The Intersection

The February 2023 College of Science

Graduate Student Newsletter

The college’s 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 graduate students to fund and to present their research. Explore these opportunities:

• Abstract submissions open; Deadline: Feb. 20: Spring Runoff Conference & Poster Session
• Now Open; Deadline April 15: Student Sustainability Grants
• Opens June 1; Deadline June 15: Graduate Research & Creative Opportunities (GRCO) Grant

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.

Graduate students 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. Mark your

calendar also for the Graduating Graduate Students Gala on Monday, May 1, at 5 p.m. in the Maverick Stadium Champions Hall. For more information, contact your departmental GPC or Associate Dean Sean Johnson, at sean.johnson@usu.edu.

All USU grad students, their significant others and children are invited to a “Coffee & Cocoa Mixer” Friday, Feb. 24, from 10:30 a.m.-noon in the David B. Haight President’s Hall on campus.

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.

All USU grad students are invited to attend monthly Graduate Student Council meetings. The next meeting is Wednesday, March 8, at 4:30 p.m. in WIDT 330. Aashish Ghimire, doctoral student in the Department of Computer Science, is the college’s representative on the Graduate Student Council.

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. Graduate students are encouraged to participate.

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.

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.

The ETE Program, hosted by the USU Provost’s Office, offers the EXPLORE Canvas course specifically for graduate student teachers. Enhance your CV with an online program you can complete at your own pace. Questions? Contact Associate Dean Sean Johnson at sean.johnson@usu.edu.

USU geologist Susanne Jänecke presents “Cache Valley’s Ancient Floods & Earthquakes” at Science Unwrapped Friday, April 14, 2023, at 7 p.m. in ESLC 130. All are welcome to this free event. Activities volunteers are welcome; sign up in advance.

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.

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 24

• Graduate Student Social @ 4:30pm

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