From DNA forensics to energy research, game-based learning and student ventures, Boise State Explore 2012 highlights the dynamism of research endeavors across campus.

The latest issue of Explore, the university’s flagship research publication, is now available at boisestate.edu/research. A limited number of print copies also are available and may be ordered by clicking on the “subscribe” button on the website.

“The strength of Boise State’s research programs, and the excellence of our faculty and students, are the underlying theme of this issue of Explore,” said Mark Rudin, vice president for research and economic development and the magazine’s executive editor. “I hope our campus community, as well as the larger community, enjoys reading this issue.”

The cover story features biology and criminal justice professor Greg Hampikian and his research in DNA forensics, including his role in the release last fall of American college student Amanda Knox from an Italian prison after her murder conviction was overturned. The case received international media attention, and Hampikian was interviewed on CNN, Nightline, Good Morning America and other media outlets about the role DNA evidence played in the Knox case and why his analysis showed it was suspect.

A story on the fusion of research and teaching features the research of geosciences professor Kasper van Wijk, marketing and finance professor Doug Lincoln, chemistry professor Ken Cornell and a number of others. Another story focuses on energy-related research at Boise State, including engineering professor Darryl Butt’s research in advanced materials, political science professor Susan Mason’s research on urban environments and biology professor Kevin Feris’s research to develop biofuels from algae grown in manure slurry.

Boise State research to develop a game-based learning platform, led by educational technology professor Lisa Dawley and lecturer Chris Haskell, is explored in an article titled “A Quest for Fun.” Also featured is an article on a new book by history professor Jill K. Gill, titled “Embattled Ecumenism: The National Council of Churches, the Vietnam War and the Trials of the Protestant Left,” and stories on student research ventures, art professor John Francis, psychology professor Pennie Seibert and other faculty.

In addition to the online issue of Boise State Explore, copies of the print edition are mailed to research universities across the United States, distributed by university faculty to their peers at national and international conferences and technical meetings, and made available to deans’ offices at Boise State. The magazine is produced by the Division of Research and Economics with support from the Office of Communications and Marketing. Boise State Explore is a member publication of the University Research Magazine Association.