R e se arc h Re p o r t o f t h e U n ive r s i t y o f U t a h C o l l e ge o f S c i e n c e 2 0 2 1
Pioneering the Future
THE NEXT CHAPTER FOR THE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
T H E
C O L L E G E
50 YEARS OF RECOGNITION Established 1970 Departments: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics & Astronomy Centers:
1 x Nobel Prize 1 x Breakthrough Prize 2 x National Academy of Medicine Fellows 3 x National Medals of Science 4 x MacArthur Genius Grants
Center for Science & Mathematics Education Center for Cell & Genome Science
10 x National Academy of Sciences Members 12 x American Academy Members
Global Change & Sustainability Center for Quantitative Biology Degrees of Study Bachelor of Arts, B.A. Bachelor of Science, B.S. Master of Arts, M.A. Master of Science, M.S. Master of Statistics, M. Stat. Master of Philosophy, M.Phil. Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D.
For more information visit science.utah.edu.
45 x Sloan Research Fellowships 1 x Simons Foundation Investigator 3 x Priestly Medals 3 x H.H.M.I. Professor / Investigator 30 x N.S.F. Career Fellows 38 x U of U Distinguished Professors 24 x A.A.A.S. Fellows
A T
A
G L A N C E
469
BACHELOR graduates
97
MASTER
graduates
56 PhD
graduates
622 SCIENCE
graduates
$1.3M STUDENT Scholarships
166 TENURED
science faculty
$36.6M external research
FUNDING
Res e arch R e p o r t o f t h e U n ive r s i t y o f U tah Co lle ge o f Scie n ce 2021
2
Message from Dean Peter Trapa
4
U.S. News & World Report College Rankings
6
Research Roundup - Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics & Astronomy
14 Pioneering the Future 18 SRI Update 21 Events 22 Crimson Laureate Society 24 Research Statistics
Discover Magazine is published by the University of Utah College of Science - email: events@science.utah.edu Editor: Matt Crawley Layout: Randall Royter rroyter@roytercreative.com
1
D E A N ’ S
M E S S A G E
Dear Alumni, Friends, & Colleagues:
This fall, we were delighted to welcome Taylor Randall as
The SRI is made possible by the college’s exceptional faculty,
the new president of the University of Utah. Already in his short
world-class research facilities, and commitment to in-person
time at the helm, President Randall has articulated a bold vision
experiential learning. Only a handful of institutions in the world
of excellence for the U. His vision fits perfectly with the long-
have programs operating at a similar scale. You can learn more
sustained trajectory of the College of Science. Beginning with
about the SRI in the pages that follow.
Henry Eyring’s return from Princeton in 1946, the college has
been on an outstanding upward ascent.
scholarships and awards to our students -- a record amount in
Excellence is part of everything we do. That principle is reflected
a very challenging year. I want to continue to make a degree
in our strong national rankings, in our outstanding faculty, in the
in mathematics and science accessible to all of our students,
impact that we have on our communities, and in the successful
regardless of financial need, and prepare our graduates for
career paths that our students follow. We accomplish all of this while
rewarding careers. Keep an eye out for our year-end campaign
still keeping our tuition among the lowest of our peers.
that will focus on raising scholarship funds for SRI students.
Our educational and research missions continue to be
intertwined in innovative ways. After all, the most consequential
Last year, the College of Science distributed $1.3 million in
Thank you, as always, for being a part of the tradition of
excellence in the College of Science.
learning happens by doing, a notion at the heart of research and education alike. We launched the Science Research Initiative
Peter Trapa
(SRI) last year with 50 entering freshman and transfer students participating in genuine scientific and mathematical research. This year, the program has 150 students, with projections to
Dean, College of Science
double that figure in three years, and triple it in six. Dean Peter Trapa reviewing architectural plans for the new Science Center.
3
P U B L I C
6 #16 #27 #
C O L L E G E
BEST Algebraic Geometry BEST Mathematics
BEST Biology
R A N K I N G S
9 #18 # 37 #
BEST Organic Chemistry BEST Chemistry BEST Physics
EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION • TOP 40 IN ALL SCIENCE DISCIPLINES
E X C E P T I O N A L VA L U E ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES The AAU formed in 1900 to promote and raise standards for university
U of U In-State Tuition $9,816
research and education. Today its mission is to “provide a forum for the development and implementation of institutional and national policies promoting strong programs of academic research and scholarship and undergraduate, graduate and professional education.” Membership criteria are based on a university’s research funding; proportion of faculty elected to the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine; impact of research and scholarship; and student outcomes. Utah is proud
Association of American Universities Average out-of-state Tuition $50,000
to be one of the 65 AAU institutions.
C O S T O F 4 -Y E A R D E G R E E
UTAH
Resident $39,264 Non-Resident $57,000
U of U 4-year degree $39,264
BEST value
Resident $50,764
ARIZONA BERKELEY MICHIGAN VIRGINIA $0
$25K
Average 4-year degree $200,000
Non-Resident $147,000
$90K more
Resident $57,012 Non-Resident $176,000
$119K more
Resident $64,712 Non-Resident $205,000
$148K
Resident $71,192 Non-Resident $206,000 $50K
*Students from outside Utah can qualify for in-state tuition after 12 months of residence in Utah.
$100K
more
$149K more
$200K 5
Biology
D E PA R T M E N T
H I G H L I G H T
In an age when cross-
B Y
D AV I D
G .
PA C E
mathematical models based on known interactions in the
disciplinary collaboration
immune system and genetic sequences. “We hope to build
has become a buzzterm,
detailed evolutionary models of this rapidly change set of
especially in academia,
viruses,” Adler reports.
Fred Adler puts his math-
ematical models where his mouth is. Multi-disciplinary work—in which academic silos are
6
Fred Adler The Science of Biological Data
He and his team are now looking at cancer in humans.
There are, of course, hypotheses of how cancer takes over cells in the body and grows. But too many of these hypotheses are based on assumptions that cells behave as they do
breached in the search for truth—is the hallmark of what Adler,
with complete information and clever plans for the future
who has a joint appointment in mathematics and biology, does.
instead of the confusing world of a real tissue.
His is the kind of work that will be supported by the new
“However useful some of these [current] models are,”
science building recently announced by the College of
says Adler, “they are not based on a realistic assumption.”
Science, dedicated to applied and multi-disciplinary work,
In fact, a prime contribution of the mathematical modeler
and where most STEM students at the U will eventually
is “to make sense of things from the perspective of what
nine or ten big mathematical models running all the time
find themselves for a time.
you’re modeling.” What access to information does the cell
you have a [more robust] hypothesis,” he says.
or organism have, is a central, guiding question.
and his team have applied their data-driven tool kit to every-
“whether it’s through language or, in my case, mathemat-
thing from viruses to animal behavior, and from biodiversity
cally “unpacked” is through game theory but expanded
ics.” The strength of the latter is that when mathematical
to infectious diseases. Who else can claim a lab’s subject
over time and space and placed in a context of incomplete
modeling is added to the classical biologist’s models, it is
models as varied as aphid-tending ants, hantavirus, and the
information between constituent parts.
“perfectly explicit about its assumptions. When you do the
Southern Right Whale off the coast of Argentina?
math right (and we always do), the logic leading from as-
of models later aggregated like political polls or weather
sumptions to conclusions is airtight ‘true.’”
basic questions about how biology works. To bring together
models to predict the future, may be the answer. “We usu-
several threads of research, the lab began a study of rhino-
ally don’t get a simple smoking gun,” says Adler referring to
can’t be controverted. “If conclusions in biological research
viruses, the most common cause of the common cold, and
complicated questions in biology, whether developmental,
are wrong, it’s the assumptions that are wrong,” and the
how they routinely and rapidly change. The study uses
behavioral-ecological, immuno- or micro-biological. “With
researcher can then pivot on those assumptions.
As Director of the Center for Quantitative Biology, Adler
The Adler group’s approach to research is driven by
Part of how cancer behaviors may be better scientifi-
Mathematical models, or more accurately, an ensemble
“All thinking is done using modeling,” Adler reminds us,
This is important because a mathematical argument
Emerson Arehart, PhD candidate in biology; Jody Reimer, postdoc in math; Muskan Walia, undergraduate in math and ACCESS student.
Modeling of this kind, of course, has proven helpful,
ate student, he had discovered that he
“All thinking is done using modeling, whether it’s through language or mathematics.”
most recently, in the study of Sars-CoV-19, the virus that
really enjoyed talking and collaborating
has propelled the world into a pandemic. The coronavirus
with biologists. Stanford-based Deborah
does not operate in isolation, but with other components
Gordon, a renowned expert on ants, which
through the human immune system.
as he puts it, “achieve a lot of stuff fairly robustly
through simple rules,” was one of them. He also
This kind of work is animated not just by its predictive
in Covid-19 are driven not just by muta tions in the virus but adaptations of human immune response, or other “bench to bedside” medical science, Fred Adler has found a home in the mechanistic aspects, the
“how,” of basic science.
character using statistics—as in the case of artificial intel-
found himself with David Winkler in upstate New York in
ligence or machine learning (“We aren’t all cyborgs, yet,”
a bird blind and observing the breeding and offspring-
is the next big question. For now he will continue with
Adler says)—but, it is predictive in a mechanistic sense in
raising behaviors of tree swallows. The complicated models
modeling biological systems, their signaling networks based
that it cares deeply about the more nuanced and open-
he built based on that research were never published, but
on the body’s own network of “trust” between components,
ended “how,” the foundation of the scientific method.
Adler was hooked on life sciences.
and determining how those systems are corrupted … and
maybe how to fix them.
Adler started out at Harvard as a pure mathematician,
but by the time he arrived at Cornell University as a gradu-
Whether it’s modeling the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients
How to synthesize his research over the past thirty years
looking for a transplant, determining that the changes 7
D E PA R T M E N T
H I G H L I G H T
Chemistry For humanity to push the boundaries of space
PAU L
G A B R I E L S E N
know that plants are able to produce anti-viral and anti-
cancer antibodies on a large scale.”
of preparing for plant growth studies on the moon, and is a
technology development step towards that goal.
Synthetic biology is already established on Earth.
The plant cube was designed with the forward vision
But translating that same technology to spaceflight
to need plants to come
requires different considerations. Hammond and her
to show successful protein production. The results from
along for the ride. Not
team encountered many of these constraints when
the team, including collaborators from NASA Ames and
adapting their experiment to operate within the small
International Space University, were published this year.
(10cm by 10cm) CubeSat enclosure .
space, and Hammond appreciates the many hours of work
though—plants can do so much more than just feed us.
8
B Y
exploration, we’re going
just spinach or potatoes,
Ming Hammond The Future of Space Travel
“There’s a lot of promise, potential and hope that we
For spaceflight, the team decided to engineer plants
The entire experiment took 10 days and appeared
It takes a lot of time and effort to put equipment in
to change color as they produced the target protein, and
that the team has put in. “We are a small but dedicated
can use the tools developed in synthetic biology to solve
monitor the progress with a camera. It’s an elegant and
group of volunteers,” she said. “People worked nonstop to
problems.” says Chemistry Professor Ming Hammond, “not
innovative solution, based on a previously published
fix last-minute things that came up before launch. I’m just
just that you would find in space, but where you have
method, but adapted for the constraints of a cube in space.
really proud of the effort everyone’s put in.”
extreme limitation of resources.”
in the most carefully controlled conditions,” Hammond
Kennedy Space Center to watch the Dec. 5, 2019 launch
systems. In this case, the team is looking at plants as
said, “and get it to work under very harsh and challenging
of her experiment, which was nestled within a SpaceX
potential bio-factories. Every organism naturally produces
conditions inside the plant cube.”
Falcon 9 rocket on a resupply mission to the International
Synthetic biology is a field that engineers biological
“We had to take something that worked beautifully
Hammond and her family traveled to the NASA
countless proteins as part of its biological function, so why
Space Station. “At the launch of my experiment, we had
not engineer a plant to produce, say, a needed medication
a chance to see Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley, the two
or a polymer that could be useful in future long-term
astronauts that flew the first manned SpaceX flight on
space exploration missions?
May 30, 2020,” she said. “It was an amazing opportunity
to share the launch with my son, (6 years old at the time),
“The benefit is that you can take seeds with you,”
Hammond said. “They’re very lightweight. They grow and
and other family members. Of all the things I’ve done in
gain biomass using the CO2 that we breathe out. And
science this, for them, is the one that probably inspires
if those plants can produce proteins on demand—we
the most interest and awe.” Yadvender Dhillon, Rebekah Kitto, Ming Hammond, James Bevington
Research Experience for Undergraduates
The Research Experiences for
Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation.
REU projects involve students
in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program.
REU Sites are chosen based
on independent proposals that engage a number of students in research. The departments of Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, and Atmospheric Sciences are approved REU sites.
9
Mathematics
D E PA R T M E N T
H I G H L I G H T
B Y
M I C H E L E
S WA N E R
Will Feldman - Math Theory Meets Physical Intuition
Will Feldman, Assistant
modeling assumptions used to derive the equations.
“I like to work out these kinds of questions because
Other times, they explain the behavior of all the solutions
I get to use both physical intuition and theoretical
of the equation without relying on special formulae.
mathematical tools,” he said.
of Mathematics in 2020.
“And sometimes, the results are used to justify numerical
He studies mathematical
computations, which are meant to approximate solutions
an undergraduate, he thought he wanted to study physics
models of physics and
of these equations,” he said.
or history. He started taking math classes because math
was useful in studying advanced physics. “I had a lot of
Professor of Mathematics, joined the Department
thinks about the things most of us take for granted,
is called “homogenization”—the study of the physical
amazing math professors, and I started to like math a lot,”
properties of complicated heterogeneous materials. The
he said. “Eventually, I realized I could maybe study math
droplets, and flame propagation. These models are
idea is to “average” or “homogenize” the complicated
and also bring in my interest in applications (especially
often developed by engineers or physicists using basic
small-scale inhomogeneities in the material to derive
physics). Basically, that’s how I ended up studying partial
assumptions, but the resulting equations can be difficult
simpler effective equations to describe properties at
differential equations.”
or impossible to solve exactly.
larger scales. For example, the ideas of homogenization
theory can be used to study the shapes of water droplets
was worried he would need a special talent to succeed
results for these models,” said Feldman. In his research,
on surfaces that have microscopic roughness, such as a
at math, but he had supportive and encouraging
the results sometimes show the limitations of the
plant leaf, a piece of glass, or a table top.
mentors, so he never got too discouraged. “I hope the
for example, fluid flow, water
10
One particular type of problem Feldman has studied
Feldman wasn’t always interested in mathematics. As
“I’m interested in proving mathematically rigorous
Like many undergrads who study math, Feldman
WARNOCK PRESIDENTIAL ENDOWED CHAIR experience of having good mentors has taught me to be
very proud to receive the award and grateful to the
a good mentor, too, and show my students I believe in
Warnock family and the university.”
them and the many interesting possibilities available in a
career in or related to mathematics,” he said.
thinking about problems involving interfaces in
heterogeneous media. He’s also been wondering about
Before joining the U, Feldman received his Ph.D.
As he moves forward in his research, he’s been
from UCLA in 2015 and was an L.E. Dickson Instructor at
transport equations and models of grain boundary
the University of Chicago from 2015-2019. He was also a
motion in polycrystalline materials. He’s looking forward
member at the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) from
to discussions and collaborations with his colleagues
2019-2020. The IAS is one of the world’s leading centers
in the Math Department, especially in the applied and
for curiosity-driven basic research, based in Princeton, NJ.
probability groups.
In 2019, Feldman was awarded the John E. and
Feldman and his wife are in the midst of raising two
“A Presidential Endowed Chair at the University
Marva M. Warnock Presidential Endowed Chair for
young children. He enjoys the great hiking in Utah and
Mathematics by the University of Utah. He will hold
is looking forward to relearning how to ski and maybe
of Utah is one of the highest honors that we can
the chair for five years and anticipates the funding
starting new outdoor activities, such as climbing and
bestow on a faculty member.”
will provide new and interesting directions for his
biking. He enjoys cooking and has become obsessed
—Dean Peter Trapa
research. He hopes to have a positive impact by
(during the pandemic) with making a great cup of coffee.
training, mentoring, and supporting a next generation of mathematicians. “It was a great honor to be offered the Warnock Chair,” said Feldman. “I am obviously
Presidential Endowed Chairs are crucial for the recruit-
ment and retainment of the most accomplished faculty members. Through these philanthropic gifts, the faculty are able to further support their cutting-edge research and explore new areas in their field.
John E. Warnock, BS’61, MS’64, PhD’69, and Marva M.
Warnock created a Presidential Endowed Chair for Faculty Development in Mathematics in 2001 through a gift of Adobe Systems stock.
For more information on a establishing a Presidential
Endowed Chair, or other named gift opportunities, please contact the development team at 801-581-6958, or visit science.utah.edu/giving.
11
D E PA R T M E N T
H I G H L I G H T
Physics & Astronomy B Y
M I C H E L E
S WA N E R
The Frontier of New Physics - Pearl Sandick
The Standard Model of
While regular matter makes up about one-sixth of the
from the Big Bang that we can observe today,” said Sandick.
particle physics is the theory
total matter in the universe, dark matter makes up five-sixths.
that explains how the most
There are compelling arguments that dark matter might
and composition of the universe, including how much is made
elementary particles interact
actually be a new type of elementary particle. Electrons
of dark matter. The CMB also can provide hints about what
with each other and combine
are an example of an elementary particle—they are the
other particles or objects existed in the early universe.”
most fundamental building blocks of their type and are not
composed of other particles. Other examples of elementary
hot and very dense. In this environment, the densest
over the course of many decades, what we know as the
particles include quarks, neutrinos, and photons.
places would have collapsed to become black holes. The
Standard Model today was formulated nearly half a century
black holes that formed in this way are called primordial
ago and remains a focus of study for particle physicists. But by
workshop entitled “The Search for New Physics—Leaving No
black holes (PBHs), to differentiate them from black holes
itself, the Standard Model fails to provide an explanation for
Stone Unturned,” which brought together dozens of particle
that form much later when stars reach the end of their
many important phenomena, such as the existence of the dark
physicists, astrophysicists, and cosmologists from around
lives. Heavy enough PBHs would still be around today and
matter in the universe.
the world to discuss recent advances and big ideas. “It was
could make up some or all of the dark matter, providing an
such a vibrant environment; I think it helped us all broaden
alternative to the idea that dark matter is a new particle.
the search for physics beyond the Standard Model, using
our perspectives and learn new things. Though there’s a lot
Lighter PBHs probably are not an explanation for dark
connections between theoretical particle physics, cosmology,
going on in the meantime, we’re already excited about
matter, but they would have had an important interplay
and astrophysics to help us understand the universe.
the prospect of hosting a second “No Stone Unturned”
with dark matter and other new particles.
workshop in the new Science Building.”
Astronomy and Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs for the
Barmak Shams Es Haghi, have been looking into the many
College of Science, is on that frontier. As a theoretical particle
cosmological phenomenon—black holes—tackling the
impacts of a population of light PBHs in the early universe.
physicist, she studies some of the largest and smallest
question of how their existence affects our understanding of
Recently, they’ve completed the first precision study of
things in the universe, including dark matter, which is
dark matter and other physics beyond the Standard Model.
some spinning PBHs in the early universe, finding that
the mysterious stuff that gravitationally binds galaxies and
current CMB measurements from the Planck satellite (an
clusters of galaxies together.
microwave background (CMB), which is leftover radiation
to form composite objects, like protons and neutrons. Developed
12
Today, physicists and researchers are on the frontier in
Pearl Sandick, Associate Professor of Physics and
In August 2019, Sandick and her colleagues hosted a
Recently, Sandick has turned her attention to another
“Some of this new research makes use of the cosmic
“CMB measurements can help us understand the structure
Before the CMB was created, the universe was very
Sandick, along with a U of U postdoctoral associate,
observatory operated by the European Space Agency) and
The Standard Model
future measurements with the CMB Stage 4 experiment at the South Pole and in the Chilean desert are sensitive to many important PBH scenarios. The Planck data already point to some more and less likely possibilities, while CMB Stage 4 will be an important step forward in
The Standard Model agrees well with experimental
understanding the life and death of small black holes.
results from particle
colliders such as
In addition to her research, Sandick is passionate
about teaching, mentoring, and making science
the Large Hadron
accessible and interesting. She has been recognized
Collider at CERN,
for her teaching and mentoring work, with a 2016 University of Utah Early Career Teaching Award and a 2020 University of Utah Distinguished Mentor Award.
but there are a number of observed
In 2020, she also was named a U Presidential Scholar.
phenomena
Women are still widely underrepresented in physics,
that can’t be
and Sandick is actively involved in organizations that
accommodated within
support recruitment, retention, and advancement of women physicists. She has served on the American Physical Society (APS) Committee on the Status of Women
the Standard Model. New particles, beyond the
in Physics and as the Chair of the National Organizing
Standard Model, are likely the
Committee for the APS Conferences for Undergraduate
key to solving these puzzles.
Women in Physics. She is currently chair of the APS
QUARKS
LEPTONS
BOSONS
HIGGS BOSON
Four Corners Section, which serves approximately 1,800 members from the region. In 2011, she founded a group to support women in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and continues to serve as their faculty advisor.
She earned a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota
in 2008 and was a postdoctoral fellow at Nobel Laureate Steven Weinberg’s group (Weinberg Theory Group) at the University of Texas at Austin before moving to the
“This is an incredibly exciting time for particle physics for being creative in terms of how new physics might look from a theoretical point of view as well as how it might appear in future experiments.”
University of Utah in 2011. 13
Pioneering the Future T H E
N E X T
C H A P T E R
pioneer: one that goes before to remove obstructions and prepare the way for others. The world is rarely changed through complacency. Real change requires the vision, focus, and determination to push beyond our current frontiers. These are the qualities of pioneers, and we invite you to join our team of pioneers as we blaze a new trail into the future.
In the 2021 State of Utah Legislative session, repre-
sentatives approved a $60 million budget appropriation towards a landmark building project to house applied sciences. This was the largest amount of funds ever given to a university building project. The total budget is estimated to be $84.5 million, with the remaining funds coming from the university and its donors.
Currently, we already have $11 million in private
donor commitments. In 2022, the College of Science, the College of Mines & Earth Sciences, and the departments of Physics & Astronomy and Atmospheric Sciences will be launching a public campaign to raise the remaining $13.5 million for this important project. 14
F O R
T H E
C O L L E G E
O F
S C I E N C E
$84M
Funding Goal
$80M
$75M $
71
million
$70M
Current Commitments
$65M
The new facility will become the new home of the
$60M
Department of Physics & Astronomy and the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, providing both departments with
$55M
$50M
$45M
$40M
$35M
$30M
These new spaces will allow the departments to
$25M
$20M
$15M
For more information on
other giving opportunities,
team at 801-581-6958, or visit science.utah.edu/giving.
laboratory work, which the university is currently unable to offer all students. Research lab placement opportuni-
legacy for the science programs
please contact our development
Current undergraduate lab training is limited by
our facilities. Undergraduate training requires classroom
invited to give. This is a unique
supporting this project, or
address critical bottlenecks in science and technology degree programs.
Everyone is welcome and
that matter most to you.
engineering, computer science, and pre-medical programs.
$13.5 million to be raised.
opportunity to create a lasting
departments offer are requisites for 37 degrees and nine pre-professional programs across campus, including all
of $11 million in support of this
overall STEM efforts. Together, they teach more than 5,600 students and house faculty members. The courses the
donors. As of October 2021, our
project, leaving a remainder of
The Physics and Astronomy and Atmospheric Sci-
ences programs are an essential part of the university’s
between the state of Utah, the
donors have committed a total
community engagement capacity, and office space for the faculty, staff, and students.
This project is a partnership
U of U, and College of Science
state-of-the-art experimental and computing labs, updated classroom/lecture space, enhanced demonstration and
Partners in Science
$10M
ties are also limited by our current facilities. $5M
15
16
Additionally, the Department of Physics & Astronomy is active
economic impacts in Utah, indirectly supporting 6.7 percent of
in providing community outreach programs in the state, despite
the state’s employment, 5.9 percent of its personal income, and
limitations in classroom and demonstration capacity. New facilities
7.9 percent of its gross domestic product. Total economic impacts
will enhance the quality, safety, and reach of these efforts.
were 130,439 jobs, $7.6 billion in personal income, and $13.0 bil-
lion in GDP. In 2017, the average compensation per employee in
Currently the two departments occupy space in five loca-
tions on campus: the South Physics Building; the James Fletcher
the life sciences industry was $86,396.
Building; the Intermountain Network Scientific Computation
Center; and the Center for Cell and Genome Science in the
our undergraduate students with the real-world research experience
Crocker Science Center. The Department of Atmospheric Sci-
that is so valuable in today’s economy. SRI participants graduate
ences is located in the Frederick Albert Sutton Building.
with a huge advantage over their counterparts in other programs.
The South Physics Building and the Fletcher Building house
Programs such as the new Science Research Initiative provide
The U of U is Utah’s number one educator of science students.
the majority of the Physical Science programs. These buildings are
Every engineer, every nurse and doctor, every scientist and
inadequate for modern research and require ongoing and increased
chemist, every bio lab technician and statistician created in
operational and maintenance costs, which will continue to escalate.
this university must first pass through the College of Science
The South Physics Building will likely be used for administrative offices,
in preparation for a STEM-based career. In 2017, 49% of STEM
while portions of the Fletcher Building will likely be demolished.
degrees awarded by Utah System of Higher Education institu-
tions were from the University of Utah. The Atmospheric
The approved site is located south of the Crocker Science
Center (completed in 2018) and includes a renovation of the
Sciences Graduate Program is the only one in the state.
40,729 square-foot Stewart building and 100,000 square feet of
new construction. Instruction and research space will consume
Science, and we need to expand this cross-disciplinary science
91% of the building, with the remaining 9% dedicated to faculty
and math education. In short, this new Science Center will
and staff offices.
revitalize the University of Utah campus, and is vital if Utah is to
build its national potential as a leader in science.
The project will transform the west entrance of the university,
We are creating rare, valuable job skills at the College of
creating a core gathering space in the heart of the west campus
that will facilitate connection and interdisciplinary collaboration
the future. The facility will change the university in fundamental
between the sciences. Areas for outdoor classes, gatherings, and
ways, dramatically improving the learning experience for more
events, connect the academic buildings that frame its edges.
than 5,600 students per year. The knowledge these students
gain will drive the discoveries of tomorrow. These students are
The economic benefits of this project should not be under-
The full impact of this project will not be felt until years in
stated. Science and Mathematics are significant contributors to
the scientists, mathematicians, engineers, computer scientists,
the economy. An example of this is a 2018 Gardner Policy Institute
and medical professionals of the future. With our help, some
study which found life sciences companies make significant
will become the next generation of pioneers.
PROJECT TIMELINE • Spring 2020: Utah Legisaltive approval • Summer 2021: Programming and
preliminary design • November 2021: Begin college
fundraising • Spring 2022: Final architechtural plans • Summer 2022: Begin rennovation of
Stewart Building • Spring 2023: Begin new construction • Fall 2024: Project Completion FACTS AT A GLANCE
Physics and Astronomy • Faculty: 46 • Undergraduate majors: 187 • Graduate students: 83 • Students taught: 4,499 Atmospheric Sciences • Faculty: 11 • Undergraduate majors: 32 • Graduate students: 34 • Students taught: 564 Project Details • Instruction and research space: 91% • Faculty and staff offices : 9% • Remodeled space: 40,729 square feet • New space: 100,000 square feet • Increase in undergraduate labs: 56%
17
A LU M N I
P R O F I L E
Update B Y
18
L I S A
Many undergraduates major in science in the hope of doing research someday. The
P OT T E R
of research in the College of Science, and breaks down the structure of a lab, such as the
College of Science’s Science Research Initiative (SRI) is an innovative new program that puts
roles of graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and the principal investigator. After
students in a lab as soon as they arrive.
learning about the research projects, known as research streams, the students rank the
“The most consequential learning happens by doing, and that is especially true in
labs they’d most like to experience. The program matches them to a SRI faculty scientist
the College of Science. Experiences in a laboratory-centered, team-based, interdisciplinary
leading the project where they will work during the second semester. Then, SRI mentors
environment give students the skills to succeed and access opportunities in high-paying
help each student figure out a path forward, whether it be continuing with the research
industries,” said Peter Trapa, Dean of the college. “The SRI offers incoming students, with no
stream, switching projects, or even finding alternatives to lab-based research.
prior exposure to research, the opportunity to learn alongside their peers to gain hands-on,
technical expertise, and learn directly from researchers as early as their first year at the U. The
Dr. Joshua Steffen, Assistant Professor Lecturer of Biology, leads a research stream that uses
college’s exceptional faculty, world-class research facilities, and commitment to in-person
metagenomic approaches to understand generalist foraging behaviors. Dr. Ryan Stolley,
experiential learning makes this unique program possible.”
Associate Instructor of Chemistry, leads a research stream building an underexplored class of
molecules. Dr. Heather Briggs, Associate Instructor for the College of Science, leads a research
Any student admitted to the College of Science can apply. During the first semester,
The SRI is led by three scientists and educators who specialize in diverse disciplines.
the cohort of SRI undergraduates take a course that prepares them to work in a research
stream focused on understanding how microbial communities in flower nectar impact the
lab. The course teaches principles of scientific inquiry, introduces students to the breadth
way pollinators interact with plants.
SRI Scholarships
“Engaging and encouraging undergrads to work together in research teams provides an innovative educational experience that prepares them for careers in the fastest growing segments of the modern STEM economy.” — Peter Trapa
“We want to give as many students as possible in the
and interpretation. This holistic process encourages a deeper understanding of concepts in practice
College of Science a research
and allows our students to take responsibility for
experience as soon as they
their own learning. The SRI experience provides a
get here, totally independent
supportive learning environment that fosters self-
of grades or previous experience. We’re different than other research programs because we remove a lot of
generation of ideas and ultimately a continued interest in research science.” — Heather M. Briggs
structured program that navigates that for the student.
“SRI benefits students, but it’s also a great opportunity for
It’s also about building community. Research
faculty. We work with faculty
opportunities are one reason why you come to a big
to write SRI into the broader
university like the U, but it’s easy to get lost and it can
impacts section on grants.
be hard to develop a community. We’re also hoping
But also, most researchers will
that this can help students connect with peers and
have an undergraduate researcher
mentors that they can rely on.”
at some point—it’s sometimes a roll of the dice on
—Joshua Steffen
how they perform. Now, we can have a structured program that has specific goals, outcomes, and it can “There is often a disconnect between how we do science
train these students. And the faculty has the freedom to manage them as they want. We’d love to get excited
and how we teach science. At
researchers into the fold and pair them with students
the SRI we empower students
who are excited by the work they’re doing.”
to work through hypothesis
—Ryan Stolley
generation, experimentation,
Demand for the Science Research Initiative is
skyrocketing. More than 150 students have enrolled this year, and we are planning for 300 by fall of 2022.
the barriers that typically exist to getting into a lab. It can be intimidating to talk with faculty. We have a
Experiences in a laboratory-centered, team-based,
interdisciplinary environment give students the skills to succeed and access opportunities in high-paying industries.
We know the majority of our students work at least
part-time to make ends meet, and it is hard for many of these students to work in the lab instead of picking up hours at their jobs.
Our goal is to remove this financial barrier by
providing ongoing support for every science student who needs a scholarship.
If you would like to donate to the Science Research
Initiative, the College of Science will match your donation dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000. Your donation can go further and help us provide this unique experience to more students. For more information please call 801-581-6958, or visit science.utah.edu/giving. 19 19
CURRENT 100 new students for Fall 2021
Benning Lozada, a student majoring in
biology, who had previously worked
biology major, transferred to the
in research labs. He applied to the
U. “It was really hard to get into
SRI to get experience in a field he
research where I transferred from
was passionate about.
150 total students for Fall 2021
because not every professor wants an
“I wanted to get involved in research
undergraduate, and you’re not the only
because it’s really important for graduate school. But it’s really
one trying. And here, well, as long as you’re in the program,
Research opportunities for all
difficult to do. You have to cold call or email professors and, often
you’ll be able to participate in research.
science departments
times, they don’t have a place for you. I think this program is really
useful because the environment is more teaching focused. So, you’ll
don’t think you want to go to grad school. It’s always good to try
17 Research Streams
be able to learn the skills that you need to, if you want to eventually
something because you might end up liking it. I’ve had some
for Spring 2022
go out and do research in other areas. It gives you a good basis as
students tell me that they changed careers because they ended
to what research looks like, so that you’re prepared for that in the
up doing research and they’d rather do that. The SRI program
future. You don’t always get that training when working in labs.”
gives you that initiative to actually start doing research.”
20% of new students are firstgeneration college students 40% of students are from out-of-state 100% of students are COS majors or undeclared, with an interest in science FUTURE 10,000 sq. ft. of additional SRI space by Fall of 2022 20 Research Streams by Fall 2022 2X number of students by Fall 2023
20
Nayma Hernandez, third-year
I think it’s always good to do some research, even if you
Students who participate in the SRI leave campus with more than a cool college experience; they will graduate with the technical expertise to rise to the top of a competitive job market. A degree from the U is a pipeline to Utah’s STEM-based economy. Choosing to participate in the SRI is a fantastic path to a rewarding career and an opportunity to earn high-paying jobs in their field.
EVENTS FRONTIERS OF SCIENCE 2021-2022 SCHEDULE
Monday, December 13, 2021
Negative Curved Crystals Curtis T McMullen, Harvard University In-person and virtual presentation.
BIOLOGY Faculty/Guest Seminars, Thursdays @ 4 pm Bioluminaries Alumni Speakers, 2X per semester biology.utah.edu/#events
CHEMISTRY Faraday Lecture – Holiday 2021 Chemistry Seminars ongoing chem.utah.edu/events/index.php
MATHEMATICS
Spring, 2022
A Cosmic Conversation Juna Kollmeier,
Department Colloquium, Thursdays @ 4 p.m. math.utah.edu/research/seminars.php
Director of the Canadian Institute
PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY
for Theoretical Astrophysics
Seminars and Colloquia: Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 4pm, Fridays @ 2pm physics.utah.edu/news-events/
More Events @ science.utah.edu/events
21
CRIMSON
Crimson Laureate Society Donor Impact: The Student Emergency Fund
22
Earlier this year the College of
Students received help after
Science asked our supporters to help
facing issues like unexpected medical
science students impacted by the
diagnoses and hospitalizations, caring
COVID-19 pandemic. The response
for terminally ill family members,
was overwhelming.
rapidly increasing drug costs for
essential medications, and job losses
Faculty, staff, alumni, and friends
“Thank you for this generous scholarship. It will not go to waste. With the money I am receiving, I will be able to stay in school and not have to take any semesters off.”
over $108,000 in scholarships, ranging
“Words cannot begin to express my appreciation to have been chosen as a recipient of your donation. You have no idea how much relief I felt. I am very grateful that I can further pursue my
from $200 to $4,000 per student.
studies.”
of the college came together to help
due to the pandemic.
our students in need, making 283
donations in support of the Student
at this critical time. Your donations helped
Emergency Fund. So far, the fund has
keep our students in school and on track
supported 83 students in need with
for graduation.
Thank you for supporting our students
“I am so grateful for this support. I can’t wait to graduate and be able to pay it forward to others in need.” 23
Research Funding Tops $641 Million OUTSIDE RESEARCH FUNDING
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH | 52%
650M
$431M
550M
FEDERAL FUNDING
$459M
$515M
$547M
$602M
$641M
350M
250M
OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES | 11%
SOURCES OF
450M
250M
US DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH | 16%
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2000
FY 2021
150M
FY2021
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION| 9% US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE | 6% OTHER DHHS | 6%
US DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS | 3%
University of Utah research funding continues to grow,
totaling $641 million in fiscal year 2021, which ended June 30. The total is a new record high for the U, which achieved
R E S E A R C H A S S O C I AT E D S A L A R I E S A N D W AG E S - FY2020
milestones of $600 million in funding last year and $500 million three years ago.
GENERATES
GENERATES
GENERATES
$228M $330M $31M IN SALARIES
IN LABOR INCOME
IN SALES TAX
“Despite the ongoing pandemic, U research activities
continue to thrive and grow in many disciplines across campus,” says Andy Weyrich, vice president for research. “Our remarkable research community is the reason why the U is a global leader in discovery and innovation.”
24
$641
Million In University Research Funding - FY2021
252
Million In College Research Funding - FY2021
$ 589
Million In Local Economic Impact - FY2020
Invention Disclosures - FY2021
$36.6
79
U.S. Patents - FY2020
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