March 13, 2025
Utah Valley University’s (UVU) College of Science (COS) recently hosted a trip to Sundance Mountain Resort. This unique event combined skiing with an in-depth look at the college’s mission, impact, and opportunities for support.
“The UVU College of Science builds the scientific economy and scientific literacy of the Wasatch Front region and beyond,” Daniel Horns, dean of the UVU College of Science, said. “We hope this opportunity to gather and enjoy an activity that is very unique to Utah will open doors for collaboration and inspire further partnerships with community leaders.”
The day began with guests enjoying a morning of skiing with UVU and COS leadership. After the morning ski session, guests were invited to lunch at the Foundry Grill, where UVU professor Dr. Matt Olsen and UVU student Kaya Frazier presented COS’s research in Sundance. Their presentations highlighted the college’s efforts to understand snow accumulation, water resources, and climate impact. Both emphasized the vital role of UVU’s undergraduate research in shaping scientific advancements and environmental sustainability in Utah.
“In Utah, changes in snowpack are crucial for both the local environment and how society functions,” Olsen said. “At UVU, students have the unique opportunity to be a part of research that will help guide how we manage water now and in the future. This is only possible with support from community partners.”
The work that UVU pursues in Sundance is critical to Utah and beyond. Many states rely on their snowpack every winter for most of their water resources. UVU, along with other universities, has started to focus on the effect that dust has on the snowpack, which is a relatively new consideration in snow science. Tracking dust layers in the snowpack allows researchers to understand how the energy changes affect the balance in water supply. Understanding this within the snowpack helps estimate how much water there will be each year, allowing for smart water management.
“UVU’s undergraduate research provides so much for me,” Frazier said. “It gives me mentorship, networking, and fieldwork opportunities. I can also use this to build my resume for graduate school and the workforce. Lastly, lab experiences related to what I learn in the classroom allow me to fully understand the concepts and their real-world applications.”
After lunch, guests skied to UVU's research site, where they saw firsthand where researchers take snow samples and conduct studies on snow accumulation and conditions. This immersive experience allowed attendees to gain a deeper understanding of the team’s scientific process.
The College of Science is grateful for the engagement and enthusiasm of its supporters and looks forward to continued collaboration in advancing science education and innovation. Events like these strengthen relationships and create meaningful opportunities to invest in Utah’s future and UVU students. For more information about the UVU College of Science, please visit uvu.edu/college-of-science.
