USU Undergraduates Present at 2026 Research on Capitol Hill

Utah State University students filled the Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, presenting their undergraduate research findings to legislators, staff and community members alongside students from the University of Utah.

More than two dozen of USU’s brightest undergraduates presented their research at the annual Research on Capitol Hill, showcasing solutions for issues impacting Utah and beyond.

“I’m filled with pride in the work Aggies are doing and humbled by the impact their research is already having,” said USU President Brad Mortensen. “These students reflect Utah State University’s land-grant mission to expand opportunity, advance discovery and serve communities across Utah and beyond. Research on Capitol Hill gives our undergraduates the opportunity to share how they are solving real world problems to make a meaningful difference for our state.”

In total, 27 undergraduates worked with 30 mentors for this year’s research including but not limited to:

• Trace Taylor studying electrical conductivity of materials in space.
• Alicia Buys helping build economic growth for small-business owners in international locations through the SEED Program at the Huntsman School of Business.
• Alta Crane’s research on gene editing chickens to make them more disease resistant.
• Jesse Miller expanding on research from BYU with Walipini greenhouses in Bolivia to extend Utah’s growing season. As part of Miller’s research, he is donating fresh produce grown in the Walipini to USU’s SNAC food pantry, to address student hunger on campus.

“For more than 50 years, USU’s Undergraduate Research Program has strived to help students find, fund and present research that the students feel passionately about,” said Associate Vice President for the Office of Research Alexa Sand. “We’re grateful for the opportunity our students have to share meaningful conversations with Utah’s leaders, including private citizens, the media, legislators and even the governor’s office, highlighting their work and the potential for significant impact on the state.”

About Research on Capitol Hill

Research on Capitol Hill is an annual celebration of undergraduate research and creative pursuits at Utah’s two public research institutions, Utah State University and the University of Utah. Students can show legislators the innovation and impact of their research and how important the state’s support is to continue conducting such exciting work.