For their studies on such topics as using math modeling to combat dry-eye disease to investigating the anti-clogging properties of manta ray filters for industry uses, five Cal State Fullerton student researchers won first-place awards at the California State University Student Research Competition.
The 31st annual competition was held April 28-29 at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and featured the research of 243 undergraduates and graduate students from across California State University campuses.
The CSUF winners of their respective categories are:
Raj Divi of Fullerton, biology major, Biological and Agricultural Sciences-graduate level, for his “Bio-inspired Design – Modeling Vortical Filtration Mechanics of Manta Rays to Develop an Efficient Filtration System.” His faculty mentor is Misty Paig-Tran, assistant professor of biological science.
Nick Gomez of Rancho Cucamonga, music major, Humanities and Letters-graduate level, for his work on “Ornette Coleman in 1959: Redefining the Form and Function of Jazz.” His faculty mentor is John Koegel, professor of music.
Stacy Guzman of Azusa, biochemistry major, Physical and Mathematical Sciences-undergraduate level, for “Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Wnt Signaling Pathway: Towards Novel Anticancer Therapeutics.” Her faculty mentor is Peter de Lijser, chair and professor of chemistry and biochemistry.
Trini Nguyen of Cypress, mathematics major, Physical and Mathematical Sciences-undergraduate level, for her work to develop a “Mathematical Model to Detect Dry-Eye Diseases.” Her faculty mentor is Charles H. Lee, professor of mathematics.
Mayur Parmar of Fullerton, mechanical engineering major, Engineering and Computer Sciences-graduate level, for “Experimental Study on Liquid-Assisted Laser Beam Micro-Machining of Smart Materials.” Parmar’s faculty mentor is Sagil James, assistant professor of mechanical engineering.
The competition is held to promote excellence in undergraduate and graduate scholarly research and creative activity by recognizing outstanding student accomplishments throughout the CSU’s 23 campuses. Fifteen CSUF students — eight individuals and two teams — presented their research at the competition. Visit online for information and photos from the competition.