Undergraduate research is more than just an academic exercise at Utah State University — it’s a defining experience that sets students on the path to discovery, critical thinking, and professional success. For many students, research provides hands-on learning that deepens their understanding of their fields and helps prepare them for their next steps — whether they’re entering the job market or going on to pursue graduate study.
Michelle Norman, a geosciences major in the College of Science and Peak Summer Research Fellow, exemplifies the transformative power of undergraduate research. Their work in the West Desert of Utah, where they analyzed 500-million-year-old fossils and geochemical anomalies, not only expanded scientific understanding, but also shaped their future.
“Originally, I planned to conduct research at a familiar site,” Norman reflected. “But thanks to the Peak Fellowship, I was able to explore a new section I’d never been to before. That funding made all the difference — I collected over 100 samples and was able to critically assess the site in ways I never could have otherwise.”
Like many student researchers, Norman learned that science is rarely linear.
“When things don’t go according to plan, that’s when the important questions start being asked,” they said. “We found anomalies in the carbon and calcium levels of the rocks. At first, we thought they represented primary seawater chemistry, but as we analyzed further, we realized a secondary fluid source had altered them. That changed our entire research question. Science isn’t about getting the right answer the first time — it’s about figuring out the right questions.”
Beyond scientific discovery, research fosters independence, resilience, and intellectual curiosity. Communication studies and philosophy major Rosalie Mortensen, a Peak Summer Research Fellow from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, used her research to investigate how Western students perceive the knowledge and cultures of the communities they visit during education abroad experiences.
“We analyzed interviews with students who had studied abroad, categorizing their responses to see if they viewed host communities as ‘superior,’ ‘inferior,’ or as equals,” Mortensen explained.
Her findings have been eye-opening.
“Applying postcolonial theory to real-world experiences has changed the way I think about global power dynamics and knowledge creation,” Rosalie said. “Research has strengthened my critical thinking and communication skills — skills that will serve me well as I apply for the Fulbright Scholar Program.”
A Tradition of Excellence
Established in 2019, the Peak Summer Research Fellowship provides funding that allows students to dedicate ten weeks solely to research, removing financial barriers that might otherwise prevent them from fully engaging in their projects. The Peaks’ generosity to create and support this expendable scholarship has opened doors for students across disciplines, encouraging them to push boundaries and aspire to national scholarships and top graduate programs.
David and Terry Peak, longtime faculty members at USU, have been at the forefront of this movement. New York natives with a deep love for Utah’s wild places and cultural heritage, the couple have spent more than a quarter of a century mentoring students and elevating undergraduate research at the university.
David, a physicist specializing in computation in natural systems, has received numerous accolades, including the Carnegie Foundation’s Utah Professor of the Year recognition and the Goldwater Scholars Faculty Mentor Award. His book, Chaos Under Control: The Art and Science of Complexity, has introduced countless students to chaos theory, fractals, and the interplay between physics and the arts.
Terry, a professor of social work and director of USU’s social work program since 2003, has dedicated her career to mentoring students in human-subjects research. She has been recognized with the Center for Women and Gender Lifetime Achievement Award and the Faculty Advisor of the Year award for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Together, the couple established the Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award in 2008 and, later, expanded their support by creating endowments for the Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year and the Joyce Kinkead Honors Thesis of the Year Prize. Their enduring contributions have strengthened USU’s reputation as a leader in undergraduate research.
The Future of Undergraduate Research at USU
As USU celebrates 50 years of undergraduate research in 2025, faculty and students alike are looking ahead to how research opportunities will continue to evolve. USU’s Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Research Alexa Sand emphasizes the importance of building on the momentum the Peaks have helped create.
“The Peaks have been unwavering in their support for undergraduate research, not only through their mentorship, but through their financial contributions,” Alexa said. “Their generosity has played a crucial role in shaping USU’s research culture, and we are now working to build a long-term endowment to further expand these opportunities.”
Joyce Kinkead, who served as vice president for Undergraduate Research from 2000 to 2011, and as a faculty member of USU’s Department of English from 1982 to 2023, highlights the broader impact of undergraduate research.
“Undergraduate research is the application of what students learn in their classes,” Joyce said. “Engaging directly in research makes theories real. Additionally, they benefit from working with a faculty mentor who invests in their knowledge-making and success. Student research develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are essential in both professional and academic settings.”
Joyce also acknowledges the Peaks’ lasting contributions to undergraduate research at USU.
“For over 30 years, both Terry and David Peak have been role models for other faculty who see their passion and investment in student learning,” Joyce said. “Their legacy is not just in the students they have mentored, but in the culture of research excellence they have helped establish at USU.”
For students like Michelle Norman and Rosalie Mortensen, the immersive research experience they gained through the fellowship has been invaluable.
“Without this support, I wouldn’t have been able to fully dedicate myself to my research,” Norman said. “Their belief in undergraduates pursuing ambitious projects has been integral to my success.”
Throughout their years at USU, David and Terry have enriched the academic lives of countless students, shaping the next generation of researchers, scholars, and professionals.
As their legacy continues, the Peak Summer Research Fellowship and their many other contributions ensure that USU remains a leader in undergraduate research for years to come.
The Peak Summer Research Fellowship funds 12-16 outstanding undergraduate students each year for a 10-week, full-time summer research experience. Open to all enrolled USU students, the fellowship provides $4,000 to support living expenses. In addition to conducting research with a faculty mentor, fellows participate in professional development sessions on research ethics, scholarly publishing, and graduate school applications. They also prepare for prestigious national awards and present their work at a closing colloquium. The program fosters an interdisciplinary research community, preparing students for future academic and professional success.
Utah State University is a national leader in research and creative inquiry, providing students with hands-on experiences that drive groundbreaking innovation. As a Carnegie-recognized R1 institution and one of the nation's top undergraduate research programs, USU fosters excellence across more than 50 research centers and initiatives, from sustainable water solutions to space exploration. Donor support fuels transformational discoveries, empowering students and faculty to push the boundaries of knowledge. Expendable named scholarships provide immediate support, with the full gift amount used for awards. Funds can be distributed in a single year or over a set period of time. Create Your Aggie Impact by investing in the research and innovation initiatives that inspire you and make a lasting difference through the power of philanthropy.
Rosalie Mortensen (top right), a communication studies and philosophy major, says her research experience has sharpened her critical thinking and communication skills. She is pictured here during a cultural immersion trip to Vietnam.
As a Peak Summer Research Fellow, Rosalie seized the opportunity to explore how Western students perceive the knowledge and cultures of the communities they encounter during education abroad experiences.
Michelle’s work in the West Desert of Utah (pictured here), where they analyzed 500-million-year-old fossils and geochemical anomalies, not only expanded scientific understanding, but also shaped their future.
Contact
Karah Altman
Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives and Campaign Operations
214-683-3632
Karah.altman@usu.edu