EnvS Senior Receives Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award

Friday, April 27 2012

The University of Idaho College of Science has selected EnvS senior Jessica Osterloh for the Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award. Osterloh worked with Jerry Fairley, associate professor in geological sciences, to assess the geothermal potential of the Rio Grande Rift in Colorado and New Mexico, and the Snake River Plain in Southern Idaho. Geothermal energy could provide clean, renewable energy to the surrounding regions. The study utilized Geographic Information Systems to determine favorable areas for geothermal development and further exploration. The research in the Rio Grande Rift was completed for the National Geothermal Student Competition (NGSC). The U-Idaho team, including Osterloh, placed third. The research on the Snake River Plain is part of Osterloh's EnvS senior thesis and also part of this year's NGSC. The College of Science Undergraduate Research Award was established by Dean Judith Totman Parrish to recognize the contributions that our undergraduate students make to the discovery of new knowledge at the University of Idaho. This award of a cash gift and a certificate is given to a graduating senior that has performed outstanding original research in science or mathematics.

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