an agricultural classic, pub-
lished
utah state university
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research at utah state:
1911 First County Agent in Utah and in the West--Luther M. Winsor--
placed in Vernal
1913 Branch agricultural college established at Cedar City Normal
School
1914 First master’s degree graduated
1920s
1920s Farmers and homemakers encampment-- “Tent City”-- on the
Quad every summer
1923 First winter snow surveys used to predict irrigation water sup-
plies
1924 National Summer School established, featuring distinguished
scholars
1926 Department of Rural Sociology founded to study community life
and rural home conditions
1929 Agricultural College of Utah renamed Utah State Agricultural Col-
lege
1930s
1931 First new plant variety developed specifically for Utah farmers:
“Relief” winter wheat
1934 Intermountain Herbarium established
1934 May Swenson, noted poet, graduated from USAC
1936 Forestry Camp established in Logan Canyon to serve as off-cam-
pus laboratory
1938 National History Field Expedition to conduct studies in southern
Utah
1939 USU faculty advised Iran on water, soils, and crop management
research on capitol hill
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research at utah state:
1940s
1947 Research Foundation established; Graduate School founded
1949 Utah State faculty increased international involvement, adminis-
tering President Truman’s Point IV programs in Iran and partici-
pating in Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon
1950s
1950 First Ph.D. candidate graduated
1951 Branch agricultural college established at Snow College in
Ephraim (until 1966)
1954 Utah Botanical Center established to demonstrate and practice
sustainable principles to reduce impact on the land and its valu-
able resources
1955 Division of Research is created; headed by D. Wynne Thorne, also
Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station
1957 The Utah State Agricultural College granted university status
1959 Electro-Dynamics Lab established
1960s
1960s Development of Trackmaster Snowcats and spin-off of Logan
Manufacturing Company; commercialization of Wescor for soil
sciences applications and medical devises for blood serum test-
ing
1965 President Glen L. Taggart established office of Vice President for
Research, filled by D. Wynne Thorne
1965 Utah Water Research Lab established--one of the largest hydrau-
lic research laboratories of its kind in the U.S.
1967 Continuing Education Center established at Uintah Basin
utah state university
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research at utah state:
1967 Ecology Center established; studies include brine shrimp, Ant-
arctic ozone hole effect on plant DNA, mountain lion and Grizzly
Bear populations and habitat
1967 Influential Economics of Range Improvements published
1969 Space Science Laboratory and Center for Research in Aeronomy
established-now called The Center for Atmospheric and Space
Sciences (CASS)
1970s
1970 Space Measurements Laboratory established
1972 Center for Persons with Disabilities established
1975 SKI*HI Institute established to help children with sensory impair-
ments
1976 USU begins work on NASA Get-Away Special (GAS) and be-
comes the #1 University with GAS payloads
1979 Rick Bass, noted nature writer, graduated from USU
1980s
1982 First student-generated space project from USU and the world
orbited on the Space Shuttle
1982 Early Intervention Research Institute established in College of
Education
1985 USU alumna Dr. Mary Cleave, a Shuttle crew member, carried
on-board a USU Centennial Banner
1986 Research and Technology Park established
1986 Biotechnology Center established
1986 USU hosted its first annual Small Satellite Conference, which
continues in 2004
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research at utah state:
1987 Utah State University ranked first on a per capita basis for its
work in international development
1988 Space Dynamics Laboratory evolved from earlier aeronautical
labs founded in 1959; more than 400 research payloads in a 40
year history; a world leader in sensor systems
1988 Western Dairy Center establishes a consortium of researchers
and universities dedicated to understanding the complexities of
milk and to developing new technologies and products from milk
1989 The Huntsman Environment Research Center established to
engage in research in the key areas of recycling, degradability,
improvement of air and water quality and conservation of trees
1990s
1990 U.S. Department of Defense listed USU as 6th largest university
contractor; National Science Foundation ranks USU 61st among
all universities for grants
1990 Engineering Education journal listed USU as #1 in the nation for
research funds generated per faculty member
1990 Great and Peculiar Beauty: A Utah Reader, centennial anthology
by editors Tom Lyon and Terry Tempest Williams
1991 Remote Sensing and GIS Laboratory established for application
development and research
1992 Sorenson Vision commenced research into better ways to digi-
tally store, receive and transmit high-resolution medical images,
drawing on technology from Utah State University
1993 National Institutes of Health study on environmental and genetic
determinants of dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease
1994 Oxford History of the American West, edited by Clyde Milner, II
and Carol O’Connor, won the Western Heritage Award from the
Cowboy Hall of Fame
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research at utah state:
1995 The National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management
established at USU to oversee universal testing of newborns
1995 Social scientists Susan Dawson and Gary Madsen published
groundbreaking work on the effects of uranium mining on Navajo
families in the Four Corners
1995 Pathway to the Arts, an outdoor sculpture program, established
1996 Affiliated Research Center established with 8 other universities
in the United States to perform state-of-the-art work in Remote
Sensing, GIS and GPS areas
1997 Region VIII Head Start Disability Services Quality Improvement
Center established
1997 National Institutes of Health grant to conduct statewide study of
genetic and nutrition factors affecting hip fractures
1997 Applications of geographic information systems (GIS) in national
resources management of farming
1998 The only cooperative program between the US Department of
Defense and the Russian Ministry of defense (RAMOS) located
in SDL at USU
1998 Emma Eccles Jones Early Childhood Center established
1999 Spider Lamb Syndrome on the road to elimination due to re-
search by Noelle Cockett, a Fellow of the American Association
for the Advancement of Science (awarded 2001)
1999 NASA named its first extension specialist--Phil Rasmussen--to
help farmers and ranchers use satellite images to minimize envi-
ronmental impacts while maximizing production
2000
2000 USU’s Space Dynamics Lab mapped global weather patterns, im-
proving forecasts and tracking potentially deadly storms, through
its new satellite-born sensor
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research at utah state:
2001
2001 USU Research and Technology Park became “Innovation Cam-
pus”
2001 Jeanne Thomas and her students in the Folklore Program
requested by the Library of Congress to collect and make sound
recordings of Americans’ accounts of and reactions to the terror-
ist attacks of September 11
2002
2002 A team of Utah State University undergraduates unveiled their
re-creation of the original Wright flyer made with modern materi-
als
2002 Utah State’s new Biotechnology and Genomic Research Center
was established, bolstering Utah State’s worldwide reputation
in agricultural biotechnology, natural populations, and microbial
genomics
2002 In November 2002, President Hall delivered a charge to create a
multidisciplinary water initiative that will address water concerns
in Utah and create a world-renowned graduate program in this
field
2003
2003 A Utah State University-University of Idaho research team was
first in the world to clone a member of the horse family, a mule,
”
which was named “Idaho Gem. After Idaho Gem’s May 4 birth,
the team also cloned Utah Pioneer, born June 9, and Idaho Star,
.
born on July 27 The project may provide new understanding of
genetically-related problems for humans
2003 The Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory conducted all veteri-
nary-related testing for West Nile virus and detected the first
Utah occurrences in both birds and horses
2003 Researchers at USU’s Institue for Antiviral Research searched for
drugs to control severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
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research at utah state:
2004 Research Highlights
Land, Water & Ecology
• Gary Merkley’s team is providing irrigation management for the
Dominican Republic. Research in this area is improving irrigation
techniques in Utah.
• Jim McMahon is part of NEON, a team that received a $6 million
grant to address issues of biodiversity, climate change, hydroecol-
ogy, and others.
Homeland Defense
• Robert Sidwell’s team is developing drugs to treat dangerous
smallpox and influenza viruses and others that could be used by
bioterrorists.
Human Health & Education
• Christine Hailey’s team has received more than $10 million to
improve technology education in Utah’s K-12 schools by creating
partnerships between technology educators and engineering fac-
ulty.
• Maria Norton and JoAnn Tschanz are studying the epidemiology of
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia in a Cache Valley family-
based cohort.
Sensors & Computing
• The USU Research Foundation was awarded $26 million to de-
velop equipment that allows jets to transmit photos of enemy po-
sitions in real-time.
• The Space Dynamics Laboratory was awarded $40 million to build
an orbiting infrared telescope able to examine luminous galaxies
and find new stars.
Life Sciences
• Tim Gilbertson is investigating how human taste receptor cells
function, and how they prompt us to eat things our bodies need.
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research at utah state:
Undergraduate Research at
Utah State University
Utah State is committed to providing hands-on learning opportunities for
its students. Students with a research track record are more competitive
for graduate school fellowships and career opportunities.
Students can begin working on research projects with faculty mentors
as early as their first year at Utah State, investigating topics as diverse
as ceramics, cardiac protein structures, carbon in soils, consumer
bankruptcy, and cloning. Undergraduate research interweaves classroom
knowledge and application of that knowledge.
Undergraduate researchers are invited to submit proposals for the cam-
pus’ Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunities (URCO) Grant
Program, which helps fund innovative projects.
And that’s not all. Once the projects are completed, students often pres-
ent the results at professional conferences and meetings. ASUSU-stu-
dent government invests in these students by supporting travel costs.
Utah State students annually present their research results at the Utah
State Capitol as well as at venues such as the National Conference on
utah state university
42
research at utah state:
Undergraduate Research, the American Chemical Society, the Society of
Range Management, and the American Microbiology Society.
Each April, the campus celebrates its undergraduates and research.
One day is set aside for students to share their projects with the entire
campus and community, Student Showcase.
Utah State offers over 100 research-related courses for students that
include senior design and thesis options, independent study, Honors,
and methodology. Annually, over 1,400 students conduct independent
research projects to earn credit.
Utah State students carry out their investigations in the superb moun-
tain environment of Logan, Utah, but they have also been known to
explore globally, doing research on fish in Peru, rainforest ecology in
Costa Rica, archaeological digs in the Southwest desert, and scholarly
searches in the British Library.
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research at utah state:
Facts of Interest
General Facts
Enrollment 23,908
Faculty 873
Semester Tuition (in-state) $1,500
Semester Tuition (out-of-state) $4,500
Utah State University was named one of “America’s 100 Best College
Buys” for the third year in a row, and Consumer’s Digest ranked it as
sixth in the nation for quality and value. The Princeton Review named
Utah State a “Best in the West University. ”
Research Facts
Classification
Utah State University is classified as a Carnegie Foundation Doctoral
Research University--Extensive, which is the highest possible. Only four
percent of other higher education institutions share this top rank.
200 Sponsored Program Awards $162.4 million
Utah State University is 12th in the nation in funding from the U.S. De-
partment of Defense and receives 70 percent of research revenues from
the federal government.
Revenues by Source, FY 2004
Source Amount % Total
Tuition and Fees $56,372,165 13.0%
Contracts, Grants & Federal Appropriations $170,681,145 39.3%
State Appropriations $125,802,220 28.9%
Private Gifts $11,013,826 2.5%
Auxiliary Enterprises $31,983,733 7.4%
Other Sources $38,771,860 8.9%
Total USU $434,624,949 100.%
utah state university
44
45
VICE PRESIDENT for RESEARCH
1450 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-1450
www.usu.edu/vpr