Research Spotlights
Explore Boise State University’s research and creative activity highlights—a curated collection of groundbreaking research. Dive into the innovative projects, cutting-edge findings, and transformative impacts shaping the future for Idaho and beyond.
Experience knowledge in action.
Boise’s backyard astronauts
Imagine yourself on a celestial journey with Boise State’s NASA Spacesuit User Interface Technologies for Students (S.U.I.T.S) team, NASA Micro-g Neutral Buoyancy Experiment Design Teams (Micro-g NExT), and Autonomous Robotic Systems team as they turn Steve Swanson’s backyard into a lunar testing ground for cutting-edge space technology. Witness NASA astronauts exploring augmented reality displays and guiding mini ‘moon rovers.’
Boise’s backyard astronautsHow artificial intelligence could scrap humanity’s ability to lie
In a world increasingly entwined with artificial intelligence, Boise State’s Steven Hyde explores the profound impact of deception-detecting algorithms.
Collaborating with researchers from the University of Texas San Antonio, Arizona State University, and the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Hyde’s study delves into how AI, by analyzing linguistic cues, identifies CEOs’ lies with up to 84% accuracy.
As technology advances, the potential societal implications of this truth-unveiling capability raise critical questions about the balance between transparency and privacy.
Read on: How artificial intelligence could scrap humanity’s ability to lie
Feathers of gold and lead: alum soars with Raptor View Research Institute
In the rugged landscapes of Montana’s Rocky Mountains, Boise State alum Brian Busby, now a biologist with the Raptor View Research Institute, employs a meticulously camouflaged trapping blind.
His mission: studying and safeguarding golden eagles, whose intelligence and resilience make them elusive targets.
Busby’s Boise State education, particularly in raptor research, laid the foundation for his crucial role in conserving North America’s largest eagle species.
Feathers of gold and lead: alum soars with Raptor View Research InstituteBoise’s Public Enemy #1: the Goathead puncturevine
In Boise, the invasive goathead puncturevine wreaks havoc on bike tires, wheelchairs, and even puppy paws. Originating from Europe in the 1800s, the weed thrives in the Treasure Valley’s arid landscapes.
Boise State researchers reveal a startling connection between the prevalence of goatheads and lower property values, suggesting a disproportionate impact on economically vulnerable communities.
Their study, backed by Boise’s Weed Warriors program and a $56,000 grant, aims to combat transportation inequity by mapping and eradicating goathead hotspots in marginalized neighborhoods.
Research strengthens Idaho YMCA older adult exercise engagement strategy
In a bid to enhance the well-being of older adults in Idaho’s Treasure Valley, Boise State psychology professor Mary Pritchard and student Susan Copple collaborated with the Idaho Treasure Valley YMCA.
Their study, spanning the 2022-2023 academic year, surveyed 12,295 YMCA members aged 60 and over, shedding light on the factors inspiring and sustaining older adults’ engagement in exercise classes.