Vandals in Focus 2018
For Vandals, learning isn’t limited to the classroom. In fact, two-thirds of our undergraduates engage in research, scholarly work or creative activities outside of their classes. In the 2018 Vandals in Focus magazine, undergraduate writers and photographers document the depth of research opportunities available to undergraduates at the University of Idaho.
“We ask our students to go beyond the simple acquisition of knowledge and to participate in groundbreaking work that drives innovation and discovery. With curiosity and confidence, our Vandals rise to the challenge.” — Chuck Staben, President of the University of Idaho
“Not only do our faculty members strive to generate products that invigorate the region and the world, they also endeavor to share these creative and inventive investigations with undergraduates.” — David Pfeiffer, Director, Office of Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate Research by the Numbers
66
Percent of U of I undergraduates engage in research activities while earning their degree
196
Number of student grants awarded by the Office of Undergraduate Research since 2016
>175
Number of research-oriented courses offered at U of I
>135
Number of student presenters at the U of I Undergraduate Research Symposium each year
11
Number of Goldwater Scholars at U of I over the past 10 years
1
Number of institutions in Idaho with an Office of Undergraduate Research
2018 VIF Stories
Simulating Slime Molds with Virtual Technology
Art and Architecture undergraduate combines virtual technology with biology to study slime mold growth
Read the StoryExploring Consumer Perspectives on Animal Welfare
Agricultural and Life Sciences undergraduate explores how people’s views on animal welfare affect their buying practices
Read the StoryModeling Eastern European Economics
College of Business and Economics undergraduates modeled the effects of Eastern European governments on economic growth
Read the StoryTeaching in Diverse Classrooms
U of I College of Education, Health and Human Sciences undergraduates use self-study to impact perceptions of equity among pre-service teachers and teacher education
Read the StoryExamining the Health of Lake Coeur d’Alene
U of I engineering undergraduate examines the effects of mine tailings on Lake Coeur d’Alene
Read the StoryResearching Viral Infections in Mice
U of I Molecular Biology undergraduate wants to know if one viral infection can affect the formation of other viral diseases in mice
Read the StoryUncovering Chinese Mining History in Idaho
CLASS undergraduate catalogs animal bones from a Chinese mining camp excavation in Idaho City
Read the StoryTracking Elk Movements
Natural Resources undergraduate wants to understand how elk identify safe locations to graze, play and rest
Read the StoryWriters and Photographers of Vandals in Focus
U of I students produce magazine highlighting undergraduate research
Read the Story