University of Idaho researchers will present their work during the fourth annual Power of Possibility, or POP, Talks on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
The event will take place in the Bruce M. Pitman Center International Ballroom and will be streamed at go.uidaho.edu/live. Eight faculty members will each deliver a four-minute presentation.
Topics include wildfire smoke, agricultural robotics, injury prevention, mental health treatment and rural health care access.
Christopher Nomura, the University of Idaho’s vice president for research and economic development, will emcee the event. “POP Talks gives people a chance to follow their curiosity into fields they might never have explored,” Nomura said.
Presenters and research topics
Barrie Robison studies artificial intelligence applications intended to reduce paperwork for university employees. Leda Kobziar examines how wildfire smoke transports living bacteria and fungi.
Marz Everett develops understandable and trustworthy artificial intelligence tools for agriculture and manufacturing. Tom Jacobsen introduces students to agricultural technology through soil-monitoring and plant-watering robots.
Joshua Bailey studies human movement to identify injury risks and improve training. Colin Xu examines why mental health treatments produce different results for different people.
Nicholas Coombs studies barriers to health care, with particular attention to rural communities. Andy Kliskey helps communities prepare for changes involving water, energy and other resources.
After the final presentation, attendees can vote for their favorite talk. The winning presenter will receive a $2,500 grant.
Students attending in person will also be entered into a drawing for one of two $1,000 scholarships. Simona Picardi won the 2025 POP Talks event and received a $2,500 grant.
Additional information is available at go.uidaho.edu/poptalks.