Student researchers were given center-stage attention during the sixth annual Cal State San Bernardino Meeting of the Minds Student Research Symposium held May 18 at the university’s Santos Manuel Student Union.
Six students were honored for the presentation of their research at the conclusion of the daylong symposium that featured presentations from graduate and undergraduate students from each of the university’s five colleges and nearly every department. The symposium included oral presentations by 81 students, poster presentations from 131 students, and art exhibit presentations by six students.
The Meeting of the Minds symposium recognizes and showcases student research, which is considered to be the heart of the intellectual community at Cal State San Bernardino.
The event is held by the CSUSB Office of Student Research and the Office of Graduate Studies.
Honored were:
- Sailesh Maharjan – Best Graduate Poster Presentation;
- Israel Garcia – Best Graduate Oral Presentation;
- Zachary Harmony - Best Graduate Oral Presentation;
- David Sanchez - Best Undergraduate Poster Presentation;
- Mary Elizabeth Bucayu - Best Undergraduate Oral Presentation; and
- Fatimah Safari - Best Undergraduate Oral Presentation.
“I believe research is an essential part of the student experience. It heightens the academic experience by encouraging and promoting student inquiry, discovery and creativity,” said CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales. “Involvement in research helps transform students from passive learners to engaged and confident scholars.”
The symposium showcased 2017 student research honoree, psychology major Diana Robinson, who presented her paper, “Women Who Perpetrate Partner Violence: The Role of Emotion Regulation and Attachment Insecurity.”
Annie Buckley, an assistant professor of art, and students Jessica Agustin, Diana Hernandez and Lindsey McDonald, presented work from CSUSB’s Community-based Art initiative, in which students, alumni, faculty, and volunteers collaborate to facilitate art classes and programs in local community sites that otherwise would not have access to art.
Special performances included “Three Voices in Poetry,” featuring students Karen Chapero, Tiffany Keeler, and Berlyn Trostle reading their poetry and sharing their unique style and themes. In the evening, music professor Stacey Fraser and her students gave a performance of “Monkey See Monkey Do.”
The lunchtime keynote speaker was CSUSB alumna Sheren Shihadeh, who presented her research, “Social and Cultural Integration Process Among Syrian Refugees in the United States.”
The Office of Student Research assists students in scholarly activity related to their academic disciplines by providing resources that support both students and faculty mentors. Student research includes original research, scholarly activity, creative activity, faculty mentoring, publications, presentations, performances or exhibitions.
Visit the Office of Student Research Symposium website for more information.
For more information on Cal State San Bernardino, contact the university’s Office of Strategic Communication at (909) 537-5007 and visit news.csusb.edu.