Digital Commons Network^™

Crop Water Productivity: Within-Field Spatial Variation In Irrigated Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.), Keegan Hammond, Ruth Kerry, Ross Spackman, April Hulet, Bryan G. Hopkins, Matt A. Yost, Neil C. Hanson

Plants, Soils, and Climate Faculty Publications

In this study, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is evaluated for suitability of variable rate irrigation (VRI) by analyzing within-field variation in crop water productivity (CWP) under uniform irrigation. The objectives were to (1) measure within-field variation in crop evapotranspiration (ET), (2) quantify spatial variability of alfalfa biomass yield, and (3) assess whether a bivariate analysis of CWP and yield could inform VRI management zones. Research was conducted on a 22.6 ha center-pivot irrigated alfalfa field near Rexburg, Idaho, USA, over three harvest intervals (HIs) in 2021 and 2022. Using a water balance method at 66 field points, ET exhibited …

Who Supports Democracy In The Post-Arab Spring Maghreb?, Jacob Sagers

Student Research Symposium

Background

During the Arab Spring in 2011, youth became the backbone of protests and a force for democratic change. Particularly in Tunisia – the heart of the Spring– youth had a dominant role in starting protests and toppling regimes. Extant literature's mixed findings on wealth’s positive association with democratization processes suggest democracy’s support depends on public opinion and age. Building off fieldwork and interviews with students in Tunisia, my study focuses on economic development and its impact on public opinion.

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Harvest Extend Volunteers Report Improved Mental And Social Wellness, Clarissa Richins

Student Research Symposium

Introduction

Harvest Extend volunteers help reduce food waste, improve food security, and learn fruit preservation techniques

Ghostlight: A Fargedy, Ethan Shaw

Student Research Symposium

November 9th

8:30 PM

PG-13

Ages 14 & Up

Caine Lyric Theatre

All Students $10

General Public $15

Biosecurity Strategies For Combating Iuu Fishing: Protecting Ecosystems And Economies, Spencer Anderson

Student Research Symposium

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing threatens marine ecosystems and global economies by driving overfishing, spreading aquatic diseases, and introducing invasive species. It disrupts biodiversity, jeopardizes fisheries' sustainability, and undermines the livelihoods of millions, intensifying food insecurity and socio- economic vulnerabilities, particularly in fishing- dependent communities.

This research examines biosecurity strategies— including regulatory frameworks and collaborative efforts—to safeguard marine biodiversity and support sustainable fishing economies. Addressing the complex challenges of IUU fishing bridges gaps between conservation, public health, and economic resilience.

This study adopts an interdisciplinary approach to develop practical solutions to preserve biodiversity, enhance public health protections, and promote …

Martha Stewart's Enduring Legacy: A Social Media Case Study, Holly Asay

Student Research Symposium

Martha Stewart gained fame in the 1990s and, at 83 years old, remained culturally relevant on her personal Instagram account. Despite early criticism, she had 2.6M followers and high engagement in 2025.

Are Logan Police Officers Equipped To Deal With Domestic Disturbances Effectively, Jaden Baugh

Student Research Symposium

If officers do not have proper training to deal with domestic violence, then they become ineffective tools to help the public. We as the public need officers to keep the peace but if there is improper training they are ineffective

Frequency Of Fruit And Vegetable Consumption Among Women Diagnosed With Gestational Diabetes, Hailey Koster

Student Research Symposium

• Consuming fruits and vegetables has been associated with a reduced risk of gestational diabetes and improved pregnancy outcomes. ¹

• However, the majority do not meet the recommendation of five servings per day or 400 g per day according to the World Health Organization.²

Racism On Social Media, Britton Larsen

Student Research Symposium

For centuries, racism has been an issue in society; however, the emergence of social media has drastically altered the landscape of the vulgarity and encounter of racist content. Social media has become a crucial communication, advocacy, and information battleground. While these platforms have provided a voice through which underprivileged populations become equal in terms of advocating for equality and justice, the same platforms have nurtured the breeding ground for hate messages and discriminatory ideologies. This research will look to explore the relationship between social media and racism, doing so to look at how these social media platforms amplify racist content …

Environmental Racism: The Role Of Racism In The Unequal Distribution Of Environmental Hazards And Resources In Urban Areas, Acadia Petersen

Student Research Symposium

Introduction

There is a large difference in the number of environmental hazards and environmental resources that people live with depending on their race. This is very damaging as certain minorities are being provided with fewer resources and more polluted areas, leading to worse health outcomes.

There is “A strong association between non-white and poor communities and the location of hazardous waste sites…Studies on air quality have documented that minorities and the poor face higher levels of air pollution than other groups” (Pinderhughes 1996).

Motherhood Within The Patriarchal Family: An Analysis Of Frankenstein And The Scarlet Letter, Yasamin Osqueezadeh

Student Research Symposium

Frankenstein and The Scarlet Letter critique the typical patriarchal family mold. • Frankenstein critiques the gender inequalities within motherhood and creation, reimagining the family by removing the mother figure.

• Hawthorne critiques the patriarchal treatment of women by creating an all- women family structure, arguing that households can survive with a sole mother figure.

• Although he does not offer an alternative family model like Shelley, Hawthorne attempts to recreate the female role.

• Both of their arguments are informed by biographical aspects, as Shelley and Hawthorne had—according to patriarchal society—atypical mothers.

• Their alternative family models are highly …

Can Walkability Solve Utah's Housing Shortage?, Jordan Taft

Student Research Symposium

52,000

Housing Units Short (2022)

1,445,808

Projected New UT Households (by 2023)

$510,867

Median Home Price

Human Centered Library Design, Myriam Musgrave

Student Research Symposium

Odyssey Childrens Library is designed as a dynamic and adaptable space that fosters learning, creativity, and community engagement. Inspired by the ocean, the architecture and interiors reflect fluid, organic forms and a calming yet invigorating color palette. The layout balances open, social areas with quiet, reflective spaces, ensuring a welcoming environment for all users. With a focus on flexibility, the library includes adaptable study rooms, a collaborative makerspace, and a multi-purpose community area that can host events, workshops, and group activities. Thoughtful wayfinding, varied seating options, and intuitive zoning create a seamless user experience. The Odyssey Library is more than …

How Has Lgbtq+ Representation In Media Influenced The Perceptions And Identities Among Both Lgbtq+ And Non-Lgbtq+ Individuals Ages 18-24?, Miki Beckstrom

Student Research Symposium

The modern era has allowed for a new age of storytelling. As our society continues to diversify, the question we must ask ourselves, how is the media we consume reflective of our society? Internet discourse surrounding representation of race, sexuality, and gender have continued to infiltrate our community and be a topic of contention. This study hopes to explore both the positive and adverse effects that LGBTQ+ representation in media can have.

Sorella Women's Center - Fortifying Community Through Trauma-Informed Design, Melayne Dunlap

Student Research Symposium

Sorella Women’s Center is a trauma-informed community resource designed to support and empower women, particularly survivors of domestic violence, who often face limited access to critical services. Rooted in the principles of safety and trust, choice and empowerment, collaboration and community, and beauty and joy, the center provides a welcoming, accessible space for healing and growth. Sorella offers legal advocacy, emotional support, mental health resources, and skill-building opportunities to help survivors regain autonomy and build strong, supportive networks. By fostering connection and resilience, Sorella seeks to break the cycle of abuse, countering the isolation that so often sustains it.

Ion-Induced Electron Yield Database Development Through Data Mining For Exploratory Data Analysis And Predictive Analytics, Trace Taylor

Student Research Symposium

• What is ion yield and what affects it?

• Why create a database?

• Status of the database

• Ion yield data comparisons

• Conclusions

• Future work

Effects Of Self-Control Variables On Nicotine Vaping In A Pre-Clinical Model, Lucy Scribner

Student Research Symposium

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and nicotine compounds in tobacco products perpetuate this issue (Reitsma et al., 2021; United States Department of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 2014). Although nicotine use began to decline along with the use of cigarettes, nicotine consumption has started to increase dramatically since the introduction of electronic cigarettes and vaping.

Reliability Of Novel Morphological Features Of The Auditory Brainstem Response, Marlana Petersen

Student Research Symposium

Pure-tone audiometry can detect hearing loss but does not determine specific site-of-lesion. It is not sensitive to many disorders, especially neural disorders that impact hearing

Gravity Wave Activity During The 2024 Sudden Stratospheric Warmings Observed By Atmospheric Waves Experiment (Awe), Jiarong Zhang, Yucheng Zhao, Pierre‐Dominique Pautet, Ludger Scherliess, Michael J. Taylor, Hanli Liu

All Physics Faculty Publications

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) instrument, launched in November 2023, provides direct observation of small‐scale (30–300 km) gravity waves (GWs) in the mesosphere on a global scale. This work examined changes in GW activity observed by AWE during two major Sudden Stratospheric Warmings (SSWs) in the 2023 and 2024 winter season. Northern Hemisphere (NH) midlatitude GW activity during these events shared similarities. Variations in mesospheric GW activity showed an evident correlation with the magnitude of zonal wind in the upper stratosphere. NH midlatitude GW activity at ∼87 km was reduced following the onset of …

An Ai-Driven Framework For Assessing Intersection Infrastructure And Accessibility, Logan Liddiard, Joel Pierson, Brent Chamberlain, Keith Christensen, Xiaojun Qi

Computer Science Student Research

Background: Intersections serve as vital nodes within transportation networks, facilitating the movement of pedestrians. However, their effectiveness often hinges on the quality of their infrastructure and accessibility. Furthermore, it is expensive and time-consuming to collect infrastructure data, yet is crucial for creating a safe and efficient urban landscape.

Objective: Develop an AI-driven model that leverages Google Street View to provide detailed information about intersections, helping city planners identify infrastructure and accessibility issues and supporting improvements to create safer, more accessible intersections for people of all abilities.

Evaluating Embodied Carbon Emissions Of Post-Seismic Steel Framed Buildings, Nicholas Leavitt

Student Research Symposium

The carbon emissions of earthquake damage repairs is on average 40% of a building's total carbon emissions in 50 years.

Creative Inequality, Ginger Anderson

Student Research Symposium

Does an art degree define success? Some of the world's most famous artists never set foot in a classroom. However, formal training often provides essential technical skills and industry connections. So, is artistic success about raw talent or learned expertise?

Opposition And Expression, Isabelle Johansen

Student Research Symposium

In a culture driven by speed, efficiency, and disposability, tradition has become a quiet act of rebellion. Designers are returning to handmade techniques, ancestral knowledge, and slow processes as a way to reclaim meaning, identity, and sustainability. What was once dismissed as old-fashioned is now powerful again–rooted, radical, and deeply human.

The Influence Of Social Media On Journalism: Challenges To Accuracy, Credibility, And News Consumption, Natalee Parry

Student Research Symposium

Social media has reshaped journalism, challenging accuracy, credibility, and public trust in news. This study examines the impact of social media on news consumers and how it affects their trust in news.

New Beginnings Behavioral Health, Mckenna Spens

Student Research Symposium

This project is the 2025 IIDA Student Competition. The objective of this project is to design the Lobby/Reception and Inpatient area of a behavioral health clinic. The design must consider the safety and well being of the patients as well as the staff. This project is in partnership with OFS and Carolina and at least 50% of the furnishings shall be sourced from them. The Lobby/Reception must contain a reception desk for 4 staff, a waiting area, and a minimum of 4 lockers for guests. The Inpatient area must contain the following: a sallyport at the entrance; 2 consultation rooms …

Is Modern Day Dating Damaging Our Mental Health?, Kamilla Rayann Stone

Student Research Symposium

In contemporary society, dating has undergone significant transformations, with modern dating practices increasingly influenced by technology, shifting social norms, and evolving expectations. This study seeks to answer the question: Is modern-day dating damaging our mental health? Given the rising concerns about relationship satisfaction, anxiety, and self-esteem in the digital dating era, this research aims to explore the potential psychological implications of modern dating trends.

Physical Interpretation Of The Dynamic Dual-Defect Model Of Radiation Induced Conductivity, Tyler Heggenes, Jenny Whiteley

Student Research Symposium

• Spacecraft charging is the main source of spacecraft anomalies [A]
• Spacecraft are often made of resistors
• Arcing can end a project early

How You Talk About Homelessness Matters, Sarah Makar

Student Research Symposium

Individuals experiencing homeless (IEH) has risen across the U.S. by 7% just in the past year. In response to this increase, and with the dangers of being homeless including a 60% greater mortality rate, residents across four counties in Utah participated in a survey to better understand the community's attitudes towards homelessness and homeless services with the aim to better meet the needs of IEH.

Identifying Compensatory Mutations In The Envelope Protein Of Japanese Encephalitis Virus That Restore Neurovirulence, Nathan Taylor, Jiyoun Kim

Student Research Symposium

• Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) is a positive sense, single stranded Enveloped virus

The High Cost Of Substance Use Disorder And Recidivism, Paula Hogg

Student Research Symposium

What policy changes can the Idaho State Criminal Justice System implement to address problems of high incarceration and recidivism rates for individuals with substance use disorder?