A Message About This Issue From
STEADMAN UPHAM
Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Education
and
Dean of the Graduate School
Research at the University of Oregon touches the people of Oregon in vital and
important ways. While much of the work we undertake entails basic
research exploring the frontiers of knowledge, we are equally devoted to
application and delivery of our researchthrough patents, licenses, and
other intellectual propertydirectly to business and industry in the
state. Other activities of our researchers create programs that improve
the state's social and economic well-being and help Oregonians achieve a
better quality of life. The research presented in this issue of INQUIRY
embodies all of these ideals.
At the University of Oregon, we also undertake research to improve the
quality of our teaching. Whether we talk about early intervention
strategies that aid people with developmental disabilities or about the
experimental new technologyknown as "crystal memory"that
promises to revolutionize data storage, we are concerned that research
at the UO has direct relevance to our teaching mission and our
instructional programs. We engage in primary research to improve the
learning environment for students.
That these activities stretch beyond the walls of the university is
testament to the high quality of our faculty and staff and to our
commitment to improving the lives of all Oregonians.