Students will present research to Senators

Students will have the opportunity to show the Legislature Thursday what makes USU a top research institution by presenting what all their hard work has led up to.

From engineering students improving sanitation and drinking water in Uganda to designing and building a satellite, 67 USU students will be displaying their findings as part of the 2006 Legislative Session at Undergraduate Research Day on Capitol Hill.

“Research projects are a boon to learning and discovery and also provide benefits to the state by creating solutions to practical problems,” said Brent Miller, vice president for research at USU. “As a top research university, we commit ourselves to increasing our standard of research excellence for our students, faculty, community and world.”

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the State Office Building auditorium will house posters and props displaying students of various majors’ findings on whether or not job titles matter, earthquakes at the San Andreas Fault and even the visual brand identity of the Red Cross.

“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 USU. “Undergraduate research provides a unique hands-on experience that enhances learning and improves the value of students’ degrees.”

Albrecht said undergraduate research is beneficial to the university and the state in more ways than just providing hands-on educational experiences.

“Research programs provide an unparalleled education opportunity for Utah’s deserving students,” he said. “They create technologies, jobs and skilled professionals for the statewide economy.”