2024 STEM-NET Student Summer Research Program Showcase (Group 2)

Congratulations to our STEM-NET Summer Student Research program recipients! STEM-NET awarded $3,750 to each of seven students to conduct undergraduate research for the summer 2024 term. These funds support students conducting research under the guidance of a CSU faculty member. After their research projects, they will present their findings at a virtual event Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 11 am.

Schedule & Agenda

Time	Introduction and Welcome
11:02 AM	Dr. Frank A. Gomez STEM-NET Executive Director

Time	Student Presenters
11:02 AM	Marlen Nava College Level: Senior Campus: CSU Dominguez Hills College: College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences Department: Psychology Presentation Title: "Don’t Forget to Breathe!: The Lasting Effects of Meditation on Academic-Related Cognitive Outcomes" Biography: “I constantly challenge myself to push beyond my physical and mental limits, expanding my comfort zone. I love witnessing personal growth through education and how it enhances my skills and abilities to accomplish whatever I set my mind to. My ultimate goal is to pursue a career in organizational psychology. The research experience made possible through STEM-NET funding will provide crucial financial support, allowing me to continue my studies and earn my bachelor's degree. Additionally, it will help me develop competitive skills that will set me apart when applying for a master's program. I look forward to other opportunities that will guide me toward my future career. Through this experience, I also hope to network with like-minded individuals and learn from students in other disciplines.”
11:10 AM	Michelle Saint College Level: Sophomore Campus: CSU Dominguez Hills College: College of Natural & Behavioral Sciences Department: Chemistry Presentation Title: Investigating the Impact of Electrical & Heat Stress on Human Cell Lines: A Biomarker & Biophysical Approach Biography: “I’m a second-year undergrad student at CSU Dominguez Hills with a major in General Chemistry. I aspire to have a career in forensic science, and plan on studying forensic science in the future. Lastly, I chose to participate in student research to gain experience in the lab and create valuable connections with my colleagues.”
11:18 AM	Axel Tristan College Level: Junior Campus: Cal Poly Humboldt College: College of Natural Resources and Sciences Department: Wildlife Presentation Title: "Amphibian Pathogen Surveillance: Bsal Detection in the Arcata Community Forest." Biography: “My name is Axel Tristan, and I am a 23-year-old undergraduate student at Cal Poly Humboldt, studying in the College of Natural Resources with a focus on Wildlife. My long-term goal is to earn a master’s degree in a wildlife-related field and build a career in game animal management. This would include conservation, habitat restoration, and effective policy implementation, all with the aim of working alongside nature, rather than exploiting natural resources without regard for sustainability. Through this experience, I hope to gain a deeper, practical understanding of wildlife research and science, while expanding my knowledge in the field. As an undergraduate, opportunities for this level of hands-on experience are rare, so I am incredibly grateful for this one and plan to use it to advance my future endeavors.”
11:26 AM	Ashley Robinson College Level: Junior Campus: Cal State Fullerton College: Natural Sciences and Mathematics Department: Physics Presentation Title: "Harnessing the Collective Motion of the Nematode, T. aceti , to Produce Work" Biography: “I am a third-year physics and philosophy undergraduate student at California State University, Fullerton. I have worked alongside my research professor, Anton Peshkov for two years studying a naturally occurring phenomenon within the field of biophysics. My research is centered around replicating conditions in which this phenomenon occurs in hopes of investigating its origin and any implications it may have on the field of bio-physics. Using my experience in research, I plan to pursue a higher degree in physics or biophysics and hopefully contribute to the advancement of either field.”
11:34 AM	Javier Villalvazo College Level: Junior Campus: Cal Poly Humboldt College: College of Biological Sciences Department: Zoology Presentation Title: "Tolerance to Copper-based Toxins in Invasive Bryozoans in the Genus Watersipora" Biography: “I am a California-accredited paramedic with a desire to stay in my small community after completing my studies. While I’m still undecided about whether to pursue veterinary or human medicine, I know that my future will involve helping my community. As a first-generation college student, I fully recognize how fortunate I am to be in this position, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. I also have two wonderful dogs, Beanie and Brutus, who inspire me to be better every day.”
11:42 AM	Taylor Galuppi College Level: Senior Campus: CSU Dominguez Hills College: College of Natural & Behavioral Sciences Department: Anthropology Presentation Title: "The Evolution of the 'Invalid' Alongside the Development of Paralysis Care: Unfolding Able-Bodied Mentalities on Disabled People" Biography: "My name is Taylor Galuppi, and I am an applied anthropology student at CSU Dominguez Hills. This wasn’t always my path; for a long time, I believed I would spend most of my life working in kitchens. However, after becoming physically disabled, I decided to restart my academic journey. I am now pursuing a doctorate in medical anthropology, driven by my own experience with disability and a passion for inspiring others in academia. I aim to achieve this either as a professor or a social sciences librarian at an R1 university, with a focus on merging medical anthropology and disability studies. STEM-NET offers me two key benefits in achieving this goal. First, the application process itself was valuable, as I expect grant writing and applications will be important skills throughout my professional life. Second, the symposium will provide excellent practice in presenting my research findings, as I am eager to gain as much experience as possible during my undergraduate studies. Additionally, I am excited to learn about the research of other students and hear from those at STEM-NET who are passionate about their fields."
11:50 AM	Jordan Dino Santia College Level: Senior Campus: Cal Poly Humboldt College: College of Natural Resources & Sciences Department: Forestry, Fire & Rangeland Management Presentation Title: Understanding the Impact of an Herbicide Treatment in the Sagebrush Steppe Biography: “My name is Dino Santia, and I am currently an undergraduate in my final year of the Rangeland Resource Science program at Cal Poly Humboldt. Spending time outdoors and connecting with natural landscapes has always been my greatest inspiration. In my free time, I enjoy trail running, backpacking, rock climbing, foraging—essentially any activity that immerses me in nature. This passion has driven me to pursue a career in land stewardship, where I can deepen my connection with the environment. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to work in various seasonal technician positions with different agencies to refine my career focus while allowing myself the freedom to travel and experience new landscapes. Eventually, I hope to pursue a master’s degree in restoration ecology, with a particular interest in research related to high-elevation prairie and meadow restoration. Through the STEM-NET program, I aim to gain valuable insight into conducting independent research, as well as develop my skills in scientific writing and communication. I also look forward to learning about the research being conducted at other universities and building professional connections.”

Time	Q & A
11:58 AM	Audience will have the opportunity to ask student presenters questions.

Time	Closing Remarks
12:18 PM	Dr. Frank A. Gomez STEM-NET Executive Director