In the News

Tremonton Leader Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020

Box Elder County Students Celebrate Year of the Woman

One hundred and fifty years after the first woman to vote in Utah cast her ballot, almost to the day, of women over the years. To support Utah State University’s Year of the Woman, USU Brigham City involved local high school students in Box Elder County in a photo and essay contest. The goal was to creatively promote and celebrate the accomplishments of women in the community, both historically and current. Last Thursday, the winners of that contest — five in all — received prizes and praise for their work. Essay winners read their winning entries, which covered everything from Harriet Tubman’s work helping slaves to Rachel Carson’s groundbreaking environmental writings. The public was invited to view the contests submissions and vote for their favorites. Impromptu voting booths were set up for them to use, and to celebrate the women’s suffrage movement. “We’re excited to highlight the great work coming from our local high school students,” said Dan Black, associate vice president of USU Brigham City. “This has been a great opportunity for USU Brigham City to participate in Year of the Woman in a way that celebrates the impact women have had on our communities.”
Spacewatch.global Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020

Intuitive Machines Unveils 2021 Moon Landing Navigation Approach

Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C Lander will capture raw optical images of the lunar surface and convert them into Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN) measurements to land within 200 meters of its intended landing site.

Intuitive Machines navigators led by Co-Founder, Dr. Tim Crain, attended the American Astronautical Society’s Annual Guidance, Navigation and Control Conference in Colorado, US. The conference’s 43rd meeting included industry and academia experts from Utah State University’s Space Dynamics Laboratory, The University of Colorado- Boulder’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Sensing, Estimation and Automation Laboratory and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Utah State University Guidance, Navigation and Control Assistant Professor Dr. Randy Christensen presented a paper evaluating the performance of the fundamental Nova-C navigation system utilizing linear covariance techniques. Dr. Christensen and his team established that the Nova-C Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN) approach will easily land within 200 meters of the intended landing site and presented a subset of their analysis at the conference. “The amazing thing is, with this architecture even a small number of TRN measurements during powered descent to the lunar surface will be enough for Nova-C to meet its landing accuracy target,” said Dr. Christensen after presenting his results. “We’ll have more than enough TRN data to meet landing requirements.”
Technology.org Friday, Feb. 14, 2020

USU Biologist Explores Small Non-coding RNA in Bumble Bee

When the Human Genome Project was declared complete in April 2003, scientists celebrated the bits of DNA coded for proteins, but many dismissed the importance of non-coding DNA. Thinking it had no purpose, it was dubbed “Junk DNA.” Since that time, the scientific community has acknowledged those indecipherable genomic sequences, transcribed into functional non-coding RNA molecules, are not junk at all. Rather, investigators are now striving to unlock the secrets of these regulatory switches, signals and sign posts. Utah State University undergraduate researcher Anna Figgins, one of those intrepid investigators, is exploring the role of small, non-coding RNA in bumble bees. “Bumble bees exhibit sophisticated forms of cooperative behavior,” says the Payson, Utah native. “The division of labor between queens and workers is associated with large phenotypic differences that emerge from a shared genome. This suggests caste differences stem from changes in how shared genes are regulated.” Figgins is among about 30 USU undergraduates, who’ll present their work to state legislators and visitors in Utah’s Capitol Rotunda in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The annual Undergraduate Research Day, initiated by USU in 2000, is designed to showcase the importance of research in undergraduate education.
Nevada Today Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020

Nevada Professors Teach Uzbekistan Government, Students Range Management

The College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources partnered with Utah State University and Samarkand State University in Uzbekistan to educate Uzbekistan lawmakers, university officials and graduate students about rangeland ecology and management. In April of last year, Uzbekistan lawmakers passed the “On Pastures” law to address degradation of rangeland and pasture throughout the country. With its passage, Samarkand State University Rector Khalmuradov Rustam Ibragimovich, head of the university, invited University of Nevada, Reno Professors Barry Perryman and Brad Schultz, and Utah State University Associate Professor and Range Management Extension Specialist Eric Thacker, to teach policy makers about the history of American environmental policy related to rangelands. This January, Ibragimovich was elected as a senator for the Supreme Assembly of Uzbekistan.
Standard-Examiner Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020

USU to Offer Online, Self-paced Certificate Focusing on Outdoor Industry

Those working in the outdoor industry — and those looking to transition into the field — will have a new way to continue their training come June 2020. During the recent winter conference of the Outdoor Industry Association in Denver, Utah State announced that the university is working with the association, University of Colorado Boulder and Western Colorado University to launch a suite of three outdoor industry business certificates, offered online, each with a different emphasis. Utah State's certificate will draw upon its unique Outdoor Product Design and Development program, focusing on sustainability, product design and supply chain management in the the outdoor industry. It will be the only certificate of its kind in Utah, according to a university press release. ... Right now, the certificates are a standalone, non-credit certifications that help people get more experience in the industry, said Rene Eborn, Utah State's special assistant to the vice president over USU Online. However, the collaboration does have a broader long-term goal, she said. "Our hope is that the ... people in the workforce, the employees, who want to take these courses can take the certification, and if they do well, and they want to continue, they (could) even have an opportunity to take product development courses from many of these institutions," Eborn said, "... so it's a pathway into a degree program."
Standard-Examiner Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020

Utah State Launches Online Nursing Program

Registered nurses now have another option to advance their education and earn a bachelor's degree. Utah State started accepting applications for an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program for registered nurses starting in fall 2020. The program was launched to meet the needs of Utah State RN graduates in rural areas, said Carma Miller, nursing department head at Utah State, though the program is open to all qualified RNs, she said. Utah State has RN programs in Blanding, Cedar City, Moab, Price, Tooele and the Uintah Basin in addition to Logan. All nursing programs at Utah State are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, according to the university's website. ... The new program will also help address the shortage of nurses nationwide. According to a report published in the Journal of Nursing Regulation in July 2017, this shortage will be exacerbated by "an accelerating rate of RN retirements," with one million registered nurses leaving the field between 2017 and 2030.
The Herald Journal Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020

USU's Mardi Gras Party Jumps a Century Back in Time

Stilt walkers in glittery costumes, tarot card readers, a mock-tail speakeasy and exotic reptiles on display were just a few of the attractions at Utah State University’s Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday. The USU activities committee brought its vision of 1920s Bourbon Street to life in the Taggart Student Center with jazz music, dancing, casino games, and Roaring ‘20s themed costumes. “We decided to go with roaring ‘20s … because it’s just so relevant this year,” said Cy Robinson, the activities director. ... According to Robinson, he and his committee had a lot of fun planning and putting together Mardi Gras in just four months, especially compared to the pressure they felt planning last year’s Howl. “It’s less stressful than planning the Howl, which makes it a lot more fun,” said Bailey Werling, a member of the activities committee. “We can just have like, more fun with all of our creative ideas.”
The Herald Journal Monday, Feb. 10, 2020

While Most Residents are Sawing Logs, Snow-removal Crews are Hard at Work

At 6:09 a.m. on New Year’s Day, the only sound I could hear besides the tapping of my fingers against the keys was the scraping of snowplows. Fresh snow blanketed the valley and, according to the weather warning, much more was on the way. It made me wonder if there are holidays for snow removal crews. Those who pray for snow days probably never consider the people who have to clean up all that famous Utah powder. In a conversation with Charles Darnell, associate vice president for facilities at Utah State University, he said that keeping things clear every day is part of the master plan. Since 2011, he has been at the helm of snow removal at Utah State and has tried to streamline the process. There is a science to keeping roads and sidewalks clean. ... I asked Darnell if he thought there was anything readers ought to know about his crew and their work. “When people understand we have crews that work at midnight so campus is clear by 7 a.m., I think they appreciate that a lot,” he said. “I think the only word of advice is when you have a lot of snow, slow down, be a little bit more courteous with everyone. Realize people are trying to do a good job, and be patient with us, and we will get you caught up sooner or later.” When I went to campus this morning at 5:56, the crews were out pushing snow off parking lots again. Seems like the snow removal crew prefers getting things done sooner rather than later. Either way, I won’t stop praying for snow. Cache Valley’s capable facilities crews are prepared to keep things running every day of the year, no matter what Mother Nature decides.
The Herald Journal Friday, Feb. 07, 2020

USU, Other Schools Create Certification for Outdoor Industry Education
Utah State University has partnered with the University of Colorado Boulder, Western Colorado University, and the Outdoor Industry Association to create the Outdoor Industry Business Certificate program, a set of continuing education certificates that will be unveiled later this year. ... Utah State University’s certificate will focus on sustainability in product design and supply chain. Faculty from USU’s Outdoor Product & Design Program will teach courses on the circular economy, sustainability marketing, the Higg Index, and other sustainability tools and supply chains.
The Herald Journal Friday, Jan. 31, 2020

USU's Teacher Prep Program Scores High Marks in Reading

Utah State University’s undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program was just named one of the best in the country for its commitment to evidence-based reading instruction. The National Council on Teacher Quality released its 2020 Teacher Prep Review earlier this month, in which it evaluated over 1,000 teacher preparation programs in the nation. Each program received a letter grade for their coverage of these five key components of reading: comprehension, phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary and fluency. ... All elementary education students at USU participate in a literacy clinic that offers one-on-one tutoring sessions from undergrad students in the teacher prep program to children in grades K-9. Beth Foley, dean of the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, stated in a press release that some Cache Valley principals have wished every teacher would go through USU’s Literacy Clinic. “They appreciate that USU graduates enter teaching with more confidence and are better able to prepare lessons because of this experience,” Foley said.
Utah Public Radio Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020

Proximity To USU Could Be Why Valley is 'Silicon Valley of Instrumentation'

Cache Valley is considered the "Silicon Valley of Instrumentation," thanks to its high concentration of remote sensing companies. The proximity to Utah State University may be what draws these companies into the area. “We think we have the highest concentration of environmental scientists and sensor companies in the world, per capita here. You probably didn't even know you're living in the Silicon Valley of environmental instrumentation, but you are,” said Chris Madsen, the marketing director for Apogee Instruments. Apogee is one of Cache Valley’s sensor companies. They make equipment for measuring how much light plants can use. The company has deep roots in Cache Valley. Its founder, Bruce Bugbee, is a professor at Utah State University, and USU serves as an important source of employees for the company. ... Even companies whose founders were not professors at USU emphasized the importance of the university’s premier research in the location of their company. “Ophir-Spiricon provides laser measurement equipment, and so that would be able to just read the power and the energy of a laser or profiling a laser beam,” said Mike Jenson, the general manager of Ophir-Spiricon. Ophir-Spiricon is headquartered in Israel, but the U.S. branch is in Logan. “I believe that the reason we're in Cache Valley is because of the people that are here. We're close to a university. So, you have the opportunity to hire educated people. But we also like the work ethic, the honest hard-working culture that we have here in the Logan Cache Valley area.”
Fox 13 TV Monday, Jan. 27, 2020

Four Keys to a Better Marriage by Valentine's Day

February is right around the corner so it is a great time to learn more about investing in your marriage relationship. "Investing time and attention in your closest relationships can be one of the most important things you will ever do," said relationship expert Dr. David Schramm with USU Extension. "Often, it is the little things that bring couples closer together - and while these may be little things, they take effort and mindful attention to make them happen." ... Dr. Dave says, "These date nights with desserts are sure to be memorable as they are designed for those who want to prepare for or strengthen their marriage. Workshops and speakers are dynamic and entertaining, as well as educational. Topics include intimacy, communication, managing differences, handing finances, parenting, staying connected, and more!"
The Herald Journal Monday, Jan. 27, 2020

USU Art Museum Showcases Works from Latinx Artists

A varied selection of artwork created by Latinx artists is currently on display at the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art at Utah State University. The exhibition, entitled Latinx from the NEHMA Collection, features work from artists such as Yolanda Gonzalez, Leo Limón, Paul Sierra and Eloy Torrez, in addition to a grouping of paños, artworks created on handkerchiefs by artists incarcerated in Texas penitentiaries. The exhibition was co-curated by Alvaro Ibarra, a USU art history professor, and Bolton Colburn, NEHMA Curator of Collections and Exhibitions. ... Each piece on display comes from NEHMA’s permanent collections of artwork both acquired by and donated to the museum. NEHMA’s permanent collections include more than 5,000 works by nearly 2,000 artists, with an emphasis on the Western U.S., according to the museum’s website. The Latinx from the NEHMA Collection exhibition began in August of 2019 and will close on June 30. Admission is free.
KSL.com Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020

Arthritis Can Be Debilitating, But That Doesn't Stop USU Student

The first thing Abby Jones decides in the morning is whether it's a good day or not. Based on her pain, stiffness and what she ate the night before, she “just knows.” Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 3, Jones didn't share her autoimmune disease on social media until she was 17 years old. Three years later, she's created an Instagram account called "move free from arthritis,” titled after Jones's motto. ... Arthritis creates many barriers for Jones, who feels pain in her jaw, ankles, knees, fingers, wrist, hips, shoulders and elbows. Sometimes the inflammation and stiffness become so debilitating that Jones cannot walk or eat much. Because of this, her hardest days are spent in bed. Still, Jones maintains a full schedule as a sophomore studying pre-nursing at Utah State University. Jones also dances for USU, which she said helps loosen her joints. "It's all about the balance," Jones told KSL.com. After discovering there was no arthritis support group at USU, Jones decided to start developing an autoimmune disease club of her own. ... Getting out and moving around also helps Jones stay happy. ... "I realized if I just stay in my bed all day, the only thing I'm focusing on is how bad I hurt," Jones said. "Your body is an amazing thing, the more I learn about it," Jones said. It's amazing how the body is put together and can heal itself ... also it can attack itself like it's doing to my body right now."
Deseret News Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020

James Mattis Tells Students U.S. is the 'Greatest Experiment' in the World

Amid a country steeped in raucous and divisive politics and on the first day of his former boss’ impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate, retired four-star Gen. James Mattis called the United States the “greatest experiment” in the history of the world — and one worth not giving up on. “We have a country that is worth keeping faith in, a country worth protecting,” he told a packed crowd of Utah State University students, faculty and fellow military members Tuesday. “A country doesn’t have to be perfect to be worth fighting for.” ... Mattis said despite the many challenges — and flaws — of the United States, it is a nation that is continually evolving and striving to be better. He urged students to remember that. “We are the good guys. We are not the perfect guys.”
The Herald Journal Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020

Jim Mattis Speaks on Freedom, Responsibility at USU Convocation

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis delivered a convocation at Utah State University on Tuesday, speaking on the need for global leadership and healing domestic divides. As Mattis began his speech in the TSC Ballroom, a young man holding a sign that said “War Profiteer” began shouting before being escorted out by security. Mattis, known by some as the Warrior Monk, handled the situation with the same grace found in his now-famous letter of resignation to President Donald Trump, in which he criticized the administration for what he saw as disloyalty to America’s allies. In the months leading up to his resignation, Mattis had been at odds with the president over the decision to abruptly withdraw U.S. troops from Syria. “I love the idea that we can do it (protest) right here in the Cache Valley,” Mattis said. “Because I guarantee you tonight in Hong Kong, those young kids over there fighting for their freedom and waving American flags don’t have the right to do that, and so we should all be very proud that we heard that here today.” ... Over 1,300 people were able to listen to the convocation in the ballroom, and those who were unable to get a seat could listen to the speech via livestream. “We’re estimating that at least 1500 people congregated … That’s just a huge outpouring of support and interest,” Johnson said. “The air was just electric, it was so much fun.”

A video of the convocation can be found on the CAI homepage: https://cai.usu.edu/.
Standard-Examiner Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020

Utah State Among Nation's Top 25 Online Bachelor's Programs

Utah State University’s online bachelor’s program has maintained a top spot in a national ranking of similar programs across the country. Part of USU Online, Utah State’s online bachelor’s program placed 23rd in a ranking compiled by U.S. News & World Report, one of the most widely known college ranking systems, according to a university press release. Utah State shared the spot, tying with five other online programs, as shown in the online ranking. “This marks the sixth straight year we’ve been ranked among the Top 25 online bachelor’s programs in the country,” said Robert Wagner, vice president of Academic and Instructional Services at USU, in the press release. “Our dedicated instructors use online courses in unique and engaging ways that provide students the best possible education wherever they call home.” ... USU Online offers 12 online bachelor’s degrees and 19 online master’s degrees, the university press release says. The most popular majors at the bachelor’s level are communication science and disorders (35% of students), economics (22%) and psychology (22%). Utah State’s online master’s in education was ranked sixth in the nation out of 309 similar programs, also by U.S. News & World Report. USU Online’s Master of Business Administration program placed on the U.S. News ranking of MBA programs for the first time, the release said. According to the U.S. News & World Report website, the program placed 175th out of 335 online MBA programs across the country.
U.S. News & World Report Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020

Why International Students Should Consider an Online U.S. College

Pursuing a U.S. degree from the comfort of one's own home can be a welcome option for prospective international students. For some students, relocation and overall costs may weigh heavily on their decision to study overseas. While most U.S. colleges and universities offer some online courses, an increasing number now offer fully online undergraduate degree programs. "For international students who want to interact with learners from around the world without having to travel around the world, an online degree is a great option," says Bill Fritz, director of admissions and financial aid at Pennsylvania State University—World Campus, which offers Penn State degrees entirely online. ... Another advantage is not having to deal with potential delays or denials of student visas that are required to relocate to and physically study in the U.S. "Given the increasingly difficult landscape surrounding U.S. visa requirements, providing online higher education opportunities to international students in their own countries is a strong alternative to traditional attendance," says Robert Wagner, vice president of Academic and Instructional Services at Utah State University.
The Herald Journal Friday, Jan. 17, 2020

USU Students Ring in Decade with Masquerade

Utah State University students rang in the new decade with the first big dance of the year, a masquerade ball with a roaring 1920s theme. “It was just kind of fun to realize that we’re making history, even though it’s small,” said Paige Dent, a USU Arts Council member. The Friday evening ball was hosted by the USU Arts Council, a group of students that represent the Caine College of the Arts. The Evan N. Stevenson Ballroom was elegantly decorated in black and gold, and students were dressed in formal attire and elaborate masks. “It’s always been a masquerade theme, and it’s been like that for, I don’t even know how many years,” said Nathan Scott, USU Student Association arts senator. “From my understanding no other event at Utah State allows masks.” ... The Arts Council began planning Arts Week and the ball at the beginning of November, after its Artoberfest event ended. “I try to incorporate something that would interest not only the students of my college, but the students of our university,” Scott said. “So university students from all over would be more interested to attend our events, performances and galleries.”
Deseret News Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020

The Value of Religious Clubs on Utah's College Campuses

Mubarak Ukashat says he ended up at Utah State University by “accident.” Years ago in the Middle East, the Nigerian college student began corresponding with a USU professor while researching his thesis. They became friends and the professor invited Ukashat to the Cache Valley campus for a visit. Three years ago, Ukashat enrolled to get his doctorate degree. While living far from home in a different culture with the frigid Utah winters, Ukashat has found comfort in associating with other members of his faith in the USUSA Muslim Students Club. Living with people of different faiths, it’s hard. Most of us come from other countries and ... the media has people thinking Muslims are terrorists and bad people. We’re actually peaceful people, normal students who do homework together,” Ukashat said. “What brings us together is our religion, Islam.” ... Each Friday at 1 p.m., as many as 50 Muslim men, mostly students, faculty and staff at Utah State, gather at the Logan Islamic Center near 700 North and 600 East for afternoon prayer. After listening to short remarks, the men stand in rows shoulder-to-shoulder before kneeling in prayer.
KSL.com Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020

USU Conducts First System-Wide 'Code Blue' Alert Test

Utah State University officials sent thousands of texts and emails in their first school-wide test of their Code Blue emergency alert system. Of the more than 27,000 enrolled at USU, officials said it appeared that the majority of students and faculty got a test alert at 10 a.m. Wednesday. “Our priority at USU is, of course, our students. We’re all about safety,” said Ellis Bruch, USU’s emergency manager. “We want our information to be shared transparently and accurately. The best way to do that is to just send out the information as quickly and efficiently as possible.” ... Bruch said the Code Blue system sent all the text messages out over 20 seconds, and about as many emails in 9 minutes. He said the quickest way to get the alerts, however, is to download the USU Safe app. USU students and parents have been encouraged to make sure they’re signed up correctly for the alerts. The various options for signing up can be found at dps.usu.edu/emergency/codeblue.
Jackson Hole News & Guide Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020

Utah State University Professor Rob Davies to Unpack Climate 'Emergency'

When Rob Davies was given his first job in the United States Air Force, it was a simple one: providing a four-star general with a daily weather briefing. “Four-star generals are royalty,” Davies said. “This was like briefing the president.” When his first day of work rolled around, Davies wanted to impress. He put his training to work and walked the general through all the minute details of his forecast, but the general stopped him short. He didn’t want the details. “At some point he interrupted me and he said, ‘Lieutenant, I don’t need to know all of that,’” Davies remembered him saying. “I just need to know if it’s going to rain tomorrow.” Davies hasn’t forgotten that lesson. Now a scientist and climate change communicator focused on creatively educating the public about how dire the planet’s situation is, he carries that with him into talks like the one he’s set to give 6 p.m. Thursday at the Center for the Arts. Davies thinks the public is somewhat like that four-star general. ... Energy Conservation Works Executive Director Phil Cameron said Davies fills a unique void. Cameron saw the professor speak at a regional climate conference in Salt Lake City, Mountain Towns 2030, which Jackson Mayor Pete Muldoon, Teton County Commissioner Mark Newcomb and a number of other local officials also attended. “For me, at least — and I think for several of us — he was one of the most impactful speakers,” Cameron said. “Sometimes someone can make a compelling case for what’s going on, but it’s very rare for them to fill in the ‘Then what?’ piece.”
KSL.com Monday, Jan. 13, 2020

USU Develops Mental Health App, Makes it Free For Students

Faced with the challenge of a growing demand for mental health care and not enough resources, one Utah State University professor came up with a way to put some of the tools that psychologists often use with their clients into an online program. “Really the focus has been, how do we take the psychological skills we know are helpful when we do them in therapy and translate them into this other format?” said Michael Levin, who is an associate professor of psychology at USU. “These skills we know can help with a wide range of mental health problems, like depression, anxiety, coping with health problems, just general stress.” Levin spent several months putting some of those tools into software form, testing them and putting them into an online program called ACT guide, which stands for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. ... James Morales, vice president of student affairs at USU, said the program is just one more tool among many others that are designed to reach out to more people. “The demand for services has been growing fairly exponentially over the last few years,” Morales said. “As one of the universities that has a sizeable population of residential students, we’ve learned that no one single approach was going to be best to address their needs.”
Utah Public Radio Monday, Jan. 13, 2020

USU to Release Report Detailing Carbon Footprint Reduction Strategies

As part of Utah State University's carbon neutrality goals, a report with recommendations for reducing carbon emissions is anticipated to be released this week. “The university made a goal back in 2007 saying that we wanted to become carbon neutral by 2050. Last year the faculty senate asked the university to do do more and to do it faster. Specifically the faculty senate said 10% per year until we’re getting down to zero,” said Alexi Lamm, the sustainability coordinator at Utah State University. To help meet their goal of carbon neutrality, USU’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Committee released a draft report of their recommendations in December. The recommendations varied, but one of the most impactful changes USU could make to reduce its carbon footprint is altering how it gets its energy. ... The final report should be released this week. After the report is released, it will be reviewed for feasibility.