Located in the heart of Utah County, Utah Valley University is committed to student success. We provide real-world learning experiences near Utah’s tech epicenter and growing job market, along with a vibrant social scene. With a range of support centers and tailored academic advising, UVU invites students to come as they are and leave prepared to make a difference in the world.



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What Does an AI Data Center Really Cost the Environment?

UVU expert Hilary Hungerford examines the environmental footprint behind the AI boom.

Faculty Member

Water and International Development

Urban Geography

Climate Change

Sustainability

Human Geography

Artificial intelligence may live in the cloud, but the infrastructure powering it has a very real footprint on the ground.

As the race to build the massive data centers needed to support AI accelerates, their demands on electricity, water and local infrastructure are drawing increasing attention. Reuters reports that proposed AI data centers in Silicon Valley are facing resistance from residents and environmental groups concerned about water consumption, energy use, air pollution and the broader impact on their communities.

Those concerns are becoming increasingly relevant as communities across the country weigh the economic opportunities associated with AI infrastructure against its environmental costs.

  Dr. Hilary Hungerford is a human geographer whose research explores the relationships between people and their environments, with a particular focus on the role of water in shaping those connections. She is an expert in the areas of human geography, sustainability, climate change, urban geography, and the geography of Utah. View her profile Dr. Hilary Hungerford, a professor of geography at Utah Valley University, studies the intersection between people and their environments, with particular expertise in water, sustainability and urban geography. Her research has examined water use by the technology industry in Utah and the relationship between water, infrastructure and technology industries in urban environments.

 Her expertise raises important questions as the AI data center boom continues: How much pressure can these facilities place on local water and energy supplies? What does rapid data center development mean for communities already facing water constraints? And how should cities balance economic development with sustainability and the long-term availability of natural resources?

As communities confront the physical infrastructure required to power the AI revolution, Hungerford can provide important context on the environmental impacts that can accompany technological growth.

If you’re interested in speaking with Hilary Hungerford about data centers, water use, sustainability and the environmental impact of the AI boom, click on her profile below.


think-you-can-spot-an-ai-deepfake-new-research-says-think-again

Think You Can Spot an AI Deepfake? New Research Says Think Again

UVU research examines what AI-generated political content could mean for election security.

Director of the Emerging Tech Policy Program

Artificial Intelligence Security & Policy

Malicious Disinformation

Cybersecurity Policy

Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity

Cyberwarfare

Cyber Espionage

Advanced Tech Security

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly visible part of the political information landscape. AI-generated campaign advertising is already appearing in U.S. races, while concerns about deepfakes, misinformation and election security are receiving growing attention.

 But what happens when voters simply can't tell what is real?

New research led by Brandon Amacher, Director of Utah Valley University's Emerging Tech Policy Lab, offers a striking look at that question. The study involved 632 participants from a politically representative sample of the U.S. population and compared reactions to authentic political videos with AI-generated versions.

    Brandon Amacher is Director of the Emerging Tech Policy Lab at Utah Valley University, where he leads research and technical intelligence initiatives focused on protecting U.S. national security and assessing the strategic impact of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other advanced technologies.  View his profile Researchers found no statistically significant difference in the ability of authentic and deepfake videos to change participants' previously held opinions. Perhaps more concerning, participants struggled to identify the synthetic content even after being told they may have encountered a deepfake.
 The findings raise timely questions as voters encounter more AI-generated material online: Can voters still trust what they see? Are traditional approaches to media literacy enough? And what can election officials, technology companies and policymakers do as synthetic media becomes increasingly convincing?

Amacher can provide insight into the research, the rapidly changing deepfake landscape and what AI-generated media could mean for election security and public trust.

If you're interested in speaking with Brandon Amacher, click on his profile below.


gas-prices-inflation-and-the-economy-whats-behind-the-numbers

Gas Prices, Inflation and the Economy: What’s Behind the Numbers?

UVU economy expert Cary Wasden can help explain what rising prices mean for consumers.

Professional in Residence, Woodbury School of Business

From the price at the pump to the cost of groceries, borrowing and everyday purchases, the economy is once again front and centee in the news and in household budgets.

 The latest Consumer Price Index shows U.S. inflation running at 3.4% year over year, while gasoline prices have risen sharply. The impact extends well beyond what drivers pay to fill their tanks. Energy costs can ripple through transportation, supply chains, businesses and ultimately the prices consumers see elsewhere.

 It also raises bigger questions: What is driving the latest inflationary pressure? How significant are rising fuel prices to the broader economy? Why can economic indicators appear relatively strong while consumers remain concerned about their finances? And what should people be watching in the months ahead?


 Cary Wasden, Ph.D. has served as a Professional in Residence in the Finance and Economics Department at Utah Valley University since 2015, where he brings extensive international business and financial industry experience into the classroom. He is s an expert in investment banking and management of financial institutions.  View his profile Cary Wasden, a finance and economics expert at Utah Valley University, can provide context and perspective on the economic forces behind the headlines and help audiences better understand what the latest numbers mean for consumers, businesses and the broader economy.

If you’re interested in speaking with Cary Wasden about inflation, gasoline prices, consumer spending or the economy, click on his profile below to arrange an interview today.


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