100039 research outputs found
Sort by
From Forest Floor to Future Food: Cultivating and Engineering Lion\u27s Mane Mushrooms
No full textWe intend to create a vegan meat alternative by genetically modifying Hericium erinaceus (Lion\u27s Mane mushroom) to express the soy leghemoglobin gene. This gene, commonly used in plant-based meats, contributes both color and umami flavor reminiscent of animal-derived hemoglobin. Our approach involves extracting and sequencing Lion\u27s Mane DNA, identifying viable genomic insertion sites, and applying CRISPR-Cas9 to insert the leghemoglobin gene. Concurrently, we are optimizing lab-based cultivation methods to ensure reliable growth and propagation of both wild-type and genetically modified strains. This project integrates fungal biotechnology, genetic engineering, and sustainable food innovation
Optimizing Satellite Handoffs in LEO Constellations, A Predictive Model
No full textLow-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites are huge players in the modern space infrastructure and are used for a variety of human needs, including public communication, weather imaging, and scientific research. Typically these satellites orbit at altitudes between 300km and 600km above the earth\u27s surface, complete an entire orbit around the Earth in 90-100 minutes, and make several orbits around the earth in a given day
Collaborating for Change Based on Evidence: How to Employ Community-Engaged Assessment & Solution-Building
Get PDFCommunities across Utah are facing many significant challenges that adversely affect the well-being of their residents. Economic disparities, including lack of affordable housing and food insecurity, are impacting every aspect of life. Mental and physical health issues are also on the rise, especially among vulnerable populations (e.g., LGBTQ, BIPOC, rural). Environmental problems, such as poor air quality and limited water supply, stand to cause unprecedented harm to the state. As leaders, government agencies, nonprofits, and residents take on these issues, among others, community-engaged methods that promote generating context-specific evidence and developing sustainable solutions are critical for improving resident well-being.
This training session will provide participants with practical, asset-oriented strategies for assessment and solution-building by applying the Framework for Collaborative Community Action on Health (Institute of Medicine, 2002) that will ensure equitable, reciprocal, and sustainable community partnerships. This session will use real-world case examples to illustrate how researchers and practitioners can co-create knowledge and co-develop solutions with communities by forming dynamic working groups and advisory panels.
In the assessment part of the training, participants will explore how to engage and excite residents in a research process who may not have experience; develop good research questions; and choose research methods that consider feasibility and local context. In the problem-solving portion, attendees will learn about data-driven prioritization strategies; identifying and adapting evidence-based interventions; and considerations for evaluation. Throughout the session, participants will consider how to incorporate and prioritize lived experiences, expertise, and concerns of those most affected by social issues
Convergence Research for Microplastic Pollution at the Watershed Scale
Get PDFMicroplastics are found in Earth\u27s atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere, and ecosphere. While there is a growing interest and need to solve this grand challenge in both the academic and policy realms, few have engaged with academics, policymakers, and community partners to co-identify the problem, co-design research, and co-produce knowledge in tackling this issue. Using a convergence research framework, we investigated the perception of microplastic pollution among different end users, delivered educational materials to K-12 teachers and practitioners, and identified key sampling points for assessing environmental microplastic concentrations in the Columbia River Basin, United States. Three community partner workshops identified regional issues and concerns associated with microplastic pollution and explored potential policy intervention strategies. The stakeholder survey, co-designed with community partners, identified varying perceptions around microplastic pollution across educators, government employees, non-profit employees, and industry practitioners. Pre- and post-test results of teacher workshops show increases in participants\u27 knowledge after taking a four-week summer class with the knowledge being translated to their students. Community partners also helped develop a unique passive sampling plan for atmospheric deposition of microplastics using synoptic moss samples and provided freshwater samples for microplastic quantification across the basin. Our study drew three major lessons for successfully conducting convergence environmental research—(1) communication and trust building, supported by the use of key-informants to expand networks; (2) co-creation through collaboration, where partners and students shaped research and education to enhance impact; and (3) change-making, as project insights were translated into policy discussions, community outreach, and classrooms
Utah State University Commencement, 2025 – Blanding Campus
Get PDF2025 Commencement Ceremony for the Blanding Campus of Utah State University.https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/commencement/1167/thumbnail.jp
Linearized Rigid-Body Dynamics of Asymmetric Aircraft
Get PDFMost aircraft are symmetric about their mid-plane, which permits simplifying assumptions when modeling their aerodynamic and mass properties, as well as estimating their dynamic modes. This work considers methods for modeling asymmetric aircraft, including capturing the dynamic mode characteristics that result from their asymmetric properties. While the primary focus of this work is on the dynamic mode properties of these aircraft, a significant portion of the dissertation is dedicated to modeling their aerodynamic, mass, and trimmed flight characteristics. The linearized rigid-body aircraft equations of motion used for dynamic mode estimates are developed to include the effects of asymmetries in both the aircraft’s physical configuration and its flight condition. Results are presented for three unique asymmetric aircraft, including two variants of a fighter aircraft similar to the F-16, and an approximation of the Rutan Boomerang. These results show that the asymmetric properties of these aircraft lead to coupling of the longitudinal and lateral degrees of freedom, which is not typically observed in the traditional dynamic modes
Vermicomposting
Get PDFVermicomposting, or worm composting as it is more commonly known, is the process of using worms to break down discarded food and other organic wastes and convert them into compost and liquid fertilizers
General Education Subcommittee Agenda October 2, 2025
No full textCall to Order Approval of Minutes - September 4, 2025 Course Approvals/Removals/Syllabi Approvals New Business Additional Items Adjourn: 9:30 a