Students excel at seventh annual STEM Research Symposium
The seventh annual STEM Research Symposium drew visitors from throughout the college community and beyond to learn about the research performed by 47 STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) students who participated in the college's 2018 Summer Research Experience (SRE).
Among the attendees was Chris Buser, Ph.D., a scientist from Oak Crest Institute of Science who studies electron and atomic force microscopy and who spent the summer mentoring Citrus College students.
"Being able to mentor and watch these students grow into future scientists is a rewarding experience," said Dr. Buser. "It is exciting to see them at the beginning of such promising careers."
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 2018 SRE cohort participated in a variety of interesting research.
For instance, Citrus College students Christopher Polanco and Rebecca Ceragioli worked alongside Dr. Buser to use atomic force microscopy — a high-resolution imaging technique that uses a nanometer-sized tip to mechanically scan the surface of a specimen — to create two distinct preparation procedures for imaging. They had to modify existing protocols, well established in electron microscopy, to achieve their objective.
Across the board, the SRE students returned with impressive findings, and many had their work published.
"The posters at this year's symposium were on par with presentations you would see at a professional research conference, which speaks to the depth, quality and overall richness of this experience for our students," said Michael Wangler, dean of mathematics and business. "These are the types of real-world experiences that inspire and build confidence in our students to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world."
STEM student Gabriela Jaimes Pinzon (left) explains the complexity of her project, "Fluorescence of Nanofiber Containing Eu, Dy, Zr Through Electrospinning for Biomedical Engineering Applications," to a fellow student.
This article originally appeared in the November 2018 edition of the Citrus View.