Symposium shines spotlight on student research
From lung cancer detection to hybrid renewable energy systems, the 13 students who recently shared their work at the annual Citrus College STEM Research Symposium are searching for solutions to modern challenges.
Hosted in the Campus Center on Sept. 25, the symposium showcased the research conducted by Citrus College STEM students as part of the college's Summer Research Experience (SRE).
Participants displayed posters from projects spanning a variety of fields, including computer technology, physics and environmental science.
"Our wonderful students spent last summer at sites like Azusa Pacific University, the University of Southern California, the California Botanic Garden, Chapman University, Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State Fullerton doing research with faculty members and four-year college students," said Balaji Sethu Raja, dean of mathematics, sciences and business. "They presented their findings at their research sites first, and then brought their projects back here to present to our community."
Over 130 faculty, staff and students attended this year's symposium. They had the opportunity to review the research posters and discuss the projects with the students who completed them.
"The symposium is a great event because it offers SRE participants a platform to present their research, while also emphasizing the efforts of our STEM program, the dedication of our students and the quality of the research being conducted," explained Monica Hernandez, grants project specialist and event coordinator. "The overwhelming support from the Citrus College community and beyond contributed significantly to the event's success."
According to Hernandez, the symposium serves multiple purposes. In addition to celebrating the students' achievements, it also empowers them and shows them that they belong in STEM fields.
"Over the past eight years, I've seen firsthand how participating in the SRE has transformed students. It builds their self-assurance, leads to further research opportunities, and even secures paid internships and jobs," she said. "It's incredibly rewarding to witness their growth."
This article originally appeared in the November 2024 edition of the Citrus View.