STEM students present research at symposium
Wildfires, frozen fish fillets and cosmetics were among the many fascinating research topics discussed during the 2019 STEM Research Symposium.
More than 250 Citrus College faculty, staff and students attended the symposium, which featured scientific posters highlighting the work of 29 Summer Research Experience (SRE) participants and 20 Bridge to the Geosciences students. Guests had the opportunity to view the posters and discuss the projects with the students who completed them.
"We know that a lot of learning takes place while teaching others," said Dr. Marianne Smith, director of the Institute for Completion and Grants Oversight. "This symposium gives students the experience of communicating about their research to the public."
Every year, the SRE provides a select group of students with the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in scientific investigations. Participants are placed in cutting-edge university laboratories or other research sites, paired with a mentor and tasked with working full time for an average of eight weeks. SRE involvement includes, among other things, conducting lab research and field work, identifying and reading scientific articles, public speaking and participating in university life.
Participation in the STEM Research Symposium is the final requirement of the SRE.
This year's cohort conducted research at one of seven sites, including Chapman University, City of Hope, California State University, Fullerton, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and Oak Crest Institute of Science.
Projects included researching cosmetics and cancer risk, the relationship between weather and fire ignition and labeling compliance, species authentication and overglazing identification of frozen fish fillets sold in Southern California grocery stores.
"The impressive work showcased at the STEM Research Symposium is a prime example of the innovative and unique opportunities that Citrus College provides for its students," said the college superintendent/president. "These activities enable our students to discover their interests and passions while also providing them with practical experience. I am confident that each of this year's participants has a bright future ahead of them."
This article originally appeared in the November 2019 edition of the Citrus View.