Research Teams

Faculty Mentor: Dr. David Smith
Students: Katie LaFave and Cassandra Fielding
Project Title: Research in Increasing Beneficial Insects on Southern California Avocado and Citrus Farms
Abstract: Insects play a vital role in agriculture. Some are pests, while others are beneficial, such as pollinators and predators of pests. This project explores using hedgerows to support native pollinators and reduce dependence on imported honeybee hives. Collaboration with Cal Poly Pomona will assess the effects on local farms, with undergraduate student involvement.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. April Karlinsky
Students: Ayah Fareh, Samantha Coronado, Ashley Colstock Horn
Project Title: The Impact of the Cheerleader Effect on Body Type Judgments
Abstract: Investigates how body image perception is influenced by group contexts in media. Negative body image can affect physical activity participation. This project aims to understand contextual and personal factors affecting body image assessments and supports student learning in Kinesiology research.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Becky Talyn
Students: Emily Wooten, Kelley Kelley
Project Title: Using Drosophila melanogaster to study mechanisms of toxicity of Glyphosate-Based Herbicides
Abstract: This study uses fruit flies to investigate herbicide toxicity mechanisms like endocrine disruption and microbiome dysbiosis. It examines genetics, hormone interactions, and behavioral effects to better understand ecosystem health impacts.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tandis Bidgoli
Students: Derek Abeln, Andres Tagle, Andrew Huynh
Project Title: Exploring Validity of Remote Sensing-Based Physiographic Roughness and Surface Reflectance for Relative Age Assignment of Quaternary Surfaces in Arid Environments
Abstract: Compares remote sensing data with field data to classify geomorphic surfaces in Southern California. Produces maps, abstracts, and publications while training students in geologic mapping, LiDAR, and spectral data analysis.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Anna Zelaya
Students: Abdalla Abdalghani, Diana Santillan, Ailani Varela
Project Title: Soil Microbial Diversity and Antibiotic Discovery
Abstract: Targets antimicrobial resistance by investigating soil microbial diversity for potential antibiotic production. Provides students with training in microbial cultivation, bioinformatics, and DNA sequencing.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Swat Kethireddy
Students: Carson McNulty, Jessica Marie Carden, Darshkumar Pancholi
Project Title: Nitrates Water Quality in Public and Private Water Sources: An Investigation to Assess Southern California Water Supplies
Abstract: Assesses nitrate contamination in water sources using lab analysis and drone-based monitoring. Incorporates CLIP data and field testing with in-situ sensors. Aims to aid watershed health management and public awareness.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Claire Todd
Students: Lilianna Nunez, Angel Bahena Gomez, David Montellano
Project Title: How Do Melting Glaciers Impact the Watersheds They Occupy?
Abstract: Measures glacier retreat impact on watershed environments. Data collected includes sediment, water chemistry, and hydrology. Students compare field data with USGS data to analyze downstream effects.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Laura Newcomb
Students: Aisling Murphy-Gonzalez, Jocelyn Diaz
Project Title: Generate Feline Macrophage Cell Lines for Virological Studies
Abstract: Develops immortalized feline macrophage cell lines for virology research using lentivirus transduction. Plans to expand to cheetah-derived lines. Trains students in advanced cellular biology techniques.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sunny Hyon
Students: Lisandro M. Esquivel-Solis, Daniel Moran, Nathanael Emiliano Hernandez
Project Title: Does this Paper Read Well? Grammatical Features and the Readability of Student Prose
Abstract: Analyzes grammatical features in undergraduate writing using the CROW database. Initial hand-coded analysis distinguishes readable from unreadable prose. Future phases involve corpus linguistics tools and undergraduate mentorship.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Debora Perez Torres
Students: Marlena Brown, Briana Williams
Project Title: Health Disparities Among Latino Populations: Measurement, Implications, and Interventions
Abstract: Examines stress as a contributor to health disparities among Latinos. Critiques traditional categorical approaches and emphasizes discrimination's role in chronic stress. Aims to guide communication-based interventions.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Teresa Perry
Students: Victoria Zataray, Cheyenne Elze, Daniel Rodriguez
Project Title: Profit and Public Health: An Empirical Investigation of Corporate Capitalism's Influence on the Use of Addictive Goods
Abstract: Investigates how corporate capitalism promotes addictive goods consumption. Explores implications for health inequality, alienation, and policy reform.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nicole Collier
Students: Alanna Gutierrez, Alyson Elena Andrade
Project Title: Digital Natives and Cyber Delinquency: Understanding Juvenile Cybercrime
Abstract: Studies juvenile cybercrime, policy response, and the gaps in understanding youth online behavior. Uses literature review and policy analysis to assess prevention strategies.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Keting Chen
Students: Emily Lopez-Fierros, Samantha Luna Martinez, Vanessa Leon
Project Title: Investigating the Impact of the Home Math Environment on Early Numerical Development
Abstract: Investigates how home numeracy activities impact early math skills in children. Analyzes demographic influences and uses mixed-effects models for intervention recommendations.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nicolas Brunet
Students: David Liernur, Alex Epinosa, Jason Huang
Project Title: Investigating the Effect of Familiarity on Early ERP Components
Abstract: Uses EEG to study how familiarity affects neural responses to faces. Involves student-led experimental design and data analysis to explore brain function in face perception.