Available Projects

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2024-2025 Projects

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College of Agriculture

Agribusiness and Food Industry Management

• Yunkyung "Julie" Lee
  
  • Project 1 Description: Consumer Choice Experiment: Willingness to Pay for Gene-edited Beef: California's cattle industry demonstrated robust economic activity, generating $3.63 billion in 2022. Despite this success, the industry faces challenges from drought and increased heat stress (Medellín-Azuara et al., 2022). To combat these climate challenges, the adoption of CRISPR-edited cattle with short and slick coats emerges as a crucial step toward achieving sustainable farming practices. However, the adoption of gene-edited cattle in the industry largely depends on consumers who receive and value these innovative animals and food products (McConnachie et al., 2019). Additionally, the messages consumers receive significantly influence their purchasing behaviors. Research indicates that message recipients are more persuaded by ingroup members with whom they share commonalities (Anagondahalli and Turner, 2011). This study aims to investigate how messages emphasizing different benefits, delivered by different in- or outgroup members, affect people’s intentions to purchase CRISPR-edited beef. As faculty mentors, we will guide students in developing a consumer survey using Qualtrics and questionnaires to assess participants' willingness to pay for CRISPR-edited beef. In addition, students will learn how to statistically analyze the data using R and Excel to derive the results of the consumer choice experiment.
  • Responsibilities: A typical day for the students would include one or the combination of the following:
    1. Literature search
    2. Experimental design
    3. Data collection
    4. Analysis
    5. Project progress meetings
    6. Poster presentation at RSCA, and other local conferences during Spring 2025
    
    I will be available Monday through Thursday in person to ensure the students get training and assistance as needed during the project. Students will also be guided to conduct relevant literature review. Students are welcome to work asynchronously and flexibly as per their academic schedule during Fall 2024 to complete the initial literature review and experimental plan as well as data analysis and presentations.
    
    However, the in-person component of the project in 2025 Spring would include:
    1. Weekly meetings with the faculty mentor to discuss project updates and next steps.
    2. Experimental design
    3. Data collection.
    
    Overall, 8-10 hours/week of work is recommended for the students to complete the project successfully.
  • Preferred Skills: 
    • Soft skills:
      • Problem-solving skills
      • Data Analysis skills
      • Good communication skills
      • Collaboration and teamwork
    • Beginner level knowledge of MS office: I expect the students to have basic knowledge of using Excel and PowerPoint.
    • Data analysis: I will work with the students to give them training to using R and other statistical program if it is necessary. Students are not required to have previous experience or knowledge related to statistic software.
      
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project:
    • Research and Literature Review
      • Skills Developed:
        1. Effective literature search and review techniques using academic databases.
        2. Critical analysis of existing research to identify gaps and inform the experimental design.
        3. Knowledge Gained:
           Understanding of the current landscape and challenges in the cattle industry, particularly regarding climate change and the use of CRISPR technology.
        4. Familiarity with consumer behavior theories, especially related to message framing and the influence of ingroup and outgroup communication.
    • Experimental Design
      • Skills Developed:
        1. Designing consumer choice experiments and surveys using Qualtrics.
        2. Creating valid and reliable questionnaires to assess consumer attitudes and willingness to pay.
      • Knowledge Gained:
        1. Insights into the methodology of experimental design in consumer research.
        2. Understanding of how different message framings can impact consumer behavior.
    • Data Collection
      • Skills Developed:
        1. Conducting surveys and experiments, both online and potentially in person
        2. Managing and organizing data collected from consumer responses.
      • Knowledge Gained:
        1. Practical experience in gathering primary data for consumer research.
        2. Exposure to challenges and best practices in data collection, including ethical considerations.
    • Data Analysis
      • Skills Developed:
        1. Analyzing survey data using statistical software such as R and Excel.
        2. Applying statistical methods to interpret the results of consumer choice experiments.
      • Knowledge Gained:
        1. Understanding of basic statistical concepts and how to apply them to real-world data.
        2. Ability to use R for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization.
    • Communication and Presentation
      • Skills Developed:
        1. Writing clear and concise research reports and summaries.
        2. Creating and delivering poster presentations, particularly for the RSCA event.
      • Knowledge Gained:
        1. Strategies for effectively communicating research findings to both academic and non-academic audiences.
        2. Experience in preparing professional presentations and visual materials to showcase research.

 

• Yunkyung "Julie" Lee
  
  • Project 2 Description: Consumer Choice Experiment: Plant-based pea protein: This project examines the potential market for plant-based protein (e.g., impossible burger) as a substitute for animal-based protein, with a specific focus on understanding the factors driving the expansion of the pea-protein market. The study segments the market along the supply chain—from input producers and manufacturers to consumers—and identifies the market dynamics while exploring opportunities that stimulate the growth of the plant-based protein market.
    Students will conduct choice experiments to understand consumer perceptions and behaviors, gathering data on key factors. We will investigate the impact of processing methods, cooking availability, clean labeling effectiveness, and framing on consumer perceptions of pea protein products and other plant-based protein substitutes like soybeans. Additionally, the experiments will explore how these factors influence consumer purchase intentions and willingness to pay.
    
  • Responsibilities: A typical day for students may include one or more of the following tasks:
    1. Literature search
    2. Experimental design
    3. Data collection
    4. Data analysis
    5. Project progress meetings
    6. Poster presentation at RSCA and other local conferences during the Spring
    As the faculty mentor, I will be available in person Monday through Thursday to provide support and assistance as needed throughout the project. Students will also receive guidance on conducting relevant literature searches and survey design. They are welcome to work asynchronously and flexibly according to their academic schedules during Fall 2024 to complete the initial literature review, experimental planning, data analysis, and presentations.
    However, the in-person component of the project during 2025 spring will include:
    1. Weekly meetings with the faculty mentor to discuss project updates and next steps.
    2. Experimental design
    3. Data collection
    Overall, students should expect to commit 8-10 hours per week to successfully complete the project.
    
  • Preferred Skills: 
    • Soft Skills:
      1. Problem-solving skills
      2. Attention to detail
      3. Good communication skills (written and oral)
      4. Collaboration and teamwork
    • Beginner-Level Knowledge of MS Office: Students should have basic knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint.
    • Data Analysis: I will provide training in R and other statistical programs as necessary. Students are not required to have previous experience or knowledge related to statistical software.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project:
    • Survey Design and Data Collection: Students will learn how to design, implement, and conduct consumer surveys using Qualtrics, gaining hands-on experience in collecting and managing data from online choice experiments.
    • Statistical Analysis and Data Interpretation: Students will acquire skills in statistical analysis using software like R and Excel, enabling them to analyze data, interpret results, and derive insights from the consumer choice experiments.
    • Research Methodology and Experimental Design: Students will develop a strong understanding of research methodology, including how to design experiments, conduct literature reviews, and apply findings to real-world market analysis in the field of plant-based proteins.

Animal and Veterinary Sciences

• Essam Abdelfattah
  
  • Project Description: Pain mitigation associated with castration of beef bull calves: Castration, a routine management practice in beef production. Several studies
    have reported that castration induces pain, and distress that reduce production. Castration by banding is the second most frequently utilized method in cattle industry after surgical castration which includes application of a heavy elastic band around the neck of the scrotum. While banded castration tends to result in fewer complications in comparison to surgical castration, it is associated with chronic pain that can persist for a minimum of 42 days. The specific objectives of this study are to evaluate the effect of pain management in band castrated beef calves on 1) growth performance (body weight, withers, and hip heights); 2) calf behavior, and 3) Physiological indicators of pain.
  • Responsibilities: Students who will participate in the project will help in the following tasks:
    • Behavior observation of beef calves
    • Assist with data collection in CPP beef unit
    • Assist with laboratory work
    • Assist the faculty in collecting literature reviews
    • Assist the faculty with data entry and proofing
    • Gain experience on beef cattle management and production
  • Preferred Skills: 
    • Students should be able to work comfortable around animals
    • Students have experience with Microsoft Excel sheets
    • Students should be able to work with teammates
      
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 
    • Students will gain knowledge of recording animal behavior.
    • Students will acquire hands-on skills in common management practices of beef cattle, such as castration, vaccination, and identification.
    • Students will gain experience in designing a research project, including literature review, experiment design, data collection, data analysis, and research presentation.
    • Students will gain experience in blood collection, serum and plasma separation, and the ELISA technique for detecting blood cortisol concentrations.

 

• Lucas Krusinski
  
  • Project Description: The consumption of dietary organ supplements (liver, kidney, blend) derived from cattle is on the rise. However, not much is known about the composition of these supplements. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase protein, and it increases in concentration in early stages of inflammation. SAA can cause amyloidosis in humans and other animals, including cattle. Amyloids are deposited in systemic organs (including kidney and liver). One study found that 5% of slaughtered cattle in Japan had amyloidosis. Amyloids were also found in foie gras (duck liver), indicating that stressed animals may be more susceptible. Oral transmission is possible and may cause amyloidosis in humans. Amyloids may also be involved in Alzheimer’s disease.
    The students who will participate in this project will be in charge of the following tasks:
    • Collecting and summarizing literature on the study topic.
    • Assisting the faculty mentor with experimental design.
    • Ordering beef organ dietary supplements from online platforms.
    • Processing and preparing dietary supplements for analysis.
    • Entering data in Excel.
    • Assisting the faculty mentor with data analysis and interpretation.
    • Creating a poster and presentation.
    • If interested, assist the faculty mentor with writing and publishing the results.
      
  • Responsibilities: Depending on the student's schedule, a typical day could be spent on the computer reading literature on the topic, entering data into Excel, reading and analyzing protocols, or putting together posters and presentations. In the laboratory, a typical session lasts between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the task(s) to complete. I usually meet with students when they arrive and explain what procedures we will work on today. I give some background about the technique(s), why we use them, why they are helpful, and what data we will get. We then spend the first 30 min to 1 hr together in the lab so I can train students on the equipment, walk them through the protocol, prepare samples, and label tubes as needed. The rest of the lab session is spent running the experiment. When students are done with their day, they clean their lab station and we usually meet again to discuss roadblocks, questions about what was learnt today, and next steps. 
  • Preferred Skills: Good written and oral communication skills, enthusiasm for research, curiosity, creativity, organizational skills, and persistence. No previous experience working with animals required. 
    
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: The students who participate in this project will gain experience in literature search, experimental design, sample preparation, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Western Blots, data collection and analysis, and scientific communication using posters and presentations. 

Apparel Merchandising & Management

• Helen Trejo
  
  • Project Description: Exploring Gen Z and Virtual Consumer Avatars for Online Shopping: This study will explore Gen Z's willingness to adopt Virtual Consumer Avatars (VCAs) in online apparel shopping. This study will incorporate the Technology Acceptance Model with added constructs; it will assess the perceived ease of use, usefulness, realism, compatibility, personality traits and privacy concerns associated with VCAs. Additionally, the research will evaluate how these factors influence Gen Z's intention to adopt this technology, providing insights for enhancing online apparel shopping experience; by reducing size and fit issues.
  • Weekly Responsibilities: 
  • Preferred Skills: 
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 

 

• Md Arif Iqbal
  
  • Project Description: Understanding Laundry Habits of Hispanic College Students: A Critical Practice toward Sustainability: The increasing focus on the environmental and social consequences of textile consumption culture has highlighted garment disposal as an area of concern (McNeill et al., 2020). Disposing of clothing at the end of its life cycle has become more challenging due to the prevalence of mass-production apparel companies. The stages of consumer use in a product's life cycle are arguably the most environmentally damaging. Consumers' laundering habits are a direct way to aid this circular economy. Washing machines are substantially more effective today than a decade ago, but consumer behavior shifts offset this productivity's environmental advantages. The research questions of this study include: “How do Hispanic college students in the U.S. practice laundry to retain or extend the life cycle of their apparel products?” “What are college students' attitudes toward washing and laundering clothing products, and what practices do they employ to extend the lifetime of their clothing?” The purpose of this study is to understand the laundry habits, culture, knowledge, and attitudes of Hispanic college students in the US to identify and analyze their efforts in extending the life of clothing products. Understanding how the Hispanic younger generation approaches clothing consumption and longevity habits is significant in a world increasingly concerned with sustainability and environmental impact. The findings from this study can inform educators, policymakers, and businesses about the effectiveness of current sustainability initiatives and the need for further education and awareness campaigns. Moreover, it can help identify the gaps in knowledge and practices related to sustainable clothing care, upcycling, and disposal, thus paving the way for more targeted interventions and educational strategies.
  • Weekly Responsibilities: 
  • Preferred Skills: 
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 

Nutrition and Food Science

• Belal Hasan
  
  • Project 1 Description: Applications of plant-based meat analogues in traditional Asian cuisines: The current commercial plant based meat analogues are focused on western diet such as patties, nuggets, and sausages.
    In this project we will produce our meat analogues at the NFS department and utilize it to prepare traditional Asian dishes. The project is based on previous project findings that indicated the need for underrepresented communities for meat analogues that serve their traditional cooking. 
  • Responsibilities: 
    • The students will work in a food processing lab and kitchen.
    • The students will receive hands-on training under supervision of the PI.
    • The students will receive safety training.
    • The students expected to work in the lab in-person 2-3 times a week for an average of 3-4 hours.
    • The students are responsible for keeping the place very clean, to meet the food safety regulations.
      
  • Preferred Skills: Students can be from any discipline on CPP, mechanical engineers, chemical engineers, business, kinesiology, hospitality and social science students are encouraged to apply.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 
    • Knowledge about traditional Asian cuisines
    • Simple food processing
    • Knowledge to measure temperature, weight and dimensions of different food samples

 

• Belal Hasan
  
  • Project 2 Description: Plant based meats utilization in traditional Mexican cooking: Commercial meat analogues or plant-based meats are heavily available for fast diet, and very limited products can serve in traditional Mexican dishes.
    In order to get everyone on board of sustainability and eating healthy. We need to invest more in products that serve their cultural needs for foods. Therefore, in this project we will develop meat analogues and test it is applications in Mexican dishes. The findings will help food industry to explore more opportunities among underrepresented communities.
  • Responsibilities: 
    • The project is 80% hands-on and 20% reading.
      
    • Meet 2-3 times a week in-person, for 3-4 hours.
  • Preferred Skills: Passionate to learn about food process, and have plans for related careers.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project:
    • Students will learn hard skills to make meat analogues using advanced technologies.
    • The students will learn how to cook traditional Mexican dishes using meat analogues.

 

• Belal Hasan
  
  • Project 3 Description: Culture meets innovation: Southeast Asian stews made with plant-based meats: Lack of diversity in commercial plant-based meats is the main barrier for progress in adaptation and increasing sustainable food supply chain.
    In this project, we proof concept that plant-based meats can serve in stews and they may have high potential to meet the consumers needs. The in-house made plant-based meats will be used with the hope to get the attention from food industry to expand the diversity of the current products in the market. On the other hand, getting more consumers from different communities to explore plant-based alternatives in traditional cooking.
  • Responsibilities: 
    • Hands-on skills is a major part of my training.
    • Students will get to design the traditional dishes and I will guide them through.
    • In-person training sessions 1-2 times a week, and about 3 hours per session.
      
  • Preferred Skills: Passionate to learn about food process, and have plans for related careers.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project:
    • Knowledge about traditional Asian cuisines
    • Simple food processing
    • Knowledge to measure temperature, weight and dimensions of different food samples

College of Education and Integrative Studies

Early Childhood Studies

•  Giselle Navarro-Cruz
  
  • Project 1 Description: Multilingual Early Childhood Studies ECS 3400 Study: The number of Dual Language Learners (DLL) in the United States increased by 79% between 1990-2014 (Pompa, Park, & Fix, 2017). In the context of California, about two-thirds of young children are DLLs (Alcalá, Kubinec, Atkin, Karoly, King, Muenchow, & Stipeck, 2020). With a high percentage of DLL children in classrooms, it is important to provide the workforce with training to obtain the resources, knowledge, and skills to work with DLL children and their families. The purpose of our study is two-fold: One is to learn about how pre-service early childhood educators’ funds of knowledge and societal culture influenced their identity and attitudes towards working with linguistically and culturally diverse children and families. The other is to learn about the ways how a DLL-specific course prepared pre-service early childhood educators to obtain the competencies to work with linguistically and culturally diverse children and families. More specifically, through this study, we aim to analyze how DLL specific courses in higher education can help students understand the value of multilingualism, identify resources to support DLL children and their families, explore their own misconceptions on multilingualism, and develop their own competencies in teaching DLL children and their families.
    
  • Responsibilities: My goal is to guide the research assistant. Together we develop a timeline and goals. We meet bi-weekly.
  • Preferred Skills: 
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 

 

•  Giselle Navarro-Cruz
  
  • Project 2 Description: Connect and Play-parenting Broncos events: Student parents on campus often feel invisible and lack of community that welcomes them and their children on campus. The connect and play events seek to provide a safe space for student parents.
    
  • Responsibilities: 
  • Preferred Skills: 
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 

 

•  Jiyoung Kim
  
  • Project Description: Enhancing STEM Confidence: Evaluating Play-Based Education for Preservice Teachers. This project aims to bolster preservice teachers' confidence in teaching STEM to young children. Developed collaboratively with education and computer science experts, along with in-service teachers, this initiative will introduce a play-based STEM curriculum.
    
  • Responsibilities: 
  • Preferred Skills: 
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 

College of Engineering

Civil Engineering

• Jeyoung Woo
  
  • Project Description: Engineering Transfer Pathway from CC to CSU/UC: Engineering transfer students in California face significant challenges in navigating the transfer pathway, accessing adequate support services, and achieving timely degree completion. These challenges can lead to increased time-to-degree, financial burden, and attrition rates. The project will document existing transfer pathways and resources in the U.S., and assess the current practices in California.  
    
    • Problem Statement: California, despite having the largest education system in the U.S., lacks an ADT in Engineering. This absence creates a fragmented transfer pathway for community college students, leading to inefficiencies and potential credit loss.
    • Project Goal: To conduct comprehensive research and develop a framework for an ADT in Engineering in California, streamlining the transfer process and promoting student success.
  • Responsibilities: The RIO student will play an integral role in the project by:
    • Assisting with the literature/publication review
    • Documenting to the case study analysis
    • Participating in data collection and analysis
    • Assisting with the writing of the journal article/conference proceeding
  • Preferred Skills: None
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: This project offeres students a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful research, develop valuable skills, and contribute to a project with the potential to make a significant impact on higher education in California.

Electrical & Computer Engineering

• Mohamed Aly
  
  • Project 1 Description: Revolutionizing Naval Communication: Developing a Reconfigurable Natural Language Processor for the US Navy: I am excited to announce a unique opportunity to participate in an innovative and groundbreaking project! Our team is currently working on developing a reconfigurable Natural Language Processor for the US Navy, and we are inviting enthusiastic and talented undergraduate students to join us.
    This project aims to revolutionize how the US Navy processes and analyzes natural language data, enabling more efficient and effective communication across various domains. As a team member, you will have the chance to work closely with experienced researchers and engineers, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to a project with real-world impact.
    If you are passionate about natural language processing, computational linguistics, or related fields, this is your chance to apply your skills and knowledge to cutting-edge technology. Whether you have previous experience in the field or are simply eager to learn and contribute, we welcome all enthusiastic students to join our team.
    Benefits of joining:
    - Work on cutting-edge technology in collaboration with the US Navy.
    - Gain valuable experience and enhance your skills in natural language processing.
    - Contribute to a project with significant real-world applications.
    - Opportunity for mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals.
    Let's shape the future of natural language processing together with the US Navy!
    
  • Responsibilities: As a student participating in the project to develop a reconfigurable Natural Language Processor for the US Navy, your typical day will be an exciting and enriching experience. Let me provide you with an overview of what you can expect:
    Project Meetings and Planning: Your day may start with project meetings where the team gathers to discuss progress, goals, and plans for the day. This is an opportunity to collaborate, share ideas, and strategize on the project's development.
    • Research and Development: You will engage in various aspects of research and development, such as exploring cutting-edge natural language processing techniques, designing algorithms, and testing different approaches. This work may involve coding, data analysis, and problem-solving.
    • Collaboration with Mentors: Throughout the day, you'll have the chance to work closely with experienced researchers and engineers who will guide and mentor you. They will provide valuable insights and feedback to help you grow as a natural language processing expert.
    • Hands-On Coding and Experimentation: A significant part of your day will involve hands-on coding and experimentation with the NLP system. You will have access to the necessary tools and resources to develop, test, and refine the system's functionality.
    • In-Person Component (if applicable): Depending on the project's setup, there might be an in-person component, such as workshops, seminars, or collaborative sessions. This would allow you to interact face-to-face with team members and foster a strong sense of camaraderie.
    • Individual and Group Work: You may work individually and in groups, depending on the nature of the tasks. Teamwork will be an essential aspect of the project, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
    • Breaks and Networking: You will have breaks throughout the day to recharge and interact with other participants. Networking with fellow students and professionals can lead to valuable connections and insights.
    • Project Demonstrations and Updates: At certain points, you might have the opportunity to present your progress and findings to the team and potentially even stakeholders from the US Navy. This helps in tracking the project's development and receiving feedback.
    • Please note that the specific daily schedule may vary depending on the stage of the project, individual roles, and the team's dynamics. Additionally, if there is an in-person component, the schedule might include activities like team-building exercises or field trips related to the project's objectives.
      
  • Preferred Skills: Ready to work hard to learn both NLP, reconfigurable computing and spend time on doing research
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: Writing C, Python is a good start. Participating in this project will provide you with a well-rounded and rewarding experience in the field of natural language processing, and it will offer a unique chance to contribute to a vital project with real-world impact.

 

• Mohamed Aly
  
  • Project 2 Description: Advancing Secure Cloud Computing: Implementing Post-Quantum Cryptography in Reconfigurable Space Environments: Join our cutting-edge research lab focused on the frontier of "Reconfigurable Space Computing: Implementing Post-Quantum Cryptography for Cloud Computing." This project offers an exciting opportunity for students who are passionate about computer science, cryptography, and space technology. As a member of our research team, you will contribute to pioneering advancements in secure cloud computing, particularly within the realm of post-quantum cryptography.
    Our research lab is dedicated to exploring optimal methods for implementing post-quantum cryptographic algorithms to secure cloud computing in space environments. With the advent of quantum computing, traditional cryptographic methods may become susceptible to attacks, necessitating the development of quantum-resistant techniques. Your work in this project will play a crucial role in safeguarding cloud-based applications, ensuring robust data protection against emerging quantum threats.
    Join us in this exciting research journey to build a secure future for cloud computing against quantum challenges. If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to contact me at mealy@cpp.edu. Let's work together to push the boundaries of secure computing!
    
  • Responsibilities: As a participant in the "Reconfigurable Space Computing: Implementing Post-Quantum Cryptography for Cloud Computing" project, your daily activities will be engaging and filled with opportunities to make significant contributions to cutting-edge research. Here's what you can expect:
    • Project Meetings and Planning: Begin your day with project meetings to discuss progress, set goals, and plan the day's activities. These meetings provide an opportunity for collaboration, idea sharing, and strategizing on both the hardware and software aspects of post-quantum cryptographic implementations.
    • Hardware and Software Development: Depending on your focus, you will be involved in either hardware development for reconfigurable space computing or software development for post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. This may include coding, testing, and debugging to ensure optimal performance and security.
    • Reconfigurable Space Computing: If you are working on hardware, you will be engaged in designing and programming FPGA-based systems for space computing applications. This hands-on experience will involve cutting-edge reconfigurable computing technologies.
    • Post-Quantum Cryptographic Algorithms: For those focusing on software, tasks will revolve around implementing and optimizing post-quantum cryptographic algorithms to ensure the security of cloud computing systems in space environments.
    • Collaboration with Experts: Work alongside experienced researchers and professors specializing in cryptography, space technology, and reconfigurable computing. This collaboration will offer mentorship and insights into your specific area of research.
    • Individual and Group Work: Engage in both individual and group tasks, depending on the nature and complexity of the research activities. Teamwork will foster a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.
    • In-Person Component (if applicable): Depending on the project's setup and current circumstances, there may be an in-person component such as lab sessions, workshops, or seminars, providing hands-on experience and opportunities for face-to-face interactions.
    • Experimentation and Testing: Conduct experiments and tests to evaluate the performance and security of cryptographic implementations, refining algorithms and configurations through an iterative process.
    • Research Documentation: Document your research progress, findings, and results throughout the project. Proper documentation is essential for future reference and knowledge sharing within the research team.
    • Breaks and Networking: Take scheduled breaks to recharge and interact with fellow participants. Networking with other students and researchers will broaden your perspectives and open up opportunities for collaboration.
    • Project Demonstrations and Updates: Present your progress and findings at regular intervals to the research team, helping track the project's development and receive valuable feedback.
    • Whether conducted remotely or with an in-person component, your participation in this project will be instrumental in advancing the field of post-quantum cryptographic implementation for space computing. I look forward to welcoming you to our dynamic research team!
  • Preferred Skills: A passion for learning, with basic knowledge of Python and C, is an excellent starting point. 
    • Required Skills:
      • We invite undergraduate students with a strong foundation in computer science, cryptography, or related disciplines. Ideal candidates should have the following skills or relevant coursework:
        • Programming Proficiency: Experience with programming languages such as C++, Python, or Java.
        • Cryptography Fundamentals: Understanding of basic cryptographic concepts, including symmetric and asymmetric encryption, as well as hash functions.
        • Cloud Computing Basics: Knowledge of cloud computing principles and services.
        • Interest in Space Technology: While prior experience in space computing is not required, a keen interest in space technology and its applications is advantageous.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 
    • Participants will gain practical experience in C programming for engineering and Python, crucial skills for this research project and future endeavors in secure computing and cryptography.
    • Cutting-Edge Research Experience: Participate in innovative research that merges space computing with post-quantum cryptography, gaining exposure to real-world applications that have significant implications for the future of secure cloud computing.
    • Mentorship and Guidance: Collaborate closely with experienced researchers who will mentor you throughout the research process, helping you develop your technical skills and expand your knowledge in a dynamic and supportive environment.
    • Hands-On Technical Skills: Develop practical expertise in reconfigurable space computing and the implementation of advanced cryptographic algorithms, enhancing your programming and problem-solving abilities.
      
    • Contribute to Security Advancements: Your contributions will have a direct impact on improving the security of cloud computing systems, playing a vital role in advancing data protection in the face of quantum computing challenges.

 

• Mohamed Aly
  
  • Project 3 Description: Securing IoT Devices with Lightweight Cryptography in Reconfigurable Space Computing: IProject 3 Description: We are excited to invite you to join the Reconfigurable Space Computing Laboratory (RSCL) at CPP. This is an exceptional opportunity to be a part of cutting-edge research in the field of Reconfigurable Space Computing, focusing on lightweight cryptographic applications for securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices. As a member of our research team, you will contribute to advancing the security of IoT applications on both hardware and software fronts.
    In our laboratory, we are dedicated to exploring innovative solutions for securing IoT applications using lightweight cryptographic algorithms. The Internet of Things has transformed various industries, but ensuring the security and privacy of IoT devices remains a critical challenge. Your contributions will involve developing and optimizing cryptographic techniques tailored to resource-constrained IoT devices, with a particular emphasis on hardware and software co-design.
    Studying hardware and software implementation strategies for lightweight cryptography in securing IoT applications is crucial for developing efficient, secure, and scalable solutions tailored to the unique challenges of the Internet of Things. By exploring the synergies between hardware and software, students can make significant contributions to the advancement of IoT security and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of connected technologies.
    
  • Responsibilities: Studying both hardware and software implementation strategies for lightweight cryptography in securing Internet of Things applications is of paramount importance due to the unique challenges posed by the IoT environment. The Internet of Things encompasses a vast network of interconnected devices with varying computational capabilities and resource constraints. Thus, addressing the security needs of IoT applications requires a comprehensive approach that optimizes cryptographic algorithms for both hardware and software aspects.
    • Resource Efficiency: IoT devices often have limited processing power, memory, and energy resources. By studying lightweight cryptography strategies, we can design cryptographic algorithms that consume minimal resources, enabling efficient execution on resource-constrained IoT devices. Hardware implementations can achieve further optimization, reducing computational overhead and energy consumption.
    • Security and Privacy: IoT devices are vulnerable to various security threats due to their ubiquity and heterogeneity. By developing cryptographic techniques tailored for the IoT, we can strengthen data security and privacy in device communications and interactions. Lightweight cryptography ensures that encryption and decryption operations can be performed quickly and securely, safeguarding sensitive data from unauthorized access.
    • Hardware Acceleration: Hardware implementation of lightweight cryptographic algorithms using reconfigurable space computing, such as Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), enables hardware acceleration. This approach leverages the parallel processing capabilities of hardware, leading to faster cryptographic operations and reduced latency, crucial in time-sensitive IoT applications.
    • Scalability and Interoperability: IoT deployments involve a diverse range of devices from various manufacturers. By studying both hardware and software strategies, we can ensure that cryptographic implementations are scalable and interoperable across different IoT devices and platforms. This promotes standardized security protocols and seamless communication within the IoT ecosystem.
    • Resilience against Attacks: IoT devices are susceptible to physical attacks and side-channel attacks. By considering hardware-based countermeasures in cryptographic implementations, such as hardware-based random number generators or physical unclonable functions, we can enhance the resilience of IoT applications against attacks.
      Real-World Application: As IoT continues to grow in various industries, from healthcare to smart cities, lightweight cryptography implementations become essential in securing critical infrastructure and ensuring the privacy of sensitive data. By studying both hardware and software approaches, students can contribute to real-world solutions with tangible impact.
  • Preferred Skills: We are looking for talented undergraduate students with a passion for computer science, cryptography, and hardware design. The following skills or coursework will be advantageous:
    • **Programming Proficiency:** Experience in programming languages such as C, C++, Python, or Java.
    • **Cryptography Fundamentals:** Familiarity with basic cryptographic concepts, symmetric and asymmetric encryption, and hash functions.
    • **Hardware Design (for hardware-focused students):** Knowledge of digital logic design, FPGA programming (using VHDL/Verilog), and hardware description languages.
    • **Embedded Systems (for software-focused students):** Understanding of embedded systems programming and optimization for resource-constrained devices.
    • **IoT Basics:** Familiarity with Internet of Things concepts and protocols will be beneficial.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 
    • **Pioneering Research Experience:** By joining RSCL, you will have the opportunity to work on pioneering research in the rapidly evolving fields of Reconfigurable Space Computing and IoT security.
    • **Mentorship and Collaboration:** You will work closely with experienced researchers and professors who will guide and mentor you throughout your research journey. Collaboration with fellow students will foster a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.
    • **Hands-On Hardware and Software Development:** Whether you are interested in hardware or software, you will gain valuable experience in designing and implementing lightweight cryptographic algorithms for IoT devices.
    • **Real-World Impact:** Your research will directly contribute to enhancing the security of IoT applications, safeguarding data and privacy in an increasingly interconnected world.

 

• Mohamed Aly
  
  • Project 4 Description: Mid-Air Drone Swarm Docking for Energy and Data Exchange in Reconfigurable Space Computing: IProject 4 Description: We are thrilled to extend an invitation for you to join the groundbreaking research at the Reconfigurable Space Computing Laboratory (RSCL)! We are embarking on an exhilarating journey that explores the fascinating world of swarm of drones docking in mid-air to extend the battery lifetime of flying objects while constructing a massive computing on the fly.
    Project Overview:
    In our research laboratory, we are pioneering advancements in Reconfigurable Space Computing, and we are focused on harnessing the power of drone swarms for revolutionary applications. This project aims to develop cutting-edge techniques to enable drones to dock in mid-air, creating a seamless process for recharging their batteries and facilitating extended flight times. Furthermore, we will leverage this innovative swarm of drones to construct a massive computing network while in flight, revolutionizing the way we approach computing in dynamic and challenging environments.
    What You'll Experience:
    - **Transformative Research:** As a member of the RSCL, you will be at the forefront of transformative research, exploring the exciting intersections of reconfigurable space computing, drone technology, and swarm intelligence.
    - **Interdisciplinary Collaboration:** Join forces with fellow students, professors, and experts from various engineering disciplines to collaborate on this multifaceted project, fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment.
    - **Hands-On Drone Technology:** Get hands-on experience with state-of-the-art drone technology and learn about drone design, control systems, and autonomous operations, taking your engineering skills to new heights.
    - **Cutting-Edge Reconfigurable Computing:** Dive into the realm of reconfigurable computing and explore FPGA-based architectures that will empower the swarm of drones with real-time decision-making capabilities.
    - **Real-World Impact:** Your contributions to this research will have real-world applications, potentially revolutionizing drone operations, extending their flight times for critical missions, and advancing computing capabilities in remote and challenging scenarios.
    Required Skills and Passion:
    - A passion for aerospace engineering, robotics, and cutting-edge technology.
    - Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, or VHDL/Verilog.
    - Strong problem-solving abilities and a keen interest in exploring innovative solutions.
    - Eagerness to collaborate and work as part of a dynamic and dedicated research team.
    - A desire to make a positive impact on society through transformative research.
    How to Join:
    If you are eager to contribute to this groundbreaking project and shape the future of drone swarm technology and reconfigurable space computing, we encourage you to apply to the RSCL. Please submit your resume, a brief statement of your interests and relevant skills, and any previous research experiences to the RIO program.
    Let's soar together into the limitless skies of research and innovation! If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out to us at mealy@cpp.edu, 909-869-2594.
    Welcome aboard for an extraordinary research adventure at the Reconfigurable Space Computing Laboratory!
    **Project Focus:**
    Our research lab is dedicated to exploring the frontiers of reconfigurable space computing and drone swarm technology. In this project, we aim to design and develop a cutting-edge docking mechanism that allows drones to exchange data and energy while in mid-air. This revolutionary capability will enable extended flight times, seamless data sharing, and advanced swarm coordination, paving the way for transformative applications in various industries.
    **Realizing the Vision:**
    Your contribution to this project will play a pivotal role in realizing the vision of a transformative drone swarm docking mechanism. As you work alongside experienced researchers and passionate peers, you'll gain valuable skills in drone technology, reconfigurable computing, and innovative problem-solving.
    **Embrace the Future:**
    With your commitment and enthusiasm, you'll be at the forefront of shaping the future of drone swarm technology and revolutionizing data exchange and energy management for flying objects.
    The Reconfigurable Space Computing Laboratory eagerly awaits your arrival to embark on this extraordinary research adventure. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
    Welcome aboard, and let's soar to new heights together!
    
  • Responsibilities: A Day in the Reconfigurable Space Computing Lab:
    1. **Morning Gatherings:** Your day may start with morning gatherings where the research team comes together to discuss progress, objectives, and plans for the day. These meetings foster collaboration, ensuring everyone is aligned and motivated to work on specific tasks.
    2. **Design and Prototyping:** Your time in the lab will be spent on design and prototyping of the drone swarm docking mechanism. You'll work with 3D modeling software and possibly hardware components to create a physical representation of the mechanism.
    3. **Hardware Implementation:** For students involved in hardware development, you'll delve into the world of electronics and embedded systems. Working with FPGA-based systems or other reconfigurable computing platforms, you'll implement algorithms to enable seamless docking and energy/data exchange.
    4. **Software Development:** Students focusing on software development will work on programming the drones' control systems and communication protocols. You'll design algorithms for swarm coordination, data exchange, and energy management, ensuring efficient and safe operations.
    5. **Simulations and Testing:** Extensive simulations and testing will be carried out to evaluate the performance and reliability of the docking mechanism. This iterative process helps identify areas for improvement and fine-tuning.
    6. **In-Person Component:** Depending on the prevailing circumstances and project requirements, there may be an in-person component where you'll have access to the lab's physical resources. Collaborative brainstorming sessions and hands-on testing could be part of this component.
    7. **Research Review and Learning:** Throughout the day, you'll engage in research review, staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in reconfigurable computing, drone technology, and swarm intelligence. Learning and knowledge-sharing are fundamental aspects of the lab environment.
    8. **Team Collaboration:** Collaboration is at the heart of the lab. You'll collaborate closely with fellow students, professors, and researchers, exchanging ideas and insights that drive the project forward.
  • Preferred Skills: Ready to embark on an exhilarating journey that combines the art of mastering software and hardware wizardry? Get fired up to build, program, and control drones in mid-air, unlocking a world of limitless possibilities!
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: Unleash your engineering prowess by mastering the dynamic duo of C and Python, and add a touch of electrical engineering finesse to build cutting-edge Electronic Speed Controllers (ESC) seamlessly integrated with powerful brushless motors for high-performance drones!

College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences

Communication

• Jason Turcotte
  
  • Project Description: Seeing and hearing: Does closed captioning affect audience perceptions of political debates?: Mass communication research has shown that the how the audience engages with content can affect their perception of the content. Scholars learned this first hand when radio listeners of the 1960 U.S. presidential debates thought Nixon "won" the debate, whereas those watching on television thought Kennedy "won" the debate. With today's digital and streaming environment, we have even more variations to how we consume and engage with content. Through an on-campus experiment, this study will examine whether use of closed captioning can affect audience perceptions of the presidential debates and perceptions of the candidates.
    
  • Responsibilities: 
  • Preferred Skills: 
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 

 

• Ivana Cvetkovic
  
  • Project Description: Student-run newspapers: Storytelling strategies on Instagram: The goal of this research project is to examine Instagram posts of student-run media, and through the lens of multimodality and social media logic advance understanding how students apply skills learned in courses to the storytelling practices on social media platforms, especially Instagram accounts of student-run media. The project will apply qualitative content analysis.
    
  • Responsibilities: 
  • Preferred Skills: 
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 

Geography and Anthropology

• Katherine Kinkopf
  
  • Project Description: Spatial and Temporal Components of Human Health in Medieval Italy: This work examines the spatial and temporal associations with chronic illness and bone health outcomes within a Medieval Italian cemetery. The mentee will work specifically to collect data on spatial location and temporal associations from Harris Matrices to develop a comprehensive database of changes over time.
  • Responsibilities: I expect to meet with students weekly (or every other week) and that students are able to work independently on tasks in between
  • Preferred Skills: 
    
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 

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Political Science

• Marcos Scauso
  
  • Project Description: Colonial Legacies in the foreign policy of the USA towards Latin America: How did colonial legacies shape the foundations of the USA and its foreign policy towards Latin America during the Monroe Doctrine that emerged in 1823?
    This research will contribute to the fulfillment of a larger book project that seeks to understand how colonial legacies of racism, sexism, and other injustices shaped the ways in which the USA began to view Latin America in the 1820s, creating the well-known Monroe Doctrine and justifying intervention in the hemisphere. As many authors state (Quijano 2000; 2007; Mignolo 2005; 2011; Taylor 2012; Richards 2014), these views settled a perspective that continues to shape policy today.
    
  • Responsibilities: My research is collaborative, and it takes place in the Decolonial Interpretive Research Lab., which meets weekly with all its members and external collaborators from other universities. Students participate in all the meetings and instances of collaboration to coordinate archival research, report on their weekly progress, and progress towards papers and conference presentations. We also create spaces of professional development to strategize about graduate education applications and CV building.
    
  • Preferred Skills:
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 

 

• Brady Collins
  
  • Project Description: From Struggle to Strength: Working Conditions in Koreatown's Ethnic Supermarket Industry: The economies of ethnic enclaves comprise clusters of businesses whose owners share an ethnic identity. These ethnic economies function to serve the basic needs of the local ethnic market, such as ethnic foods or travel and financial services. In this context, Koreatown in Los Angeles is often cited as a success story of immigrant entrepreneurship and business growth. Koreatown is particularly well-known for the prominence of international ethnic supermarkets, which function as community cores for social interaction and cultural exchange, and the fact that its workforce and residential population is extremely diverse, coming from South Korea as well as Bangladesh, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Oaxaca. However, the success of ethnic supermarket chains in ethnic enclaves has occurred at the expense of its workers. Ethnic supermarkets in Koreatown are frequently perpetrators of wage theft, in which they fail to pay the minimum wage or provide employee benefits owed to a worker. The purpose of this study is to examine working conditions in ethnic supermarket chains today, and how this varies based on market type and worker demographics.
    
  • Responsibilities: 
    
  • Preferred Skills:
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 

Psychology

• Rachel Baumsteiger
  
  • Project Description: The purpose of this project is to learn more about the relationship between prosocial (helping) behavior and psychological well-being. Specifically, we will explore the momentary effects that people report experiencing in the moments after helping others. There is strong evidence that prosocial behavior promotes psychological well-being (e.g., Hui, 2021), but it is not clear why. The purpose of this project is to explore this topic. The first part of this project will involve conducting a literature review on studies linking prosocial behavior and well-being. The second part of this project will involve analyzing qualitative data from a quasi-experimental study and writing up the findings.
  • Responsibilities: 
  • Preferred Skills:
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project:
    

College of Science

Biological Sciences

• Janel Ortiz
  
  • Project Description: Wildlife and Tick Ecology in the San Gabriel Valley: 
    1.  Ticks are understudied arthropods in Los Angeles County, yet they pose a public health risk due to exposure to pathogens they may carry. Wildlife serve as hosts to ticks which can promote spread in urban areas where people reside, increasing potential exposure to ticks and tickborne pathogens.
    2. This project includes fieldwork to set up remote cameras to detect wildlife in various greenspaces in the San Gabriel Valley. At a subset of those greenspaces, we will be actively sampling for ticks, collecting ticks, and returning to the lab on campus for tick identification (of dead specimens) to species, sex, and life stage. In addition, we are conducting a passive tick surveillance project which will include contacting partner organizations (throughout Southern CA) that are collecting ticks off (domestic and wild) animals and submitting them to us for identification and processing.
  • Responsibilities:  I contact students regularly for check-ins and schedule weekly meetings to catch up, troubleshoot, go over papers, or writing edits. I provide them with a semester research plan that states their goals for the entire semester and goes week by week to structure their time and ensure they are meeting their project goals.
  • Preferred Skills: 
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 

 

• Glenn Kageyama
  
  • Project Description: Discover the metabolic adaptations that are found in nondemented individuals that have Alzheimer's neurohistopathology (NDAN) by showing differences in the levels of immunohistochemically stained proteins in demented (AD) vs. nondemented (NDAN) brain tissues. By stimulating NDAN metabolic pathways, it is hoped that dementia can be prevented. 
    • Problem: About 20-30% of individuals who develop Alzheimer's neuropathy (Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, NFTs) do not develop dementia (NDAN). We want to know why. So far, we have identified several differences between NDAN (nondemented) and AD (demented individuals with AD). Our project involves multiple subprojects, headed by graduate or advanced undergraduate students. Some of the things that we and other laboratories have found was that: NDAN brains express different metabolic pathways than AD, NDAN brains express normal levels of synaptic markers, NDAN brains do not appear to undergo synaptic loss, neuronal loss or shrinkage characteristic of AD. By understanding the metabolic differences we should be able to suggest ways in which individuals will soon be able to prevent dementia, even if they develop Alzheimer's neuropathy.
  • Responsibilities: I meet weekly with students in-person, by ZOOM or cellphone to keep track of student progress and provide both direct and indirect support for student success in conducting undergraduate research. The research lab is structured in tiers with Graduate students and advanced undergraduates playing leading roles in organizing the research effort. The research goals are outlined into bitesized chunks where students are trained initially to conduct focused on-line literature searches, create annotated bibliographies in APA format, to help organize information so that they can write a literature review and/or poster and abstract or oral presentation at an undergraduate research conference. Literature reviews that are determined to be of high enough quality can be submitted to Bronco Scholarworks.
  • Preferred Skills: 
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 

•  

Chemistry and Biochemistry

• Chantal Stieber
  
  • Project Description: Chemical reduction of carbon dioxide: 
    1. We address the problem of increasing levels of CO2 in the atmosphere by creating new chemical solutions for reducing CO2.
    2. This research will use electrochemistry to reduce CO2 in the presence of a catalyst. Students will learn electrochemistry, and synthesis techniques, as well as learn how to understand reactions using chemistry instrumentation.
  • Responsibilities:
    • We meet on a regular basis individually, and also have weekly group meetings.
    • Plan projects
    • Look up safety information
  • Preferred Skills: No prior knowledge needed.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: Students will learn chemistry skills including laboratory safety, synthesis, electrochemistry, data analysis, writing, and presentations

 

• Alex John
  
  • Project Description: The project deals with the development of new catalysts. These are molecules which help speed up chemical reactions, and sometimes even help do reactions that are otherwise impossible. The catalysts targeted in this study are based on metals such as molybdenum, vanadium, nickel, and palladium. These catalysts are used for performing specific reactions. Specifically, in this project we are trying to convert plant-derived molecules into simple hydrocarbons which represent the molecules found in petroleum. This approach of making chemicals would help us reduce our dependence on petroleum which is non-renewable, and its processing releases a lot of greenhouse gases.
    Students working on these projects will gain skills in organic synthesis, Inorganic synthesis, catalysis, purification, separation, chemical analysis using various spectroscopic techniques etc. Students will read literature, plan reactions, set-up reactions for synthesizing catalysts. Analyze products using various spectroscopic techniques. Analyze characterization data, and document findings.
  • Responsibilities: Students will read literature, plan reactions, set-up reactions for synthesizing catalysts. Analyze products using various spectroscopic techniques. Analyze characterization data, and document findings.
  • Preferred Skills: A general understanding of chemical reactions (General Chemistry). Knowledge of Organic chemistry would be beneficial.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: Organic synthesis, Inorganic synthesis, catalysis, purification, separation, chemical analysis using various spectroscopic techniques etc.

 

• Thomas Osberger
  
  • Project Description: The search for new medicines is an urgent global health priority. Small molecules are an important source of drug molecules, so the synthesis and characterization of new small molecules will help advance drug discovery. This project will involve students in using organic chemistry to synthesize novel small molecules, with the hopes of testing them for biological activity as antimicrobial (e.g., antibiotics or antiviral) compounds. In particular, students in the Osberger group focus on two types of small molecule classes: 1) cyclobutane-containing molecules; and 2) natural product structures called bisbenzyltetrahydroisoquinolines (BBTHIQs). Both of these classes have demonstrated potential to be useful in the fight for new medicines. Students involved in this project will receive unique, novel target molecules to research and synthesize, ultimately contributing valuable novel small molecules to our collection for biological testing.
  • Responsibilities: A typical day on the project would consist of planning and/or executing organic chemical reactions to synthesize novel small molecules. The reaction is first researched and planned by reading journal articles. Using what we have learned from the literature, we then apply the techniques of organic chemistry to execute the reaction. Finally, the products are purified and characterized by IR, NMR, and other spectroscopic means to confirm their structure.
  • Preferred Skills: Enrollment in CHM3140 or CHM2010 will be helpful to students applying to this project.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: Students will gain extensive knowledge and experience in the techniques and tools of organic chemistry. This includes set up of, workup, and purification of organic reactions including some inert atmosphere techniques, and transition metal chemistry. Students will become well-versed in interpreting IR and NMR spectra, and will have the chance to measure UV-Vis spectra of some molecules. These skills are directly relevant to any student seeking a career in chemistry or pursuing graduate school. Finally, communication skills will be emphasized via poster and oral presentations of the students' work.

 

• Francis Flores
  
  • Project 1 Description: Structure/Reactivity study of Ferrocenyl Chalcones. A mechanistic study of the nucleophilic attack process with amine nucleophiles. The aim is to measure the rates of beta attack vs. carbonyl attack, in order to learn more about the bioactivity processes of natural products. The rates will be monitored via UV-Vis spectrophotometry. This study can be tailored to fit a summer term or an academic year term.
  • Project 2 Description: Structure/Reactivity study of substituted curcumin, the main component of the natural product Turmeric. One aim of this project is to increase the water solubility of curcumin and its analogs while maintaining its bioactivity. The project involves synthesis of the curcumin derivatives, and characterization via UV-Vis, NMR and IR spectroscopy, as well as a preliminary kinetic study of the hydrolysis of the synthesized derivatives. This study can be tailored to fit a summer term or an academic year term.
  • Responsibilities: 
    • Project 1) i) Synthesis of Ferrocenyl Chalcones: Reagent purification, execution of a reaction procedure to synthesize and characterize the desired product. ii) Kinetic studies of Ferrocenyl chalcones: Buffer preparation in order to conduct kinetic experiments measuring the reactivity of the synthesized products with various nucleophiles in aqueous and organic aqueous solvent systems. This project makes utilizes the techniques learned in CHM 3140L and theory covered in CHM 3140.
    • Project 2) Synthesis of curcumin derivatives, including model compounds, along with the associated characterization of the synthesized compounds. Kinetic studies of curcumin derivatives reacting with hydroxide and thiolate ion nucleophiles in aqueous solution.
  • Preferred Skills: CHM 3140L
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: Apart from improving on basic technical synthetic skills learned in CHM 3140L and also in CHM 3150L, the students will acquire knowledge and more experience in the usage and interpretation of fundamental instrumental techniques such as FT-IR, GC-MS, Uv-Vis spectrophotometry, 1H and 13C NMR, and Stopped-flow spectrophotometry. In addition, the students will learn how to efficiently and effectively analyze and interpret their kinetic data with the aim of determining potential reaction mechanisms involved in the reaction with the nucleophiles in their particular project.

 

• Gregory Barding
  
  • Project Description: The Barding research group is working to understand how organisms respond to their environment. We use a variety of approaches and equipment, including 13C isotope labeling, GC-MS, NMR, and HPLC-FLD/UV. Currently, we are focused on three different projects. On each of these projects, students will learn how to develop an experimental protocol, follow procedures, use instrumentation that is popular in industry and research labs, and interpret data.
    1) D-amino acids: We are exploring how D-amino acids are incorporated into the plant climate stress response. Amino acids are essential building blocks of proteins, energy storage, and are also used in biosignalling. Most amino acids are present as L- isomers, however, D-amino acids have been associated with protein configuration, neurotransmitters/biosginalling, and other important functions. How they are used in stress response, however, is largely not understood. We are using novel derivatization methods and HPLC-UV to quantify and follow D-amino acid changes in plants during flooding and recovery stress.
    2)Bio-butanol: As climate change intensifies, finding viable alternatives to fossil fuels is of increasing importance. Butanol is an alcohol that is produced during fermentation by some bacteria. Butanol can also be used as a direct-gasoline substitute. Unlike ethanol, it does not require expensive engine modifications and is less hygroscopic than gasoline, making it an ideal fuel if it can be produced in large quanties. We are collaborating with CPP Biology's department to develop fast, efficient, and sensitive detection methods for butanol produced from fermentation.
    3) Quantitation of organic acids: Organic acids are important biological products and are included in many biochemical processes, including energy production, biosignalling, and energy storage. Many organic acids are also chelators, binding to mono- and divalent cations. We are working on methods to better quantify organic acids in complex media and in the presence of chelators.
  • Responsibilities: Students will first explore the literature, and then spend time performing experiments, running our instruments, and then data processing.
  • Preferred Skills: None - students will learn what they need to know while working in th lab.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: Students will gain hands-on experience using state of the art instrumentation and the required instrumentation theory. They will also develop experiments, carry out the experiments, and interpret data to determine our next steps.

Computer Science

• Santana Marin Ericsson
  
  • Project 1 Description: Hacker data collection: We are developing a multi-component system for cyber-threat intelligence gathering from the dark web at Cal Poly Pomona. Our cyberinfrastructure focuses on collecting and analyzing malicious hacking-related information from forum discussions and marketplace offerings to shed light on emerging technologies and the capabilities of cyber-attackers. This work involves the design and implementation of web crawlers, parsers, machine learning classifiers, and data integrators to acquire and persist credible hacker data in a relational database. Our goal is to create the largest public repository of criminal data, empowering security intelligence tools for data-driven cyber defense.
  • Project 2 Description: Hacker Site Recommender: Our research team is currently manually searching for hacking websites to expand our criminal hacking database. This project leverages machine learning to automate the site discovery process. We start by investigating .onion and .i2p links embedded in forum posts by hackers. We then analyze the surrounding text, as well as the preceding and following messages, along with the content of the landing pages, to classify whether the linked website is a potential target for scraping.
  • Responsibilities: We typically meet in person once or twice a week to discuss research ideas, challenges, accomplishments, and milestones. Outside of these meetings, students can work remotely on their projects with support from me and the project managers. We also use Discord for project coordination and support, and GitLab as our source code repository and version control system.
  • Preferred Skills: Intermediate Python programming skills are required. Familiarity with machine learning, data mining, and database management is recommended.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: Depending on the project, students will learn how to design and implement web crawlers, parsers, classifiers, recommender systems, and how to store and retrieve data in/from a relational database. The machine learning classifiers will be capable of identifying criminal hacking content directly from the dark web or making credible website recommendations.

 

• John Korah
  
  • Project Description: Machine Learning for Real Time Data Science Applications: With the advent of the Internet of Things revolution and disruptive internet applications, there has been a massive increase in the amount of real time data that are available to users. Real time data has proven to be a challenge for current data science analysis techniques as the data has a narrow time window beyond which it becomes stale. Therefore, it is critical that the analysis is performed, and results provided to the user within strict time constraints, often in the matter of few seconds. Most of the current data analysis techniques were developed with the assumption that the underlying data is static or semi-static. However, with the rate of data ingestion continuing to increase, there needs to a fundamental change in the way such massive real time data is accessed and processed. In this research project we will focus on problems in big data analytics where parallel and distributed processing is an effective technique for generating resource and time bound analysis.
    
    In this research, we will explore partial data processing techniques for parallel/distributed processing platforms (e.g. cluster computing). Specifically, we aim to look at design algorithm that have the anytime properties. Algorithms with anytime properties can be interrupted during execution and generate a usable result at the point of interruption. Most importantly, it can generate results of increasing quality when provided with large computational resources. In this project, the student will have the option to choose a specific problem from three application domains 1) Machine learning based anomaly detection in cyber security, 2) Real time search techniques for images, and 3) Machine learning based methods for precision agriculture. We will explore designing and implementing parallel/distributed algorithms for the selected problem and study the performance advantages of using such algorithms.
    
    As part of the research project, the student will undertake a literature survey of key algorithms used in the problem and existing processing frameworks. The student will work with the mentor to explore and identify one or more specific algorithms that show potential for use with partial processing. The student will then formulate anytime versions of the algorithms and generate preliminary performance analysis. The student will work with the mentor to design experiments to validate the anytime designs. The student will have the opportunity to develop problem solving skills and to display creativity during the algorithm design phase of the project. Finally, the algorithm(s) will be implemented, and experimental validation performed on one or more parallel/distributed platforms. The student will prepare a report for the literature survey and a final report detailing the algorithm design, development, validation and conclusions. The student will also present the results at the Annual Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities Conference, and possibly at other conference venues.
    
  • Responsibilities: I believe in being hands-on and meet regularly with students to help them navigate research challenges and make steady progress on their work.
    I also emphasize teamwork in our projects, as it builds a strong sense of collaboration and prepares students for future careers in both industry and research. By working together, students develop the essential technical skills and team spirit necessary for success in their professional lives.
  • Preferred Skills: 
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 

Kinesiology and Health Promotion

• MinHyuk Kwon
  
  • Project Description: The effect of maximum muscle contractions on the glucose leve: This study aims to investigate the effects of full-body muscle contractions on blood glucose levels in inactive (sedentary) individuals. It is important to understand how simple muscle contractions can impact glucose levels, especially in a population that may be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes due to lack of regular exercise and prolonged periods of sitting. This study will provide valuable information regarding the potential benefits of incorporating simple exercises into the daily routine of sedentary workers.
    
  • Responsibilities:  Students who work with me will gain various hands-on experiences in the exercise science area, including in-lab/field-based biomechanical data collection tools such as electromyography, glucose monitors, force transducers, etc. Students will attend the weekly lab meeting to share what they learned the previous week and their plans for the coming week so they can complete the project on time. 
  • Preferred Skills: 
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: .

 

• Zakkoya Lewis-Trammell
  
  • Project Description: OYO Program: Evaluating the fidelity and efficacy of a resistance exercise program for older adults: An exercise program for older adults could prevent injuries and afflictions including falling, sarcopenia, obesity, and cardiovascular problems. The goal of this study is to evaluate the fidelity of the OYO resistance program for older adults.
    
  • Responsibilities:  
  • Preferred Skills: 
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 

 

• Lara Killick
  
  • Project Description: OYO Program: Evaluating the fidelity and efficacy of a resistance exercise program for older adults:
    • Overview: An exercise program for older adults could prevent injuries and afflictions including falling, sarcopenia, obesity, and cardiovascular problems. The goal of this study is to evaluate the fidelity of the OYO resistance program for older adults.
    • Purpose: The purpose of this study is to conduct a pilot process evaluation of the OYO resistance program for older adults. The process evaluation of the OYO resistance program will evaluate the internal and external validity of the program. Internal validity will be evaluated by adherence, exposure/dose, quality of delivery and participant responsiveness during the resistance program. While external validity will be evaluated by the changes in physical function after participating in the OYO resistance program. Research Question: What degree of internal and external validity is present during a one site pilot of the OYO resistance program?
      
  • Responsibilities:  
  • Preferred Skills: 
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 

Physics and Astronomy

• Li Siyu
  
  • Project Description: 3D Printing Virus
    
  • Responsibilities:  The student will have an equipment training from Student Innovation Idea Labs, get certified, learn how to print a virus model from online source, and finally design their own model and print.
  • Preferred Skills: None.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: The student will learn how to use 3D printers (Ender 3, Cura, etc.), understand protein/RNA/virus structure, and learn 3D modeling softwares (PyMOL, SolidWorks, etc.).