Vandals in Focus 2017

From the Director

The University of Idaho truly stands out from other land-grant, research-driven universities for it focus on engaging undergraduates in research. Each semester, scores of UI undergraduates representing all disciplines directly engage in hands-on research, scholarly work and creative activities. Faculty mentors go the extra mile to make these opportunities available to our students.

Vandals in Focus is a unique, student-driven publication produced by the Office of Undergraduate Research. It is designed to showcase a sampling of student projects selected from each college at UI. Our team of undergraduate writers and photographers focus not only on the innovative projects, but also on the talented undergraduates behind them. In doing so, Vandals in Focus provides readers a glimpse of the wide spectrum of projects available to undergraduates at UI while at the same time showing off some of our amazing students.

I encourage current and future UI undergraduates to visit the Office of Undergraduate Research to learn more about how to get involved in faculty-mentored projects. Participating in undergraduate research will enrich your academic experience, expand your horizons, and better prepare you for the future. Get involved!

David Pfeiffer

Director, Office of Undergraduate Research

From the President: Unleashing Innovation

The University of Idaho provides an unparalleled undergraduate experience, including participation for most students in research, scholarly activity and creative work. That is one of the core strengths of our comprehensive research university: We are uniquely positioned to deliver learning opportunities of breadth and depth with mentorship from faculty experts at the leading edge of their disciplines.

Hands-on research experiences allow students to develop as scholars and innovators while gaining experience they can apply to life after college. That post-graduation success might include continued education or the start of a fulfilling career. Down whatever road it leads, a UI education offers growth through bolstered self-confidence, collaboration skills, and critical thinking. 

This report highlights the contributions to innovation and discovery that our students make. Students at UI don’t just receive knowledge — they help unlock and unleash it. I am proud to see that Vandal tradition showcased here.

Chuck Staben

U of I President—2014-2019