The Intersection

The February 2023 College of Science

Undergraduate Student Newsletter

Your student-led Science Council hosts “Women in STEM Night” Thursday, Feb. 16, from 4-6 p.m. in the BNR Atrium and Auditorium. The gathering features a Q&A with a panel of undergrad, grad student and faculty women; information tables, refreshments and a prize raffle. All are welcome.

USU offers opportunities for undergraduates to fund and to present their research. Explore these opportunities:

• Abstract submissions open; Deadline: Feb. 20: Spring Runoff Conference & Poster Session
• Opens Feb. 15; Deadline March 31: College of Science Undergrad Research Minigrants
• Now Open; Deadline April 15: Student Sustainability Grants

USU Department of Geosciences hosts its popular Rock-n-Fossil Day Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10 am-3 pm in the Geology Building, located at the northeast corner of the USU Quad. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. The day’s activities feature demonstrations, a fossil dig, rock and mineral identification and refreshments.

Who will represent the College of Science during the 2023-24 academic year? Come and meet the candidates at the Science Senator Debate Monday, Feb. 27, from 4:30-6 p.m. in LSB 133. Hosted by your student-led Science Council, the gathering will feature a Q&A, refreshments, and will be broadcast to

regional campuses.

Undergraduates who plan to participate in spring commencement ceremonies must apply for graduation with the Registrar’s Office (TSC 246) by Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. Both the University Commencement Ceremony and the College of Science Convocation are Thursday, May 4. For more information, contact College Advisor JanaLee Johnson at janalee.johnson@usu.edu.

Learn how you can benefit from the student-led Peer Mentorship Program. Freshman and sophomores can apply to be mentees, meeting with an upperclassman peer mentor. Juniors and seniors can apply to be mentors, helping a freshman or sophomore "learn the ropes" at Utah State and learning how to make the most of their college experience.

The application period Is now open for 2023-24 departmental, college and university scholarships, including College of Science Scholarships (deadline noon, Feb. 28, 2023). All applications must be made through USU’s ‘ScholarshipUniverse’ online platform. The process is long, but it may be well worth your while. Note: To be considered for need-based scholarships, you will need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid.) Questions? Contact the USU Financial Aid Office.

USU’s annual Spring Runoff Conference, for all scholars interested in water-related research, will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, March 14-15, at the Eccles Conference Center on campus. Registration, along with poster and oral presentation abstract submission, is open; abstract submission deadline is Feb. 20. Undergraduates are encouraged to participate.

All Aggies are invited to participate in HackUSU March 24-25, a FREE 24-hour hackathon featuring coding workshops, networking and free food in Huntsman Hall on campus! No coding experience is necessary; the gathering features activities for all skill levels.

USU biologist Molly Womack presents “Croaky Shapeshifters: How Frogs Shapeshift within a Lifetime and Across Millennia” at Science Unwrapped, Friday, March 17, at 7 p.m. in ESLC 130. Hands-on learning activities follow her talk. All ages are welcome and admission is free. Activities volunteers are welcome; sign up in advance.

Need help with your classes? Free tutoring services, including math, statistics, science and science writing, are available for USU students. Reach out!

Now is a great time to visit Degree Works and check your progress in your degree program. If needed, make an appointment with your advisor to ensure you’re on track and ready to register for summer and fall classes during April registration.

No need to re-invent the wheel! USU’s University Marketing and Communications Office offers attractive, effective, university brand-compliant poster templates (and templates for other communications materials) to aid your communications efforts.

During Pride Month in June, Utah State Today highlights university employees and students conducting research, academic pursuits and other projects related to, or that benefit, LGBTQIA+ communities. Do you have a story idea? Please contact Mary-Ann Muffoletto, College of Science writer, at

maryann.muffoletto@usu.edu.

Did you know Utah State offers a variety of support services for students? Don’t hesitate to reach out to these resources for information and assistance. You matter.

The USU Emergency Hardship Fund grants help to students who encounter circumstances that could derail their educational progress.

February 16

• Women in STEM Night @ 4:00 to 6 pm

February 20

• President's Day - No School

February 25

• Rock-n-Fossil Day @10 am to 3 pm

February 27

• Science Senator Debate @4:30 to 6pm

March 1

• Chemistry Seminar Series: Michael Trakselis @4 to 5:00 pm

March 6 - March 10

• Spring Break. No Classes

March 13

• Geo Speaker Series: Dr. Lisa White @3:30 to 4:30 pm

March 15

• Chemistry Seminar Series: Sam Sternberg @4 to 5:00 pm

March 13

• Science Unwrapped: Croaky Shapeshifters @7:00 pm

Stay in touch for event updates and announcements