Latin American philosophy, multidrug-resistant bacteria, immigration story mapping and fly health are just some of the research topics that were on display at the Cal State Fullerton Summer Student Research Showcase.
The event, organized by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and hosted by the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Center, spotlighted the remarkable research achievements of more than 135 students and 110 faculty mentors who participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Academy and the Engaging Graduate Students in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities programs.
“The diverse research and scholarship happening at Cal State Fullerton truly reflects the exceptional talent and innovation of our students. Not only do SUReA and EG-RSCA provide a vital platform for students to hone their research and presentation skills, but they also emphasize the critical role of faculty mentorship in guiding and supporting these students as they engage deeper in their fields of study,” said Nicole Bonuso, director of UROC.
One such student was undergraduate Nora Mahmoud, who shared her determination to pursue a graduate degree after working with Parvin Shahrestani, associate professor of biological science. In Shahrestani’s lab, Mahmoud investigated the influence of microbes on the evolution of fly development time. She conveyed her surprise at how significantly bacteria impacts the fly life cycle.
“It was fascinating to see how different microbes, such as lactic and acetic acids in the gut, can greatly influence fly development and health,” said Mahmoud. “I’m eager to investigate how microbes correlate with human health on a deeper level. I’m hoping to continue this research in a graduate program.”
Mahmoud’s experience highlights one of the key goals of the SUReA and EG-RSCA programs, which is to ignite student interest in research. Binod Tiwari, associate vice president for ORSP, underscored the importance of hands-on research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
“By offering practical research experiences, we foster a spirit of discovery and encourage the exchange of ideas,” Tiwari said. “These opportunities not only enhance students’ skills but also contribute to tackling community challenges through innovative and creative research.”
This pursuit of impactful research was also evident in the work of undergraduates Karlos Flor and Diego Rojas. Working under the guidance of Morganna Lambeth, assistant professor of philosophy, Flor and Rojas made the compelling case for creating a new Latin American philosophy course at CSUF.
“We believe that Latin American philosophy offers unique perspectives and insights that can enrich the academic experience for our fellow students,” said Flor. “It’s surprising that despite the rich philosophical traditions of Latin America, there are few CSUs that offer dedicated courses in Latin American philosophy, and we hope to address that gap.”
As part of their project, Flor and Rojas had the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the Latin American existentialism section in the updated Stanford Encyclopedia on Philosophy, which is currently in pre-publication.
“It was exciting to contribute to such a prestigious resource,” said Rojas. “Our experience working with the editors of the encyclopedia has deepened our understanding of the field and reinforced the importance of Latin American philosophy.”
Flor and Rojas’ success in interacting with scholars outside the CSUF campus illustrates the vital role that SUReA and EG-RSCA play in training students to present research and represent the university. Lana Dalley, professor of English, comparative literature and linguistics, and ORSP faculty fellow, stressed the importance of these sessions in preparing students.
“In our workshops, we cover everything from conducting literature reviews to creating effective posters,” said Dalley, who leads the SUReA and EG-RSCA programs and workshops. “We focus on teaching students how to distill complex information into accessible and impactful presentations, which is crucial for their success in research and beyond.”
The ORSP, in collaboration with UROC, compiled a snapshot of the impressive research efforts undertaken by both graduate and undergraduate students this past summer. The following six projects provide a glimpse into the exceptional work being done at CSUF across diverse fields, including psychology, biological science, modern languages, computer science, public health and communications. For more information about the showcase or to find student research opportunities, visit the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Center website.
SUReA Project Highlights (Undergraduate Students)
Alexandra Alvarado
Title: Echoes of Tradition: Exploring the Legacy of Jose Alfredo Jiménez in Latin-America
Faculty: Judit Palencia Guiterrez, assistant professor of modern languages and literatures
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Alvarado’s project explores the life of legendary songwriter Jose Alfredo Jiménez and his influence on modern Latin American music through an analysis of his most well-known songs, collaborations and the thematic complexity of his lyrics. As a volunteer at Titan Radio, Alvarado aims to share her research with listeners, highlighting Jimenez’s enduring influence and demonstrating how his music continues to shape and resonate in modern Latin American music.
Laura Lorenzana, Georget Ammari
Title: Comparing Coming Out Stories of Gen Z
Faculty: Ella Ben Hagai, associate professor of psychology
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Lorenzana and Ammari’s research explores the evolving landscape of gender and sexual identity among 18- to 19-year-olds, revealing a significant increase in the number of individuals identifying as trans and nonbinary. Through in-depth interviews, Lorenzana and Ammari uncover that Gen Z members typically experience a more positive and supportive coming out process regarding sexual orientation compared to gender identity. While many participants initially came out as lesbian, gay or bisexual, they encountered greater challenges, including transphobia and a need for education, when disclosing nonbinary or trans identities. Lorenzana and Ammari were surprised to find that gender identity appeared more rigid and less understood than sexual identity. As a result, they hope to focus future efforts on exploring the mental health implications and the influence of social media on the dissemination of information about these identities.
Ahmed Mohamed
Title: Genomic Analysis of a Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Strain With Multiple and Uncommon Mechanisms of Resistance
Faculty: María Soledad Ramirez, professor of biological science
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Mohamed’s research focuses on Acinetobacter baumannii, a dangerous pathogen known for its high mortality rates and designation as an urgent threat by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Through genomic analysis of the Crab strain (AMA205), isolated from a patient who developed severe complications after COVID-19, Mohamed’s research identified 12 antimicrobial resistance genes and detailed the bacterium’s rare genetic features. His future work aims to explore genetic modifications to reduce the strain’s pathogenicity and resistance, potentially offering new strategies to combat this pervasive threat.
EG-RSCA Project Highlights (Graduate Students)
Emma Bunim
Title: The Producers: Art of the Impossible
Faculty: Micheal McAlexander, chair and professor of communications
College of Communications
Bunim is working with Michael McAlexander, chair and professor of communications, on a documentary project titled “The Producers: Art of the Impossible.” The film aims to shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked contributions of film producers, focusing on individuals from the late 1900s to the 1940s who worked within the United States. The documentary will explore the pivotal roles played by these producers in shaping the film industry. Preliminary research is underway, with the goal of applying for the National Endowment for the Humanities Media Projects grant to support further research and the hiring of experts. The project, which benefited from EG-RSCA’s support for independent research on historically marginalized figures, has already identified notable profiles such as Alice Guy Blaché, the world’s first female film producer, and Oscar Micheaux, a pioneering African American filmmaker. As the project progresses, Bunim will continue to delve deeper into these influential but under appreciated figures in film history.
Diana Aguilar-Cruz
Title: Exploring Geographic Variation in Breast Cancer Incidence and Trends Among Young Women in the United States
Faculty: Alice Lee, associate professor of public Health
College of Health and Human Development
Aguilar-Cruz conducted a study on breast cancer incidence trends among young women in the United States, using data from cancer registries from 2001-21. Her research reveals a troubling trend that more than half of the United States has seen a significant increase in breast cancer rates among women aged 45 and younger. Particularly notable were Hawaii’s breast cancer rates, which surged to 37.23%, a figure potentially driven by its diverse multi-ethnic population and lifestyle factors, including tobacco use. Hoping to spur greater cross collaboration and shape policy and prevention efforts, Aguilar-Cruz plans to refine her research and identify emerging trends by examining specific demographics.
Sachin Lodhi
Title: Identification of At-Risk Students in a College Course
Faculty: Kanika Sood, associate professor of computer science
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Lodhi’s research used a machine learning model aimed at identifying college students at risk of failing or dropping out of their online courses. By analyzing student data using time-series forecasting, Lodhi hoped to identify the optimal week for providing interventions, allowing for targeted support and real-time monitoring. Contrary to his initial expectations, Lodhi discovered that demographic factors, such as parental education, were not significant predictors of dropout risk. Instead, the most telling indicators were the number of page views during online courses, units earned and assignments completed. Lodhi’s future goals for his research are to not only refine these models and improve their accuracy but also to implement his machine learning program globally, enhancing support for students and reducing dropout rates across academic institutions.