New Undergraduate Research Advisory Board is Created

A new Undergraduate Research Advisory Board was created by the USU Office of Research in order to assess and improve the undergraduate research program. The first meeting was held on Oct. 22, 2007, at which initial discussions focused on removing impediments to student access and launching new efforts to enhance the current program. Those faculty members invited to serve have exemplary track records of working with undergraduate researchers and scholars.

“This Board will aid in the facilitation of new opportunities for the undergraduate research program,” said Joyce Kinkead, associate vice president for research and a member of the Board. “We plan to establish a vision for the program that will take it to a higher level and make USU undergraduate research nationally visible.”

The Board is made up of faculty representatives who are members for two-year, rotating terms, as well as students who serve annual terms. The chair of the board is Lisa M. Berreau, associate dean of the College of Science. At the end of its first year, the Board submitted a report with recommendations to VP Brent Miller and the University's Research Council. URAB members for 2008 - 2009 include the following:

Faculty and Staff Representatives

Kenneth White - Agriculture

Kenneth Barkus - Business

Brian Higginbotham - Education & Human Services

Laurie McNeill - Engineering

Alexa Sand - HASS

Wayne Wurtsbaugh - Natural Resources

Joseph Li - Science

Lianna Etchberger - Regional Campuses

Christie L. Fox - Director of Honors

Joyce Kinkead - Associate Vice President for Research

Alvan Hengge - USU Chapter of Sigma Xi

Flora Shrode - Merrill-Cazier Library

Student Representatives

Katie Brown - Agriculture

J. Myles Powell - Business

Aubree Nielson - Education & Human Services

Victoria Kmetzsch - Engineering

Katie Harris - HASS

Danielle Babbel - Natural Resources

Lance Pflieger - Science

“In our first meeting, it was clear that sharing information is essential,” said Lisa Berreau, chair of the Board. “We’ve already come up with ideas on how students can have better access to scholarly, creative, and research opportunities. I’m particularly impressed with the input from our student representatives.”

“The Undergraduate Research Program received a Robins Award in 2007 and has been recognized around the country,” said Brent Miller, vice president for research. “We always want to be on the lookout for ways to ensure that Utah State students have opportunities to engage in hands on learning.”

The Undergraduate Research Advisory Board meets monthly to discuss issues regarding undergraduate research. For more information, contact Joyce Kinkead at 797-1706 or joyce.kinkead@usu.edu.