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2022-23 BEACoN Research Projects
The BEACoN Research Mentoring Program, run by the Office of University Diversity & Inclusion, exists to educate, empower, and advocate for underrepresented students and provide them with funded undergraduate research opportunities working one-on-one with faculty.
Selected students will work with faculty during Winter and Spring quarters (10 hrs/week) and receive a $2,000 quarterly stipend ($4,000 total) distributed via financial aid for their time gaining research experience and participating in professional development events within the BEACoN Program.
Applications for the 2023 cohort have closed.
Click to view projects by college:
- College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences
- College of Architecture & Environmental Design
- College of Engineering
- College of Liberal Arts
- College of Science & MathematicS
- Orfalea College of Business
College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences (CAFES)
Mohammed Abo Ismail
(he/him/his)
maboisma@calpoly.edu
Animal Science (CAFES)
Research project Title:
Novel Genomic Tool to Improve Mastitis Resistance in Dairy Cattle
Research Project Description:
The U.S. agriculture economy experiences a significant increase in cost due to diseases of livestock and aquaculture animals by more than $6 billion each year that is negatively affecting the profitability as well as trade opportunities and market competition. Furthermore, veterinary treatments raise the public concerns regarding animal welfare, food safety and antimicrobial use. The costliest disease in the dairy industry is mastitis. The estimated cost of each case is from $155 to 224 in a dairy herd (Bewlwy et al, 2017. JDS 100:1471-1486). This high cost is due to reduction in the milk income loss, treatment, culling losses and discarded milk costs. There is a need for genetic selection tool that can predict the genomic value of young animals (i.e., heifers) to resist mastitis in future lactation seasons. We can use sequencing and genotyping technologies to discover mutations that accurately predict the genomic values for diseases such as mastitis. We also can understand the biology of mastitis resistance development and how we can prevent or minimize the number of incidences of mastitis in dairy farm.
Therefore, the main objective of this project is to identify mutations, genes, molecular mechanisms, and pathways that control mastitis and then develop selection tool that evaluate heifers for mastitis.
Specific objectives:
1. Reviewing and summarizing existing literature on mastitis
2. Identify genes associated with mastitis diseases via genome-wide association analyses (GWAS)
3. Perform in-silico pathway and gene network analyses to understand the biology behind the differences between animal in mastitis resistance
4. Propose list of mutations that can be used in the industry as a selection tool to decrease the incidence of mastitis in dairy cattle
The student will work on:
a) conducting a comprehensive review of literature on Mastitis as one of the main inflammatory Diseases that affect dairy industry. The EACoN Research Scholar will review studies done on mastitis using transcription analyses, GWAS, Genomic Selection, and Genomic-based Animal Models;
b) identify the problem of inflammatory disease and fertility in the dairy cattle industry and formulate a hypothesis and research objectives;
c) sampling biological samples such as blood, milk and other samples for sequencing and genomic analyses as well as other metabolomic analyses.
d) participating in designing and conducting GWAS and metabolomic experiments,
e) handling big genomic data, as well as interpreting and discussing the research results,
f) disseminating the project outcomes through national and international conferences or peer-reviewed journals publication.
By the end of this research activities, the BEACoN Research Scholar will be able to:
a) write a review of literature using the scientific writing approach, identifying a gap in the literature and formulate an idea that can be tested by fitting a appropriate hypothesis;
b) handle dairy cow and perform sampling of blood, milk and other samples (in case we are still in-person)
c) handle big-data sets and master related bioinformatic tools and databases.
d) model genomic data using various methods of Data Analytics and solve real problems in the dairy cattle industry;
e) gain experience in interpreting and graphical representation of the results using different tools such R software and other
f) sharpen their problem solving, critical thinking, presentation and communication skills through writing and presenting research papers.
Required qualifications:
student majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
Preferred qualifications:
Prior experience in data analytics and applied bioinformatics tools
Luis Castro Lizano
(he/him/his)
lfcastro@calpoly.edu
Food Science and Nutrition (CAFES)
Research project Title:
The Effect of Yeast Selection on the Chemical and Sensory Properties of Hard Cider
Research Project Description:
Yeasts play an important role in the production of fermented beverages such as hard cider. The performance of the yeasts will have a great effect on the aroma profile and chemical composition of the fermented product. Metabolic differences exist among yeast strains, and therefore there is a large range of commercially available yeasts that can be used to produce hard ciders with different chemical and sensory properties. While research has been performed on the effect of yeast strains on the sensory and chemical properties of wines and beers, there is very little information regarding the effects of different yeast strains on aroma and chemical development in hard cider. it is important for the cider industry to gain knowledge on the impact of yeast strains on hard cider properties, as it will allow cider makers to understand and control the characteristics of their product.
This project will evaluate the effect of yeast selection on the chemical and sensory properties of hard ciders. Hard ciders will be produced using various strains of beer, wine, and cider yeasts, and analysis of the sensory and chemical properties of the finished cider products will be performed. This project will provide valuable information to the cider industry to help with development of new products, thereby expanding the diversity of the cider market.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
- Assist in the production of hard ciders.
- Perform Chemical Analysis of the resulting hard cider treatments.
- Assist in the Sensory Evaluation of the hard cider treatments.
- Analyze both chemical and sensory data.
- Assist in the development of manuscripts for publication of results as well as poster presentations for national
conferences.
The BEACoN Research Scholar will gain experience and practical skills in the fermentation process, analytical and sensory techniques, research planning, data analysis, poster and oral presentations, and manuscript preparation. The main skill I wish to develop in the BEACoN Research Scholar is critical thinking.
Required courses:
CHEM 128: General Chemistry for Agriculture and Life Science II
Preferred courses:
FSN 340: Fermented Foods
CHEM 231: Quantitative Analysis
Charlotte Decock
(she/her/hers)
cdecock@calpoly.edu
Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences (CAFES)
Research project Title:
From Waste to Plant Food – Evaluating the Fertilizer Value of Algae Recovered from Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants
Research Project Description:
Crop production heavily relies on inputs of synthetic fertilizers to meet crop nutrients requirements, most of which are derived from non-renewable resources. Recent supply chain shortages and geopolitical events have heavily impacted the supply and cost of such fertilizer products. This has triggered increased interest within the fertilizer industry and society as a whole to recover nutrients from waste streams, a concept that contributes to a more circular economy. These waste streams include sludge produced during wastewater treatment.
Currently, spent algae produced from municipal wastewater treatment facilities are typically landfilled. Algae are rich in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), two essential plant nutrients. Therefore, algae have potential to be used as a fertilizer product. N and P are typically slowly released from organic fertilizer sources such as algae, which can prevent loss of these nutrients to ground and surface waters, where they cause environmental pollution.
Meanwhile, if nutrient release lags behind plant nutrient demand, yield losses can occur. In order to use algae sludge in fertilizer products, the behavior of algae in the soil needs to be better understood. In this project, we aim to identify potentially beneficial end-uses of algae sludge in crop production by evaluating the behavior of algae product in soil under laboratory conditions. The study aims to provide a proof-of-concept for the use of algae in fertilizer products. The overall goal is to provide the information required for fertilizer producers to consider the use of algae in commercial products.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The BEACoN research scholar will participate in laboratory experiments to assess the behavior of algae-based products in soil. To this end, we will set up laboratory incubation experiments, in which soil will be amended with algae and the release of plant available forms of nitrogen and phosphorus will be monitored over time. Under the guidance of the mentor, the BEACoN scholar will be engaged in the developing the experimental design and optimization of the analysis procedures. During weekly meetings, we will discuss relevant published literature.
The scholar will be trained on how to analyze and interpret the results from this project, and have various opportunities to communicate findings with project partners. This project if part of a larger project focused on optimizing the efficiency and sustainability of municipal waste water treatment. This project is a collaboration between environmental engineers, soil ecologists, municipalities, and fertilizer industry. The BEACoN scholar will have the opportunity to work within this interdisciplinary team and connect with stakeholders from these various sectors.
In this project, the BEACoN scholar will gain valuable knowledge about soil health, nutrient cycling, and plant nutrition. We will use standard operating procedures relevant to soil and plant nutrition research. The scholar will be guided through the principles of scientific research and learn how to refine a research question, formulate a hypothesis, conduct and experiment, collect and analyze data, and interpret the research findings in relation to the hypothesis and research question. The research will strengthen the scholar's skills in searching scientific databases, reading scientific papers and using Microsoft excel to manage, visualize and analyze data. In addition, the project offers a unique opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary team, a skill greatly sought after in industry.
Required experience:
This project is suitable for students with an interest in soil science, sustainable agriculture or environmental sciences. Research projects are most successful when participants are enthusiastic, motivated, have a strong desire to satisfy their curiosity, and show a great eye for detail.
Joey Gray
(she/her/hers)
jgray23@calpoly.edu
Experience Industry Management (CAFES)
Research project Title:
Transgender Athlete Participation in Collegiate Sport
Research Project Description:
One of the most debated sports topics today is transgender athlete participation in collegiate sport. Most of the research explores physical advantages and equality issues. While these factors seem central to transgender athlete participation, it is not difficult to find research that refutes another's findings. Transgender athlete participation in collegiate sport is not only complex but a sensitive topic, with many affiliated with collegiate sports hesitant to share their opinions. Despite the heightened focus on transgender participation in collegiate sport, empirical research on collegiate athletes', coaches', or athletic directors' perceptions is scarce. Studies specifically exploring transgender athlete perceptions are almost not existent.
Department of Education (DOE) recently issued a notice of interpretation that Title IX also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender. Therefore, under Title IX, those who identify as transgender cannot be discriminated against participation in collegiate sport based solely on their gender identity. The issue is not whether transgender athletes can participate in collegiate sport but on which team, the one that is the same as their biological sex at birth or gender identity.
Current policies regarding trans-gender athletic participation are inconsistent, making a complicated issue even more difficult for all participants, coaches, fans, and organizations. What is clear, however, is there is a need for a more consistent policy. The National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) mission and priorities focus on academics, fairness, and well-being. More specifically, they state, "The NCAA is committed to providing a fair, inclusive, and fulfilling environment for student-athletes and giving them a voice in the decision-making process" (NCAA, 2021). Coach and athletic director views are essential as they interpret and enforce the rules.
Thus, our first project is a national survey that explores NCAA and NAIA student-athletes, coaches, and athletic directors' perceptions of transgender participation in collegiate sports. The second project focuses solely on transgender athlete perceptions. Both studies explore participant views regarding fairness, safety, and inclusion related to transgender athlete participation in collegiate sport. Given this topic's controversial and sensitive nature, our work will provide an anonymous opportunity for participants to have their voices heard and potentially contribute to future policies that will directly impact the future of collegiate sport.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The mentee will be responsible for assisting with the literature review, data collection, analysis, and submission of at least one article as a co-author. The student will also assist with developing semi-structured interviews, interview scheduling, observation, transcription, and coding.
The mentee will have a chance to be part of groundbreaking research on one of the most debated topics in sports today, transgender participation in collegiate sport. They will learn how to critique research articles and clean, analyze, and interpret data. In addition, they will learn qualitative methodology, interview techniques, coding data, and interpreting findings. The student will develop the ability to think independently and present objective interpretations of the data by learning to dissect a complex and sensitive issue that often presents conflicting findings.
Required qualifications:
Candidates should be interested in sports issues and have strong reading, writing, and organizational skills.
Preferred qualifications:
Experience with sports as a participant and/or avid fan and LGBT+ issues.
Kevin Lin
(he/him/his)
yklin@calpoly.edu
Experience Industry Management (CAFES)
Research project Title:
Virtual Event Experiences and Well-Being: Comparing Multimedia Videos and VR Using Physiological Sensors
Research Project Description:
As an alternative to live events, virtual events have witnessed rapid growth because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The societal impact of virtual events is far beyond its ability to enable a new way of experiencing events during and post-pandemic. It empowers individuals to experience events at home without the risks associated with travel, and reduces environmental harm caused by mass tourism. The virtual events provide an inclusive opportunity for the low-income group and people with physical disabilities to have and enjoy such an experience.
The two approaches used to present a virtual event include using multimedia videos or using virtual reality (VR). However, previous studies have not investigated which approach can provide better virtual event experiences. Therefore, this research will adopt an innovative triangulated approach to examine virtual event experiences, including physiological sensors (eye trackers and skin conductance sensors), surveys, and interviews. The research goals are to compare the different effects of multimedia videos and VR on an immersive experience, perceived values, mindfulness, and psychological well-being; to evaluate people’s attention and emotional change when they experience virtual events; and to propose a framework for designing the virtual event experience.
This research will identify the factors that influence virtual event experiences and provide guide of best practices for its design. The proposed theoretical framework will give insights into enhancing the positive impact of virtual events on well-being. Additionally, this research project will actively involve students. Students will have the opportunity to learn the use of physiological sensors and develop skills in data collection and data analysis.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
Undergraduate students will be working on this study and assisting with data collection, data analysis, and dissemination. Students are vital for the success of this project, and funding will support their involvement and education in this research project.
The student will participate in:
- Training
- Collecting eye tracking and biometric data
- Conducting surveys
- Interviewing participants
- Analyzing the data
- Conference presentation
Working on this project may lead to independent studies and senior projects. The students will be actively involved in an innovative triangulated approach, including physiological sensors (eye trackers and skin conductance sensors), surveys, and interviews.
In particular, the student will be employing physiological sensors to carry out the experiment. In the first condition, participants will wear an eye tracker (i.e., Tobii Pro Glasses 3) and a skin conductance sensor (i.e., Empatica E4 Wristband). In the second condition, participants will wear a VR headset with eye tracking function (i.e., VIVE Pro Eye) and wear Empatica E4 Wristband. Eye tracking technology can record participants’ eye movements and the elements that attract attention. Skin conductance sensors can evaluate emotional changes, including heart rate, electrodermal activity, blood volume, etc.
And the students learn to study these things in ways that develop sophisticated skills like critical thinking and articulate communication. In addition, I'll work with the student to help develop the student's survey construction and administration, data analysis, and presentation skills.
Required qualifications:
Good communication and public speaking skills.
Preferred qualifications:
Experience with experimental design. Basic stats classes.
Siroj Pokharel
(he/him/his)
spokhare@calpoly.edu
Animal Science (CAFES)
Research project Title:
Use of Essential Oil in Poultry Feed: The Overall Impact in Gut Microbiome and Health
Research Project Description:
Recently, antibiotics as feed additives in poultry resulted in increased productivity and lower consumer prices. Perhaps the good news for the producers and consumers, however, the administration of antibiotic feed additives at sub-therapeutic dosages increases the incidence of drug-resistant strains of foodborne pathogens. In recent years, the efficacy of essential oils (EO) has been studied in many in vitro assays. Studies including essential oils have gained popularity after the European Union legislation phased out antibiotics as feed additives in poultry feed. Some in vitro studies have shown that thymol, eugenol, and carvacrol were most effective against enteric pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium.
Essential oils are often incorporated into the feed for better feed utilization and intake in birds. Many studies suggest that EO stimulates digestive enzyme secretion and stabilizes the gut ecosystem, leading to improved feed utilization and less exposure to growth-depressing disorders. This research will focus on utilizing products that contain oregano oil and microencapsulated EO that consist of thymol, eugenol, carvacrol, linalool, etc. These products will be mixed with the regular diet for poultry in various concentrations. Thus, we hypothesize that essential oil (EO) effectively reduces or eliminates enteric pathogens, such as Salmonella, from the intestinal gut of layers. Additionally, EO in feed can increase product performance and improve egg quality.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
- Evaluate the effect of essential oil on the gut microbiome and gut health,
- Collect fecal matter from layers for enteric pathogen testing.
- Perform mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Escherichia coli and coliform, and Salmonella count on collected samples
- Prepare Media, autoclaving and other laboratory activities for bacterial isolation
- Collect and analyze data
- Present the result in Spring symposium.
The Research Scholar will gain the following skills:
- Laboratory methods from sample collection to processing for microbiological analysis
- Data collection, analysis using SPSS or SAS, and interpretation of the result
- Data presentation
Required qualifications:
Basic Microbiological Procedures
Sandy Shen
(she/her/hers)
yeshen@calpoly.edu
Experience Industry Management (CAFES)
Research project Title:
Virtual Farm Tours: Investigating the Impacts on Happiness
Research Project Description:
Live virtual tours involve a tour guide launching a real-time video to participants. During the streaming, participants can communicate with each other via text- and/or video-based chat. The tour guide also engages in dialogues with participants. This new form of tourism empowers individuals to experience farms at home without the risks associated with large-scale travel. Virtual farm tours will also allow people with a physical disability to experience farms easier, or reduce the environmental harm caused by over- and mass travel. It is a more inclusive travel form and can help to enhance well-being.
This research will explore the key features of live virtual farm tours and investigate the relationships between those features, audience satisfaction, perceived value, and outcomes (i.e., happiness, intention to recommend the virtual tour, intention to visit the farm, and intention to buy the farm products). The findings can guide farmers to provide better live virtual farm tours and increase the sales of their agricultural products. More importantly, it could help the people with physical disabilities to have better tour experiences and improve their quality of life.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
Beyond regular meetings with the advisor, the student’s responsibilities in the project will be as follows:
- Search the library database and collect literature related to virtual tours, well-being (happiness), and live-streaming technology in tourism and hospitality
- Collect online reviews from the Airbnb Online Experiences platform
- Write a review of the literature and identify the features of live virtual tours
- Assist the faculty mentor in conducting interviews and collecting surveys
- Drafting the conference or peer-reviewed journal with the faculty mentor
- Disseminating the project outcomes through conference or peer-reviewed journals publications
By the end of this research program, the BEACoN Research Scholar will be able to:
- Write a review of the literature using the academic writing approach
- Learn about the use of qualitative data analysis tools (e.g., Leximancer)
- Master the techniques of conducting interviews and collecting surveys
- Develop qualitative and quantitative skills
- Gain experience in interpreting and graphical representation of the results using different tools (e.g., Excel, SPSS)
- Sharpen their problem-solving, critical thinking, presentation, and communication skills through writing and presenting research papers.
Required qualifications:
No experiences/courses are required. BEACoN Research Scholar will be expected to have a desire to learn about virtual tours, live-streaming technology, and research skills.
Preferred qualifications:
If the BEACoN Research Scholar has experience in collecting literature from the library, writing literature review, and conducting interviews, that would be preferred. However, these are not the required skills, and Faculty Mentor can provide instructions.
Priya Verma
(she/her/hers)
pverma@calpoly.edu
Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences (CAFES)
Research project Title:
Investigating the Organizational Arrangements Governing Sustainable Groundwater Management in California: The Role of Underrepresented Communities in Shaping the Future of Water Management in California
Research Project Description:
Groundwater management has become an important focus for many municipalities in California. The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) was passed in 2014 requiring municipalities with high and medium priority basins to create a management plan. SGMA requires each municipality to develop and implement Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) by 2020 or 2022 depending on basin priority. Through a collaborative stakeholder process, the creation of GSPs is expected to consider multiple local perspectives including disadvantaged communities.
In California, disadvantaged communities have often been disproportionately affected by California’s water management problems such as groundwater overdraft and pollution. New groundwater management institutions need to consider the needs of minority populations, low-income populations, and Indigenous Peoples—those most impacted by environmental and public-health concerns. This research seeks to investigate how disadvantaged communities have been included in the creation of GSPs and provide recommendations for strategies that can be used to achieve their meaningful involvement in the rule development process.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The student will be expected to conduct literature review to find relevant peer reviewed journal articles and government documents. Student will work to collect data from the relevant government agencies detailing stakeholder participation in the rule development process. Lastly, student will be involved in developing a coding framework to categorize stakeholder engagement. If time permits, data entry using an Excel spreadsheet will be done.
The Research Scholar will gain the following skills:
1) Literature review
2) Research design
3) Data management
Preferred experience:
Interest in community sustainability and natural resources management
College of Architecture & Environmental Design
Clifford |
Bioreceptive Materials: Experimental Air Purification Systems |
Trudell |
Dale Clifford
(he/him/his)
dtcliffo@calpoly.edu
Architecture (CAED)
Research project Title:
Bioreceptive Materials: Experimental Air Purification Systems
Research Project Description:
At 450 million years old, mosses are the oldest land plants on earth, and they have learned to adapt and thrive in a changing environment. The human act of making buildings is thousands of years old by comparison, and the field of building technology has much to learn from the natural world. This project combines the hygroscopic and air purification abilities of moss with current technological advances in digital fabrication and simulation techniques to develop prototype building façade panels that promote healthy indoor air quality for buildings.
Poor indoor air quality can trigger illness, such as cardiovascular disease and asthma, and the EPA estimates that sustained inhalation of particulate matter (generally fine particles PM 2.5) is responsible for nearly 50,000 premature deaths in the US alone. As indoor air quality is primarily affected by erature, humidity, and concentration of pollutants, this project attempts to find low-cost solutions to address the fact that most building have pollutant exposure limits that exceed federal guidelines.
The research will include study of surface textures that generate favorable habitats for moss growth, prototyping full-scale façade panels that support moss growth, simulating air flow through the panels, and installing and testing the panels on the Cal Poly campus. The student assistant will be engaged in air purification and construction technology research with support from faculty (Dale Clifford) and practicing professionals.Together we will construct and test an experimental building mock-up of a low-tech air purification system. To promote knowledge exchange between academia and practice we will hold bi-weekly meetings with the Seattle office of architecture firm NBBJ to better understand professional design constraints and experimental testing protocols.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The student will be engaged in all stages of the project over the course of two quarters. The student researcher will:
• Help identify species of moss appropriate for the study
• Digitally draw parametric surfaces suitable for moss growth
• Prototype surface with the CAEDs 3-axis router
• Perform air flow simulations to predict benefits in indoor air quality
The scheduling phases for the project are:
Phase 1 (Week 0-10) (approx. 100 hrs)
Identification and cultivation of appropriate moss species.
Research traditional and state-of-the-art techniques building technologies that support plant growth.
Document and make drawings.
Make scale 3-d assembly models
Team meetings
Phase 2 (Week 11-15) (approx. 50 hrs)
The scholar will become adept at research methods used by creative fields. These include an integrated process of precedent research, physical modeling, 1:1 prototyping, and validation through computational simulation. The scholar will also learn data visualization techniques to convey complex information to a public audience.
Preferred qualifications:
Spatial thinking, an interest in plants, experience with 3-D modeling software.
Carmen Trudell
(she/her/hers)
ctrudell@calpoly.edu
Architecture (CAED)
Research project Title:
Architectural Details for Circular Material Economies
Research Project Description:
The design and construction of Architecture is intertwined with natural resources at every turn, and like most post-industrial era markets, it is deeply embedded in linear economies. The linear economy can be summarized by the pithy slogan “take, make, dispose” where natural resources are extracted, turned into products, and are then discarded after they are no longer useful. In recent decades, the fragility and destructive nature of current modes of economic development can no longer be embraced as advanced or desired. Therefore, researchers in many fields are encouraging a mode of development that aligns more closely with natural systems, coined the circular economy.
This research project will use the architectural detail, or how materials are assembled to make structures, walls, floors, and roofs, as the vehicle to illustrate viable models of material circularity. This project will seek example projects from around the world to illuminate as didactic models of economies which draw resources from rapidly renewable, and up-cycled streams, and assemble them so they can be fully disassembled and reused again when no longer needed. This model of architecture obtains a high-level of building integrity (durability, water-tightness, air-tightness, thermal comfort) without non-renewable materials that construction has come to rely heavily upon such as elastomeric sealants, adhesives, and coatings. The long-term goal of this research is to present a number of exemplary projects and design thinkers through an exhibition and symposium. The next two quarters will lay the foundation for the longer-term showcases, intended for fall 2023.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
Work collaboratively with Dr. Trudell to:
- conduct a literature review on circularity in architecture, design for disassembly, and cradle-to-cradle assemblies.
- create a catalog of exemplary projects and identify those that the designers should be interviewed and those that should be visited.
- design interviews for the selected design teams
- prepare for on-site visits of selected projects including an approach to documentation of observations
- develop a method of representing the material supply-chains for the selected projects for exhibition
- develop a method of representing the architectural details indicating how the systems perform and how complete disassembly is achieved.
Required qualifications:
Scholars must be able to digitally draw proficiently in Rhino, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop. Passion about material economies and building assemblies will make this endeavor mutually enjoyable. Reliability, attention-to-detail, and ability to assertively communicate in a collaborative setting are also required.
Preferred qualifications:
Third-year standing as an architecture, architectural engineering, or construction management student preferred. Students with a background in materials engineering or other related natural resource management knowledge may be considered. Experience with Revit may also be beneficial.
College of Engineering
Mohamed Awwad
(he/him/his)
mawwad@calpoly.edu
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (CENG)
Research project Title:
Access to Healthcare in Underserved Communities: The Case of 3D-Printed Prosthetic Devices
Research Project Description:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines health equity as the "state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health." Unfortunately, African Americans, Latinxs, and American Indians and Alaska Natives are three of the most historically underserved populations in healthcare and have been victims of health inequities. Those inequities are even more evident in terms of the need for and access to prosthetic devices.
Belonging to one or more of the previously-mentioned underserved minority groups increases an individual's risk of amputation. For instance, African Americans and Latinxs are 4 and 1.5 times more likely to suffer an amputation than white Americans, respectively. People who suffered from limb loss need accessible rehabilitation and prosthetic devices to help them overcome their financial, psychological, and physical challenges. However, a major obstacle those patients have to overcome is the cost of prosthetics. One way to increase access to prosthetic devices and make them more affordable is using Additive Manufacturing or 3D Printing technology.
The main objective of this research project is to design a supply chain network for 3D-printed prosthetic devices to serve underserved and rural communities. The designed supply chain network will contain 3D Printing hubs that manufacture prosthetics in locations closer to those communities, resulting in more accessibility and lower costs.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
- conducting a comprehensive review of literature on the following topics:
- Access to healthcare in underserved and rural communities in the United States in general and California in specific;
- The use of 3D Printing technology in prosthetics manufacturing;
- Supply Chain network design and the problem of optimally locating 3D Printing manufacturing hubs
- formulating a problem statement and identifying the solution methodology
- implementing the solution methodology to solve the problem of the 3D-printed prosthetics’ Supply Chain network design
- designing and conducting experiments
- disseminating the project outcomes through peer-reviewed conference or journal papers
The Research Scholar will accomplish the following:
- conduct an in-depth review of literature, synthesize information from the literature review they ran, and identify research gaps
- increase their knowledge and awareness of existing healthcare inequities affecting minority groups and underserved communities in the United States, the thing that could result in less affordable access to prosthetic devices
- practice the use of various methods of Data Analytics to model and solve supply chain and facility location problems
- gain experience in conducting experiments and analyzing results
- enhance their presentation and communication skills through writing and presenting research papers
Required qualifications/courses:
- Communication and presentation skills course
- Background in Industrial, Biomedical, Materials Engineering, or a related quantitative field
- Passionate about engineering applications in healthcare
Preferred qualifications:
Knowledge in one more of the following courses: Operations Research and Optimization, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Simulation, and Data Analytics.
Jean Lee
(she/her/hers)
jlee473@calpoly.edu
Materials Engineering (CENG)
Research project Title:
Universal versus Inclusive Product Design, and their Impacts
Research Project Description:
Both universal and inclusive product design aim to make a product usable and useful to as many people as possible. However, universal design is characterized by a single solution without supplements to accommodate people with different needs, whereas inclusive design engages a diverse range of people in the design process and may result in different solutions and/or solutions that can be adapted to meet each user’s needs.
This project seeks to measure the impacts of universal and inclusive product design by measuring differences in quantitative metrics such as cost, market share, manufacturer’s stock price, and environmental impact for products that have been designed using a universal approach versus an inclusive approach versus a conventional approach. Changes in semi-quantitative metrics such as user experience and manufacturer reputation will also be described for products designed a universal approach versus an inclusive approach versus a conventional approach. A deliverable from this research will be to produce one or more curated product design case studies that will be made available as a resource that can be used by faculty who wish to infuse diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into their courses.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The student will identify, collect, and analyze case studies of products that have been designed using universal, inclusive, and conventional approaches. Analysis of these case studies will focus on quantifying the impacts of universal versus inclusive versus conventional product designs via metrics such as cost, market share, stock price, and environmental impact through categories such as energy use or water use. The student will also identify and characterize semi-quantitative impacts of universal versus inclusive versus conventional product design, such as user experience and the reputation of the product manufacturer.
The student researcher will gain experience in performing literature searches, conducting critical and quantitative analyses of data, considering design through a DEI lens, and technical writing.
Required qualifications/courses:
- STAT 312 or STAT 321 or equivalent
- IME 144 or equivalent
- MATE 210 (preferred, not required)
- The student should have excellent critical thinking and analytical skills, excellent reading comprehension and technical writing skills, and an interest in learning about DEI issues.
Hans Mayer
(he/him/his)
hmayer@calpoly.edu
Mechanical Engineering (CENG)
Research project Title:
Spin Coating of Liquids – Developing an Engineering/Physics Lab for Undergraduates
Research Project Description:
An essential part of semiconductor or microscale processing is lithography (aka “photolithography”) wherein a pattern is transferred from a mask into a layer of material using light. Lithography involves the use of a light-sensitive liquid-polymer solution called a “photoresist”. Uniform layers of photoresist, often as thin as 1 um (or approximately 1/50th of a human hair thickness), are formed on substrate materials through a spin-coating process whereby a dispensed puddle of liquid is centrifugally distributed and thinned.
The thickness of the spin-coated film is often a complicated function of the rotation speed, the spin time, and the photoresist density and viscosity. For photoresists used in semiconductor processing, the viscosity can be highly dependent on polymer and solvent concentrations and can vary during the spin coating process because of solvent evaporation. Because of the time- and speed-varying liquid properties, predictions of spin coating thickness can be quite complicated and often ‘recipes’ are developed and used. In contrast, the spin coating of Newtonian liquids (constant-viscosity liquids) can be captured through solutions to equations accessible to an undergraduate audience.
Recently, the lack of domestic semiconductor processing capability has been recognized as a serious problem not only from a supply chain standpoint but from a national security standpoint. Thus, there has been a recent spotlight on bringing much of this type of manufacturing back to the United States. To meet these new manufacturing demands, the US educational system must train a growing number of students and get them interested in semiconductor processing. As part of this effort to draw attention to this field, the PI proposes a BEACoN project in which a student will help to develop and implement a laboratory experiment, targeted for an undergraduate engineering/physics audience, in which students can gain insight into the phenomenon of spin coating.
The goal of the project is to devise a set of experiments in which students compare the results of theory to measurements of spin coating thickness that shed light on the role of relevant variables in addition to probing the applicability of simplifying assumptions used in the development of theoretical models (for example, lack of importance of the initial puddle of dispensed resist). The design of the experiments will be transferrable to other labs/schools. The result of the project will be a peer-reviewed journal article in which this experiment can be shared with other university professors, and an enhanced appreciation for one of the many interesting aspects of semiconductor processing.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The BEACoN Research Scholar involved in this project will be an integral part of a small team of Mechanical Engineering undergraduate students who are all working toward the goal of investigating the “first bubble” event associated with the emptying of inverted single-outlet vessels (i.e., bottles) as described in the project description. As part of this team, the Scholar will be involved in both group and individual tasks (working closely with the mentor during weekly meetings and with other students outside of meeting times), and the degree of involvement in these tasks will be consistent with the 100 hr/quarter time commitment. Complexity of tasks will build as the project progresses.
Specific tasks will include the following:
> Performing a literature review to (1) understand some of the basic theory behind the spin coating of Newtonian fluids (to a level appropriate for an undergraduate audience), (2) to develop an understanding of the role that non-Newtonian fluid behavior plays on spin coating – to more directly relate to semiconductor processing (e.g., photolithography), (3) develop an understanding of the typical tools used to measure film thickness (optical tools) so that they can contrast that with available tools and equipment at Cal Poly, and (4) determine the appropriate length, depth, and style of articles published in the American Journal of Physics.
> Design a set of experiments to measure film thickness of spin coated Newtonian fluids using: a mass balance (to obtain average film thickness from a gravimetric analysis), a spectral reflectometer (available in the teaching cleanroom to be used for comparative measurements), and potentially a custom-built apparatus that can be implemented in a university lab setting (made from optical components). These experiments will probe the relationships between variables that appear in the theoretical models of spin coating, and include those that do not appear to demonstrate their lack of importance (e.g., substrate diameter). The design of these experiments will explore the use of digital imaging to capture stages of the spin coating process.
> If necessary, modify existing equipment (e.g., a un-used spin coating from the teaching cleanroom) for the project based on the design of experiments. This will be done under the supervision of the PI and will use PI professional development funds. The Mustang 60 and Aero Hangar machine shops will be used for fabricating parts.
> Perform experiments, record results manually and electronically (using spreadsheets, data files, images/movie files, etc.), and maintain the experimental equipment to ensure safe operation.
> Work on preparing a draft manuscript for the American Journal of Physics. The audience for this journal is college-level physics and engineering educators and the articles generally describe projects that can be accomplished in university labs. The student will prepare an outline at the start of Spring, and work through Spring (while finishing experiments) to create a full draft including all figures and tables. The student and PI will submit the article at the end of Spring quarter 2023.
The skills and experiences gained by the BEACoN Research Scholar will be those typically acquired during the course of an experimental research program.
Specific to this project, by the end of the program the Scholar will have:
> Gained knowledge and experience related to the planning and development of a set of systematic experiments including sourcing/developing equipment and procedures necessary to collect publication-quality data. This will include design and fabrication of some parts of the needed apparatus, and in-lab time working with equipment to collect data.
> Gained practical skills working with various lab equipment including precision mass balances, optical equipment (both commercially available and custom-built from components), cameras, and a commercial grade spin coater. Some lab time will be spent in the Cal Poly Microfabrication Laboratory so student will acquire practical experience in a cleanroom environment.
> Further development of theoretical fluid dynamics skills by working through published models for spin coating (e.g., re-deriving classic results). Further development of experimental analysis skills including statistical analysis of experimental data.
> Student will acquire technical writing experience by generating the draft of a journal article. This writing experience will include creating high-quality figures (based on photographs, data, etc.).
> Student will be invited to attend the SoCal Fluids Conference in April 2023 to see graduate-level research from other R1 institutions in the Southern California area. Although this isn’t necessarily a “skill”, experiencing a conference environment and seeing how other students present their research (and the style they use for slides and visuals) can be very informative for an early researcher. This travel will be paid by the PI.
Required qualifications:
The BEACoN Research Scholar selected for this project is required to have taken ME 341 (Fluid Mechanics I), or an acceptable course substitute, given the emphasis on fluid dynamics. If the interested Scholar is not an ME major, please provide evidence of coursework that would have covered fundamentals of fluid dynamics or a physics-based course in which differential equations are used to describe/calculate field equations. In addition, the BEACoN Research Scholar should have taken one laboratory-based course where they have had to keep a laboratory notebook, or document their work. It is also essential that the Scholar have an attention for detail.
Preferred qualifications:
It would be preferable for a BEACoN Research Scholar to have some background in working with Excel and MATLAB (or Phython) for the experimental analysis part of the project. This could be gained through basic coursework (or in a CS/ME/PHYS class for the MATLAB or Python aspect). It would also be preferable, but not necessary, to have some basic hands-on laboratory and/or machine-shop experience (“red tag” level would be great – otherwise this could be thought of as added to the ‘skills’ that the student would acquire).
Theresa Migler
(she/her/hers)
tmigler@calpoly.edu
Computer Science and Software Engineering (CENG)
Research project Title:
Academic Collaboration Network with an Eye Towards Gender and Ethnicity
Research Project Description:
The Academic Collaboration Network with an Eye Towards Gender and Ethnicity research project is part of an ongoing effort to explore patterns of collaboration at public universities in California. This involves the construction and maintenance of a database and related software to support detailed analysis of collaborative work among academic researchers. We gather data from a variety of public repositories, including Scopus, Google Scholar and university web pages. As part of this research, we have developed a growing collection of software tools to support data gathering and the integration of additional metrics such as gender and ethnicity. With this database, we will be able to visualize the current state of collaboration networks, identify trends, and ultimately, offer sound suggestions that will lead toward more diverse and impactful research collaboration, both at Cal Poly and throughout California.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The BEACoN Research Scholar will be a direct contributor to the task of sourcing, verifying, and importing data as well as extending the collaboration database. This will require knowledge of relational databases, SQL, and other data-oriented programming tools (Python, Pandas, etc.) The scholar will also perform analysis of the constructed network with respect to graph theoretic metrics, using both established metrics and novel approaches formulated specifically for this research.
As part of this project, the BEACoN Research Scholar will gain hands-on experience applying Data Science tools and techniques to a large real-world data set. In addition, the BEACoN Research Scholar will have the opportunity to present novel research findings to the campus community, and I will encourage and fully support presentations at conferences and workshops.
Required qualifications:
A solid background in databases and algorithms.
Preferred qualifications:
Successful completion of CSC 349 and CSC 365.
Payam Nayeri
(he/him/his)
pnayeri@calpoly.edu
Electrical Engineering (CENG)
Research project Title:
Intelligent Electromagnetic Metasurfaces for Wireless Connectivity Enhancement in Rural and Urban-Underserved Areas
Research Project Description:
Periodic surfaces can be designed to manipulate electromagnetic (EM) waves. Over the past few years they have evolved from devices that could only filter the EM fields, to surfaces that can manipulate the EM fields at a macroscopic level. EM metasurfaces have unit-cells with sub-wavelength dimensions that can change the properties of EM waves to synthesize a desired distribution of EM fields in the near-field or far-field of their aperture. One the algorithmic side, one challenge is to understand how the metasurface has to be synthesized in order to create the desired EM fields. A promising solution to this problem is by using intelligent search methods such as evolutionary algorithms.
This project aims to use the functionalities of electromagnetic metasurfaces, and provide a solution to wireless connectivity in rural and under-served areas by synthesizing an EM response that provides optimal wireless coverage.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The project aims to create a computational model to analyze the information throughput to an area by studying the beamforming properties of the metasurface. To this end, the student will:
- Create a computational model that calculates the reflected radiation pattern of an electromagnetic plane wave that impinges on the metasurface. The mentor will help the student gain a solid understanding of the model that has been developed, and code it in Matlab.
- Next, the student will implement an intelligent approach (evolutionary optimization) to determine the optimal reflection coefficient of the metasurface aperture, to maximize directivity, and in turn, information throughput of the system in an unbounded medium.
- In the final stage, the student will use the codes developed to compute the information throughput of representative rural and urban-underserved areas through case studies, and provide a systematic analysis of the enhancement made in terms of wireless connectivity.
Research Scholar will gain skills and experience in:
- Computational modeling
- Evolutionary optimization
- System modeling and qualitative analysis of performance
- Strong proficiency with Matlab
- Fundamental understanding of electromagnetic metasurfaces
Required qualifications:
Good familiarity with Matlab, and programming in general
Preferred qualifications:
Proficiency with Matlab
Basic knowledge of electromagnetic waves
Lynne Slivovsky
(she/her/hers)
lslivovs@calpoly.edu
Computer Engineering (CENG)
Research project Title:
Understanding Student Experiences Through Trauma-Informed and Intersectional Lenses
Research Project Description:
This project reimagines how we conduct research and the ways in which we care for the well-being of our participants. Ratios and statistics without context can mask issues such as the student experience within a department and persistence rates within a major. As we aspire to address these issues and others, we engage with students to formally characterize the current culture of the Computer Engineering (CPE) department by learning about student experiences within the department. The goal of this engagement is to understand if/how harm is perpetuated towards students, particularly marginalized students who do not fit normative social constructions of identities like gender, race, sexuality, socioeconomic class, and ability. While centering marginalized student voices is critical when enacting change, we as researchers want to ensure we are not perpetuating harm in the ways we conduct research and engage with students.
Research methodologies that require participants to disclose personal experience often do not take into account possible trauma in those experiences and how those disclosures can perpetuate harm towards participants. Understanding potential student trauma through an intersectional lens, as in relation to structural and systemic oppression, is the foundation of our protocol used to inquire about the student experience and is particularly critical when marginalized peoples are disclosing their experiences. Our work is grounded in the Design Justice Principles outlined by the Design Justice Network and incorporates the values of Participatory Action Research. These foundational values center the care and well-being of participants. We will use this methodology to conduct interviews and focus groups with students about their experiences within the department. The data and analysis yielded from this protocol will inform the CPE department’s efforts in developing interventions and resources to better support students and create a culture and community of diversity and belonging.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The BEACoN Research Scholar will join an active engineering education research group with professors Lynne Slivovsky (CPE), Liz Thompson (GENE/IME), and Jane Lehr (ES/WGQS) and Cal Poly undergraduate/alumni researchers. They will gain experience in research methods and design, interview protocols, qualitative analysis, communication skills, and research paper writing. They will:
- Learn about our research methodology and the IRB process
- Participate in a literature review
- Conduct student interviews and/or focus groups
- Develop qualitative data analysis skills
- Contribute to research team meetings and meeting facilitation
- Co-author conference papers and journal articles
This project will be an exceptional opportunity for a BEACoN Research Scholar to gain expertise in engineering education research. Anticipated skills our mentee will gain are related to: research methods and design, interviewing and conducting interviews and focus groups, qualitative and quantitative analysis, data presentation and data management, and written and oral communication. They will have the opportunity to develop skills and capacities related to leadership, self-efficacy, knowledge of personal strengths and assets, and confidence in their future career plans. Aspirationally, we hope to be able to support them to attend and present their work at an engineering education conference.
Required qualifications:
Students with experience (through coursework or other training/experience) in either statistics/quantitative data analysis OR qualitative data analysis
Preferred qualifications:
- Students with interest in both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Interest and prior experience with perspectives and frameworks utilized in areas including Science & Technology Studies, Ethnic Studies, Women’s, Gender & Queer studies, or related areas. Interest and prior experience may be demonstrated by course work, club or other co-curricular participation and/or knowledge gained via lived experiences.
- Passionate about and committed to the co-creation of more just, diverse, and inclusive STEM learning environments and cultures.
Long Wang
(he/him/his)
lwang38@calpoly.edu
Civil and Environmental Engineering (CENG)
Research project Title:
Rational Design of 2D and 3D Nanocomposite Structures for Sensing Applications
Research Project Description:
Polymer nanocomposites are composed of nanoparticles dispersed in polymeric matrices. They are emerging multifunctional electronic components providing tremendous novel opportunities for advancing a plethora of applications, such as healthcare, structural health monitoring, and robotics. Among the unique properties of nanocomposites, strain sensitivity (i.e., piezoresistive effect) has been commonly observed. While various strain-sensing nanocomposites have been developed using different manufacturing techniques, it still remains challenging to efficiently design the sensing performance of the complex nanocomposite material systems.
This project aims to investigate the effects of 2D and 3D structural design on the strain sensing performance of nanocomposites. Here, the nanocomposite ink will be developed based on Dr. Wang’s research group’s formulation, using carbon nanotubes, graphene, and polymers. The nanocomposite ink will be integrated with different 2D and 3D structures, which will be obtained via laser cutting and stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing. A series of mechanical and electrical experiments will be conducted to characterize the mechanical and sensing performance of the nanocomposite structures. This project is a part of a long-term research endeavor on smart material development and optimization for a wide range of applications.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The mentee will closely work with Dr. Wang's research team. The mentee is expected to 1) learn about new materials (e.g., naonmaterials and polymers) and novel structures (e.g., kirigami and metamaterials) through literature review, 2) conduct wet-chemistry experiments in the laboratory to fabricate the smart materials, 3) learn to use laser cutter and SLA 3D printer for manufacture 2D and 3D structures, 4) conduct mechanical and electrical tests on the fabricated materials in the laboratory, 5) analyze experimental data for data visualization and improving the fabrication process, and 6) attend individual meeting and regular research group meeting. In addition, the mentee will be trained to deliver literature review, technical reports, and presentations.
Through this multidisciplinary research project, the mentee will learn about the multifunctional nanomaterials, 3D printing, sensor designs, structural health monitoring, among others. The mentee will obtain hands-on experience in the laboratory on manufacturing of smart materials, manufacturing of 2D/3D structures, mechanical and electromechanical testing, and data analysis. In addition, the mentee will receive comprehensive training on literature review, technical writing and presentation, and collaboration skills, especially in a multidisciplinary team.
Required qualifications/coursework:
Chemistry, Mechanics of Materials (CE 204 and CE 207); Hands-on experience in wet-chemistry experiments.
Preferred qualifications:
Prior experience in mechanical testing and 3D printing. Proficiency in data analysis using Matlab and/or python.
College of Liberal Arts
James Antony
(he/him/his)
jwantony@calpoly.edu
Psychology and Child Development (CLA)
Research project Title:
On the Edge of One’s Seat: Measuring the Effects of Suspense and Betting in Sports
Research Project Description:
“It is an epidemic in the making.” – Felicia Grondin, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, on sports betting.
In 2018, the Supreme Court decided on Murphy vs. the NCAA, which effectively ended the national ban on sports gambling (other than in four exception states). Since that time, that number of states has grown to 30, including 18 online, and a proposition will be voted on in California in a few weeks (Prop 27). The above quote was made in response to the explosion of individuals reporting addictive behavior related to sports from 3% before 2018 to 17% today (Kafka, 2022, Vox). During this time, sports gambling has similarly exploded as a business, from $310M in bets placed in 2018 to $7B today (O’Brien & He, 2021, Bloomberg), suggesting there is a clear incentive structure in place for companies to continue expanding this market. Yet, despite the rapid increase in this behavior, very little research has been performed to understand what gives rise to sports gambling behaviors and how it may heighten or alter the experience for the gambler.
In a prior study, Antony et al. (2021) showed that one important factor – surprise – could explain numerous behavioral, physiological, and neural factors related to sports viewing. These factors included game enjoyment, memory, pupil dilation, and brain responses (as measured using functional MRIs) related to the release of dopamine. One novelty of this study was that we quantified surprise by using advanced data analytics, which allowed for finding the probability of each team in a basketball game winning at each moment in time. Surprise was then considered to be the change in this probability from one moment to the next.
Surprise is clearly critical to the sports viewing experience, but we do not only react to changes in a game – we also anticipate them. In other words, we know intuitively when a big moment in a game is approaching, and we can call this feeling suspense (Ely et al., 2015). If surprise reflects the difference from the prior moment to the current one, suspense reflects the anticipated difference from the current moment to the future. Just as one can calculate surprise, one can also calculate suspense to investigate the variance in upcoming win probability values from historical games in similar situations. For example, just as one might guess from their experience watching basketball games, this measure is also maximal when the score is close near the end of the game. How this measure of suspense predicts engagement is unknown, and how it may affect the viewer’s experience when there is an extra-game interest in the outcome (like a bet) is also unknown.
The first focus of this project involves validating this measure of suspense – behaviorally, physiologically, and neurally – while subjects watch the last 5 minutes of 9 different NCAA basketball games. Behaviorally, we will correlate our derived level of suspense with subjects’ ratings of suspense at each moment of the basketball games. Physiologically and neurally, we will ask whether suspense correlates with well-known signatures of attention such as increased pupil dilation and decreased EEG power between 8-12 Hz (or alpha power); this involves placing electrodes on participants’ scalps to measure brain activity.
The second focus of the project involves investigating how bets placed on the games affect these measures. Throughout the game clips, we will have subjects bet on whether a team will score between 6-10 times, and we will ask them to try to earn the most money to make the outcome motivationally relevant. Together, this will help us understand how suspense and sports betting alter brain activity.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
- Reading relevant literature and discussing it with me in our weekly meetings (in addition to discussing professional development topics), as to give them a strong overview of the prior work motivating this project;
- data collection, including being present when the subjects watch the basketball clips; this involves scheduling time slots using Sona participant software (via the Department of Psychology and Child Development), sending reminder emails, giving participants instructions, facilitating questionnaires and the computer program used to run the study;
- data organization & entry;
- analyzing the data, including learning how to program to code how our quantification of suspense aligns with subject ratings and how bets affect behavioral, physiological, and neural measurements;
- presenting the data at the year-end BEACoN symposium;
- submitting an abstract for a poster presentation at a professional conference (should they be interested; this may occur after BEACoN concludes);
- potentially work on drafting a manuscript for publication (pending results; this may occur after BEACoN concludes).
The scholar will gain skills in psychological research methods, data entry and management, and computer programming (see more detail in the above question). These skills are integral in preparing them for graduate school and a variety of careers. For instance, should the BEACoN Research Scholar not continue into academia, knowing how to program will very much open doors immediately upon graduating. Additionally, they will gain skills in thinking critically about psychological theories and how to infuse data analysis with inferences we can make about the mind. They will learn how to ask and answer questions, and communicate this information in a way that applies to daily life and across disciplines. Lastly, students will gain experience writing and abstract and creating and presenting a poster, both for the BEACoN Research Symposium and a professional psychology conference.
Required qualifications/coursework:
Strong time management and organizational skills; eagerness to learn; an interest in memory.
Preferred qualifications/coursework:
Prior coding experience is preferred. Also, given that our stimuli will be basketball games, an interest in basketball is desired. Lastly, the BEACoN Scholar would ideally have some knowledge of psychology (e.g., PSY 201/202, General Psychology, or AP Psychology from high school). Other preferred courses include Cognition (PSY 357), Cognitive Neuroscience (PSY 480), Memory (PSY 440), and Neuroscience (offered in CSM).
Darrian Carroll
(he/him/his)
drcarrol@calpoly.edu
Communication Studies (CLA)
Research project Title:
Racial Reverberations: Resistance for Voting Rights in the Rhetoric of Fannie Lou Hamer and Stacey Abrams
Research Project Description:
This project aims to aid scholars and activists by investigating strategies Black people have used to attain and protect their right to vote. Throughout the history of struggling toward freedom in the US, Black people have faced issues that sustain and become systematic. One instance of systemic inequality faced by many Black people is the denial of their right to participate in free in fair elections. By turning back to the rhetoric of Fannie Lou Hamer and Stacey Abrams this project aims to unveil the similar argumentative strategies utilized by both women, “racial reverberations,” as they argued for something that continues to be a freedom deferred in our time: the right to vote.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
In this project, the BEACoN Research scholar will collect information about and organize speeches by Fannie Lou Hamer and Stacey Abrams. After the speeches have been collected, the research scholar will summarize the speeches and organize them in a way that is easily accessible and searchable. Lastly, the Research Scholar would be asked to collect and organize historical information about Fannie Lou Hamer and Stacey Abrams.
While working with this project, BEACoN Research Scholars can anticipate developing research skills, data management tactics, and an ability to practice critical analysis. I aim to direct Research Scholars in methods of collecting speeches and historical data. Throughout this project, Research Scholars will gain an ability to assess, collect, and analyze texts. It is my hope that by the end of the project Research Scholars will have improved their ability to do their own independent research.
Required qualifications:
No courses or previous experience is required for this position.
Preferred qualifications/coursework:
Ideally, the research scholar would have an interest in Black history and experience doing literary or rhetorical analysis. Moreover, ideally a Research Scholar would have experience working with archives or analyzing political campaigns.
Ashley Clemons
(she/they)
adclemon@calpoly.edu
English (CLA)
Research project Title:
Keepin’ It 313: A Women’s History of Contemporary Black Music and Art in Detroit
Research Project Description:
Detroit, Michigan, has been considered the “Paris of the Midwest” and the “Harlem of the Midwest.” However, for native Detroiters, this place is the Motor City, Motown, or simply, the “D.” Detroit’s Black communities are often misrepresented even as they have historically created the city’s aesthetic. Currently, there is a sort of Detroit En Vogue moment occurring in the mainstream, an increasing interest in telling Detroit’s stories. In her first book, Darkly: Black History and America’s Gothic Soul, fellow Detroit-native Leila Taylor argues, “There is no established literary genre of Northeast or Midwest Gothic, but there could be. Every county has its own macabre genius loci, every city its seedy underbelly.” As Taylor puts it, Black writers and artists are doing the work to retain and reimagine the relentless pains cloaked in spaces previously marketed as northern utopias. Many scholars discuss place and region-specific issues through writers in the cannon, such as T.S. Eliot, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and William Faulkner. Although few studies consider Detroit, much potential lies in studying Black music and arts in this city, particularly the contributions of Black women cultural producers as they confront racial and gendered displacements in deindustrialized America.
Keepin’ It 313: A Women’s History of Contemporary Black Music and Art in Detroit argues that Detroit’s contemporary Black music, media power, literature, and cultural production establish a collective aesthetic that captures lived and reimagined experiences beyond the city’s ruin. I position Detroit as a signpost for experiences in other prominent Black towns across the United States facing major redevelopment following pervasive destruction, such as Post-Katrina New Orleans, Louisiana, and current-day Harlem, New York. Additionally, creators from these other struggling Black cities are taking up the work of bringing to the forefront Black Detroit’s stories. I draw from Detroit and Black feminist epistemologies to investigate how the city’s Black cultural aesthetic retains erased and overlooked histories. Also, I provide a much-needed, critical discourse that underscores Black labor and cultural identity. I look at ghosts as unending and ongoing in terms of liminal spaces. Broadly, my project answers—How do Black women writers and cultural producers tell us about the effects of racist systems that render Black bodies fungible in Detroit? How do Black women cultural producers, as griots, inject and celebrate the unretained stories of the abandoned? What does the art and music history tell us about Black Detroiters’ positionalities in the United States? How is Detroit as a stage or performative space lends a critical lens about mainstream’s discursive narratives?
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
Research scholar would be expected to create a "state of the field," a detailed summary of recent scholarship within the fields of African American literature and Detroit cultural production; two film reviews; and 1-2 book reviews.
Research scholar will gain the following skills:
Basic research methods, qualitative research and analysis, data collection/ organization, conference presentation (submitting to CFP), and publication process.
Required qualifications:
- Above average outcomes in ENGL 347:African American Literature
- Strong interest in Black women writers and cultural producers who write about Detroit, MI
- Background knowledge on Black literary and cultural theories
Preferred qualifications/coursework:
- Extensive knowledge on Toni Morrison's body of work
- Background in social justice work or working with marginalized BIPOC groups
- Research interest in former Black towns
- Basic knowledge in critical analysis and Black literary research
- Research interest in Black playwrights.
Nikhil Deb
(he/him/his)
ndeb@calpoly.edu
Social Sciences (CLA)
Research project Title:
Adaptation by Dispossession? Neoliberalism and Climate Change in the Global South
Research Project Description:
This project attempts to analyze the ways in which economic and development activities in southern coastal Bangladesh, an area exceptionally vulnerable to and an experimental laboratory of climate change, reproduce the vulnerabilities of local communities by dispossessing them from the land to which they belong or are entitled. While climate change poses grave threats to the well-being of many marginalized populations worldwide, it also offers the opportunity to rethink our business-as-usual activities. To that end, what is required is a wide-ranging understanding of climate change grounded in the needs of the people who will likely bear the brunt of the climate crisis in places such as southern coastal Bangladesh.
This project will demonstrate how current institutionalized adaptation activities in the southern part of Bangladesh not only naturalize dispossession (what I call “adaptation by dispossession”) but also undermine local and everyday adaptation practices in the region. This project instead advocates for what climate justice scholars call “transformational adaptation,” a long-term process that aims to forge more fundamental and systemic change and thus focuses on redistributing power. The research is part of a multi-year book project on climate and neoliberalism in Bangladesh.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The primary responsibility of the BEACoN Scholar entails (1) collecting relevant peer-reviewed research papers; (2) preparing an annotated bibliography or literature review; (3) brainstorming ideas to reimagie the politics required for climate justice in the global South; (4) and perhaps preparing a collaborative paper for a conference presentation.
The BEACoN Research Scholar will be able to gain multiple skills after completing this project. First, the student scholar will grasp the approach, method, analysis required to write a good literature review and address the “so what” question in research. Second, by delving into relevant materials, the student scholar will understand the importance of connecting global political and economic dynamics with local sociohistorical and ecological realities to formulate a well-informed climate justice analysis. Third, the student will use imagination to link many long-term and short-term adverse consequences of top-down adaptation activities that relegate land-dependent communities to poverty and hunger. Fourth, the student scholar will understand potential alternatives to business-as-usual to forge a global climate justice agenda. Finally, the BEACoN Research Scholar will gain the skill of preparing and delivering a conference presentation.
Preferred qualifications:
It would be a strength if the BEACoN Research Scholar likes to read, analyze, and write. And interest in the global South would be an exciting plus.
G. Andrew Fricker
(he/him/his)
africker@calpoly.edu
Social Sciences (CLA)
Research project Title:
Mapping Social Justice in Space and Time
Research Project Description:
Social justice, demographics and populations of people are highly structured in space and time. Populations of people live and migrate from place to place based on a complex array of push and pull factors. Understanding the spatial structure and Temporal dynamics of change are critical to understanding social justice and the environmental pressures that face marginalized populations. This research project aims to explore and examine social justice through the lens of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The BEACoN research scholar will learn how to analyze spatial GIS data and map social justice topics. The BEACoN scholar will have considerable leeway in choosing which aspect of 'social justice' they wish to map depending on their background, specific interests in case studies, marginalized populations, environmental stressors, and social movements. The topic of the research is left intentionally vague, so the BEACoN scholar can choose the social justice topic they want to research and map. The mentor will help guide the scholar towards realistic research questions, explore data, teach spatial tools and provide mentorship.
The following are a few hypothetical examples of research questions a BEACoN scholar could ask:
- What were the spatio-temporal dynamics of the Black Lives Matter protests, and what were the underlying demographic trends in these areas?
- Which ethnic communities were most impacted by the COVID19 pandemic?
- How did political pressure and economic opportunity in the last two decades influence migration from Mexico and Central America?
- What is the spatial relationship between toxic waste facilities, pollution and marginalized communities in CA?
The questions above are just a starting point for a conversation between the scholar and mentor to explore subjects relating to social justice, and can be expanded upon depending on the scholar's interests. The scholar can pick the aspect of social justice they want to map, and the mentor will teach the data analysis/GIS skills and guide the scholar through the scientific process. In person participation is encouraged, but not required.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
Within the broad topic of 'social justice', the BEACoN scholar will be central to choosing the topic of the research itself. The scholar will be expected to come up with a research proposal on which aspect of 'social justice' they want to study, inlcuding the who, what, when and most importantly, where? After the scholar and mentor have settled on a set of research questions, the scholar will be expected to do an extensive 'data dig' to collect, and organize spatial and non-spatial data on the choosen topic. The scholar will need to take some basic coursework/tutorials in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to learn the basic skills of spatial analysis, which they will apply directly to answering the research question(s). Finally, the scholar will be expected to write up their results into a publishable manuscript and conference presentation to showcase their research.
The scholar will gain data search and management skills, basic statistical analysis and most importantly Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It's also possible the scholar can gain skills in remote sensing and field work depending on the research topic. The research scholar will be taught to 'think spatially' and to visualize data in maps, graphs, charts and tables. The scholar will also gain skills in literature review, manuscript preparation, research presentations and the peer-review process.
Required Qualifications/Coursework:
The scholar must have basic data literacy, and familiarity with GIS. At a minimum the research scholar must take a course in statistics and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) such as NR218/GEOG 218 or the community college equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications/Coursework:
Additional courses in statistics, remote sensing, computer science, research methods, sociology, ethnic and gender studies are preferred but not required.
Leanne Giordono
(she/her/hers)
lgiordon@calpoly.edu
Political Science (CLA)
Research project Title:
The Role of the Safety Net After Extreme Weather Events: A Scoping Review
Research Project Description:
Extreme weather events are expected to increase in the frequency and severity in the upcoming decade (Allen et al., 2018). Vulnerability to the impacts of climate change is expected to be higher in areas and among populations that experience high poverty and other barriers to inclusion and prosperity (Hallegatte et al., 2020; International Panel on Climate Change, 2022). In the United States, vulnerability to natural disasters among low-income individuals and families tends to be associated with place and type of residence, building construction and social exclusion (Fothergill & Peek, 2004).
Recent survey findings by Zanocco et al. (2022) indicate that individuals who reported the highest native impacts from extreme weather are almost twice as likely to live in a low-income household. Evidence suggests that strong social safety nets increase resilience to climate change, especially when integrated with other efforts to build resilience and adapt to the growing risks of climate change (International Panel on Climate Change, 2022). Almost a decade ago, Gough (2013) identified these new risks as one of the primary challenges to social policy. More recently, Tenzing (2020) identified a global “social protection” approach intended to address issues of inequality and marginalization in the context of climate change.
While the traditional safety net in the United States is distinct from disaster-related assistance responses, such as those provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), there is evidence that disaster-oriented programs may not fully meet the needs of individuals in poverty due in part to procedural inequities (Domingue & Emrich, 2019). Moreover, some research suggests that traditional safety net functions play an important post-event role, supplementing the resources received from disaster-related assistance sources (Deryugina, 2017).
Several recent literature reviews (e.g., Brügger, 2020; Giordono et al., 2021; Howe, 2021) provide evidence of growing attention by scholars to the potential for extreme events to influence public beliefs and attitudes toward climate change, climate-oriented behaviors, and related mitigation and adaptation policies, with mixed results. However, there is little information about the degree to which extreme events have elicited changes to traditional safety net programs (e.g., those that provide food, housing, energy, and income assistance to low-income and vulnerable populations) in order to identify and address risks associated with a changing climate, and/or integrate with traditional emergency response and related resilience-building initiatives.
This project will use scoping review methods to map the body of literature where policy responses to extreme events converge with social policy and safety net programs targeting low-income and vulnerable populations. To the degree possible, the review will yield implications for policymakers and researchers.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The BEACoN scholar will assist with all tasks related to performing a scoping literature review, including: 1) developing and executing search queries; 2) organizing and categorizing search query results; 3) reviewing, analyzing and synthesizing the results from scholarly articles; 4) compiling an organized argument about the body of research resulting from analysis; 5) preparing a manuscript for peer-review; and 6) assisting with the publication submission and review process.
Note: the last tasks in this list will depend on student interest and the productivity of the project. The scholar may take the lead on selected tasks, depending on interest and capacity.
The BEACoN scholar will gain skills related to performing a scoping literature review, including searching for and accessing new information; developing systems for storing and cataloguing research materials; analyzing and synthesizing research findings; and writing and presenting findings.
Required Qualifications/Coursework:
Interest and/or experience with any of the following substantive areas: social policy and safety programs (e.g., food, housing, energy, income assistance) aimed at low-income and vulnerable populations; disaster and emergency management policy and programs; and/or climate change policy and programs.
Preferred Qualifications/Coursework:
Experience and broad knowledge of public policy, demonstrated by current or previous attendance (and good performance in) POLS 351 Intro to Public Policy and Administration are required. The BEACoN scholar should also have a keen interest and willingness to explore new and complex policy problems, as well as evidence of an ability to take initiative and make decisions independently.
Lydia Heberling & Becca Lucas
(she/her/hers) - (she/her/hers)
lheberli@calpoly.edu - relucas@calpoly.edu
Ethnic Studies (CLA)
Research project Title:
Counter-Mapping as Decolonization: Creating an Indigenous Walking Tour of Cal Poly's Campus
Research Project Description:
The goal of this project is to produce an Indigenous Walking Tour of the Cal Poly campus that can be used by a diverse range of campus and community groups. Producing an Indigenous tour of the Cal Poly campus expands on the practice of the land acknowledgment by employing the tools of counter-mapping and Indigenous research methods to center Indigenous presence in our everyday lives. An Indigenous Walking Tour would map the Cal Poly campus by places, artworks, plants, names, and histories central to the yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash Tribe. By creating this walking tour we will make visible, amplify, and celebrate living Indigenous traditions and knowledges. Cal Poly SLO sits on the traditional and unceded lands of the yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini peoples in a city established through the process of Spanish missionization of California Indian peoples in the 18th and 19th centuries. This project is one way we can contribute to the creation of better stories that un-erase California Indian and American Indian peoples in our local communities.
Counter-mapping is a process of cartography that challenges the dominant views of the world. It can allow for marginalized voices to communicate their stories and reveal histories of their land. Counter-mapping creates multiple ways of knowing places and lands through diverse cartographic practices. This project is inspired by the University of Washington Indigenous Walking Tour, created by UW alum, Owen Oliver (Quinault and Isleta Pueblo). This project is secondarily inspired by the A Peoples’ History of UW digital map, created by a collective of University of Washington students who are allies and community members.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
This project intends to hire 2 research scholars with tailored focuses:
Dr. Heberling's student mentee will have the opportunity to learn about counter-mapping as a research methodology and construct a literature review of counter-mapping projects and how they work. The student will then work with the faculty adviser to identify campus sites that fit the criteria for creating counter-narratives. Lastly, the student will have the opportunity to identify campus offices and entities who would benefit from participating in an Indigenous Walking Tour and test run the tour with at least one of these groups.
Dr. Lucas' student mentee will have the opportunity to develop research skills in Indigenous studies and dive deep into the local land and peoples history by working with a Tribal member of the yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash Tribe. Additionally, this student will develop knowledge around ethnographic protocols while working with Indigenous communities, which will culminate in developing an IRB proposal. Finally, the student will create promotional material and outline communications strategy to promote the tour.
Both of the student mentees will learn foundational concepts in Indigenous research methods; how to engage with and create a critical cartography; how to create an IRB proposal; and how to engage in research according to and in relationship with tribal communities and their protocols.
Required Qualifications/Coursework:
At least one Ethnic Studies course or course where the students have learned a foundational understanding of settler colonialism, critical race, and/or Indigenous studies, such as (but not limited to) ES 253: Introduction to American Indian Studies.
Preferred Qualifications/Coursework:
It would be ideal, but not required, if the students have taken ES/NR 360, “Ethnicity and the Land.” It is preferred that the students have an interest in decolonial geographies and spatial mapping and an understanding of California’s settler colonial history. A preference for students who have a demonstrated understanding of or relationship with Indigenous communities.
Nicole Jacobs
(she/her/hers)
njacobs@calpoly.edu
English (CLA)
Research project Title:
What Do Students Want and Need in a Disability Cultural Program?
Research Project Description:
What are the critical components to designing both a space and a mission that is fully accessible to students at Cal Poly? During a successful BEACoN mentorship project last year, we developed a Disability Cultural Program proposal in collaboration with the students of the Disability Alliance. This year, I will work with a mentee to solicit both quantitative and qualitative feedback from the campus community about the priorities for a disability cultural program and space. In other words, how can Cal Poly students with disabilities build community, foster solidarity, and access additional resources to promote student success through a DCP? This project will examine the ways in which an inclusive and accessible meeting space and program for students could contribute to improving student experience and campus climate by forging community and solidarity.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The student mentee will engage in two distinct tasks: 1) help to develop, distribute, and interpret surveys on student, faculty, and staff priorities in developing a DCP and 2) conduct an audit of funding opportunities and collaborate on developing materials for grant writing.
The reserach scholar will gain skills in methods, data collection and management, and an introduction to grant writing.
Required Qualifications/Coursework:
The only requirement for this project is competent writing skills and willingness to learn about the social and political impact and implications of disability.
Preferred Qualifications/Coursework:
Preference will be given to students who have some working knowledge of disability justice and/or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Some level of competence or willingness to learn how to manage data from survey results would be excellent.
Martine Lappé
(she/her/hers)
mlapp@calpoly.edu
Social Sciences (CLA)
Research project Title:
The Social and Ethical Impacts of Early-Life Adversity Research
Research Project Description:
Experiences of early-life adversity and their lasting impacts on physical and mental health have become areas of increasing public and scientific attention in recent years. This project will explore the social and ethical implications of this area of research and examine its impacts for understandings and experiences of health. Examples of early-life adversity include child abuse and neglect, exposure to violence, and economic hardship - all of which are significantly shaped by race, class, gender, and other social conditions.
As a sociologist of health, science, and medicine, I am interested in whether and to what extent research on early-life adversity engages and addresses systemic forms of oppression and what forms of social change it imagines and makes possible. This project will examine these key questions through a critical analysis of peer-reviewed studies related to early-life adversity, in-depth interviews with parents, pediatricians, policymakers, scientists and advocates, and content analysis of media and news stories from recent years.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The BEACoN Research Scholar for this project will work with Dr. Lappé to gather and review key studies related to early-life adversity, collect and organize peer-reviewed publications on the topic, and create an annotated bibliography addressing key themes and issues in that literature. In addition, and based in part on the skills they bring to the project, the BEACoN Research Scholar may also review media related to early-life adversity and conduct a content analysis of key themes in news stories and other resources from recent years. Finally, the scholar will provide support for in-depth interviews related to the social and ethical implications of early-life adversity research with parents, pediatricians, policymakers, scientists and advocates. This may include assisting with preparing a human subjects research protocol, developing interview guides, or recruiting potential participants.
The BEACoN Research Scholar on this project will gain skills in science, technology and medicine studies, critical public health, and feminist sociology. They will also gain key writing and research skills, and training in the ethical conduct of human subjects research, qualitative research methods, and media analysis.
Required Qualifications/Coursework:
The BEACoN Research Scholar on this project must be a thoughtful and critical thinker, have strong writing and communication skills, and must have completed some course work in one or more of the following areas: sociology, anthropology, science, technology and society, ethnic studies, child development, public health, communications, and/or women's, gender, and queer studies.
Preferred Qualifications/Coursework:
Preferred skills for this project include course work in qualitative or ethnographic methods, science and technology studies, and interest in feminist theory and methods.
Silvia Marijuan
(she/her/hers)
smarijua@calpoly.edu
World Languages and Cultures (CLA)
Research project Title:
The Use of Gender-Inclusive Language in Spanish Bilingual Education and Latinx/e Communities in California
Research Project Description:
In recent years, marginalized groups and social justice advocates have provided Spanish speakers and bilinguals with novel non-binary linguistic options (for example, chiques “children/young people”) to express multiple gender identities in language that challenges and resists traditional binary grammatical gender categories in Spanish (masculine/feminine, chico, chica, “boy”, “girl”). However, scholars have given little attention to how changing linguistic practices might be addressed in bilingual education. Failing to recognize non-binary gender expressions comes into conflict with changing legislative realities that empower marginalized gender groups in the US (for example, Title IX, California Gender Recognition Act).
This research project will examine (a) what is understood by gender-inclusive language in Spanish; (b) what linguistic options are preferred/used by the members of the Latinx/e community who self-identify as non-binary/gender-fluid; (c) what teachers and teacher candidates in K-12 schools in California, including bilingual schools, believe about gender-inclusive language in Spanish, and (d) whether (and how) teachers introduce it in the classroom. The result of this research will contribute to the promotion of inclusive language options in the community and in the bilingual classroom to honor the gender identities of all students; this research will also help to provide schools and the community with resources to expand the use of gender-inclusive language in Spanish.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
Under the principal investigator’s oversight, the BEACoN Research Scholar will:
- Engage in research regarding educational linguistics, inclusive language in Spanish (direct and indirect), and translanguaging approaches to multi/bilingualism
- Assist with the development of interview protocols
- Conduct interviews and make field observations in educational settings
- Find educational resources (books, story books, magazines, etc.) that use inclusive language in Spanish
- Assist with the transcription and coding of interview data
- Assist with research bibliography
- Create presentation materials
The BEACoN Research Scholar will gain experience in the field of educational linguistics, inclusive language in Spanish (direct and indirect), translanguaging approaches to multi/bilingualism, and qualitative methodology in applied linguistics, including preparing interview protocols, conducting interviews with participants/educators in different educational settings, transcribing interviews, and coding interviews (thematic analysis using NVivo software). The BEACoN Research Scholar will also learn to summarize research papers and make presentations to share with educational institutions and the local and the academic community, enhancing her/his/their communication skills in both English and Spanish.
Required Qualifications/Coursework:
- Must have completed one course in Linguistics or a related field (any department).
- Must speak Spanish at least at the intermediate level.
- Must be motivated to engage with the local Latnix/e community and with educational institutions, teachers and teacher candidates pursuing a teaching credential in California.
Preferred Qualifications/Coursework:
Students pursuing a degree in Spanish, Liberal Studies (LS) and/or completing a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies (WGS) or Queer Studies. Having completed a social sciences research methodology course (in any department) is a plus, but not a requirement. Advanced knowledge of Spanish is also preferred but not required.
Shanae Martinez (pictured), Laura Sorvetti, & Jessica Holada
(she/they) - (she/her/hers) - (she/her/hers)
smart200@calpoly.edu - lsorvett@calpoly.edu - jholada@calpoly.edu
English & Kennedy Library Special Collections (CLA + Library)
Research project Title:
Curating Representation: Cal Poly Archives as Cultural Repositories
Research Project Description:
For the past two years, the emerging Book Arts Lab (BAL) has worked collaboratively with Special Collections to broaden representation of historically marginalized student experiences in the Cal Poly archives. Since libraries often serve as cultural repositories for public memory, only the most prominent and privileged students at our PWI populate the bulk of the Cal Poly Archives in Special Collections. Laura Sorvetti and Jessica Holada are committed to changing this culture of institutional exclusion and erasure by inviting historically marginalized students to curate projects that fill these gaps in representation, while also updating outdated collection descriptions. Since the vision of the BAL is to provide a space for historically marginalized students to create living artifacts of their experiences this project is both interdisciplinary and collaborative. While the BAL is an accessible outlet for the voices of all historically marginalized students this particular portion of the project will focus on the logistics of curating archives to remedy centries of institution gatekeeping around Cal Poly’s public memory.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The BEACoN Scholar will identify gaps in the Cal Poly Archives and then curate a project to address some aspect of these gaps in representation. Additionally, the student will assist library staff with updating the collection descriptions in culturally appropriate ways. Such responsibility will require the student to have strong research, communication, and organizational skills; as well as, creative, curatorial, editorial, educational, and social justice interests. The mentee will be responsible for envisioning and curating a project with physical ephemera to be published through the BAL and submitted to Cal Poly's Special Collections and Archives. Regular communication with Dr. Martinez, library staff, and any contributors is also expected. In many ways the mentee will be a project manager, gaining experience with organizing grassroots micropublishing, archival research, and building institutional memory. The mentee will meet with Dr. Martinez & Special Collections librarians once per week, but should expect to be in regular communication throughout the week.
The mentee of this project will gain experience with archival research, library sciences, and how to intervene in repressive institutional practices for the purpose of social justice worldmaking.
Required Qualifications/Coursework:
Preference will be given to students that have experience (or interest) with creative and critical storytelling, social justice pedagogy, inclusive archival research and curation, and creating institutional change. Preferably this would be a humanities, arts, cultural studies, or library science student invested in literature, history, art, and decolonial praxis with strong organizational and communicative skills.
Preferred Qualifications/Coursework:
Scholarly engagement with intersectional social justice pedagogy, and/or experience working with or within historically marginalized communities.
Jorge Moraga
(he/him/his)
jemoraga@calpoly.edu
Ethnic Studies (CLA)
Research project Title:
¡Rompiendo Mas Fronteras! Latina Sport Journalists Across America’s Sport Media Complex
Research Project Description:
Recent nationwide demographic figures demonstrate the exponential growth of Latinxs in the United States (Pew Research, 2022); at 62.1 million, Latinxs accounted for 51% of the nation’s entire growth since 2010, with some projections noting that by 2060, U.S. Latinxs will balloon over 110 million (Census Bureau, 2017). Despite these statistical realities, Latinxs in the U.S. continue to be marginalized in several industries, such as media and popular culture. In fact, study after study (Muntaner et. al, The Latino Media Gap, 2014; Case et. al, USC Inclusion Initiative, 2021) continue to assert that an “epidemic of invisibility” not only exists, but it also extends across television, film, and the arts. The central purpose of this research project is to further understand how Latinxs in the United States continue to contribute, transform, and challenge “American” culture and media into the third decade of the twenty-first century.
Given the influential sociocultural presence of American sport and sport media, this research project will examine the relationship between Latinas and U.S. sport media, namely through archiving how Latina sport journalists navigate an industry that to this day remains marked by whiteness, maleness, and English-only speakers. By turning attention to the world of American sports and sports media, it is possible to locate the promises and pitfalls of representation and equity as it pertains to Latinxs and Latin Americans. Specifically, this project seeks to understand the role of cultura and nationality in the everyday practices of Latina sport media journalists and journalism by asking: what are the experiences of Latina sport journalists as they navigate an industry dominated and narrated largely by men, and how do Latina sport journalists complicate broader narratives of ethnoracial inclusion, gendered equity, and bilingualism? By archiving individual experiences and stories of Latina media professionals, a stronger understanding into the role of gender, language, and ethnic and racial markers of difference in American mediated sport culture can take place.
BEACoN Research Scholar will be expected to assist with:
- Annotated bibliography
- Literature review
- Organizing data
- Drafting interview questions
- Transcribing interviews
BEACoN Research Scholar will be encouraged to:
- Develop their writing skills
- Utilize data management skills
- Practice oral and public communication skills
- Conduct qualitative analysis and data observations
Required Qualifications/Coursework:
- Written and oral skillsets in Spanish (i.e., read, listen, and understand Spanish-language, or bilingual English/Spanish)
- Interest in popular culture, sports, and media
- Desire to assist in drafting, conducting, and transcribing interviews
- Background using social media platforms (i.e., Instagram, Twitter, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications/Coursework:
- ES 255: Introduction to Latinx/a/o Studies and/or
- COMS 387: Sports Communication and/or
- A general passion for American sports, social media, and reflecting on the politics of diversity,
- Inclusion, and representation in US-American popular culture
Codie Place
(she/her/hers)
coplace@calpoly.edu
Psychology and Child Development (CLA)
Research project Title:
Why Words Matter
Research Project Description:
Reactance, a specific type of resistance aroused when a threat to freedom occurs, has been identified as a potential culprit in inhibiting effective law enforcement investigative interviews. These interviews are critically important, but law enforcement officers (LEOs) often unknowingly arouse reactance during them, resulting in less effective interviews. The critical importance of the linguistic composition of a message is not disputed in the literature, but LEOs are not currently applying this existing research. The impact of linguistics on reactance is well studied across several disciples, but law enforcement is not one of them.
Most LEOs conducting interviews and gathering information have likely never heard of or received training related to reactance. As such, LEOs are at a disadvantage when it comes to preventing reactance and gathering the most accurate and abundant amount of information possible from victims, witnesses, or suspects. Even those conducting interviews who have had extensive training in interview procedures may not be using empirically based practices.
Regardless of the terminology used to describe it, certain words and phrases that are perceived to control, manipulate, or threaten freedom arouse reactance. This is irrefutable based on the literature. Due to human nature, the profound impact of words is deeply rooted and as such, it is imperative to be aware of the power words hold. This awareness is the first step in making strategically informed linguistic decisions. Linguistic specific training would raise linguistic awareness, as many LEOs do not consider the consequences of their linguistic choices. This study aims to deepen the understanding of whether linguistic specific training helps law enforcement interviewers mitigate and/or avoid reactance.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The BEACoN Research Scholar will be involved all aspects of this project. This will include helping with 1) identifying relevant literature 2) survey and data collection form design 3) conducting, transcribing and coding interviews and 4) quantitative data analysis. If progress allows, potentially work on drafting a manuscript for publication and presentation of findings at local/national conferences.
The BEACoN Research Scholar will gain skills in conducting a mixed-methods study, including quantitative data analysis as well as qualitative analysis including conducting, transcribing and coding interviews. Furthermore, they will have the opportunity to improve both general communication skills as well as communication skills related to articulating research findings.
Required Qualifications/Coursework:
The scholar should have taken at least one course in psychology or criminal justice. Additionally, strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills as well as some degree of data literacy are necessary. Finally, the BEACoN Research Scholar should have strong interpersonal skills and be comfortable conducting phone interviews with participants.
Preferred Qualifications/Coursework:
PSY/CD 329 Research Methods or any course in research methods preferred. Coding experience is a plus. An interest in linguistics, reactance or law enforcement research is desirable.
Steven Ruszczycky
(he/him/his)
sruszczy@calpoly.edu
English / Women's, Gender, and Queer Studies (CLA)
Research project Title:
Is Drunksex Chemsex? Alcohol, Queer Culture, and the Politics of Pleasure
Research Project Description:
Over the past decade, queer scholars based in the UK, Europe, and Australia have produced a notable body of scholarship on chemsex, or the deliberate and organized use of drugs within queer sexual subcultures. Responding to trends in sociological and public health research, queer scholars have emphasized how traditional approaches to studying sexualized drug use pathologize the practice and leave subjects doubly stigmatized: first as queer and again as drug users. Harm reduction efforts, they observe, do better, but may still falter in their ability to develop an effective critique of the dominant trends in research and public policy.
Beyond advocating for more compassionate and understanding approaches to users, queer researchers have worked to illuminate the productive dimensions of chemsex, highlighting how it makes lives livable through a creative modulation of queer bodies, pleasures, and subjectivities. What may be an addiction to the observer is for the user a mode of survival. But as crucial as queer theories of chemsex have been, they leave some questions unanswered, including whether or not other such theories apply to other psychoactive substances, including those that lack a transgressive aura. After all, legal and decriminalized substances position the subject in a different relation to the state, public health agencies, and medical institutions, and so their potential for mediating new modes of embodiment, pleasure, and subjectivity may be significantly different.
To think through those comparisons, this project will bring the theoretical resources of queer chemsex research into conversation with literary, cinematic, and historical accounts of queer drinking. Of the wealth of psychoactive substances that have become widely available to consumers over the past two hundred years, few have been the cause or subject of as much creative work as alcohol. Those texts comprise a rich archive of materials for apprehending the multiple meanings that queer subjects have invested in their drinking.
Booze also has a particularly significant role in the politics of queer subjects: While the matter of who led the charge against the cops on the fateful night of June 28, 1969 has been reimagined over the years, the one fact that has remained constant is that Stonewall was a bar. By reclaiming that space, queers laid claim to liquid technologies of the self and made room to experiment with new relational modes, yet they also helped to identify themselves as a market for a trillion dollar global industry. In fact, unlike crystal methamphetamine, alcohol is widely celebrated within US and other national cultures and has well-established associations with leisure, celebration, and freedom.
Thus, analysis of the meanings that alcohol acquires both for queer subjects and within queer subcultures may help us to develop a more nuanced theory of sexualized drug use and the queer politics of pleasure. Such analysis may also aid us to devise queer theories and narratives of sobriety and recovery as alternatives to models that demand the subject’s normalization within the existing world order.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The BEACoN mentee will have some latitude to determine what kind of work they do for this project. The student may conduct archival research regarding when and how breweries and distilleries began marketing to LGBT populations; research queer and trans-centered approaches to harm reduction, addiction treatment, etc, and/or research the history of LGBT-centered recovery movements and programs. The student may also work to assemble an annotated bibliography of relevant research on chemsex, queer drinking, etc. utilizing appropriate software; assembling a bibliography of relevant novels, films, videos, and other art projects that engage with the subject of queer & trans drug use in thematically relevant ways. Depending on student interest, we can assemble a reading schedule to read and discuss articles and publications that may be of interest to the student. I also envision a research blog in conjunction with the project, to which the student and I will post regular updates on our work. However, the mentee and I can discuss this together to decide if it is something we want to do.
The student will gain experience in archival research and qualitative analysis, as well as experience with queer theory, cultural studies, and cultural critique. Depending on interest level, the student may also gain some experience and practice in writing for a public audience.
Preferred Qualifications/Coursework:
No specific experiences or courses are required. It’s preferred that students have taken at least one 300- or 400-level WGQS course. The student should have some experience or knowledge of LGBT history and culture.
Jesús Serrano-Careaga
(he/him/his)
jserra24@calpoly.edu
Psychology and Child Development (CLA)
Research project Title:
Experiences of California DREAMers on College Campuses
Research Project Description:
In this project, our lab explores the experiences of undocumented students enrolled in UC and CSU systems. Specifically, we look into their feelings of belonging, friendships on campus, and discrimination-related experiences. Moreover, we explore the labels participants use to describe themselves and how their feelings about the labels the members of their campus community use to describe this group (e.g., undocumented students, DACA students, Dreamers, etc.). As part of this project, we will collect self-report survey data.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
As part of this project, the scholar would be involved in literature searches, reading peer-reviewed articles, study management, and assisting in developing follow-up studies. Students will also gain experience reading and critiquing peer-reviewed articles, writing and evaluating surveys/questionnaires, and quantitative data analysis.
Required Qualifications/Coursework:
- A research methods course.
- Multicultural psychology course, ethnic studies course, OR another course with an emphasis on diversity.
Preferred Qualifications/Coursework:
- Interest in immigration, stigma, and intergroup relations.
- Interest in issues related to student well-being and success.
Gabriel Soldatenko
(he/him/his)
gsoldate@calpoly.edu
Ethnic Studies (CLA)
Research project Title:
Rethinking the History of Political Philosophy: Latin America and the Concept of Utopia
Research Project Description:
Traditionally, the history of political philosophy has followed the classical periodic categorization of Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and Contemporary, at the same time that timeline has almost always been conceived through a narrow eurocentric prism where only Western thought and thinkers have been recognized as valuable. Moreover, and conceptually, the arc of this story is usually told from the perspective of the steady progress and movement toward modern liberalism and the nation-state. As a result, Medieval philosophy in this narrative tends to be understood as a foil or speed bump in the development of republicanism; so, aside from Machiavelli (the secular example) and St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas (the Christian examples) little more is discussed of the period.
In an effort to complicate and disturb this common sense conception of the history of political philosophy, this research project would like to investigate the Spanish colonial priest, thinker, and bureaucrat Vasco de Quiroja (1470/78- 1565) who attempted to enact and put into practice a concrete expression of the concept of utopia coined by Thomas Moore. In other words, this project sets out to mark a distinct trajectory in the history of Western political thought that has the following qualities: centers around the relation between West and non-West, insofar as Quiroja's most important role as archbishop of Michoacan meant overseeing and managing a large indigenous community just after the conquest of Central Mexico. In addition, the central idea orienting Quiroja's political philosophy was a radical Christian conception of utopia that led Quiroja to treat the indigenous community in a fundamentally different way than one finds in typical colonial accounts. Lastly, the strain of political thought that utopia comes closest to and prefigures, and which will emerge more clearly in the modern period, is that of socialism. That is, the idea that societies need not rely on private property, and that social harmony can be achieved through the simple principles of cooperation and love. For all of these reasons, Quiroja offers an important marker for rethinking the history of Western political thought.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The primary role of the student will be to gather primary and secondary sources. The sources will be both historical and philosophical. Thus, the student will have to shift between different kinds of searches and databases. In addition, regular conversations with the faculty will occur to evaluate the sources gathered and to discuss the terms used for the searches, and think about tweaking existing and adding new ones.
Depending on the student's effort and availability, at the very least the project will increase the capacity to engage in research in the humanities. In addition, by sifting through what promises to be many articles, books, and chapters the student will practice the important skill of being able to judge which sources are most pertinent to the project; so, reading abstracts and introductions and determining their value will be something in which they will gain competency, again an important and necessary skill in humanities research.
Required Qualifications/Coursework:
Some combination of basic knowledge and interest in: Latin America, indigenous communities, philosophy, and/or history would be a good starting point. Most importantly, however, would be the discipline and motivation to do the work.
Jean Williams
(she/her/hers)
jemwilli@calpoly.edu
Political Science (CLA)
Research project Title:
Media Representations of Families Who Lack Housing
Research Project Description:
"Homelessness," or the state of lacking housing at a particular time, often is framed as a personal failing, an outward manifestation of dysfunction or behavioral problems, and a permanent identity. When the media present stories and/or visuals about houselessness, they may rely on such stereotypes and further construct them. Moreover, media stories about houselessness usually show single adults, with little mention or understanding of families with children. Families make up about 35% of all those without housing at any one time in the U.S., yet they often remain invisible in the media and even in policy discussions.
This project will explore media representations/invisibility of families without housing, using a mixed methods approach. We will use content analysis to systematically examine whether and to what degree families are present in media stories about homelessness, and how they are defined and constructed when they are discussed.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
In order to prepare for the research, the Research Scholar will have the opportunity to read scholarly articles about houselessness and the media's role in creating perceptions about why it occurs. They then will assist in compiling news articles about homelessness from several major news outlets, and code them according to whether and how they address homelessness (under my supervision). The Research Scholar will also have the opportunity to help select news articles for qualitative analysis and to engage in analysis of them.
The Research Scholar will learn how to systematically study and deconstruct public and media perceptions about an issue like homelessness in the U.S. They will gain an understanding of what content analysis entails as well as skills in doing qualitative and quantitative content analysis.
Required Qualifications/Coursework:
1. Interest in poverty and houselessness
2. Experience locating, reading, and understanding scholarly, peer-reviewed articles in the social sciences
3. Some knowledge of Excel, or the willingness to learn how to use it
Preferred Qualifications/Coursework:
1. Courses in the social sciences that explore poverty and houselessness
2. Courses in qualitative or quantitative methodologies in the social sciences
College of Science & Mathematics
Tim Bean
(he/him/his)
wtbean@calpoly.edu
Biological Sciences (CoSAM)
Research project Title:
Do Graduate School Admission Processes Contribute to the "Leaky Pipeline" in Ecology?
Research Project Description:
Like so many STEM fields, ecology suffers from a "leaky pipeline." While a huge proportion of students in early education express enthusiasm for and interest in the natural world, professional ecologists are disproportionately under-represented by people of color. Although ecology and natural resource undergraduate programs are increasingly focused on - and succeeding at - improving equitable outcomes for all students, comparatively less is known about success at the graduate level, including barriers to entry. Unlike the more rigid academic processes for applying to law, nursing, or medical school, graduate programs in ecology require a dizzying assortment of approaches. For most programs, admissions decisions are made by individual faculty members, whose criteria for selecting students are often opaque and difficult to navigate, thereby creating potential barriers for students unfamiliar with the process. A better understanding of the types of application pathways into ecology graduate programs, and the ways in which different approaches promote or hinder diverse applicant pools, is a critical first step in diversifying the field of ecology.
This project will investigate admissions processes in ecology graduate programs throughout California and compare the types of processes to publicly available data on diversity within the programs themselves. The result will be clearer guidelines for best practices in recruiting graduate students in ecology. In addition, we will create a "field guide" for prospective students applying to graduate school in ecology that will reveal this part of the hidden curriculum.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The Research Scholar will be responsible for all aspects of the project, in close collaboration with me - together we will design our survey to identify the multiple application pathways; acquire IRB approval; deploy the survey; analyze the data; and summarize and compare to publicly available data on diversity in the graduate programs of interest. The student will also be responsible for designing a user friendly field guide summarizing the different kinds of admissions processes we discover from our research.
The Research scholar will gain skills in: survey design, data management, and analysis; greater understanding of Human Subjects research and working with the IRB; graphic design and science communication; and expertise in applying to grad school in Ecology.
Preferred Qualifications/Coursework:
No specific requirements. BIO 263 preferred.
Gita Kolluru
(she/her/hers)
gkolluru@calpoly.edu
Biological Sciences (CoSAM)
Research project Title:
Diversity of Body Size and Mating Behavior of Fish
Research Project Description:
Variation in body size is an extremely important aspect of biological diversity that is key for reproductive success. Larger males are likely to be preferred by females and be better at fighting for access to mates. Why then, do some species exhibit a wide range of body sizes? Why are there any small males? Understanding how size impacts mating behavior may help us to understand what maintains variation in body size. For example, whereas large males may be more successful at acquiring mates using energetically expensive tactics, small males may save energy and use alternative behaviors such as sneaky mating to achieve reproductive success.
Our lab works with a captive population of the livebearing fish Girardinus metallicus. Males of this species occur in two types: black morphs, which are rare but perform a display, and plain morphs, which are abundant but do not perform a display. Previous work has focused on the more conspicuous black morphs, but plain morphs are more common in their native habitat, exhibit substantial variation in adult body size, and need further study. For example, despite our extensive work on the mating behavior of this species, we do not know what traits females use to choose mates from among plain morph males. Furthermore, although males should prefer large females because they are more fecund, we have found that males appear to prefer smaller females, possibly because they are less aggressive towards the males.
In previous studies we examined behavior of these fish in groups consisting of two males and a female, in a tank with no cover. We need to examine behavior under more realistic conditions, with larger social groupings, even sex ratios and including cover for individuals to hide behind if they are the target of aggression or unwanted mating attempts. Performing such observations can help us to quantify variation in behavior as a function of body size in both sexes, to explain the persistence of variation in size. Should the pandemic necessitate a pivot to virtual research, we have other projects that the student could do, which would involve extracting data from videos of behavioral trials we have performed in the past, but to answer new questions related to body size and behavior. We have a bank of training videos developed during the start of the pandemic that could be used to train the student in animal care tasks, and meetings could be held via Zoom.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The project involves working with a research team of students, to use detailed protocols to observe the behavior of individual fish within a social group, recording a range of behaviors for each fish, then weighing, measuring, and photographing the fish to obtain body and other size measurements. The student may also measure traits from digital images using ImageJ and Photoshop software, and collate datasets using Excel. These activities will culminate in analysis of data using JMP statistical software, to determine the relationship between body size and other morphological traits, and reproductive behavior. The student would also help to care for our live fish colony. This would involve intensive training by experienced students using a written Lab Manual. The student would help to feed fish, maintain healthy tank environments, ensure that conditions are optimal for the fish to breed, and identify and treat health conditions as they arise. In all cases the student will be trained and guided by me and by experienced students in the lab.
The Research Scholar will have the opportunity to gain skills in implementing all aspects of the scientific method, including generating hypotheses and predictions, finding and effectively reading the primary literature, observing behavior in a controlled manner, and analyzing images. The student will also gain quantitative skills such as managing data in Excel and statistically analyzing data using JMP software. Our research team will also discuss the evolution of morphological and behavioral traits, such that the student will be able to place our results in the context of the literature and other work in this area of biology. The student will also acquire skills in animal care, aquatic lab maintenance, recognition of fish diseases, and testing water quality. The student may also lead a team of students and thereby practice teamwork and leadership skills. Our lab is collegial, and we strive to cultivate an inclusive working environment, with members of our team working to help each other and learn from each other.
Preferred Qualifications/Coursework:
No specific requirements. BIO 263 (Introductory Ecology and Evolution) preferred.
Joyce Lin
(she/her/hers)
jlin46@calpoly.edu
Mathematics (CoSAM)
Research project Title:
Analyzing Economic and Social Inequities in Vulnerable Populations
Research Project Description:
The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded rising inequities in society, exposing economic and social fragilities. The loss of social cohesion results in exclusions in social and economic spheres that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations such as indigenous communities, LGBTI groups, and the disabled. To drive towards social cohesion, resilience, process legitimacy and empowerment, voice and accountability, we seek to assess a measure of multidimensional exclusion: who is in, who is out, and what are the barriers that vulnerable groups experience.
This project is in collaboration with the DxHub and the World Bank. Students would have the opportunity to work with contacts at Amazon Web Services and will provide a deliverable to the World Bank with possible solutions.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
- learn about computing a Global Multidimensional Exclusion Measure
- identify and collect possible data sets
- analyze data sets
- write up results
Student will gain skills/experience with:
- data analysis
- database management
- technical writing
- programming
Required Qualifications/Coursework:
-Basic programming skills
-Interest in data analysis
-Background in mathematics or statistics or similar
Preferred Qualifications/Coursework:
Experience with strata and/or tableau is good, but not necessary.
Stefanee Maurice
(she/her/hers)
somauric@calpoly.edu
Kinesiology and Public Health (CoSAM)
Research project Title:
Anti-Fat Bias in Exercise, Sport, and Health Professionals
Research Project Description:
In a systematic review of research on weight bias in exercise and nutrition professionals, 73% of the studies included identified weight bias in nutrition professionals and that number went up to 85% of the studies when focusing on professionals in physical therapy, physical education, and fitness training (Panza et al., 2018). Practitioners with anti-fat bias may provide compromised care and contribute to negative health outcomes for their patients and clients. Individuals who are fat often avoid seeking routine medical care because they are worried and afraid of being mistreated based on the size of their body. Weight stigma can lead to increases in stress and blood pressure, poor metabolic health, increased weight gain, and higher rates of depression, anxiety, and disordered eating (Tomiyama et al., 2018).
We must also recognize the intersectional nature of anti-fat bias as well, with discourse surrounding the “obesity epidemic” being highly racialized. Additionally, Perez-Lopez et al. (2001) found correlations between weight bias and racism, homophobia, and orthodox gender ideologies. We cannot fully address weight stigma without also examining structural issues that disproportionally affect marginalized groups. Although students and professionals in these fields seek to improve health outcomes for their patients and clients, research and anecdotal evidence from several academic departments on campus show that anti-fat bias is impeding their intentions.
This project aims to assess and address anti-fat bias across several departments on campus. The results of this study will be used to develop programming aimed at reducing anti-fat bias and creating more inclusive spaces for students, professionals, and patients. By identifying the anti-fat bias that exists, we will be taking the first steps to address and reduce anti-fat bias in our courses, research, practical and field experiences, and campus culture.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The research scholar will assist in conducting literature reviews and writing annotated bibliographies as well as assisting with data collection and analysis. The student will also be expected to participate in the College of Science and Mathematics Undergraduate Research Symposium in spring quarter if they are a CSM major. If there is an equivalent experience to the CSM Undergraduate Research Symposium with their college, the student will be expected to participate. The student is required to attend weekly research meetings with the mentor.
By working on this project, the student will learn about conducting quantitative and qualitative research projects. The student will also learn how to search for and find relevant literature to create literature reviews and write annotated bibliographies. Within that, students will learn how to use a reference manager to store and organize literature in an efficient manner. The student will learn how to collect and analyze data as well as write up findings. They will also learn how to identify means to present the results of our findings by locating conferences to submit presentations to and be an active participant in writing the conference abstract and presentation materials. The student may have an opportunity to be an author on the manuscript that comes from the project as well. The student may have opportunities to develop this project into their senior project as well as have opportunities to provide support on additional projects as well.
Required Qualifications/Coursework:
The student should have experience conducting literature searches through either the Kennedy Library or Google Scholar for college-level assignments/classes.
Preferred Qualifications/Coursework:
It is preferred students have taken a research methods course in their respective major but is not required.
Jasmine Nation & Alejandra Yep
(she/her/hers) - (she/her/hers)
jmnation@calpoly.edu - yep@calpoly.edu
Liberal Studies & Biological Sciences (CoSAM)
Research project Title:
Aprender Haciendo: Nuestra Ciencia is Our Science
Research Project Description:
Misconceptions plague microbiology education, and most students arrive at college with deep-seated wrongful ideas about the microbial world that are often hard to reverse. Examples of this are faulty understanding of the way vaccines or antibiotics work and the roles of microbes in the human body and the environment. This is so widely recognized that the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) developed a Microbiology Concept Inventory (MCI) to help dispel those misconceptions in science undergraduates. We propose to start much earlier, by developing new and engaging experiments and activities that demonstrate key microbiology concepts for a K-6 audience.
The project has two equally important long-term goals:
1. Microbiology education goal: develop experiments, activities, and accompanying materials that introduce basic microbiology concepts to elementary school students, both engaging them in the scientific process and planting the seeds for a correct understanding of microbiology. We will contribute toward this goal by developing these materials and making them available for K-6 educators.
2. Diversity and inclusivity goal: demonstrate that science is not “owned” by any specific group nor does it happen in a specific language and that everybody can become a scientist regardless of their background. We will contribute toward this goal by developing all materials in English and Spanish and by piloting the experiments in Spanish with students from the immersion school Pacheco Elementary (San Luis Obispo).
This year we will be researching the expanded program that is taking place on Cal Poly campus for the first time in Winter 2023 as a new section of the Learn by Doing Lab. Beacon mentees will help to collect and analyze qualitative data about what elementary and undergraduate students are learning during Learn by Doing sessions conducted entirely in Spanish. We will develop additional curricula for the Learn by Doing Lab along with analyzing data collected from these teaching events.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
This project is highly multidisciplinary by nature, and students will work as part of a diverse group. The role of the BEACoN mentee can be tailored to fit students coming from multiple interests and majors. Depending on the BEACoN mentee’s previous knowledge and preferences, their role will encompass a subset of the following:
- Attend lab meetings and present when relevant (journal club or data presentation)
- Search relevant literature and generate annotated bibliographies
- Identify key microbiology concepts and common misunderstandings
- Develop and test/troubleshoot novel experiments that demonstrate those concepts and can be carried out in a K-6 classroom or at home (without specialized materials)
- Map the concepts and accompanying experiments within the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards)
- Develop accompanying bilingual materials for teachers and students. These include but are not limited to: introduction and background for teachers/students, materials lists, protocols, handouts, quizzes, games, videos, webpages
- Be part of a group of Cal Poly students guiding K-6 students in carrying out the experiments, interpreting data, and drawing conclusions (this could be done virtually if schools return to virtual instruction)
- Learn the process of qualitative data analysis including designing interview protocols, transcribing, and coding data
- Conduct interviews and make observations/take field notes in Learn by Doing sessions
- Assist with thematic coding of video and interview transcripts
- Write results and prepare poster/talk for presentation at the CSM student research conference or peer-reviewed publication
BEACon Research Scholar will develop the following skills:
- Microbiology skills and concepts
- Familiarity with science standards and curricula design
- Primary literature search, analysis, and presentation of summarized results
- Experimental design
- Protocol development and troubleshooting
- Data recording, assessment
- Data analysis and reporting
- Qualitative methodology (including documenting students’ experiences, drafting interview protocols, conducting interviews with other students, transcribing interviews and coding interviews through thematic analysis)
- Written and oral presentation skills
- Effective science communication for young audiences
Required Qualifications/Coursework:
- Able to communicate in oral and written Spanish
- Interest in teaching
- Interest in biological sciences
- Interest in promoting diversity in STEM
- Must enjoy working with kids!
Preferred Qualifications/Coursework:
- MCRO224/MCRO221
- Familiarity with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
- Experience working/interacting with groups of kids (5-12yo)
Alexis Pasulka
(she/her/hers)
apasulka@calpoly.edu
Biological Sciences (CoSAM)
Research project Title:
Temporal and Spatial Variability of Phytoplankton in the Morro Bay Estuary
Research Project Description:
Phytoplankton form the base of the marine food web; consequently, their growth dynamics influence the structure and function of coastal ecosystems. The growth of some phytoplankton groups (i.e., harmful algal blooms; HABs) can also have negative impacts on human health, the environment, and the economy. Therefore, it is critical to monitor and characterize the phytoplankton community within Morro Bay, and ultimately work to predict HABs in order to mitigate their detrimental effect on our local ecosystem. In order to have a better understanding of spatial and temporal patterns of phytoplankton within Morro Bay, this project aims to characterize the phytoplankton composition from weekly samples at two sites within Morro Bay (the mouth of the bay and the back bay) over the course of a year.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
This project will involve analyzing weekly phytoplankton samples from Morro Bay. Students will be trained in phytoplankton identification and then have the opportunity to quantify and identify phytoplankton using microscopy on a weekly basis. Several students will work together to learn, ask questions, and validate one another’s counts. In addition, students will learn how to extract and analyze chlorophyll a from marine water samples. This project will also include data entry and opportunities to shadow field work.
An additional element of this project will be to participate in discussions with community stakeholders, particularly local aquaculture companies, about how harmful algal bloom data can be helpful. This will be coordinated in conjunction with Cal Poly’s Sea Grant aquaculture extension specialist, Dr. Kevin Johnson. Finally, students will have the opportunity to present some of the data from this work at the CSM Undergraduate Student Research conference in the spring.
BEACon Research Scholar will develop the following skills/experience:
- Phytoplankton identification and enumeration
- Data management
- Basic data visualization strategies as well as exposure to the software R.
- Communication of findings to informal audiences (e.g., local stakeholders).
Required Coursework:
BIO 160, BIO 161, BIO 162
Preferred Coursework:
MCRO 224, BIO 263
Sonia Ramrakhiani
(she/her/hers)
sramrakh@calpoly.edu
School of Education
Research project Title:
BIPOC Student Narratives In Graduate Programs At A PWI
Research Project Description: College campuses have been the birthplace of many activists and activist movements. However, despite college campuses being the birthplace of activism, they are also breeding ground for racial harassment. We know White supremacy and racism occur across the world in educational institutions and outside of education (Lee, Jon, & Byun 2017), however, the added stress of a higher education institution may be overwhelming for some students of color (Franklin, 2019).The American College Personnel Association (ACPA) and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) requires competence in social justice and inclusion for student affairs graduate students and professionals (ACPA & NASPA, 2015; Harris & Linder, 2018). Despite, Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA) graduate programs commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice (Linder & Stewart, 2022), they fall short due to systemic racism and lack of diversity among students, faculty, and administration in higher education (Abiola & Travers, 2015). White individuals continue to be overrepresented in HESA programs and professions (Robbins, 2016). Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) students’ perspectives, experiences, culture, and histories are overlooked or excluded in the curriculum. This research focuses on the lived experiences of BIPOC students in HESA graduate programs at a Predominantly White Institution. We additionally explored students’ and faculty’s interactions and experiences with the HESA curriculum.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project: My mentee and I will design a plan for dissemination of the findings of a study on BIPOC Higher Education and Student Affairs graduate students at a PWI. My mentee will help me in gathering research articles to help write the manuscript, identifying the appropriate journal for this manuscript, and preparing the manuscript for this study. I would like our project to feel collaborative, whilst also serving as a guide through the publication process. The goal is to share responsibilities with my mentee and guide them through all the stages of a research publication process. Lastly, I would like to create a safe environment in which the mentee can learn the above mentioned skills and grow as a novice author.
BEACon Research Scholar will develop the following skills/experience: Student will learn about qualitative research design and develop research writing skills. Student will learn to identify appropriate journals for publication, develop research writing skills, and gain other professional experiences throughout the publication process as a co-author (such as proficiency in using APA 7 and developing a manuscript/adjacent materials). Additionally, student will learn how to design and secure conference presentation skills as well.
Required Coursework:
None, although it would be beneficial if my mentee had an interest in research and/or diversity, inclusion and equity issues.
Preferred Coursework: Basic research knowledge would be preferred but not required. Student will obtain research writing skills over the course of the project. Additionally, APA 7 writing skills might benefit the student. Finally, past experiences with writing research papers might serve the student as well
Adam Seal
(he/him/his)
adseal@calpoly.edu
Kinesiology and Public Health (CoSAM)
Research project Title:
Impact of Long-Term Exposure to Poor Air Quality on Health in Residents of the Central Coast of California
Research Project Description:
The smaller coastal cities of Oceano and Nipomo in Central California are more susceptible to poor air quality due to their proximity to the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (ODSVRA). This park is one of only nine California state parks dedicated solely to motorized recreation. Hundreds of all-terrain vehicles travel through 3,600 acres of sand each day during normal operations, bringing the park's annual visitor count to almost 1.5 million. Sand and other small particulate matter is driven into the air by these vehicles ultimately affecting the air quality of surrounding communities.
Numerous studies have reported exposure to poor air quality can have a range of negative health consequences including respiratory related illnesses. Despite previous research indicating off-roading vehicles have reduced air quality in the Central Coast region, no study has examined the relationship of poor air quality to respiratory related illness in surrounding communities including Oceano, Nipomo, and Grover Beach. The related reduction in air quality could affect >40,000 residents in generally low-income areas near the ODSRVA. Considering the controversial nature of the ODSRVA, data examining health issues are crucial to determine whether the poor air quality impacts health in low-income residents in the surrounding communities on the Central Coast.
This study will determine the effects of air quality on respiratory related illness in adults and children living in Oceano, Nipomo, and Grover Beach communities compared to matched controls living on the Central Coast of California.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The Scholar's role in the project will involve assisting with study design and methods, recruitment strategies, data collection, and data interpretation.
The goal of my mentorship would be to facilitate skills in all aspects of research concepts and design, data collection and interpretation, and presentation. The Scholar will also gain an understanding of various forms of bias in research and how it affects the way studies are interpreted. Furthermore, they will gain experience in forming collaborations with other departments and government organizations in order to achieve the research aims. Even if the Scholar has minimal research experience, this project is ideal for developing skills associated with a career in public health, research, and/or academia.
Required Experience/Coursework:
There are no required courses, but a small amount of experience in research methods and/or statistics is ideal.
Preferred Experience/Coursework:
Experience in recruiting participants for studies is preferred. Our study will involve a large participant sample size, so recruiting and retention will be a large aspect of the Scholar's responsibilities.
Marilyn Tseng
(she/her/hers)
mtseng@calpoly.edu
Kinesiology and Public Health (CoSAM)
Research project Title:
Engaging with Latinx Enclaves and Nurturing Social Capital
Research Project Description:
Despite the negative social and economic impacts of residential segregation, immigrant enclaves are thought to offer psychosocial benefits as well, by facilitating the development of social networks and a sense of connectedness and belonging. Previous research almost exclusively focuses on benefits to enclave residents, but such community-based impacts may also extend to non-residents who actively engage with those communities. In a currently ongoing study of enclaves and breast cancer risk in Santa Maria, CA, we are developing new methods to operationalize the concept of enclave engagement (‘exposure’), based on the collection of extensive and detailed qualitative and quantitative social network and activity location data.
The research being proposed for this BEACoN Scholar will build on that work to answer these research questions using survey data from a sample of Latinx residents in Santa Maria: How does enclave engagement differ between residents and non-residents? Is greater engagement with an enclave associated with greater social capital? What specific forms of engagement are the most important? Findings will be shared in both community-based and academic forums, hopefully to help inform decisions on investment in community resources.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The BEACoN Research Scholar will work collaboratively with a team of undergraduate researchers to: (1) develop a data entry system within a REDCap application for the survey data; (2) enter and clean data in preparation for data analysis; (3) analyze data to examine the association between enclave exposure and social capital; (4) share findings as part of a community dissemination event, at the BEACoN Research Symposium, and as part of a manuscript to be drafted for eventual publication.
The BEACoN Research Scholar will gain skills in data entry, management, and analysis; interpreting results from statistical analyses; and conveying findings to academic and non-academic audiences.
Required Experience/Coursework:
The BEACoN mentee should have prior experience with some form of research (for example, from coursework), as well as with communication (for example, speech and writing, also from coursework); and college-level coursework in statistical analyses.
Preferred Experience/Coursework:
Preferred qualifications are: (1) HLTH 318 (advanced epidemiology); and (2) strong interest in and some knowledge of immigrant health and community-based social capital.
Shanju Zhang
(he/him/his)
szhang05@calpoly.edu
Chemistry and Biochemistry (CoSAM)
Research project Title:
Nano-Enhanced Anticorrosive Coatings
Research Project Description:
Corrosion is a global challenge with an annual global cost put at $3.6 trillion in 2020. In the U.S., corrosion costs the national economy $500 billion each year which is equivalent to 3.1% of the GDP. To reduce the negative impact on the global economy, various approaches have been employed to combat corrosion menace. Polymer coatings are one of the most effective approaches. Typically, a polymer thin layer is coated on the metal surface to provide physical barriers against corrosive species. Recently, nanoparticles have been incorporated into the polymer coating layer to improve corrosive resistance. Graphene and its derivatives have been considered as promising nanofillers in providing anticorrosive properties along with enhancement in mechanical and conductive properties.
In this project, we will use chemical methods to modify graphene oxide to increase the miscibility with the polymer matrix. The 2K formulation method will be used to synthesize polyurethane nanocomposites and the drawdown bar will be used to coat polymers on the steel substrate. Various characterization methods will be employed to study structures, mechanical properties, conductivities and corrosion properties. Various factors will be investigated including the surface modification of graphene oxide, graphene oxide loading, and coating thickness.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
The student will be involved in every aspect of the project to receive hands-on experience with support from the faculty and senior group members. The research activities cover chemical synthesis of surface modified graphene oxide, formulation of 2K polyurethane, structural characterization of the designed materials, physical properties such as thermal analysis, mechanical properties, electrical conductivities and corrosion test.
The student will gain the hands-on skills in the wet lab and dry lab including chemical synthesis, coating formulation, and materials characterization methods. In addition, the student assistant will have an opportunity to learn how to search literature, work in the team and communicate with professionals.
Preferred Experience/Coursework:
There are no specific requirements - CHEM 312 (Organic Chemistry) is preferred.
Orfalea College of Business
Bradford Anderson
(he/him/his)
bpanders@calpoly.edu
Accounting and Law (OCoB)
Research project Title:
Can A Landlord Restrict Who Your Visitors Are?
Research Project Description:
Landlords continue to get creative in the ways that they tyrannize tenants. There are definitive examples of lease provisions which seek to restrict visitors of tenants. On the surface, such provisions might appear to be harmless attempts by landlords to maintain quiet serenity and orderly operation of the leased property.
However, when such lease provisions are reviewed in greater detail, the restrictions on visitors may actually be a veiled attempt to discriminate and circumvent anti-discrimination laws. Even if not designed to discriminate, such provisions certainly have a disparate impact upon specific populations. This research project will involve evaluating and analyzing "visitor restrictions" in this context.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
PART A. The BEACoN Research Scholar will perform research using resources available through Cal Poly, including Westlaw (legal and law related database), litigation databases, news story research and general internet searches. Based upon the results of that research, the scholar will identify lease documents (posted on the web), court decisions, and news stories to both identify and analyze real estate rental restrictions (lease provisions) which attempt to restrict visitation of the tenant. Such restrictions might involve who and how many can visit, what time of day and frequency, and whether they can stay overnight.
PART B. After identifying visitor restrictions described above, the BEACoN Research Scholar will help to analyze and offer analysis on whether these types of restrictions may potentially have the purpose to discriminate and/or have the result of discrimination caused by a disparate impact upon tenants or visitors (e.g. impacting gender expression or other protected characteristics). Are these restrictive lease provisions targeted at certain populations in a veiled attempt to discriminate and circumvent anti-discrimination laws? This analysis will be supported from also reviewing social, economic, political, legal, and other research works.
WORK PRODUCT FROM THE SCHOLAR: Lists and copies of relevant materials; spreadsheets with quantitative (as well as qualitative) results regarding the linkage of certain restrictions having a disparate impact.
The researcher will gain skills in: interpreting and understanding real estate lease documents; legal research and analysis; legal research methodology (including quantitative and qualitative analysis).
Required Experience/Coursework:
A. BUS 207 OR other introductory law course (including community college transfer courses).
B. INTRODUCTORY coursework (either Cal Poly or community college transfer course) in basic social science or ethnic studies.
C. INTRODUCTORY math, quantitative reasoning, or critical thinking coursework.
Preferred Experience/Coursework:
A. Intermediate level coursework in social science or ethnic studies.
B. Intermediate level coursework math, quantitative reasoning, or critical thinking coursework.
Hamed Ghoddusi
(he/him/his)
hghoddus@calpoly.edu
Finance (OCoB)
Research project Title:
PropTech and Algorithmic Biases: Implications for Inclusion
Research Project Description:
PropTech (i.e., using modern technologies such as machine learning in real estate) is expected to change the future of real estate financing, design, and brokerage. On the other hand, emerging literature in computer science suggests that such algorithms are potentially subject to various kinds of biases (e.g., racial and gender biases) in the framing of data and producing forecasts. Moreover, the conventional real estate literature has already documented the existence of racial biases in the valuation of houses and mortgage processing. Thus, a valid and relevant question if such biases will be mitigated or elevated when human agents are replaced or supplemented by AI-based computer algorithms. The next question is how the next generation of PropTech systems and their users (e.g., loan officers) could become cognizant of potential biases and strategies to avoid or alleviate bias.
The objective of this project is to first dive deep into computer science, information ethics, and statistics literature to classify various biases that may arise in ML-based systems. The framework will then be applied to standard mortgage processing, credit rating, and home valuation models to identify potential biases that may arise in those systems. The extent of the bias will be quantified using a large sample of mortgage loans that contains information such as rate, demographic and socio-economic characteristics, location, and income of the borrower. Finally, borrowing insights from CS literature, we will produce advice and recommendations for developers and users of PropTech systems to mitigate potential biases.
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
- Review technical literature on algorithmic biases to deeply understand the nature of biases and produce a concise model and report of different types of biases and their technical descriptions
- Study a selected set of quantitative models in real estate finance to identify potential channels that their inputs or processing may suscept them to bias
- Work with a dataset of loans to identify features (i.e., data columns) that may be used by an algorithm to produce biased results.
- Work with the advisor to produce a bias-mitigation recommendation report for PropTech and real estate policy makers, system developers, and professionals
BEACon Research Scholar will develop the following skills/experience:
- ML skills: Deep technical knowledge about machine learning algorithms, and specifically the causes of biased in those models and algorithms
- Data Skills: Becoming proficient in working with large real estate databases such as FHA loan dataset and well as experience with cleaning, organizing and managing data.
- Data Skills: Statistical techniques to process large datasets and to produce estimates of potential impacts
- Soft skills: Writing concise and practical policy reports for a wide range of audience
Required Experience/Coursework:
- Basic knowledge of machine learning, statistics, and econometrics
- Econ 339 (or equivalent one from Stat, such as Stat334) or at least one course on AI/ML such as Stat434 or CSC487
Preferred Experience/Coursework:
- Advanced knowledge of machine learning algorithms, in particular, in connection with biases.
- Basic knowledge of economics and finance literature on biases in real estate.
Fiona Robinson
(she/her/hers)
firobins@calpoly.edu
Industrial Technology & Packaging - Entrepreneurship(OCoB)
Research project Title:
Entrepreneurship after Prison: A Model of Challenge-Based Entrepreneurship
Research Project Description:
Entrepreneurship programs are increasingly being offered to individuals that currently are or were recently in prison. As having a felony and/or history of incarceration can make it difficult to find a job, being able to create one’s own job through entrepreneurship is thought to be a creative solution that can lead to mindset change around one’s employment potential and less likelihood of recidivism.
While research has provided insights into the value of such entrepreneurial programming, less is known about how the negative personal circumstance associated with committing a crime and being in prison impacts an individual’s ability to become an effective entrepreneur. For this research, we apply the challenge-based model of entrepreneurship (developed by Miller and Le Breton-Miller, 2017) to explore the adaptive requirements that emerge from being in prison and how these adaptive requirements can develop entrepreneurial capabilities if leveraged appropriately. This leads us to our first research question:
RQ #1: How does the experience of being in prison force a person to adapt? What are the outcomes of these adaptive requirements, and how do they impact entrepreneurship after prison? In developing a model of challenge-based entrepreneurship that further considers the context of having spent time in prison, we secondarily explore the process in which entrepreneurship impacts these individuals beyond a source of income. Given the negative circumstances from which these individuals are coming from, it is likely that entrepreneurial activity impacts the entrepreneur in other ways related to wellbeing and hope.
RQ #2: Beyond a source of income, how does starting/running a business after being in prison impact an individual? In developing a model of challenge-based entrepreneurship that further considers the context of having spent time in prison, we lastly explore the process in which entrepreneurship impacts these individuals beyond a source of income. Given the challenging circumstances from which these individuals are coming from, it is likely that entrepreneurial activity impacts the entrepreneur in other ways related to wellbeing and
hope.
RQ #3: Beyond a source of income, how does starting/running a business after being in prison impact an individual?
BEACoN Research Scholar's role in project:
BEACoN research scholars will participate in data collection, data analysis and preparing findings for both an academic and broader, public audience. Specifically, this means participating in interviews with formerly incarcerated individuals that are starting or running their own business and engaging with qualitative data analysis techniques to make sense of the data and summarize findings.
With respect to data collection, the students will learn skills in interviewing, observation, transcription, de-identifying raw data and data management. Related to data analysis, students will develop skills in inductive coding, theming and the use of software in a qualitative research project. In addition, students will develop their writing skills through contributing to and editing a literature review, preparing findings, and learning how to use a reference manager (Zotero). Developing collaboration skills is inherent throughout the process, and students should expect to engage with their original ideas, thoughts and reflections as part of working on a team.
Required Experience/Coursework:
Students will have taken BUS 310 Intro to Entrepreneurship, or another course that covered interview skills in depth (such as a qualitative research course).
Preferred Experience/Coursework:
Students will have demonstrated a good faith effort to engage with or learn about entrepreneurship; for example, as a Cal Poly Entrepreneurship minor/concentration student, participation in Cal Poly Entrepreneurs or engagement in extra-curricular entrepreneurship activities.
