STEM students present research at symposium

Individuals from across the Citrus College community recently packed CI 159 for the sixth annual STEM Research Symposium. Humming with conversation and enthusiasm, the event celebrated the work of 55 STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) students who participated in the 2017 Summer Research Experience (SRE).

As attendees explored the numerous board presentations, SRE participants shared their research and answered questions.

"Attending the STEM Research Symposium and learning about the work our students performed over the summer was inspiring," said the college's superintendent/president. "It makes me proud to see our students committing themselves to scientific research; many conducted doctoral-level work. I am confident that these 55 students will realize their educational dreams and transfer to distinguished four-year colleges and universities."

The SRE is an eight-week program that affords Citrus College students the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at one of eight internationally respected research institutes. Under the guidance of professional mentors, the 2017 SRE cohort built unmanned aerial vehicles, measured wavelengths by various frequencies and conducted other impressive research.

At the end of their internships, the students also received a $500 stipend for their work and the honor of including leading research institutes, such as NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Oak Crest Institute of Science, on their resumes.

"Citrus College has a rich history of shaping exciting futures," said Dr. Marianne Smith, director of the Institute for Completion and Grants Oversight. "Opportunities like the SRE are what allow Citrus College to help lead and guide students to discover their interests and passions. Many of these students return with renewed focus and energy after their eight weeks of research. Perhaps for the first time in their lives, they know exactly what they want to do."

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This article originally appeared in the November 2017 edition of the Citrus View.