Letter from the Director

You’d never choose which car to buy based solely on reading the owner’s manual and car reviews. You have to test-drive the car. See how it handles. Decide if you like how it drives.

In the same vein, why would you pick a career without taking it out for a spin? Whether a student wants to go into the hard sciences or the creative arts, we encourage all University of Idaho students to get real-world experience in their fields of study.

At U of I, two-thirds of our undergraduates participate in hands-on research, scholarly work or creative activities. Guided by our faculty members, our students learn how to ask and answer questions about practical problems and scientific mysteries. At the premier research university in Idaho, our faculty go out of their way to teach undergraduate researchers the skills they need to succeed in their careers.

The Office of Undergraduate Research supports our student researchers and produces Vandals in Focus to highlight research projects from each of U of I’s colleges. The publication is even student-driven, allowing student writers, photographers and artists a chance to publish in a professional magazine. We’re proud undergraduates produce all the stories, photos and cover art for Vandals in Focus.

I hope the stories here pique your interest in the wide variety of faculty-mentored projects available at U of I. Learn more at the Office of Undergraduate Research. Completing undergraduate research will enhance your academic experience, broaden your understanding of the world and help you succeed in the future. Get involved!

David Pfeiffer
Director, Office of Undergraduate Research

About the Office of Undergraduate Research

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) supports student engagement in out-of-class research and scholarly activities in all fields of study at the University of Idaho. OUR raises the visibility of undergraduate research, facilitates opportunities and helps students showcase their work.

OUR offers grants, information sessions and guidance for undergraduates, hosts the U of I Undergraduate Research Symposium and works with faculty interested in mentoring undergraduate researchers.

Contact OUR at our@uidaho.edu or 208-885-4109.

Learn more at uidaho.edu/undergradresearch.