(Photo by: Raychel Johnson) President Wight learns about Scott Nagaos undergraduate research project on frog skin disease.

On Thursday morning at Capitol Hill, purple Wildcat ice cream was given to members of the Utah Legislature by Weber State University alumni groups and undergraduate students presenting research projects.

The WSU Day at the Capitol underwent its 10thyear with 21 different undergraduate research posters and 19 projects. Many students were at the Capitol presenting for their first time. WSU President Charles Wight, also a first-timer, went around to each research poster to learn more. He said the variety of subjects represented was incredible and that most of the students at the event are finishing up and going on to medical school or graduate school.

Oh, its amazing, said Wight, surrounded by a sea of purple ties and jackets worn by WSU alumni supporters and students. It really shows what Weber State students can accomplish as part of their undergraduate education.

The emeritus alumni have been part of the WSU Day at the Capitol since its beginning. In previous years, they would journey up to the Capitol to speak with Utah lawmakers and remind the legislature about WSU issues. Now, for the fourth year in a row, the alumni group has invited undergraduate students to present their research projects in the rotunda of the Capitol building and hopefully gain the attention of the Utah legislative body.

Wight met with the emeritus alumni last night to discuss where WSU sits on the legislative agenda and what messages to give to legislatures in order to support WSU in the 2013 legislative session.

I think we have great support from our local legislatures, and a lot of them are in leadership positions, Wight said. There is a lot of uncertainty now about not only the state budget, but the federal budget, and so its hard to be really predictive about whats going to happen as the final outcome, but I know we have great support.

The planning class in the geography department assisted students with their undergraduate research project. Brad McIlrath, a WSU student, helped with the project titled Ogden WSU Intermodal Hub Site Plan. The project highlighted a new plan for a WSU center in downtown Ogden where there will be a testing center and dorm-style housing. The project also highlighted a new bus route or streetcar that would travel from WSUs Ogden campus to downtown.

Although a lack of funding prevents this plan from actually occurring, McIlrath said that, as economic development increases, public transit and mass transit becomes extremely important. He also said presenting the project would help him prepare for a job in the future.

Its going to be valuable in that aspect, and I think its going to be even more valuable in trying to help Ogden City revitalize its downtown area, McIlrath said. This is what Weber State is doing, and this is applicable to real life.

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Undergrad presentations seek legislative attention