Instead

Toxic compounds made land near Libby, Montana uninhabitable. A first-generation college student restored the land with the help of some microscopic organisms. Now Ron is leveraging algae, to protect the environment. Algae growing in wastewater convert pollutants into a resource, that can sustain industries. Listen to this episode to hear how this work is done, and how Ron Sims uses these projects to educate future biological engineers. 

This episode is about Utah lake. A body of water that some people find a bit gross. Learn how Utah Lake earned its reputation. What's being done to help the lake's ecological processes recover. And how an undergraduate research project is supporting those efforts.https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=4344748&itype=CMSIDhttps://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/u/UTAH_LAKE.shtmlhttps://www.ksl.com/article/5841542/utah-lakes-excess-carp-become-mink-food-compost

Dr. Tyler Renshaw  is an assistant professor in the School Psychology Program at Utah State University. His team screens students to help schools understand how to direct resources. In this episode, Renshaw describes the process of working with teachers to find and respond to the specific needs of their classroom. Renshaw also talks about skills and resources he provides different students to help them better cope with their struggles.https://usu.smhlab.org

In this podcast, six different researchers share what motivated them to pursue their studies. The beginning of each of these journeys look different — a gentle push from a friend, a role model to aspire after, or even a crush that happened to be working in the lab. The common thread, though, is a flame that was carried on by a long-lasting curiosity. Learn about these unique research topics and the first step that started the journey for each of the researchers in today's episode.Episode clips from  Episode 23Witches, ghosts, and pesky high schoolers; polishing-up your legend detector, with Dr. Jeannie ThomasEpisode 17Don't touch my hive! Honey bees and killer hornets with Dr. Joe WilsonEpisode 5Earthquakes on the wasatch, with Dr. Alexis AultEpisode 53Spiders and silkworms and hagfish, oh my! Justin Jones on spider silk research at USUEpisode 35Horses & Veterans; judgement free help in the therapy arena with, Judy SmithEpisode 57 Dust. Janice Brahney explains how synthetic materials are driven into a natural phenomenon

Email requests flooded Janice Brahney's inbox after publishing a paper in the June 2020 edition of Science. She had discovered microplastic in atmospheric dust. In this episode, she talks about how she handled her flooded inbox. You'll hear how she made this discovery. Listen to this episode to understand how phosphorus-laden dust affects watersheds across western states and how microplastic-laden dust changed Janice Brahney's life.    

Research shows that strong peer relationships in adolescence lead to stronger relationships in adulthood. In this episode of Instead, Diana Meter explains why people become aggressors and how bullies identify people to target. Defenders witness a person being victimized and do something. Diana's Research show's that even though a defender's actions seem small, they make people feel seen. So demystify your adolescence and listen to this episode of Instead.

In this episode Maren  discusses how she reduces harm caused by opioids. Maren  talks about her role facilitating Extension's pain management classes and peer support program. She shares a few of the pain management strategies that are covered in these Extension classes, some of the history of the opioid epidemic in rural places like Utah, what can be learned talking to people who have struggled with opioid abuse, and how doctors can approach this health crisis. Maren will also be a speaker at the next upcoming Blue Plate Research event. The HEART of the Opioid Epidemic: A cutting-edge program to address substance use disorder in Utah can be attended online 11:30 a.m-1:00 p.m. on August 19th at https://www.usu.edu/blue-plate/

David Suisse is a student at USU. In this episode, he talks about researching the antibacterial properties of sagebrush and the interactions vulnerable people have with their physicians. Listen to this episode to hear how these two research projects are helping David gear up for med school. You will also hear his advice for new students at USU. 

Utah State's spider silk research has made the news on multiple occasions, but what are they doing now? In this episode, Wyatt sits down with Justin Jones, assistant professor of biology and director of the spider silk lab. This episode covers everything from why we can't farm spiders to how hagfish protect themselves from sharks to a glue stronger than gorilla glue. Join us to learn what we're learning from spider silk now, and how we're leveraging that for the future.

According to Rebecca Walton, technical communication is communication that facilitates action in the world. She tells us how listening to people's stories can help us craft documents and policies that better our social environments. Dr. Walton also explains the four R's which help promote justice and how collaboration is key to replacing outdated terminology and practices. 

Learn about work being done to inform building practices and codes in Utah. Brady Cox examines the structural fallout from earthquakes around the world. His research helps predict how earthquakes will impact structures along Wasatch faults. In this episode, he talks about earthquakes in Haiti, New Zealand, and Utah. He also discusses the ground imaging techniques be developed to better understand what's going on under-construction sites. Brady Cox is a Professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Utah State University

Larissa Yocom researches how fire changes ecosystems and how those changes affect people. Larissa counts tree rings to learn how an area has burned in the past. She counts twigs on forest floors to see how an area would burn in the present. In this episode, Larissa explains the history of wildfire in the west, helping us understand fire as just another force of nature. Just like storms, we can't prevent fires from happening. But, mechanical treatments and prescribed burns give us some say in when and how an area burns. Decision-makers can use fire as a tool, reducing the negative and distractions effects fire has on people and communities. Listen to this episode and hear what happened in the past and what needs to happen in the present. Sign up for information about Upcoming Research Landscapes eventshttps://research.usu.edu/landscapes/Larissa Yocom's Websitehttps://larissayocom.com/people/*Wyatt, the host of this podcast, is in the process of replacing his former last name with the more spellable name Archer. Questions about the podcast can still be sent to wyatt.traughber@usu.edu

You really learn well by getting your hands on research and doing the activity,” says Dr. Joyce Kinkead. In this episode, we learn about Dr. Kinkead’s hands on approach to research and undergraduate mentorship as she talks us through the importance of writing history and her efforts as an undergraduate research mentor and administrator.

Dr. Brian Higginbotham is a Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at USU. In this episode, Brian talks about the step-family education courses he facilitates. He explains the Stress and strengths that step-families experience while sharing why this research is meaningful to him. For more information on Smart Steps for Step-families visithttps://healthyrelationshipsutah.ou-ext.usu.edu/class_descriptions/smartsteps-class-description

In this episode of Instead, Wyatt sits down with USU researcher Dr. Beth Fauth, The two discuss the difference between Alzheimers and dementia and the experiences of family caregivers, family conflict and social support programs. Dr. Fauth also explains the frustrations with the marketing of these programs and how typical families could greatly utilize them if they only knew about them.https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/caregiver-healthhttps://daas.utah.gov

Established in 1975, USU’s undergraduate research program is one of the oldest in the nation. You will also learn about the history and future of undergraduate research from, Alexa Sand, associate vice president for research at Utah State. Wyatt also interviews two students with their mentors to understand how undergraduate research has benefitted them. Kelsey Bradshaw mentored by Dr. Elizabeth Vargis, and Cedric Mannie mentored by Dr. Breanne Litts.

Professor Kelly Kopp’s research efforts are focused on landscape water conservation and sustainable turfgrass management. In this episode, Kelly takes us into the world of resource positive landscaping , a style of landscapes that gives more than it takes. Wyatt asks if decades-old patches of grass need to be upgraded, Kelly explains misconceptions about Xeriscaping, and we discuss what people care most about in their outdoor spaces.Dr. Kelly Kopp will be presenting her water-related research at Research Landscapes on March 2nd. https://research.usu.edu/landscapes/The Center for Water Efficient Landscaping is a research and outreach center designed to improve the efficient use of water for landscape irrigation. https://cwel.usu.edu

Daniella Hirschfeld Specializes in environmental planning, climate adaptation, urban ecology, hazard mitigation, and spatial analysis. In this episode, you will learn how she keeps communities safe from floods, droughts, and the guilt of living in imperfect systems. Daniella Hirschfeld self-introduction–I weave together the fields of urban ecology and environmental planning to investigate resilient systems. I approach this investigation through three interwoven tracks. First, I look at the adaptive capacity of systems to understand their ability to change to meet future conditions. Second, I focus on the decision-making environment, unpacking the use of science and the connections to the cost of proactive adaptation actions. My third area of research is spatial analysis, which is primarily a tool I use to support the other two areas of work.More from Daniella HirschfeldThe Resilience Hub Lab: https://www.theresiliencehublab.com/Recent publication on adaptive capacity: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1462901119314959?via%3DihubThe cost of adaptation: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/5/3/42

Dr. Maya Miyairi Steel promotes healthy relationships with food by educating pre-med students and parents about mindful eating. In this episode Maya talks about why eating mindfully is key. You need to pay attention to what goes in your mouths, slips off your tongue, and bounces around your brains.

Whether it's electrodes in your bathroom scale or a sci-fi pod, accurate tools are needed to track progress. In this episode, Dr. Dale Wagner explains why understanding body composition is important, and he talks about how he makes sure that measurement tools are accurate.

In this episode, Gabriele Ciciurkaite explains her research into food insecurity, obesity prevention, and mental health. She talks about data sets that represent the entire US, interventions she studied in Appalachia, and she gives Utahn's health a report card.

Last week's conversation with Environmental planner Jake Powell continues. This episode focuses on how policy shapes communities. Learn how zoning affects housing needs in rural and gateway communities. Jake also talks about 3 strategies communities are using to wisely manage water. He describes how communities can build resilience on both an economical and social level. Jake focuses on towns that have a potential to be "boom or bust" as they evolve, and the ways they can keep a name for themselves and prevent future diminishmenthttps://www.usu.edu/gnar/https://research.usu.edu/landscapes/

"A lot of these communities feel like they're inventing the wheel for the first time." In this episode of Instead, Wyatt sits down with USU researcher Jake Powell. The two discuss the Gateway, and Natural Amenity Resources Initiative aimed to provide resources to small towns seeing large growth.https://www.usu.edu/gnar/https://research.usu.edu/landscapes/

How much do you think about your surroundings? Next time you're walking down the street, stop and look around. What do you see around you? How are the sidewalks shaped? How are the houses organized?In this episode of Instead, Wyatt sits down with USU researcher Dave Anderson from the Landscape, Architecture, and Environmental Planning department. The two discuss what exactly this line of work entails, and what LAEP means when it comes to the Kaysville Botanical Gardens.Research Landscapes Eventshttps://research.usu.edu/landscapes/Information on Building tourshttps://usubotanicalcenter.org/venuesMagnolia Tree Extension informaitonhttps://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1863&context=extension_histall

Dr. Maureen Hearns takes us on a quick tour of the therapeutic power of music. You will learn how the arts can help people who have survived domestic abuse. How music therapy can help, and what a session might be like. https://www.usu.edu/blue-plate/

The same principals that allow you to wirelessly charge devices, can be used to juice up an electric car on the highway. having trouble wrapping your mind around how that would work or why people are making it happen? In this episode of Instead, Wyatt sits down with USU researcher and Director of ASPIRE program, Dr. Regan Zane. Dr. Zane ushers us into the future of electric vehicles, and paints us a picture of what roadways could look like if you never had to visit a gas station.

In this episode of Instead, Wyatt preps for an upcoming Blue Plate Research event with Equine Assisted Therapist Judy Smith. The two discuss the history behind this unique form of therapy. Judy explains how a horse's movements can help people regain balance. After that you'll learn how horses can feel anxiety in a person, leading them to psychological improvement.

In this episode, you will learn– How streams and fish can benefit from wildfire. How much disturbance is too much. And, what Utah has in common with California wildfires.

Wyatt brings us an update from Utah State University's Institute for Antiviral Research. Check-in on some golden hamsters and learn how perceptions of science change when the whole world is watching.

Find out what makes Aggie Ice cream so special and how the Aggie creamery has been supporting agriculture in Utah since the 1890s. https://www.instagram.com/p/CEb7bM0hzya/https://aggieicecream.usu.edu/who-we-are/history/history

Tourists love feeding the Northern Bahamian Rock Iguana. These herbivores are used to eating grapes and other human foods, instead of the local plants. But what happens when the tourists stop coming.

When you need help managing the recreation experiences in your community, Jordan Smith is the researcher you need. Using Instagram posts, big data, and other tools, he figures out what all those recreationists are up to. Dr. Smith is a featured speaker for a virtual USU Research Landscapes event: “National Parks, Forgotten Resources, and Growing Wisely.” You can find more about the event at rl.usu.edu, including the recording, other podcast episodes from featured speakers, and links to useful resources.

Worried about their community turning into the next Aspen. A town in Colorado is split between the people wanting to keep things the same and newcomers moving into expensive homes on tiny lots.Dr. Jessica Schad studies the relationship between people and natural amenities. She wrote her dissertation about this place she calls Rivertown. Get ready because she's gonna tell you all about it.@INSTEADpodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/insteadpodcast/Research Landscapes Website https://research.usu.edu/landscapes/

Wyatt plays some of the best clips that didn't make the cut from past episodes. This episode features a little bit of everything. Dr. Tammy Proctor tells us about the birth of the Girl Scouts, and their role in WWI. Listen to her full episode here Dr. Patrick Singleton explains how we can all hate bikes a little less. Listen to his full episode surrounding commuting during COVID-19 hereDr. Breanne Litts gives her opinion on the best practices for the online classroom. Listen to her full episode about the future of virtual learning here Dr. Todd Johnson illustrates his vision for the future of the Intermountain West. Listen to his full episode where he lays out his plan to redefine Pocatello here Dr. Courtney Flint explains why the Intermountain West is so special. Listen to the episode that started it all here

The conversation surrounding mental health across the globe is only beginning as more and more leaders are addressing this topic. In this episode of Instead, Wyatt sits down with USU psychologist Melanie Domenech Rodriguez. The two discuss the mental health conversation going on in minority communities, navigating assimilation, and different ways to bring people together. Bread Techniquehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2GWOHcEBcM

Light pollution hides the Milky Way from 80% of North Americans. In this episode of Instead, Wyatt sits down with USU researcher Dr. Zach Miller. The two discuss the little known implications of light pollution on local ecosystems and the long term effects of new noises invading National Parks.Dr. Miller discusses his work with tourism and recreation, and what these parks might look like once COVID-19 clears up.

Dr. Nicola Corbin grew up in Guyana and is often her student's first black teacher. Wyatt grew up in the rural west and was one of her students. In this conversation, they talk about media, justice, and listening.

Did you know kids these days are more likely to have a sibling in the household, than a father? Did you know siblings in rural areas tend to build stronger bonds with one another? In this episode, Wyatt sits down with USU researcher Dr. Shawn Whiteman from the department of Human Development and Family Studies to discuss how siblings directly and indirectly act as sources of social influences. From risky behaviors to pushing you to go to school, your older sister may have shaped some of your current behaviors.

In this episode, Dr. Jeannie Thomas takes Wyatt through the history and societal impacts of the Salem Witch Trials, and the haunted Logan nunnery has had on the town for the past few decades. Looking into how exactly these myths and urban legends take hold in our society and Wyatt discovers that even his town of 989 people harbors a legend or two.

The results of an April study between UofU, BYU, and USU have a surprising outcome - testing waste may be able to predict future coronavirus outbreaks. The most recent cache valley/Hyrum surge in cases was detected the week before confirmed cases started to rise. Join me Wyatt as he talks to two of the scientists involved in the study from the USU Biological Engineering Department - Department Head Keith Roper and Director of the Huntsman Environmental Research Center Ronald Sims.https://youtu.be/2JCUBpyITyk?t=2005

When we hear the term “buy local,” many of us picture that cute mom and pop restaurant downtown; but don't forget the farmers! During COVID-19, farmers across the U.S. have been scrambling to make ends meet due to new restrictions. To swiftly adapt, many of these farms have begun to redefine themselves and are looking to find a market in the everyday consumer.Sit down with Wyatt and applied agricultural economist Kynda Curtis as they break-down farming in the state of Utah. Learn why dairies dumped milk when COVID hit, Challenges facing this year's harvest, and how you can get your hands on some locally grown food. Utah's Ownhttps://www.utahsown.orgUtah CSA Directortyhttp://csautah.org/find-a-csaDr. Kynda Curtis's Blog https://extension.usu.edu/apec/news/USU Resources for people experiencing food insecurityhttps://extension.usu.edu/news_sections/general_news/usu-students-provide-food-to-aid-area-pantries

For hundreds of years, the Colorado River has provided vital water supply for seven states in the Western U.S. Wyatt sits down with USU researcher Jack Schmidt, Professor of Watershed Sciences and Janet Quinney Lawson Chair Member at the Center for Colorado River Studies.Dr. Schmidt explains the essential functions of the river in the state of Utah and its role in the development of urban western areas. We discuss how it got the nickname "The River of Law," and dive into the past, and future of the Colorado River.The Center for Colorado River Studieshttps://qcnr.usu.edu/coloradoriver/*External Podcast Episodes Related to Current National EventsUnlocking Us – Brené BrownBrené with Ibram X. Kendi on How to Be an AntiracistCodeSwitch – NPRA Decade Of Watching Black People DieReply All – Gimlet MediaThe Crime Machine

Wyatt speaks with Erik Dickamore, a senior studying statistics at USU. Erik dives into the numerous projects he is working on involving data collection and the future of smart cities around the world. Erik also shares his experience as an undergraduate researcher, and the path he took to kick off his journey as a researcher at USU.

Utah is the 8th most urbanized state in this country, with 90% of its residence living in urban areas. No wonder there's congestions on your way to work. Last month, we sat down with USU researcher Dr. Patrick Singleton as he painted a picture of what the transportation industry might look like after the COVID-19 pandemic died down. In this episode Wyatt sits down with Carlos Braceras, the executive director of Utah Department of Transportation, and dives in deeper, talking about Utah's unique landscape, weather pattern, and urban issues UDOT deals with, along with the solutions to create greater mobility through mass transit and active transportation. We also dive into the key role USU students play in UDOT, a new way to build freeways, and a little known ferry system in Southern Utah. Possible take away from this episode? Less frustration during traffic cone season. It's worth the hassle.

During your quarantined google searching, the infiltration of the Asian Giant Hornets 'murder hornets' into the U.S may have come across your screen. But are they really a threat? Wyatt and Dr. Joe Wilson, one of USU's evolutionary biologists, calms our nerves (especially for us in Utah) and gives us a look into the lives of these wasps, along with honeybees' domestication and 'endangerment'.

The stock market has plunged and 36 million Americans have filed for unemployment. In this episode of Instead, USU Huntsman School of Business researcher Dr. Chad Albrecht helps us connect the dots between the COVID-19 pandemic and the Great Depression. We also explore the intricate world of financial fraud across cultures, and some empowering words about your personal finances.

Pause and notice the key items in your community. What makes people visit, stay, and engage with the town? Todd Johnson, USU’s Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning practitioner in residence tunes in with us today, along with graduate student Jim Anglesey, to answer these questions. Todd helps fulfill USU extension mission by identifying what makes communities special? And then creates visions of what that community should look like.

Dr. Breanne Litts is an explorer at heart. You can find her either in the great outdoors going on wilderness adventures, or in the classroom investigating the way people learn best. Breanne started and runs the LED Lab to investigate how people learn through making, designing, and producing in diverse cultural and community contexts. In this episode dive into online learning experiences. This is a vital aspect of the school environment during current times were social distancing has made traditional classrooms unsafe, making thousands of USU courses move online within a couple of days. View Diagram on instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/p/B_ppVgLAsZH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“The structure of our election system influences our voting outcomes”. In this episode Damon Cann, a professor of political science at Utah State University and Mayor of North Logan City, helps us weigh in the pros and cons with the various voting platforms; mail-in voting, electronic voting machines, and local ballots. Dr. Damon Cann also fills Wyatt in on how Utah switched to mail-in ballots and goes into the role of local government in our lives, from either side of a pandemic.

COVID-19 has reduced traffic on our roads. Could there be lasting changes to the way people get around? As an engineer, Dr. Patrick Singleton specializes in understanding the sociological factors that need to be accounted for. Wyatt and Patrick discuss how COVID-19 could alter transportation after a sense of normality returns. And how it’s affecting his research area. We also talk about ways cities can be friendlier to bikes. The challenges and opportunity to our big fat Utah streets. And, how autonomous vehicles could affect wellness.

Dr. Gregory Madden Studies Impulse control and Behavioral economics. Sometimes this involves getting rats hooked on drugs. He also has developed a successful method of getting a cafeteria of kids to eat more of their lunch. Here's a link to more informations about Madden's Awardhttps://www.usu.edu/today/story/gregory-madden-awarded-the-2020-d-wynne-thorne-awardMore information about D. Wynne Thornehttps://research.usu.edu/awards/d-wynne-thorne/about/