By Camey Hatch

With the down turn of the economy, everyone is taking cuts. Utah State University is not an exception. Programs and jobs are taking hits and some are being eliminated. Researchers at USU are proving why research matters at USU.

Brent Miller, vice president for research says, "Research is both a cornerstone of university learning and a vehicle of progress. Although it requires the investment of time, money, and resources, the benefits of research are felt throughout the state."

The common mental image of a "mad scientist" in a white lab coat does not fit the reality of most researchers at USU. Research is important to everyone. Researchers at USU have been part of projects that have developed interactive software for on-line courses, milk with a shelf life of a year or more to combat hunger in third-world countries, turfgrass that uses 50 percent less water, crops that grow on marginal soils, and methods to use waste water from power plants to irrigate alfalfa. Research is also being done to combat the West Nile virus, monitor global climate changes, educate the public about food safety, and develop a manual of grasses for the United States and Canada.

Research has no boundaries. It is about broadening our collective field of knowledge so that we can do things better, faster, and safer. Research provides the unseen support that initiates the discoveries and advances that make front page news.

The Vice President for Research Office recently released a booklet and DVD covering three reasons why research matters at USU. These reasons are it creates solutions through the mission of a land-grant institution, it helps to make money and fuel the economy, and it supports students in learning and experience at USU.

USU is nationally recognized for its land-grant legacy on research. Miller says. "We strongly believe that research provides lasting benefits to Utah State students, the Cache Valley community, the state of Utah, and beyond. We have witnessed first-hand the rewards from university research, and we try to facilitate these benefits in every way possible."

As a land-grant university, USU follows guidelines originating from the Morrill Act of 1862. This states that our nation's land-grant universities will provide access to higher education for all citizens, focus on research that benefits our communities and state, and be governed publicly and openly. Utah State University is entrusted with the responsibility of providing for the quality of life of Utah citizens. This includes providing both education and services to people throughout the state.

"Since Utah State opened its doors in 1890 to 139 students, it has been engaged in developing citizen-scholars and problem solvers," said USU President Kermit L. Hall.

USU recently announced that it has been awarded at least $55 million in federal funds for the fiscal year 2003, which began Oct. 1.

"This funding for our programs demonstrates the economic value to Utah of a top-flight research institution," said Hall to Lee Roderick. "At a time of great strain on our state budget, I'm sure Utah taxpayers will welcome these outside resources. And, in these challenging times abroad, all citizens should welcome the fact that some of our key programs will help make our nation more secure."

In difficult economic times, there may be a temptation to undervalue university research, but to do so, Miller says, would damage the state's ability to provide students with a competitive education and would stifle the technological progress and economic growth of the state.

Many students at USU understand that research is not just about tons of paperwork, hours in the lab and reading. These student researchers say that research is about learning by doing.

"I never imaged that scientific research could be so fun," says undergraduate student Jennifer Larsen. "I am just working on something that I enjoy. It does not even seem like work."

Student research at USU is known for creating an experiment bound for space, putting a personal touch to a new snack food, or improving a developing country's agricultural system. At USU, undergraduate students are participating in many different types of projects. They are watching a new world unfold that they are helping to create. This year alone 28 students traveled down to the state capitol for the annual presentation of Posters on the Hill. These students were able to set up displays and tell people what they are doing.

Twenty-one USU students will also have the opportunity to show off their research skills at the 17th Annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) Annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research this month at the University of Utah. This conference draws more than 2,000 undergraduates, faculty and administrators to hear and discuss undergraduate research projects.

Research gives students hand-on experience and makes them better prepared for careers and the furthering of education. "By gaining educational activities based in research, students enter the workforce with a competitive edge," says Miller.

USU's research programs attract faculty members that are the best in their fields. Professors are making research discoveries daily, and students benefit by working side by side with or taking classes from those researchers.

"Our faculty and students are in partnership to continue the Utah State tradition started over a century ago of engaging in research that benefits our communities, our state and our world," Miller continues.

The benefits of research are endless but no one understands that better than those doing the work. "In the long run, investing in undergraduate research as education is an investment in the future of the state of Utah and its educational programs," said Stephanie Chambers, an undergraduate biology student who participated in Posters on the Hill this year. The educational process of research is priceless.

"Utah State takes pride in the fact that students learn science by doing science, learn art by producing art and learn scholarship by writing," said Joyce Kinkead, vice provost for undergraduate studies and research.

For more information about research at USU visit the Web site, research at Utah State University

NW
TJ

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