The Intersection

The February 2023 College of Science

Faculty & Staff 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 numerous opportunities for both undergrads and grad students to fund and to present their research. Encourage your students to 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
• 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.

Undergrads and grad 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. For more information, undergrads may contact College Advisor JanaLee Johnson, janalee.johnson@usu.edu and grad students may contact their departmental GPCs or Associate Dean Sean Johnson, sean.johnson@usu.edu.

USU’s Staff Employee Association hosts the virtual professional development seminar led by Jane Irungu, Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, on Thursday, Feb. 23, from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. via Zoom. Hear about pivotal DEI initiatives for Utah State.

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.

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’s Office of the Provost and the Office of Research host the third annual USU Faculty Awards Ceremony, Thursday, March 30, from 3-4:30 p.m. in the Eccles Conference Center Auditorium. The awards include the university’s top research, teaching and service awards for faculty. All are welcome.

USU’s University Marketing and Communications (UMAC) Office maintains a public, online Faculty Experts List at usu.edu/experts to assist media and other entities seeking expert commentary and analysis on a broad range of topics. Would you like to be included on the list? You can join using an online form.

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.

Learn about opportunities offered through the USU Provost Office’s program to promote teaching excellence. Resources are available to all USU instructors, regardless of role statement or location.

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.

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 you and your students’ communications efforts.

All USU employees driving university vehicles must complete State of Utah Defensive Driving Training before operating state-owned vehicles. The training, which takes about 30 minutes, can be completed online on USU’s Institutional Learning System.

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