2024 Spring SoCalGas Student Research Fellowship Virtual Research Cafe

The STEM-NET SoCalGas Student Research Fellowship program funds undergraduate students to work collaboratively with CSU STEM faculty members on research projects during the spring 2024 semester. The results of their work will be shared during the virtual event on Friday, April 26th.

The STEM-NET SoCalGas Student Research Fellowship Virtual Café will feature six student fellowship recipients. Each student will present for 10 minutes followed by Q&A session. The virtual event will be held via Zoom.

Schedule & Agenda

Session Name	Time	Description
Introduction	12:00 p.m. - 12:02 p.m.	Dr. Frank A. Gomez, CSU Office of the Chancellor, Executive Director, STEM-NET

Session Name	Time	Description
Presenter 1	12:02 p.m. - 12:12 p.m.	Student Name: Ian Sherrill College Level: Undergraduate Major: Mechanical Engineering Department: Department of Mechanical Engineering College: College of Engineering and Computer Science Campus: California State University, Northridge Family and Personal Background: I have a little sister. I have enjoyed the sciences since I was young and have wanted to be a mechanical engineer for years. Hobbies: 3D printing, Building/collecting Legos, playing video games, and spending time with my girlfriend. Research Interest: Using 3D printing and Generative Design as a tool to improve the performance of parts created in CAD software. Faculty Mentor: Peter L. Bishay Future Goals: Continue researching 3D printing and Generative Design while pursuing a Master’s.
Presenter 2	12:12 p.m. - 12:22 p.m.	Student Name: Robert Hunter College Level: Senior Major: Mechanical Engineering Department: Department of Mechanical Engineering College: College of Engineering and Computer Science Campus: California State University, Northridge Family and Personal Background: I am a first-generation college student. My father immigrated from the UK at 20, and a Catholic family adopted my mom. Both went to trade school. I have an older half-sister who is a registered nurse in Phoenix, Arizona. Hobbies: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Flying Drones/RC Planes. My favorite story book is The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, and my favorite academic book is Aircraft Design: A Systems Engineering Approach by Sadraey Mohammad. Research Interest: CFD Analysis/ Systems Engineering Faculty Mentor: Dr. Shadi Mahjoob Future Goals: My goal is to work in aerospace. Specifically, CFD and thermal analysis for aero-propulsion systems. From there, I hope to attain a Master’s in Aerospace or Systems Engineering.
Presenter 3	12:22 p.m. - 12:32 p.m.	Student Name: Riley Bezdek College Level: Sophomore Major: Computer Science Department: Department of Computer Science College: School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering Campus: California State University Bakersfield Family and Personal Background: My family consists of incredibly hard workers who devote themselves to everything they do, always looking for opportunities to expand their abilities. They inspire me in all different aspects of my life. Hobbies and favorite food or books: My hobbies are learning and programming various coding concepts to create new projects. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family whenever I can. My favorite books are any books in the mystery genre, one of my favorites being “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie. Research Interest: My current research interest is the engineering of energy, including the exploration of energy consumption and renewable energy alternatives. I am interested in exploring the different methods of creating and using energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Chengwei Lei, Assistant Professor, Computer & Electrical Engineering/Computer Science Future goals: I will complete my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and work with a software or technology company. In my future career, I hope to utilize technology to impact my community positively. I am thankful to have this opportunity to contribute and advance my research.
Presenter 4	12:32 p.m. - 12:42 p.m.	Student Name: Alexis Valadez College Level: Senior Major: Industrial Design Department: Art, Design, and Art History College: College of Arts and Humanities Campus: Fresno State Family and personal Background: Family is the net that catches you when you fall and is the pillar that holds you up to your highest self. Some are there at birth; others come along the way, for what is life but a sharing of experiences. Hobbies and Favorite Food or Books: When I am not soaking in the sun, I like to work on custom automotive work and graphic design. I also enjoy pizza and Rocky Road ice cream. Research Interest: I’d like to understand what a healthy relationship between industrial agriculture and mother nature looks like. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Beth Weinman Future Goals: City Planning and Social Reform
Presenter 5	12:42 p.m. - 12:52 p.m.	Student Name: Brooke Morgan College Level: Senior Major: Kinesiology Department: Health and Human Develo p.m. ent College: College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Campus: California State University, Fullerton Background and Hobbies: I have swum and played soccer competitively all my life. I am learning three languages: Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese (Japanese language is also my minor). Research Interest: Control of the High-Speed Feeding Mechanism of Plethodontid Salamanders and its Relation to Biological Dependence and Mechanical Structure. Faculty Mentor: Jeffrey Olberding Future Goals: I am currently applying to graduate school for a master’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Sociology and the History of Sport. I plan on researching the Sporting Culture of East Asia, specifically Japan. I hope to work in the U.S. or Japan in the future as a Sports Sociology professor/researcher.
Presenter 6	12:52 p.m. - 1:02 p.m.	Student Name: Nicole Murdock College Level: Junior Major: Biochemistry Department: Chemistry and Biochemistry College: College of Bailey Science and Mathematics Campus: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Family and Personal Background: I grew up in Folsom, CA. Hobbies and favorite food or books: I love dancing. I am currently a competitive ballroom dancer working on my dance minor. I also love the outdoors, backpacking, swimming, climbing, etc. Research Interest: I plan to continue research in the lab I am currently in through graduation. In this lab, we work on developing, testing, and optimizing off-the-shelf bioluminescent probes. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Joanna Laird Future goals: I plan on furthering my education by going to an MD/PhD program.
Q&A	1:02 p.m. - 1:22 p.m.	Q & A Audience can ask the presenters questions.
Closing Remarks	1:22 p.m. – 1:25 p.m.	Closing Remarks Dr. Frank A. Gomez