Broncos Shine at the 13th Annual RSCA Conference
The Cal Poly Pomona Student Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities (RSCA) Conference, hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Research, showcased the impressive talents of 252 student presenters and welcomed 184 guests.
The annual event, held on March 1 in Ursa Major, provides undergraduate students with an invaluable platform to present their original research and creative projects, spanning diverse disciplines across campus.
The RSCA Conference not only celebrates students’ dedication to scholarly and creative endeavors but also serves as a pathway to the CSU Research Competition, where top presenters from each CSU campus compete. This year, ten outstanding student teams were selected to represent Cal Poly Pomona at CSU Humboldt on April 25-26.
“We are incredibly proud of the remarkable work showcased by our students and faculty at this years’ 13th annual RSCA Conference,” said Ever Barraza, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. “The dedication students have to research, creative activities, and innovation reflects the heart of Cal Poly Pomona’s commitment to learn by doing and hands-on learning experiences. We also want to extend a thank you to the families, supporters, alumni volunteers, and faculty who participated as judges and moderators, making the event a success.”
For many students, participating in RSCA was a transformative experience, opening doors to professional development, collaboration, and skill building opportunities.
Student presenter, Aisha Saldana, expressed gratitude for the support she received through the Research through Inclusive Opportunities (RIO) program.
“I’m really thankful for the RIO program and all the insightful mentors who helped me get started on my research journey,” Saldana said. “The support they’ve given me has been more that I could’ve ever asked for, and I’ll always be grateful for it.”
For Nhi Le, student presenter, the conference was an opportunity to not only present research but also engage with peers and strengthen communication skills.
“RSCA allowed me to share my research with others while also learning about different project from fellow students,” Le said. “It was a great experience to connect with others who share a passion for research, and I truly appreciate the support from RIO and RSCA for helping me grow as a presenter.”
Each year, students who excel at RSCA have the chance to move forward with their research journey, gaining recognition at regional and national levels. Many past participants have leveraged their RSCA experience to secure graduate school placements, research grants, and career opportunities in their respective fields. The conference serves as a steppingstone for students to refine their research, develop professional connections, and showcase the impact of their work beyond the university.
For students interested in engaging in research, the Office of Undergraduate Research offers multiple programs and resources. To get informed on the various programs, visit the Office of Undergraduate Research website or contact them directly at our@cpp.edu.