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Interseeding Cover Crops Into Corn in the Intermountain West
No full textInterseeding cover crops into corn may provide many benefits, such as weed suppression, nitrogen fixation from legume covers, and, most importantly, soil cover and forage for livestock after corn harvest. It also has the potential to negatively impact corn production if competition with covers for water and nutrients is too high. The purpose of this guide is to discuss recent research and experience with interseeding cover crops in the Intermountain West
Effects of Tourist Feeding on the Gut Microbiome and Ecophysiology of Endangered Northern Bahamian Rock Iguana (\u3cem\u3eCyclura cychlura\u3c/em\u3e)
No full textThe lifespan and reproduction of an animal depends on maintaining a healthy physiology. The proportion of individuals that survive to an age at which procreation can occur is important to long-term stability of populations and contributes to species survival. Health in an animal is measured in a variety of ways, including through monitoring of the body’s physiological systems, as well as its ability to respond to invading pathogens, and through the different types of bacteria present in the gut. Relationships among those different health metrics have been discovered in recent years and have been found to play important roles in maintaining a healthy physiology. The body’s systems can by impacted in a variety of ways, including drastic changes in diet. Dietary changes can happen naturally but can also be “forced” by things like habitat destruction, over-hunting, or direct feeding by humans. Such challenges can impact population dynamics. In an island chain in the Bahamas, tourists have been feeding populations of endangered iguanas food that is not a part of their normal diet. These iguanas typically consume fruits and leaves found on the islands. In the past few decades, tourists visits to these islands has increased and the tourists have been feeding the iguanas a variety of foods including bread, lettuce, grapes, and all kinds of “leftovers” from meals. To understand how these changes in diet are impacting the health of these iguana populations, we monitored their physiology, gut microbiome and immune response over several years. We were able to compare these health metrics across populations that were fed and those that have not been fed by tourists. It was clear from our study that these populations differed in their physiology and gut microbiome, and some physiology measures differed from year to year. We also uncovered differences between males and females, and between reproductive females and non-reproductive females. Finally, we were able to compare health across different ages, and discovered differences in hormone levels and the gut microbiome associated with growth and development in the earlier years of life. Overall, we were able to elucidate complexities of animal health and a continuing need to monitor populations to inform ongoing species conservation efforts
Faculty Senate Executive Committee Agenda January 20, 2026
No full text3:00 Call to Order Approval of Minutes December 15, 2025 3:05 University Business 3:20 Faculty Senate Business 3:25 Report School of Graduate Studies Professional Responsibilities and Procedures Committee 3:45 Old Business 3:50 New Business 4:00 Information EPC Report - January 8, 2026 Adjourn: 4:30 p
Utahns\u27 Low Concern About Wildfire Does Not Align With Growing Risk to Communities Statewide
No full textAccording to a national 2022 study published in the New York Times, the state of Utah bears the highest risk of property damage due to to wildfires when measured as a share of all properties.1 These findings, coupled with Utah’s rapid population growth and accompanying residential development in fire-prone environments, present a pressing emergency preparedness challenge for federal, state and local officials. Utahns who live in the St. George metro area, which includes Dameron Valley and Washington County, face the highest possibility of harm across the state.2 On July 31st, 2025, Governor Cox declared a thirty-day state of emergency in response to the large number of wildfires burning in the state.3 Among the summer’s most prominent fires were the Deer Creek Fire, which destroyed 13 structures (including primary and secondary homes) and required the evacuation of 250 residents4, and the Monroe Canyon Fire, which destroyed four structures and required evacuations and power shutdowns across several counties in central Utah.
Evaluating Filociclovir\u27s Activity Against Murine Cytomegalovirus In Vitro Using Fluorescent Imaging
No full textCytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that causes irreversible hearing loss to infants and young children by infecting the developing inner ear. However, current treatments for CMV, such as ganciclovir, are often associated with harmful side effects and may not be fully effective once the virus develops resistance.
The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of an experimental drug known as filociclovir (FCV), which is theorized to be effective against CMV with fewer side effects compared to current treatments The effectiveness of FCV was evaluated using two distinct tissue types: a commercially available standardized mouse cell line (used in cell culture) and a tissue derived from a mouse\u27s inner ear. Each type of tissue was infected with a fluorescent version of CMV and then subjected to fluorescence microscopy to evaluate drug effectiveness (i.e., non-fluorescent cells) and degree of infection (i.e., fluorescent cells).
To measure the extent of infection, a software tool was developed to automatically count the total number of cells in each image, along with those cells that were actively fluorescing due to CMV infection. Based on these counts, FCV demonstrated the ability to reduce the total amount of fluorescence within cell cultures and thus inhibit the spread of CMV. Additionally, FCV was found to be significantly more effective at reducing fluorescence in both cell types than ganciclovir. These results suggest that FCV has the potential to be a more effective treatment for CMV than current treatments
Utah\u27s Value-Added Food Processing Options
No full textThis fact sheet provides an overview of the benefits of producing and marketing value-added foods and outlines key considerations for new ventures. It also details the two primary programs available to smaller-scale processing in Utah—the Cottage Food Program and the Homemade Food Act—assisting producers in evaluating their products, markets, and resources to choose the best path forward
Exploring Cognitive Load Theory in the Post-Secondary Engineering Classroom
No full textEngineering programs often emphasize subject-matter expertise over pedagogical training, which can leave students struggling with course demands and contribute to retention challenges. This study applied Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) to examine how undergraduate engineering students experience the cognitive demands of their coursework compared to non-engineering classes. Using a sequential explanatory mixed methods design, cognitive load surveys were followed by interviews to address two research questions: (1) What are the differences in intrinsic and extraneous cognitive load levels between engineering courses and non-engineering courses taken concurrently by undergraduate engineering students? (2) How do engineering students perceive the unique challenges or benefits related to intrinsic and extraneous cognitive load in their early undergraduate engineering courses as compared to non-engineering courses they are taking? Broad comparisons revealed no significant differences in load, but disaggregated analyses showed that mathematics courses were rated higher than engineering in both intrinsic and extraneous load, while that of engineering courses exceeded all other non-math courses. Interviews revealed that students see math as part of engineering and described engineering courses as conceptually dense, fast-paced, and resource-limited. Findings highlight the need for CLT-informed strategies alongside flexible, student-centered practices that address peripheral factors such as anxiety, competing responsibilities, and resource accessibility
Parental Socialization Practices as Protective Factors of LGBTQ+ Youth Well-Being and Sexual Health
No full textLGBTQ+ teens face challenges like discrimination and exclusion from school-based sex education. Support from parents is crucial for helping LGBTQ+ teens feel safe and confident. Most research has only looked at how parents react when their child comes out, and less about how parents support their child in everyday life. This two-study dissertation explored how parents help support and protect their LGBTQ+ teens’ well-being over time.
The first study looked for patterns of protective parenting across interviews with LGBTQ+ teens and their parents from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Teens and parents shared their experiences of open communication, building community, and learning together to provide support to LGBTQ+ youth in racially or ethnically minoritized families. These stories showed that day-to-day actions, like listening and talking, help LGBTQ+ teens of color thrive.
The second study used survey data from LGBTQ+ young adults to test how sex education and parent-child sexual communication during high school influenced their confidence in making healthy sexual decisions. Perceptions of sex education did not influence LGBTQ+ young adults feel more confident in their sexual decision making. However, school-based sex education knowledge about STIs helped LGBTQ+ youth feel more confident in making healthy sexual decisions, and teens who often talked with their parents about relationships and decision making felt even more confident.
Together, these studies confirm that supportive parent-child relationships and inclusive sex education are important for LGBTQ+ youth well-being. When parents are open, supportive, willing to learn, and work together with their LGBTQ+ teen, it helps the teens feel seen, supported, and prepared to make safe and healthy decisions. Families raising LGBTQ+ teens may experience challenges, but consistently showing up, listening, and talking openly shows support and can prepare teens for their future
Curriculum Subcommittee Minutes February 5, 2026
No full textApproval of Minutes - January 8, 2026 Program Proposals Semester Course Approval Reviews Other Business Adjourn: 3:00 p
Civic Center Curriculum Committee Agenda January 22, 2026
No full textCall to Order New Business Course Titles and Descriptions Adjourn: 10:00 a