Pres. Cantwell Highlights USU's Undergraduate Research Legacy in Latest Podcast Episode

LOGAN, Utah — The eighth episode of Future Casting with Utah State is out now, marking one whole year of Elizabeth Cantwell’s presidential podcast. This new episode features Sara Goeking and Alexa Sand. The episode spotlights the legacy and impact of Utah State University’s undergraduate research program, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

In honor of this milestone, USU has declared 2025 as the “Year of Undergraduate Research,” showcasing five decades of innovation and student achievement.

Alexa Sand, associate vice president in the Office of Research and professor of art history in the Caine College of the Arts, spotlighted USU’s national award for excellence in research. She emphasized the role of undergraduates in the university’s research community.

“When we were putting together the materials to apply for the award, we had to show that we had a culture that was campus-wide and deeply embedded,” Sand said. “It was easy to do at USU because undergraduate researchers are such an integral part of our community. The fact that we recognize these students as key contributors to our research efforts is incredibly significant.”

Another discussion was what soft skills are developed through the research process. Sara Goeking, a USU and undergraduate research alumna recognized for her work with USU’s partnership with U.S. Forest Service, shared the importance of forming a vision and communicating the big why behind her work.

“Curiosity and ideation of new knowledge — and having a vision for what’s possible — are critical,” Goeking said. “I began developing these skills during my undergraduate research and continue refining them today. Asking the right answerable questions — questions that might spark even more questions — can lead to discoveries that expand basic scientific knowledge or create meaningful applications to help the world.”

President Cantwell emphasized the value of working with undergraduate students and the long-term impact on both students and mentors.

“I feel obligated to recognize our faculty who engage in this work without receiving the extra credit they truly deserve,” Cantwell said. “There is an ethos at this university — a culture of people who go above and beyond to enrich undergraduates’ experiences. I am always in awe of the large number of faculty who are willing to step up and provide that mentorship. It is neat to watch.”

For more information, listen to Future Casting with Utah State on UPR.org or visit the president’s communications webpage.