POP Talks returns to U of I with new discoveries
Eight researchers will show how their work could improve health, support communities and solve everyday challenges
October 29, 2026
MOSCOW, Idaho — University of Idaho researchers will share discoveries about wildfire smoke, agricultural robots, injury prevention and more at the fourth annual Power of Possibility (POP) Talks from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5.
The free event will take place in the Bruce M. Pitman Center International Ballroom and stream at go.uidaho.edu/live.
Eight faculty members will share their research through four-minute presentations during the Power of Possibility Talks. After the final presentation, in-person and online attendees can vote for their favorite talk. The winner will receive a $2,500 grant. Students attending in person will be entered to win one of two $1,000 scholarships.
This year’s speakers are:
- Barrie Robison, Ph.D., who explores how AI can reduce paperwork and give university employees more time for meaningful work.
- Leda Kobziar, Ph.D., who investigates how wildfire smoke transports living bacteria and fungi.
- Marz Everett, Ph.D., who develops AI tools for agriculture and manufacturing that people can understand and trust.
- Tom Jacobsen, M.S., who introduces students to agricultural technology through robots that monitor soil moisture and water plants.
- Joshua Bailey, Ph.D., who studies human movement to identify injury risks and improve training.
- Colin Xu, Ph.D., who examines why mental health treatments work differently for different people.
- Nicholas Coombs, Ph.D., who studies barriers to healthcare, particularly in rural communities.
- Andy Kliskey, Ph.D., who helps communities prepare for changes affecting water, energy and other resources.
“POP Talks gives people a chance to follow their curiosity into fields they might never have explored,” said Christopher Nomura, vice president for research and economic development, who will emcee the event. “These researchers are asking unexpected questions and finding answers that can change how we work, care for our communities and understand the world around us.”
Find more information at go.uidaho.edu/poptalks.
Media contact
Leigh Cooper
Strategic content manager and science writer
University Communications and Marketing
406-781-4969
leighc@uidaho.edu