Joanna Orban

Copy Editor 

If there is one thing that unites most college experiences at Idaho State University, it is writing research papers. Idaho State students are no strangers to the dreaded term paper or late-night visits to the Eli M. Oboler Library. However, there are some students who are choosing to participate in their own research outside of their required courses.

Some of these students are involved with the Idaho State University Office for Research. According to Deb Easterly, Assistant Vice President for the office, “Students bring that diversity through their life-experiences and their desire to learn and question. Working with faculty on research projects gives students an opportunity to learn and faculty an opportunity to share their knowledge and love for a discipline.”

Senior electrical engineering student, Barrett Durtschi has been involved with on-campus research since July of 2020. His research is in collaboration with engineering professor Andrew Chrysler, who holds a doctorate in electrical, electronics and communications engineering. Chrysler and Durtschi are researching Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). According to Durtschi, RFID is almost like an indoor GPS system. Using different tags equipped with antennas, locations can be detected over small distances. The two are also monitoring the vibrations put out by the tags to study frequency rates. “It takes a lot of time to figure out a solution,” Durtschi said of his research.

RFID has many practical applications and could be used to reduce human error in civil engineering and construction. “The RFID tags can be placed in a certain position that will locate where or tell the driver where they need to place the concrete,” said Durtschi. This is of particular use on construction sites. RFID is also used in ID-accessed doors like you see in private buildings such as hospitals, etc. “It is in a ton of applications,” said Durtschi.

Durtschi’s research about RFID has supplemented his degree program and taught him things that his program does not normally include in their lectures. If other students get the chance to do research, he recommends that they do the same. “If you’re going to go for a research position, I would totally take it because it’s going to take you so many different places; you’ll learn so many things you didn’t think were part of your degree program,” Durtschi said. “You get on-hand experience.”

Durtschi had some tips for students who are just getting into research, “If you’re interested in what you’re doing, work really hard.” He also recommends that students take breaks and don’t burn themselves out.

Chrysler and Durtschi submitted their paper to the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers and are waiting to hear back to see if they get to present it at the conference.

Junior Camille Hansen, who is studying microbiology is also a research assistant on campus. She works with biology professor Julia Martin, a doctorate in microbiology. Their research revolves around the molecular disease mechanisms of the Streptococcus pneumoniae. They’re particularly focusing on the degree to which bacteria can cause harm. “We’re studying the chemistry of these bacteria that can cause disease,” Hansen said.

Hansen applied to be a research assistant after taking an immunology class with Martin. Depending on the results of the research, Hansen tentatively plans to present her research at the end of summer 2021.

“I’ve learned to be patient with myself,” said Hansen of her research. “When you’re jumping into research, it can be really intimidating. I’ve just learned to not be frustrated with myself.

After graduating from ISU, Hansen plans to attend graduate school with the hopes of one day being a professor herself. Research experience supplements graduate school applications. Hansen recommends talking to your professors if you are interested in research.

Durtschi and Hansen aren’t the only students researching on campus. However, while their research is an on-campus job, junior political science major Spencer McArthur is completing his research as part of a requirement for his senior seminar class.

McArthur’s thesis revolves around the United States Insurrection Act of 1807. McArthur estimates that by the time he is done with his thesis, his paper will be around 50-60 pages long. “When you do research, especially when it’s such a large thing, it allows you to understand something that interests you far better,” McArthur said. “Once you have an idea, you can go anywhere with it.”

McArthur chose his topic because he’s hoping to go into the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General’s (JAG’s) Corps after he graduates with a law degree. McArthur will present his research in his senior seminar class closer to the end of the semester.

According to Donna Lybecker, who is the Acting Vice President for Research, “Student research and creative endeavors build enduring relationships between ISU students and faculty and enriches ISU and beyond by providing new perspectives for the challenges of our time.”