Celebrate Boise State student researchers from the Vertically Integrated Projects program, commonly known as VIP, and learn about the ambitious projects students and faculty are working on together at a showcase from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8  at the College of Innovation and Design on the second floor of Albertsons Library.

The VIP program is comprised of student teams working alongside faculty mentors on ambitious, multi-semester projects.

“The VIP program throws open the doors for all students to engage in leading-edge research in a collaborative team environment,” said Donna Llewellyn, executive director of the Institute for Inclusive and Transformative Scholarship. “It’s an amazing opportunity for students to get started learning the research process and finish up with real-world, job-ready skills. The showcase is a wonderful chance to see these student teams in action as they discuss their team projects.” 

The showcase celebrates team achievements that cross disciplines, integrate diverse skill sets and contribute to the community. In all, about 30 teams from a variety of disciplines will present at the event. Projects on display this year range from the Plasma team and Biology of Migratory Birds, to the NASA Micro-g NExT Challenge and Human Animal Interactions. 

The Plasma team is represented by several projects that dive into chronic wound treatments, reduction of plant pathogens and industry surface decontamination. Biology of Migratory Birds addresses questions about emerging threats that affect population resilience. The NASA Challenge team is prototyping a spacewalking tool, while Human Animal Interactions explores how our connections with other species plays a role in solving some of society’s biggest challenges.

This year also brings a strong community focus with projects like Housing Opportunities for All, which focuses on housing issues in the Treasure Valley; Building Resilient Communities, which strives to build community resilience; and the Leading Innovative Energy Design project researching solutions toward a sustainable energy future.

Learn more about the projects and how you can join a VIP team.

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