If there is a common thread running through the diverse set of stories featured in this year’s Research Matters, it is the idea of connection: USU’s researchers are identifying, defining, and creating important connections with the world and people around us.

Wildland resources researcher Fred Provenza, for example, is discovering our connection with the land by learning how humans’ consumption of a few base crops is affecting some areas and animals.  Similarly, USU graduate student researcher Susannah Erwin is seeking to balance the relationship that man-made dams have with the rivers and ecosystems downstream.

Mimi Recker, in instructional technology, is helping to create human and information connections. She and her colleagues have developed an online system to help teachers easily access science and engineering materials and share their lesson plans with each other.  And USU’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunity (URCO) grant program, now coming up on its 35th year, continues to show how close the connection is between research and a quality university education.

In fact, the essence of all research could be viewed as the process of finding and making connections with each other and with the world.  I am consistently pleased and amazed by our faculty and student researchers when it comes to creating and understanding these fragile links.  As you read these stories from each college on campus, I think you’ll agree.

Thank you for allowing us to make this connection with you.

Best regards,



Brent C. Miller, Ph.D.
Vice President for Research