1. What is Chico STEM Connections Collaborative?
CSC² aims to recruit and retain students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors and facilitate their academic success. Throughout the program, students will have access to services that will provide academic guidance and personal support.
CSC² is a collaborative effort between the colleges of:
- Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management (ECC)
- Natural Sciences
- Agriculture
2. Effect of Mechanical Vibrations on Oryza Sativa Germination
This unique project has brought together students from the College of Agriculture and the College of Engineering to collaborate and explore the feasibility of using mechanical vibrations to increase the germination rate of rice seed. If germination can be accelerated it could lead to increased productivity, cost efficiency, and higher profits for rice farmers. “We can work together to make the world a better place. We can be more innovative and more impactful in the world” states Melinda Gonzales, an agriculture student working on the project.
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Dennis O'Connor and Dr. Garrett Liles
Students:
Andres A. Duran, Melinda L. Gonzales, Melissa V. Renteria-Santana,
Josue D. Viveros-Martir, Jackelin A. Villegas, Frederick G. Hamblin III
3. Aerodynamics of Airfoils and Wind Tunnel Characterization(opens in new window)
Due to the popularity and success of the Collegiate Wind Competition, an interdisciplinary student competition, research assistants helped contribute to research aimed at testing various airfoil designs in the wind tunnel. Students used Solid Works to modify existing airfoil designs, print airfoils using 3-D printer technology, install printed blades on a rotor, and test and collect data from the wind tunnel using existing data acquisition hardware and software. Data will be used to validate mathematical models and students can help support the data reduction and analysis.
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. David Alexander
Students:
Edgar Leon and Armando Lopez
4. Effects of Drinking Water Treatment Residuals on Nitrogen Mineralization in Agricultural Soils(opens in new window)
Drinking water treatment uses coagulation to remove suspended particles and dissolved organic matter from surface water. The removal process creates a large waste stream known as drinking water treatment residuals (WTRs). Unlike wastewater sludge, the WTRs are non-hazardous and have been demonstrated to be effective at retaining nutrients in soils, particularly phosphorous. Currently, there is little information available about the effects of residuals on nitrogen cycling in amended soil. This project will exam the effects of water treatment residuals on nitrogen cycling by measuring nitrate release from amended soils.
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Jack Webster, Department of Civil Engineering
Students:
Jonathan Campos and Uriel Dominguez
5. Exploiting the Chemistry of Coenzyme B12 for the Synthesis of Drug-Like Molecules(opens in new window):
Drug discovery and development relies heavily on synthetic methods to create new pharmaceuticals. Jenny Caro, a chemistry major, is working with Dr. Dan Everson, a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, on “Exploiting the Chemistry of Coenzyme B12 for the Synthesis of Drug-Like Molecules”. According to Dr. Everson, this research will help develop new methods that use non-precious metal catalysts and reduce hazardous wastes to aid pharmaceutical chemists in their quest for new and better drugs. This experience will also help Jenny reach her goal of becoming a chemist.
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Daniel Everson, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Students:
Jenny Caro
6. Physical and Chemical Monitoring of the Hydrothermal System at the Lassen Volcanic Center(opens in new window)
Angelica Rodriguez is a geology student conducting research with Dr. Rachel Teasdale, a professor in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences. Her research project on “Monitoring the Lassen Volcanic Center Hydrothermal System” will provide scientists with a better understanding of volcanoes. When asked why she enjoys research Angie said “You get to ask a question and maybe you get lucky and you answer it. And when you answer a question in science, it makes you want to ask more.”
Faculty Mentor:
Rachel Teasdale, Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, CSU, Chico
Students:
Angelica Rodriguez
7. Conservation of Chinook Salmon in the Sacramento River(opens in new window)
“California’s salmon populations are in dire straits,” according to Dr. Mandy Banet, an aquatic ecologist in the Department of Biological Sciences. Chinook salmon play a major role in the economy, recreation, culture and the environment. Thus, their growing absence has widespread consequences. Carlos Estrada, a community college transfer student, expected to spend his summer working in a department store. Instead, the biology major is working closely with Dr. Banet on the “Effects of Side Channel Restoration on Juvenile Chinook Salmon.” “I never dreamed I’d be doing this at this point in my life. I think, ‘Wow, I’m getting paid for this.’ I’m very lucky.”
Faculty Mentor:
Mandy Banet, Department of Biological Sciences, CSU, Chico
Students:
Carlos Estrada
8. Welcome to the College of Engineering at Chico State(opens in new window)
9. Who is hiring - Technical Career Fair - Spring 2020(opens in new window)
10. Who is hiring - Technical Career Fair - Fall 2019(opens in new window)
11. Rigoberto Vazquez Jr. TRiO Student and Ph.D. Candidate(opens in new window)
Meanwhile, Rigo has stayed busy during the summers on different research projects, beginning with a big one at NYU and Columbia University.
Vazquez, "I was only a sophomore, I'm not sure how I got into it, because it was only for seniors, and I was the first sophomore to ever get into that program. I did research with two professors on climate change mitigation, so CO2 inclines and projections for the future."
He spent the following summers on research projects at Chico State, as well as UC Berkeley, and UCLA, and even worked an entire year on a project for Stanford. So it really comes as no surprise that Rigo has excelled in the classroom and was even chosen to give the valedictorian speech at the College of ECC Graduation this week.
12. Ventura County's Eliana Aguilar
Concrete Industry Management Recruitment(opens in new window)
More about Eliana’s Success in Concrete Industry Management
(opens in new window)
13. "You Are Chico State" Brochure
(opens in new window)14. Videos en Español
(opens in new window)15. Brawley HS: https://vimeo.com/397521009/f65445923b(opens in new window)
16. Calexico HS: https://vimeo.com/398099539/3dc0dd630e(opens in new window)
17. Southwest HS: https://vimeo.com/398592183/944865e4f2
(opens in new window)
18. Chico State Computer Science Summer Camp (flyer) (PDF)
