The University of Utah boasts a rich research legacy, continually advancing thanks to the dedication of its students, faculty, staff, and supporters. Research at the U remains vibrant, with ongoing efforts poised to yield new innovations and discoveries that benefit society.
In an effort to spotlight the diverse array of research endeavors at our institution, the Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR) and the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) are highlighting various researchers who are driving forward our university’s studies and potential breakthroughs. Here are some of the U’s Research Trailblazers:
Dr. Jorie M. Butler, an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Informatics and Department of Internal Medicine Geriatrics Division, recently secured an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) grant for the project titled “An Age-Friendly Learning Healthcare System: A Transformative Digital Solution for Geriatrics Clinics.” Dr. Butler, along with co-PI Dr. Ken Kawamoto, received funding to develop and test innovative health information technology tools that support outpatient geriatrics care. This project aims to enhance patient-centered care for older adults by leveraging patient-generated health data (PGHD) and electronic health record (EHR) data to facilitate shared decision-making between clinicians and patients.
Meanwhile, Dr. Manish Parashar, Director of the Scientific Computing and Imaging (SCI) Institute, Chair in Computational Science and Engineering, and Presidential Professor in the School of Computing, recently received the 2024 Distinguished Service Award from the Computing Research Association (CRA). This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Parashar’s significant contributions to computing research, particularly in the field of cyberinfrastructure, which have had a profound impact on both academia and society. His leadership and achievements have advanced computational and data-enabled science and engineering on a global scale.
Additionally, Jaclyn Wright, Assistant Professor of Photography in the Department of Art & Art History, has garnered recognition for her work. Her monograph, “High Visibility (Blaze Orange),” published by GOST Books, explores the impacts of late capitalism and settler colonialism on the landscape of the U.S. West through photographic installations created from debris collected from improvised gun ranges. Wright’s series has been featured in prestigious exhibitions, including Foam Talent 2024-25 and Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam, underscoring the critical role of photography in documenting and interrogating land use practices.
These exemplary researchers exemplify the University of Utah’s commitment to excellence in scholarship and innovation, driving forward our mission to create knowledge that positively impacts our world.
