Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
On Utah’s Capitol Hill, Trace Taylor, with fellow physics scholar Ashley Bahora, presents “Advanced Analysis through Database Visualization of the Charging Properties of Materials in Extreme Environments.”
“We exploring how to mitigate spacecraft charging issues and other harmful exposures that endanger spacecraft and human space travelers in the harsh environment beyond Earth’s safe harbor,” he says.
USU physics professor J.R. Dennison, who has mentored Taylor in research during the past four and a half years, says the undergrad is an outstanding researcher and scholar.
“Trace joined my Materials Physics Group as a freshman, and has established himself as a hard-working and conscientious researcher,” Dennison says. “He’s a quick learner, a keen observer, an exceptional team member and just plain fun to work with.”
Among Taylor’s first research projects was an analysis of materials that actually flew in space. His study of remnants from a spacecraft marooned in space nearly six years yielded the first of his peer-reviewed articles published in professional journals. The undergrad is currently preparing three additional articles for submission later this year.
“Trace has received an impressive number of competitive awards during his undergraduate career that he’s put to good use,” Dennison says. “In addition to the Peak Fellowship, he received the Eccles Undergraduate Research Fellowship, the Department of Physics’ Harold Blood Undergraduate Research Fellowship and the Utah Innovation Scholarship.”
Dennison notes Taylor is also a recipient of USU’s highly competitive Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunities (URCO) grant. Further, Taylor was selected for a summer internship at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California.
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Since 1888, Utah State University established itself as a premier research institution known through the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. USU’s main campus is in Logan, plus 30 campuses throughout Utah. And as long as WiFi is available, you can be an Aggie anywhere through USU Online.
USU competes in 16 NCAA Division I sports. Our student section, the HURD, is one of the loudest and rowdiest in the nation. The diehards become True Aggies by kissing on the block “A” on Homecoming. Adrenaline junkies sled down Old Main hill between classes or rock climb outside. And everyone eats Aggie Ice Cream — even with a foot of snow on the ground.
#7 Best Bang for the Buck in the West - Washington Monthly
#8 Public University in the Nation - Washington Monthly
#11 Best Online Bachelor's Program - U.S. News & World Report
There’s a place for you at Utah State. Join us.
https://usu.edu/admissions/aggielife/
Follow Us
FB: facebook.com/UtahState
IG: instagram.com/USUAggielife
TW: twitter.com/USUAggies
USU is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
On Utah’s Capitol Hill, Trace Taylor, with fellow physics scholar Ashley Bahora, presents “Advanced Analysis through Database Visualization of the Charging Properties of Materials in Extreme Environments.”
“We exploring how to mitigate spacecraft charging issues and other harmful exposures that endanger spacecraft and human space travelers in the harsh environment beyond Earth’s safe harbor,” he says.
USU physics professor J.R. Dennison, who has mentored Taylor in research during the past four and a half years, says the undergrad is an outstanding researcher and scholar.
“Trace joined my Materials Physics Group as a freshman, and has established himself as a hard-working and conscientious researcher,” Dennison says. “He’s a quick learner, a keen observer, an exceptional team member and just plain fun to work with.”
Among Taylor’s first research projects was an analysis of materials that actually flew in space. His study of remnants from a spacecraft marooned in space nearly six years yielded the first of his peer-reviewed articles published in professional journals. The undergrad is currently preparing three additional articles for submission later this year.
“Trace has received an impressive number of competitive awards during his undergraduate career that he’s put to good use,” Dennison says. “In addition to the Peak Fellowship, he received the Eccles Undergraduate Research Fellowship, the Department of Physics’ Harold Blood Undergraduate Research Fellowship and the Utah Innovation Scholarship.”
Dennison notes Taylor is also a recipient of USU’s highly competitive Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunities (URCO) grant. Further, Taylor was selected for a summer internship at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California.
–––––––––––
Since 1888, Utah State University established itself as a premier research institution known through the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. USU’s main campus is in Logan, plus 30 campuses throughout Utah. And as long as WiFi is available, you can be an Aggie anywhere through USU Online.
USU competes in 16 NCAA Division I sports. Our student section, the HURD, is one of the loudest and rowdiest in the nation. The diehards become True Aggies by kissing on the block “A” on Homecoming. Adrenaline junkies sled down Old Main hill between classes or rock climb outside. And everyone eats Aggie Ice Cream — even with a foot of snow on the ground.
#7 Best Bang for the Buck in the West - Washington Monthly
#8 Public University in the Nation - Washington Monthly
#11 Best Online Bachelor's Program - U.S. News & World Report
There’s a place for you at Utah State. Join us.
https://usu.edu/admissions/aggielife/
Follow Us
FB: facebook.com/UtahState
IG: instagram.com/USUAggielife
TW: twitter.com/USUAggies
USU is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
