Discover - 2021

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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