Vandals in Focus 2020 Team
Undergraduates wrote all the articles, shot most of the photos and produced the cover for the 2020 Vandals in Focus. Pictured left to right: Cody Allred, Alexis Van Horn, Valerie Blackburn, Richard Nawanont Pathomsiri, Brittany Slick, Jordan Hawley, Sarah Smith, Braden Farrar. Not pictured: Skyler Martin, Allison Spain.
Letter from the Director
At the University of Idaho, students take their education into their own hands. Whether a student wants to go into the hard sciences or the creative arts, at U of I we encourage all our students to get real-world experience in their fields of study.
Here at the premier research university in Idaho, two-thirds of our undergraduates have the opportunity to 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 that impact real people and industries. As a result, our students are able to contribute to evolving fields of knowledge. During their research, students sharpen essential skills and gain confidence, practice collaboration and enjoy mentorship from leaders in their fields. And they can make real, lasting impacts in the community, and quite possibly, in the world.
Vandals in Focus, supported by the Office of Undergraduate Research, highlights student research projects from across U of I’s colleges. This compilation wouldn’t be possible without our students, both literally and figuratively as not only are the students doing the research, but undergraduates produce the stories, photos and cover art for Vandals in Focus.
The pages that follow highlight the best of the University of Idaho — our brave and bold Vandal students. I’m proud of the work chronicled here and of the learning experiences our faculty have made available to our students. I hope the stories pique your interest and that they encourage you to learn more about undergraduate research opportunities at U of I.
Go Vandals!
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 UI Undergraduate Research Symposium and works with faculty interested in mentoring undergraduate researchers.
Contact OUR at our@uidaho.edu or 208-885-4109.