Statesman 1/15/24

News

02

Utah’s state legislative session will take place at the Capitol on Jan. 17.

Utah State University, Logan, Utah

Lifestyles

06

The Leonardo has partnered with USU’s College of Engineering for “Flight” exhibit.

Sports

10

Zoomer, USU Police Department’s bomb-sniffing dog detects bombs before sporting events.

Week of January 15, 2024

Page 2 - The Utah Statesman, January 15, 202

The upcoming state legislative session “The first day is very ceremonial,” Jenson said. “That’s very different from what the end of the session looks like. The last day of the session is working tooth and nail to grind every last bill out. They have to be done by midnight on the last day of the legislative session.”

Jenson said the hard deadline is due to the fact that Utah has a citizen legislature with an extremely limited session that lasts only 45 days.

“We spent the least amount of time legislating than any other state. So that’s why Utah’s legislative session is such a big deal: it goes by so fast, and there’s so much to do in such little time,” Jenson said. “Almost all of our legislators have some type of day job. A lot of them are lawyers and developers, but we also have teachers and nurses, doctors and stay-at-home moms, piano teachers — just normal people.”

Wright said he saw firsthand how responsive representatives were.

“Most legislators are willing to engage with students that they represent,” Wright said. “You can send them an email if you have a question about what’s going on or have a specific policy that you enjoy or you don’t want to have passed. Most of the time, they’ll email you back.”

By Sydney Lyman NEWS REPORTER

O

n Jan. 17, lawmakers will flock to the Utah State Capitol. The quiet marble hallways will be filled with the clack of heels and dress shoes as representatives make laws that affect students’ personal and educational lives.

Henry Wright, a former state legislative intern, said students can expect to see bills ranging from water issues to higher education appropriations in this hurried 45-day legislative session.

“It’s a whirlwind of 45 days of legislators trying to get laws passed,” Wright said. “I know there’s a lot of things going on right now about water issues, the Great Salt Lake, a lot of higher ed bills and potentially DEI stuff.”

The full legislative docket is available on the Utah Legislature’s website, le.utah.gov, and can be viewed by anyone. Some released bills include an amendment to the Higher Education for Incarcerated Youth program, which, if enacted, would “include youth held in certain types of detention, and makes technical and conforming changes,” as stated in the bill’s summary.

Other released bills include Cannabis Business Tax Credit Amendment, Firearm Reporting Requirements and Salary Supplement for School Speech-language Pathologists and Audiologists.

Beau Jenson, a former intern for Sen. Kathleen Riebe, said the legislature is critical for the function of everyday life.

“The state legislature is pretty much the sole vocal body in determining the laws and regulations that every career has to go through in Utah,” Jenson said. “How students will go on to raise their families, what their kids will learn, where they will be able to live, what parks they will be able to enjoy … All of these things are in the Utah State Code. You would think that a lot of this would be done by the federal government, but it’s notoriously in a gridlock.”

According to the Utah State Constitution, the TE UTAH STA

POLICE

BLOTTER

12/14/23

-USUPD received a report of vandalism to a bathroom stall at the Fine Arts Center. The responding officer gathered evidence and cleared the area.

12/17/23

- A concerned party reported that a propane heater had begun to burn a hole in tarp placed over wet concrete in a construction area.

Sydney is a junior studying political science, journalism and anticipatory intelligence. When she’s not chasing the latest scoop, you can find Sydney hiking and delivering puns so bad, they’re good.

STATESMAN FILE PHOTO The new Utah state flag flies on the pole in front of Old Main on April 19.

President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives must jointly convene the legislature into session if a poll conducted by each shows twothirds of all legislators agree to convene the session.

Senators set five requests for legislative priority, and representatives are given four legislative priority requests, pending some exceptions found in the legislative rules, section JR4-2-102.

However, Jenson said lawmaking doesn’t immediately start on the first day.

— sydney.lyman@usu.edu

12/19/23

- A report of graffiti was made to USUPD about a dumpster outside the Industrial Science building with a design spray painted on it. An officer documented the graffiti and estimated the cost to repair the damage.

12/20/23

- An individual in a vehicle was reported to have been yelling at USU employees outside the Research Lab. An officer spoke with witnesses, documented the description of the individual and increased patrols in the area.

1/3/24 - USUPD received a student identification card that had been found during the USU Womens Basketball game. A USU Officer attempted to but was unable contact the student on the ID.

1/6/24

-A USUPD officer was on standby during a Keep the Peace call at the Ag Science Building during a meeting. No assistance was needed, and the officer returned to service.

1/7/24

- A USU security officer reported a vehicle sliding on the ice and damaging a sign before driving away. A USUPD officer responded, documented the damage and took descriptive information on the vehicle and returned to service.

so good in my brain,” Giarratana said.

Stories about disordered eating aren’t few and far between, but “guts” has a unique take on the recovery experience.

“It picks up where a lot of stories about disordered eating end,” Giarratana said. “Healing should feel good, but sometimes it just feels normal and mundane, and that’s also OK.” The film’s narrative intentionally refrains from explicitly defining the eating disorder Amelia, the woman in recovery, experiences, providing a relatable snapshot of the nature of healing.

“Recovery doesn’t mean you’re immediately better. It’s not linear, and it doesn’t mean you’re a failure if you PHOTO BY MEENA SINGH VIA SUNDANCE INSTITUTE struggle,” Rosenberg said.

Angela Giarratana appears in guts by Margaux Susi, an official selection of the U.S. Shorts Program at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

There is a lot of shame associated with experiencing disordered eating, which can be a significant obstacle for people

By Aubrey Holdaway seeking healing.

NEWS REPORTER “I don’t want there to be shame in talking about it and getting he 2024 Sundance Film Festival is set to unveil “guts,” an help,” Susi said. emotionally raw short film directed by Margaux Susi.

Rosenberg hopes the film will help break down some of these The film stars Angela Giarratana as Amelia and Kate shame-related barriers for those who watch it.

Burton as Gabby. The official Sundance website lists a brief synop“You can watch it through with certain assumptions, then go sis of the film: “Desperate for help, a woman in recovery asks an back and watch it again and see it differently,” Rosenberg said. unlikely stranger on a dinner date.”

Many scenes in the film were inspired by moments of unexpectSusi elaborated on this description. ed kindness experienced by the film team in real life, underscor“We see a lot of the intense sides of eating disorders, while this ing the importance of human connection in the recovery process. shows a normal day in the life of someone who is in recovery and “I’ve always felt like there are people that I think of as guardhow something as simple as eating a meal is something they might ian angels,” Rosenberg said. “It could be a stranger who simply need support with,” Susi said. acknowledges or listens to you, lets you cry.”

According to Susi, the film was an underdog.

Through its Sundance premiere, the film team hopes to chal“Everything that would make for a terrible film was what we lenge perceptions and inspire others — both filmmakers and those had,” Susi said. “Our budget was small, we had one week to prep, on their journey of recovery. and then one day to shoot.”

T

Despite the challenges, it was important for the team to tell this story.

“It’s always an obstacle to self-fund your work, but it’s always worth it,” Giarratana said.

“The film is a testament that if you have the right story and you find the right people to tell it with, you don’t need much,” Susi said.

The film is a product of the team’s combined experiences with disordered eating, particularly Susi, Giarratana and writer Jan Rosenberg.

“It’s an isolating and lonely disease, so I think what is most helpful is connecting with others. The three of us connected a lot on this topic,” Rosenberg said.

The team also collaborates well in an artistic capacity.

“I’ve worked with Margaux before, and she directs in such a way that I love, and the first time I did a reading of Jan’s writing, it felt

To read the rest of this story, scan the QR code here: Aubrey is a junior studying print journalism. She loves doing anything outside, the band Pinegrove and listening to hours of true crime podcasts in an effort to become invincible.

— a.holdaway@usu.edu

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THE BOARD Leah Call managing editor editor@usustatesman.com 435-797-1742 —————— Caitlin Keith news editor news@usustatesman.com —————— Jack Johnson sports editor sports@usustatesman.com —————— Avery Truman lifestyles editor life@usustatesman.com —————— Maren Archibald copy editor copyeditor@usustatesman.com —————— Heidi Bingham multimedia editor photo@usustatesman.com —————— For advertising inquiries studentmedia@usu.edu —————— Student Media Office TSC 118 435.797.1775 Cover art by Heidi Bingham

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Sundance Film Festival to screen “guts” short

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Inaugural Aggies Walk the Walk celebrates Martin Luther King Jr., civic responsibility

By Leah Call NEWS REPORTER

U

tah State University’s inaugural Aggies Walk the Walk event began on Jan. 11 and will run until Saturday, Jan. 20.

With a focus on civic responsibility and honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and his initiative, the week kicked off with Step Afrika!, a professional step company who performed at the Ellen Eccles Theatre in downtown Logan at 7 p.m. last Thursday.

Isaiah Jones, senior director of USU’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, said the goal of the event is to build upon USU’s previous celebrations of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, celebrated on Jan. 15.

“Boosting communities and serving others is what Aggies Walk the Walk is all about,” Jones said in a press release about the event. “In order for USU to provide transformative experiences, we need to seek out those who need help, and this is a collaborative effort.”

Jones contributed to the organization of other events put on by the division, including Juneteenth last summer.

He started to think more about what other events they could host that had not been done at USU before.

Jones, a University of Notre Dame graduate, said a similar event is hosted annually that highlights efforts made by Notre Dame to promote inclusion on campus.

He was inspired and wanted to implement it at Utah State with an “Aggie twist.” From there, he facilitated conversations with other organizations on campus and community partners.

Aggies Walk the Walk has been a collaborative effort in partnership with Cache Community Connections, the William A. Burnard Warming Center and USU Athletics.

Various events will take place throughout the week and will culminate with the Aggies Walk the Walk procession

on the Quad on Jan. 20. The walk will take place before the men’s basketball game against Fresno State. Jones said the USU Athletics Department was a major component in organizing this event.

Jones said everyone is encouraged to join in on the walk where participants will hear from leadership across campus. Attendees will be encouraged to also attend the basketball game against Fresno State.

The women’s and men’s basketball teams will be wearing Aggies Walk the Walk t-shirts to warm up before tip-off for their games on Jan. 17 and Jan. 20, respectively. During the men’s game, videos about the event will be played.

Video content played at the game was created by Bobby Nash, the associate athletics director for marketing and fan engagement, and his team.

“I think it’s pretty cool that we’re meeting by the east side of Old Main where you see the Abraham Lincoln statues with a very clear connection to our mission and Utah State’s role,” Jones said in an interview conducted over the phone. “Basically, educating the state of Utah in providing access and inclusion across the board, thinking about Martin Luther King’s role in the Civil Rights Movement, and that’s ultimately what we’re arguing for — how we can create spaces that focus on what he called the ‘beloved community.’”

Jones said the processional was inspired by the Luminary walk that takes place during Connections at the beginning of each fall semester.

“Bringing education to everyone is a pillar of landgrant universities, and we are excited to help further Utah State’s goal of building prosperous local and global communities with events that allow for reflection and action,” Jones said in the press release.

According to the press release, “The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is the only federal holiday designated

specifically for community service, adding a unique component to help participants make an impact in their communities.”

Jones said the opportunity to host this event presented itself as a way to bring the community together to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and civic service.

“I was thinking about leadership and thinking about the common good of every member of the Aggie family and Cache Valley,” Jones said. “It seemed to me this was a perfect opportunity for us to think about ways to come together with our shared sense of the Aggie family and community in Cache Valley and to provide us with a space where we can reflect on what our civic responsibilities individually, but also collectively, are.”

Other events include community remembrance sponsored by Cache Community Connection, a day of service and a community breakfast. More information on the event schedule can be found at usu.edu/dei/ engagement/walk-the-walk.

Leah Call is a senior studying print journalism.

When she is not furiously studying the AP Stylebook, she enjoys listening to the Velvet Underground and reading the wise words of Patti Smith in her beloved blue hammock.

— leah.call@usu.edu

GRAPHIC VIA UTAH STATE TODAY

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USU and Leonardo partnership inspires future scientists

People discuss and look at part of a Cessna 210 aircraft during a lab on Jan. 11.

By Ella Stott LIFESTYLES REPORTER

L

eonardo da Vinci once said, “The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.” This quote is reflected in the museum named after him in Salt Lake City, The Leonardo. People from all walks of life are welcome to come and learn about art, science and technology.

In the summer of 2023, the USU College of Engineering entered into a multi-year contract with The Leonardo.

Matt Jensen, director of marketing and public relations for the college, said the contract enabled USU to sponsor the museum’s exhibit called “Flight.” “‘Flight’ is all about aeronautics and aviation and aero-

An airplane sits in the USU aero lab located in the Technology Building.

PHOTOS BY Claire Ott

space,” Jensen said. “Everything from civilian aviation to space exploration.”

The exhibit features a restored American military aircraft from the 1950s, a C-131 and a restored Polish military aircraft from the 1980s, a MIG 21. It also hosts realistic flight simulators in the same style of those many pilots train on.

Justin Anderson, director of marketing and events for the museum, said they love having USU as a sponsor for the exhibit.

“This is just a really awesome opportunity for us to be able to offer our guests, and hopefully a lot of USU patrons,” Anderson said. “It’s an opportunity to see USU and learn a little bit about flight in a new context.”

Now, a portion of the exhibit is dedicated to USU research topics, such as space debris and composite aircraft. USU is currently working on new exhibits to be added.

“One is focused on sustainable aviation fuel, which is derived from algae and other bio-based products,” Jensen said. “The big push that we’re working on is a very complex exhibit all about supersonic aviation.”

The exhibits will tentatively be done this summer.

In addition to sponsoring the exhibit, the contract between USU and the museum offers a program called Engineer in Residence.

Doug Hunsaker, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, is the first participant of the program.

“This allows Dr. Doug Hunsaker and his team to be down here in our building, offering workshops and presentations on a recurring basis,” Anderson said. “They’re

all about aeronautics and flight and all of the cool things that they get to work with every day.”

The next upcoming Engineer in Residence event, called “Wings,” is on Jan. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is geared toward kids and youth.

“It’s all about the aerodynamics and science of wings,” Jensen said. “How wings generate lift.”

In addition to learning about wings, participants in the event will also be introduced to airplane designer computer software to learn how to analyze the performance of wings. To wrap it up, participants will get the opportunity to build their own handheld glider wing.

“We just want to make this accessible to as many people as possible,” Anderson said. “With just general admissions at the museum, they can stay and they can interact or participate in as much or as little of these workshops as they want to.”

Anderson hopes the contract between USU and The Leonardo will continue for many years to come.

“We understand that we are deriving some real benefit by being associated with an outstanding educational institution like USU, and we are so appreciative of that,” Anderson said. “We want to be very active partners.”

Jensen said he enjoys working within the partnership as well.

“We get to interact with not necessarily college students, but young people and parents and grandparents,” Jensen said. “They have an opportunity to see the USU brand and make the connection that USU and engineering are this really strong brand in the state.”

Looking forward, the Engineer in Residence program also has an activity on Jan. 27 from 1-4 p.m. called “Flight Simulation.” To find a list of the Engineer in Residence events at The Leonardo, visit engineering.usu. edu/exhibitions/the-leonardo/museum-events.

Ella Stott is a first-year student studying English and journalism because she hates money. When she’s not writing, she’s watching sitcoms, eating Greek yogurt and admiring Nebraska corn.

— ella.stott@usu.edu

By Cameron Carnes LIFESTYLES REPORTER

O

n Nov. 29, Fraser Bullock, the president and CEO of the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games, announced Utah will most likely be hosting the 2034 Olympics and Paralympics.

The last time Utah hosted the Olympics was in 2002.

Mitt Romney was on the organizing committee at the time. After the 2002 games, Romney spoke on the effects of having them hosted in Utah.

“These games changed people’s perspective on Utah,” Romney said in a press conference in 2002. “I have no doubt that these games will change this beautiful state’s reputation for the better.”

Elizabeth Richards, a USU sophomore majoring in business, said she has been a big fan of the Olympics since childhood.

“I’ve always felt like the Olympics are very special,” Richards said. “I’ve always seen them as an act of unity among many different countries.”

Richards holds vivid memories of watching the games with her family, especially figure skating.

“I remember being so excited as a kid when I went skating at the Olympic Oval in Salt Lake,” Richards said. “I think Utah hosting the games again would give everyone a reminder how beautiful it is here.”

Lucy Lind, a junior studying speech pathology, has always been a big fan of the gymnastics competitions.

“I feel like a lot of outsiders from Utah have distorted views on what this state is really about,” Lind said.

“Some people don’t realize that Utah has a lot to offer.

I think if Utah were to host the games in 2034, it would boost our reputation and show everyone that this really is a great state, regardless of the downsides that some people may see.”

According to The Salt Lake Tribune, the city’s bid to host the Olympics has been set in motion since 2012.

Originally, the exploratory committee had their eyes set on the 2030 games. However, with LA hosting the 2028 games, they decided it would best to space things out better geographically.

DESIGN BY Brenna Hiltbrand

The process of getting Utah close to being confirmed to host the 2034 games hasn’t been easy.

According to the committee, many things changed during the bidding process. Initially, bids from Vancouver, Japan, Canada and Sapporo faltered and fell through. The International Olympic Committee then decided to open up bids to more sites.

France, Switzerland and Sweden all put in bids within the past year, which left Utahns on the edge of their seats, hoping Utah would still have its chance to host.

The additional bids from other sites didn’t stop Utah from securing the spot.

According to The Salt Lake Tribune, out of the other potential sites, Utah is the only one with all of its government contracts and assurances in place that would be needed by the IOC. With that set in place, Utah was much closer to securing a spot in either the 2030 or 2034 games.

Utahns celebrated not only for the hosting spot, but for the desired year the committee had been hoping for in the first place.

It has been quite some time since Utah has hosted the games, and people are expecting good things for the state from this opportunity.

I am Lily Child. My show, Music Soup, will fill you up in more ways than one with an eclectic blend of sounds old and new.

I enjoy sharing music that might broaden your music horizons whilst I deepen my own connection and knowledge with this amazing art form that adds so much color and community to our lives!

Lifesaver Guru, Baybe

Moonshiner Bob Dylan

Angel from Montgomery Bonnie Raitt

I Would Hurt a Fly Built To Spill

1901 Phoenix Cameron Carnes is a journalism and English major. She’s most known for her love for Taylor Swift, Percy Jackson and the beach!

— a02420680@usu.edu

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SLC possibly hosting 2034 Olympics

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Bear River Land Conservancy preserves 1,000+ acres of Cache Valley land

By Lacey Cintron LIFESTYLES REPORTER

O

n Oct. 23, the Bear River Land Conservancy collaborated with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to successfully preserve over 1,000 acres of Cache County’s most significant wildlife habitat and ranchlands.

This was made possible through a conservation easement. According to the National Conservation Easement Database, easements are voluntary agreements made between a land trust and a landowner to place permanent restrictions on development in order to safeguard its conservation value.

According to their website, the BRLC is a nonprofit organization that got its start in 2011 after taking over management of The Bear River. BRLC has since been working with landowners to protect natural and cultural resources found on private land.

The project, 15 years in the making, gained official funding in 2019 from sources such as the Heart of the Rockies Initiative, LeRay McAllister Working Farm and Ranch Fund and NRCS’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.

Gabriel Murray, operations manager at the BRLC, helped facilitate the project through fundraising and leadership efforts.

“The overarching goal of an easement is land conservation,” Murray said. “Protection of habitat, agricultural values, historical values and of cultural values.”

Protection of culture, habitat and public value of privately-owned land is also the primary purpose of the BRLC.

“What we do as a land trust is we work to preserve lands,” Murray said. “Primarily we focus on those working lands that have an agricultural value but also a wildlife habitat value.”

Matt Coombs, conservation coordinator at the BRLC, was the primary project manager behind this easement.

According to Coombs, publicly owned land can be managed when it comes to environmental value, and private ownership represents a different playing field for organizations like the BRLC. “A lot of natural resources and wildlife habitat exist on private land,” Coombs said. “What we do is work with those private landowners to give up developmental rights on the property while still maintaining ownership.

They can continue their agricultural operation and keep it in their family.”

Conservation easements are the primary tool the BRLC employs to work with landowners. Each agreement is customized to suit the needs of the owner while protecting the cultural, habitat and agricultural value of the land.

“When we were able to pick the project up and get it on a path towards success — it was a lot of that due-diligence process and working back and forth with all the partners to make sure we’re checking the boxes,” Coombs said.

The owner donated 25% of the land preserved, with the other 75% funded by outside resources.

“25% is a pretty significant contribution for the landowner,” Coombs said. “The easy, profitable thing for them to do is sell the whole property, but instead they’re

making that choice. They see the importance of the land.”

Since many conservation easements rely on significant funding either from donations or from the land trust itself to compensate for the financial burden from development restrictions, Coombs said the most successful easements come from owners dedicated to preservation.

“In this case, it was very important to the landowner to see the property preserved,” Coombs said. “That’s really what it takes to get these across. It can’t just be a financial decision for them.”

Conservation easements also keep the land itself within the family. The agreement is passed down through each generation, keeping the area preserved for years to come.

“A dedicated landowner is really what made that project possible,” Murray said.

According to Coombs and Murray, the value of this land goes far beyond monetary.

“The property is used as rangeland; it’s an active agricultural operation and is part of their family ranch,” Coombs said. “It also provides significant mule deer winter habitat and habitat for other species.”

The land is also home to the Sagwitch Basin, a significant cultural site to the Northwestern band of the Shoshone nation. This conservation easement sealed decades of history that reside in this area.

“This project is unique,” Murray said. “It had this third element, which was the cultural resource value.”

After 15 years of work on preserving the area, Murray and Coombs were glad to see it come to fruition.

“We’re excited to see this project close and build on the momentum that we’ve been working to achieve over the last couple years,” Murray said. “It’s a big step forward for us as an organization.”

With this conservation easement sealed and the land safeguarded, BRLC is looking forward to creating easements in other areas across Utah via partnerships with other land trusts in places like Park City.

“We’re always asking, ‘How do we do more conservation?’” Coombs said. “‘How do we protect some of these private lands while we still have the opportunity?’ We’re lucky enough to have fairly large, intact landscapes, but if we don’t act soon and create more conservation easements, then we will miss that opportunity.”

Lacey Cintron is majoring in psychology. She loves learning about the human mind, sharing stories and naps.

— a02388032@usu.edu

A snow covered Cache Valley is seen from the Utah State University campus last week.

PHOTO BY Zach Guercio

By Jacob Casper LIFESTYLES REPORTER

U

SU has four research labs that focus on hearing loss. Each one focuses on different populations and disorders. One lab explores the experience of hearing loss in individuals and children, while another focuses on the barriers parents face while trying to get their children to wear their hearing aids.

According to their website, the mission of the Hearing Health Lab is to understand hearing loss and develop new tests for hearing. The lab researches the possible causes of hearing loss in adults, as well as noise-related hearing loss typically seen in military personnel subject to frequent loud noises.

Aryn Kamerer, an assistant professor in the audiology department, is an employee at the lab.

“My lab tries to study what’s actually going on in the inner ear and in the brain that’s causing that hearing loss,” Kamerer said. “Then developing new diagnostic tests to identify those pathologies.”

According to Kamerer, this research is important because hearing loss can affect 75% of people over the age of 65. Hearing loss also can be very isolating, cutting people off from previous activities they might have enjoyed.

Kamerer receives help with her research from the grad students in her lab, including Makenzie Meadows, a second-year student in the doctorate of audiology program.

“I like getting people’s experiences and listening to their stories,” Meadows said. “I’ve had a lot of bad medical experiences where providers just wouldn’t take me seriously or listen to my concerns.”

It isn’t always easy to find people willing to participate in a study, but this hasn’t stopped the lab.

“Most of my research involves human subjects,” Kamerer said. “The process really begins with coming up with the study and getting IRB approval for the study.”

Many of the volunteers used in research are found on campus through flyers or through the psychology department, which provides course credit to psychology majors participating in research studies.

“They actually need to physically come in,” Kamerer said. “A lot of the studies that I do, we’re measuring brain waves, and so we have to put electrodes on the head and in the ears to study it.”

At first, the research process started with simple interviews with people wanting to participate.

“I think there were 15 different participants that we saw,” Meadows said. “We just interviewed them and asked them about their experience and just shared their story with us.”

One of the main goals Kamerer hopes to accomplish through research of the inner ear and the cause of hearing loss is providing resources for others to use in their own research, and test people who could be suffering more efficiently.

“What we would like to do is develop this free automated tool that’s open source,” Kamerer said. “People can tailor it to work with whatever they want for all researchers and all clinicians that do this type of hearing test with these electrodes and brainwaves.”

Kyler Vugteveen performs an auditory brainstem response test on Makenzie Meadows.

The research hasn’t all been smooth sailing; Kamerer and her team of graduate students have had some complications in the past trying to gather information to contact people willing to share their experience from an online form.

“We don’t know if it was a bot, or if it was real people, but somebody was just spamming it,” Kamerer said. “My poor research assistant had to sift through like 500 fake responses that participated in this study to actually find people who seemed like real people to contact and interview.”

Meadows was the one who had to sort through all the possible bot entries. Out of the 500 entries, only two were possible participants.

“Finding the motivation to just keep going and continue on was kind of a struggle sometimes,” Meadows said.

Though there are setbacks and hard moments when conducting research, Kamerer and her team find reasons to continue their work to help improve people’s lives.

“What I love about my job in general as a research scientist is that I get to do something new every day, and I get paid to learn stuff that I’m interested in,” Kamerer said.

For Meadows, it has helped her better understand what is expected after graduation.

“It’s really helped me grow, not only as a student, but also as a future clinician,” Meadows said. “Being able to

PHOTO COURTESY OF Aryn Kamerer

do research and see how hard it is and see how challenging it is and how much time it takes really puts it more into perspective.”

Jacob Casper is majoring in English with an emphasis in creative writing. When he’s not working, he hangs out with his wife. Jacob is an avid hoodie, card and board game collector, all of which are slowly draining him of all funds.

— a02357545@usu.edu

Page 9 - The Utah Statesman, January 15, 2024

USU audiology labs research hearing impairment

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EOD dog Zoomer detects bombs before games

By Jack Johnson SPORTS EDITOR

T

he Utah State University Police Department has Cache Valley’s only bomb-sniffing dog, a five-and-a-half-year-old male English Labrador named Zoomer.

Zoomer lives and works with Sgt. Scott Murray. Murray said the department got Zoomer in 2020 when he was just over two years old.

The department wanted a Labrador specifically for their skills in odor detection.

“Labs, they’re bred to hunt. They’re hunting dogs, and they have very good noses,” Murray said.

One of Zoomer’s jobs is to sniff out Maverik Stadium and the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum before games.

Murray and Zoomer choose specific spots, such as the concourse areas and garbage cans, and they always check the press box. They also check the flowerbeds outside the stadium, the athletes’ locker rooms and the tunnels to the court.

Since Zoomer is the only explosives ordnance detection, or EOD, dog in the valley, he and Murray also respond to any bomb threats called into the police department.

Zoomer gets rewarded after correctly identifying a used explosive during a practice run in the Spectrum.

In an email to the Utah Statesman, Murray specified the certifications an EOD dog must have.

“The dog is evaluated on his ability to recognize odors,” Murray wrote. “The other part of the certification process is does the handler (me) recognize the change of behavior the dog demonstrates when he is in odor and upon a final indication, can I say the dog has located odor.”

PHOTOS BY Heidi Bingham

Murray said he is always asked if he ever found anything in real life.

“Thankfully, no. I hope I never do,” he said. “The purpose of him is to provide some peace to the guests that are going to come to our games.”

Currently, Zoomer and Murray both are certified through Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training, Vohne Liche Kennels and American Working Dog. Training happens every moment Zoomer is out of his kennel.

“There’s half a dozen places around campus that are his favorite place to do his business,” Murray said. “So, if I can go put something out [a used explosive] in that area beforehand, and let him go back to take a break, it just helps him understand that ‘Anytime I am out of the truck, my nose should be working.’”

Murray uses highly monitored leftover explosives to train Zoomer, including C4, nitroglycerin dynamite, TNT, Semtex, and gunpowder. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives monitors all explosives throughout the country, including the partial bombs used to train Zoomer.

Murray and other USU officers rotate training Zoomer every Monday.

Zoomer’s reward for doing a good job is a tennis ball.

So, when Murray is working, Zoomer is playing.

“A tennis ball, that’s his reward,” Murray said. “Once he finds an explosive, he won’t leave that spot until he gets his tennis ball.”

Murray described Zoomer as “man’s best friend.”

“I can just be walking in the parking lot or backyard, and I say ‘Hey’ — he just knows, ‘What do you need?’”

Murray said. “Dogs have souls. I know they do.”

Jack Johnson is a senior studying English and history. When he is not staring at the ceiling, he enjoys keeping his body active, reading and watching sports.

— jack.johnson@usu.edu

Zoomer, an EOD bomb dog who works for the USU police department, sniffs a garbage can in the Spectrum before a men’s basketball game.

Jaden Colunga swings at a pitch in a game during her Spring 2023 season.

By Henry Wright SPORTS REPORTER

D

espite the snowfall in Logan between semesters, members of Utah State’s softball team are gearing up for the season. One player head coach Todd Judge expects to be a mainstay in the Aggies’ lineup is sophomore outfielder Jaden Colunga.

Colunga is coming off a breakout freshman season in which she hit .327 with 23 RBIs, eight doubles, and three home runs while winning the Mountain West Freshman of the Year Award. Colunga attributed her success to her coaches instilling a translated mindset she grew to a collegiate level.

PHOTO COURTESY USU Athletics Colunga on base at a game during her Spring 2023 season.

PHOTO COURTESY USU Athletics

“I would say I always attack the first pitch if I can,” Colunga said. “Being aggressive is always my biggest thing because I was always in the middle of the lineup where I have to bring in runners. I don’t really care for home runs, I just want to get on base as much as I can.”

Colunga grew up in Colton, California in a family with baseball as a staple of her early family life.

“I was the first girl in my family, so everyone else played baseball,” Colunga said. “I trained with my older cousin who played baseball at Long Beach State, so I thought that if he could do it, so could I, but I’m just going to do it in a different way.”

Colunga’s background playing baseball growing up has translated into how she approaches her game as a softball player.

“I think everything from my swing, my approach, my gameplay is really similar to baseball style,” Colunga said.

“The sports are different, but at the same time, it’s still a competition. You have a whole team out on the field, but it’s still just you against the pitcher when you step up to the plate.”

Utah State’s softball team underwent a coaching change when Todd Judge was hired in June. For Judge, Colunga immediately stood out as he got familiar with the roster he was inheriting.

“Immediately I was drawn to her average, and her home runs and RBIs,” Judge said. “The numbers and what I saw with my own eyes from film led me to think that I’m pretty lucky here to have this kid on my team.”

Judge arrived at Utah State after previously being on

Brigham Young University’s coaching staff. Colunga suffered a groin injury which kept her out of competitions in the summer and fall, but her swing stood out to Judge in the short time they’ve been together.

“She’s just really short and quick to the ball. She’s the type of kid that can hit very high-level pitching because she has no flaws in her swing,” Judge said. “A lot of kids have some flaws in their swings, and they can get hits off some of the bad pitching. Jaden’s swing is basically conducive to being set up to hit high-level Division I pitching.”

Despite only being a sophomore, the lack of experience on Utah State’s roster allows Colunga to be a leader both on and off the field regardless of her age. The Aggies only have three senior or graduate students on the team, and Judge is looking for Colunga’s leadership skills to grow.

“She needs to take a bigger leadership role within the framework of the team. I think as a freshman, she never thought that way,” Judge said. “It’s not usually that your sophomores are leaders, but I think she could take a big leadership role for the team because she does everything the right way.”

Colunga also has been taking steps to break out of her shell this year. Starting last fall, she became an active participant in Utah State’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, or SAAC. Each scholarship sport at USU has players represent the team during different service projects and social activities while also providing feedback to the athletics department about issues involving athletes.

“I thought it would be good for me to go experience things with other athletes; go hang out, kind of put myself out there a lot more because I was very timid and shy last year, so I did not want to go out,” Colunga said. “I really like it, and I think it does reach out more to the community and how they really see us as athletes.”

Colunga has spent the last four months recovering from her injury, but she is not satisfied with simply replicating the season she had last year.

“I did win Mountain West Freshman of the Year, but at the same time, that’s last year. That’s past me,” Colunga said. “This year, I’m here to help the team, and I really want to lead the way into a championship series.”

Utah State begins its season on Feb. 9 against Portland State in the Lynn Russell Miller Classic in Riverside, California.

Henry Wright is a junior studying political science, American studies and anticipatory intelligence. He loves to travel, watch sports and spend time outdoors.

— henry.wright@usu.edu

Page 11 - The Utah Statesman, January 15, 2024

Jaden Colunga looks to improve on freshman campaign

Page 12 - The Utah Statesman, January 15, 202

Dear Aggie is the Statesman’s anonymous advice column. Send any burning questions or restless thoughts to dearaggie@usustatesman.com.

DEAR ROMANTIC,

he accepts, that’s great! Have a great time on the date,

I’ve been there. A gold star for sticking it out!

reciprocation after two dates is your signal to move on.

and after that, the ball is firmly in his court. A lack of

The beginning of a potential relationship can be chal-

lenging — what you’re expecting in terms of reciprocation

DEAR AGGIE,

might not be what the other person is used to. Even if you feel like you have been really clear about showing your

All I see is couples everywhere. :/ Honestly the amount

If he declines but offers to reschedule, that’s a good sign

he’s interested. If he declines and doesn’t offer an alternative, consider that your sign to find someone new.

There’s also nothing wrong with being more direct about

interest, he may be second-guessing it.

it. Sending a quick text like “Hey! I had a great time last

ly I am single and looking for love. I really like this guy,

give up quite yet. There’s nothing wrong with you initiat-

him an opportunity to take some initiative or to politely

time, but he hasn’t texted me or made any plans yet.

tempting as it is, try not to make assumptions about what

of PDA on campus right now is through the roof. CurrentI’ve already asked him out and I thought he had a good

ing a second date, and you’re the brave one if you do. As

Should I wait it out and hope that he’s going to ask me

out, or should I invite him to more things? Or should I just

give up on this guy completely and find someone new, and if so, how?

But most things need more than one try, so I wouldn’t

he may be thinking. There’s just as much of a chance he wants to go out again and isn’t sure how to proceed as there is that he isn’t interested.

Waiting around for someone to read your mind gets

pretty exhausting, so if you decide to give it another go,

Sincerely,

Hopeless Romantic

week. Would you be interested in going out again?” gives decline. Being upfront about your interest level can be

intimidating, but you’ll find it’s much easier than danc-

ing around the issue or trying to read several layers into cryptic text messages. The sooner you have an honest

conversation, the quicker you can jump into getting to know each other better or moving on.

Dating is hard, especially when it seems like everyone

set yourself a deadline for an action: e.g., I will wait until

else has got it figured out. Just remember — you are not

reached out, I’ll text him and invite him to something. If

and they’re all cheering you on!

Wednesday to see if he initiates anything; if he hasn’t

the exception. There are a lot of people in the same boat,

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Page 13 - The Utah Statesman, January 15, 2024

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Page 14 - The Utah Statesman, January 15, 202

C O R R A L L I N G the C O W B O Y S

Zachary Guercio is a first-year student studying either graphic design or computer science. He is often seen speeding around campus on his electric longboard.

-a02415790@usu.edu

Sudoku puzzles are provided by www.sudokuoftheday.com.

Page 15 - The Utah Statesman, January 15, 2024

Last week’s solution:

PHOTO BY Zachary Guercio

Page 16 - The Utah Statesman, January 15, 202