USU research presented to national group
When Ryan Jackson is asked to stick out his tongue, it is because people are interested in his research on Bluetongue virus, a project he shared at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Lexington, Va., April 20-23. Fortunately, as Jackson tells those inquiring, Bluetongue virus is found only in animals at the moment, namely sheep and cattle. Jackson is a member of Joseph Li’s lab of Utah State University, where they are testing the effectiveness of antiviral agents against the virus.
How did Jackson get connected and become a member of Li’s lab team?
“I was set to graduate, but I took this great class in immunology, and it really sparked my interest,” Jackson said. “I’d already discarded dental and medical school as not fitting my interests, and I considered high school teaching, but the research in immunology is something I have a passion for as I discovered. Dr. Li has a great way with students; I got my URCO grant and started on my project. I really wanted him to just direct me on what to do, but instead, he provided support but let me find my own way. I’ve learned so much through self-reliance.”
Jackson was one of five Utah State University students sharing their research expertise with a group of 2,000 undergraduates from across the country at the19th National Conference on Undergraduate Research hosted by Washington and Lee and the Virginia Military Institute.
NCUR 2005 brought together undergraduates involved in scholarly and artistic activities representing a range of disciplines, including creative arts, mathematics, business, social science, humanities, physical and life sciences, natural resources and engineering, among others. Participants came from more than 300 colleges and universities, representing almost every state in the nation. NCUR encourages awareness of undergraduate research, scholarship and creative opportunities as they exist in various disciplines and institutions.
“Time after time, Utah State students testify to the enormous impact on their undergraduate careers through research,” said Utah State Vice Provost for Undergraduate Research and Studies Joyce Kinkead.
Danica Daly Francom, a student from Centerville, Utah, said this had positive effects on her as well.
“Frankly, I had my transfer papers filled out the first semester, but then I got linked with Dr. Kinkead’s help to a biology lab and a faculty mentor, Carol von Dohlen, and I’ve never looked back,” said Francom. “Utah State has been a great place for me because I got connected as a freshman.”
Francom’s work focuses on native South American aphids.
While Jackson opted out of a medical career pathway, Tyce Kearl of Spanish Fork found that research helped his application to medical school. Kearl works on cardiac research with Utah State professor Peter Ruben. Likewise, Diana Lewis, a nutrition and food sciences major, has worked with faculty member Heidi Wengreen to test supplement use among those involved in the groundbreaking Cache County Study on Memory Health and Aging.
In contrast, Glen de Guzman, a biology major from Idaho, presented work undertaken while on a summer fellowship at Tufts University in Boston. His poster at NCUR was entitled “The Role of Transcription Factor FCR3 on Overexpression of MDR1 in Candida Albicans.”
The participating students are exposed to research related to their field of study that other students are conducting, Kinkead said.
“And, of course, faculty from other institutions are trolling for the best prospective graduate students, so it is a wonderful opportunity for Utah State students to be in the spotlight,” said Kinkead.
One of NCUR’s goals is to foster a multidisciplinary and multicultural community of researchers, scholars and artists linked by a common enthusiasm for learning.
Since its inception in 1987, NCUR has become a major annual event drawing more than 2,000 undergraduates, faculty and administrators to hear and discuss undergraduate creative and scholarly work. A faculty and administrator’s network hears papers from those involved in research programs. Kinkead presented a paper on the university’s new Undergraduate Research Fellows Program, which offers outstanding freshmen the opportunity to engage in research, scholarship and creative activity from year one. Recently, Utah State announced its new class of 46 Research Fellows for 2005.