SEPTEMBER 2013

100% Student-Run Organization

Contact email:

SUCCESSatCSUF@gmail.com

Like us at

facebook.com/SUCCESSatCSUF

Students United with Community Collaborators to Enhance Success in Science

SUCCESS’s Past Success 1st Biology Undergraduate Research Symposium,

Nov. 1st 2012 By Hibbat Matin, Department of Biological Science

The Fall 2012 symposium

was for students to have the chance to learn about different research opportunities offered at CSUF. Many experienced research students from different disciplines and research scholars presented speeches about research to the students. This was important because students were not only able to open their eyes to new aspects of career choices, but also let them know how research can make a huge impact on their careers. There were many different concentrations and levels of research presented at this symposium. This allowed students to know that there are various opportunities available in research rather than just a few. Students felt very grateful because they thought they would never get to attend something like this. Students got so much out of the few hours symposium such as getting the chance to know the different research programs and even getting the confidence to apply to some! They learned that when students get into research, they have the option to continue working on their independent projects and thus, the opportunity to step into higher research labs. It changed the mindset of many of them because it let them know that having a wider perspective of the world and career plan is better than limiting one’s self to just a few studies.

This symposium was successful because students received confidence and knowledge from their peers. Students were thankful that they had the chance to interact with experienced research students and professors! The department’s purpose is to help students succeed. The students recognized their impact that these symposiums have on the students, and have gained many more creative ideas on how to attract more students to join research. The departments wanted to help SUCCESS organize more events in the future to help students succeed.

SEPTEMBER 2013

S.U.C.C.E.S.S.’s Newsletter

College of Natural Sciences

& Mathematics

Contact email:

SUCCESSatCSUF@gmail.com

Like us at

facebook.com/SUCCESSatCSUF

SEPTEMBER 2013

Spring 2013 Symposium Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research Symposium By Patrick Ramirez and Ryan Daniel, Department of Biological Science

The Spring 2013 symposium was yet another successful event for students to learn about research opportunities on campus. We had many experienced research students talk about the various types of research they are conducting and how prospective students can get involved. Unlike last semester’s research symposium, we had alumni from the Southern California Ecosystem Research Program (SCERP), Melissa Romero, and Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC); Dr. Laura Arce, talked about their experiences with research, and how it has affected their lives which influenced their success. This symposium allowed undergraduate students to hear about the personal struggles the research students have gone through and how to overcome them. Students carefully listened to all the alumni’s advice and their success, which inspired the students and put into perspective that they can achieve their goal.

One of the most interesting and beneficial moments of the symposium was that the students had the opportunity to have one-on-one time with the research students, which led to a closer connections and great advice from their peers. This also created a feeling of excitement and optimism for students thinking of their future careers in research. The symposium has also taught current research students how to advance in their research, effectively attain new methods, and expand their capabilities. Every research student made his or her presentation memorable in one way or another.

Lauren Donovan, a research student of Bridges to STEM Cell Research (BSCR), went above and beyond by showing several students the lab she worked in. Students were able to observe some of the common tasks and areas in the lab. It was important for students to see what a research lab was like because most students have not seen one before, and this experience gave them the opportunity to know what type of environment they could be working in for their future endeavors at CSUF. The students who utilized the opportunities that SUCCESS has provided, would not have acquired all of the knowledge if it were not for the speakers who took the time out of their busy schedules to inform and promote research opportunities to the students. Students grew more excited about research after participating in the event because they realized that their dreams are closer than they thought. SUCCESS’s symposiums are vital for giving undergraduate students opportunities to be motivated and get perspective on what research entails.

Students See SUCCESS!

“SUCCESS has opened my

eyes to what research can offer.

Before, I’ve never thought about

going into research. I have

gotten very involved and excited

for school and that is all thanks

to SUCCESS. I've met many

smart and caring people who

have helped me succeed in

every way possible. Joining

SUCCESS was one of the best

decisions have ever made!”

-Kelly Luc,

Department of Biological Science

“I found out about

S.U.C.C.E.S.S when Tammy Vu

talked [about] it in her SI

sessions for Biology 172. I

wanted to join S.U.C.C.E.S.S

because Tammy talked about so

many great things she planned

to do. After joining, I have to say

S.U.C.C.E.S.S had a huge

impact on my future studies

because I got to learn more

about research and meet a lot of

people who know a lot more

about different fields in science

than I do. I got to join research

because of S.U.C.C.E.S.S and

will continue to join research

programs in the future.”

-Sai TeJa Vallabhaneni,

Department of

Chemistry and Biochemistry

SEPTEMBER 2013

SEPTEMBER 2013

First Successful Fundraiser By Kelly Luc, Department of Biological Science

On Tuesday, April 23rd, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. held their very first

fundraising event to raise funds for their members. SUCCESS is a

student run organization that consists of students from various

science departments including chemistry, biology, and biochemistry.

In front of the Humanities building, marinated chicken, rice, and

fresh squeezed lemonade were sold for three dollars. The delicious

aroma of the grilled marinated chicken attracted many hungry

students. SUCCESS members worked diligently and quickly to

accommodate the rising demand from the hungry students.

Students enjoyed their meal and many came back for seconds.

Although we were not able to meet the high demands, the fundraiser

was a huge hit and students even requested to have it the meals

sold more often. This fundraising event has made SUCCESS even more

successful in more ways than one. This event was more successful

not only because a profit was made, but also because the members

gained something invaluable. Members were able to bond together,

build teamwork, network with students in other departments as well

as their own, and gain insight from this event. This was an excellent

way to promote SUCCESS, make a profit, and build relationships

with one another outside of the classroom. The profits made from the fundraiser will go back to the

students for a program called Coffee with A Mentor. Coffee with A

Mentor is one of the many programs created by the students for the

students. Students will be able to treat their professor or mentor of

their choosing out to for a small meal and the SUCCESS program

will cover the expense. This allows them to get to know one

another and break the disciplinary barrier. Students and professors

will be able to interact and decide if they want to work and invest in

each other for research. If members are interested in Coffee with A

Mentor, then they will need fill out an application and submit it to

SUCCESS.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

SEPTEMBER 2013

We Appreciate Everything That You

Do For Us!

Thank You For Helping US

grow SUCCESSfully!

“Thank you would not be enough for what you have taught me throughout this entire year.

I want you to know that I have never met such an awesome professor like you. You have

truly transformed me into a better person. Before, I was this shy, reserved girl, and now

after having lab and experiencing fieldwork with you, I have turned into this adventurous

and approachable young woman! You have guided me through all science classes and

have advised me on how to approach to professors. You have helped me reach out to my

dreams and discover all the career choices there are out there. You have led me to believe

that I can do anything in life, and that absolutely no one can stop me from it. I have never

been this close to a professor before and I am so blessed to have you as my professor! I

will surely miss all the stories you would share with me about your ever so smart niece

and nephew, research conferences, and your bio 171 lecture class! Thank you for

everything! I will miss you so much and will definitely keep you updated next semester”

"Thank you for first introducing me to research, and giving me the tools necessary

for laboratory success. You were the first person to look for off-campus research

opportunities that I could participate in such as the graduate outreach weekend at

UC Santa Barbara and the MHIRT program. These experiences influenced my

decision in wanting to pursue a Ph.D. and I thank you for giving me those

opportunities."

“Thank you for such a good year. It has been a blast working with you and having you

as my lab advisor. Thank you for putting up with the frustrating moments in not only

research but in my personal life as well. By the fact that you understand us as students,

makes research a little more bearable.”

“I sincerely appreciate all your time and effort over the past year. Thank you for

challenging me to think critically and teaching me to analyze what I'm

presented with and not simply take what I’m given. I'm grateful to have such a

supportive and knowledgeable mentor and professor.”

“Conducting research with you has not only helped me academically, but has helped

me gain lessons that I will use for a lifetime. I would like to thank you for taking the

time to guide me through my college experience, whether it was through advising,

improving my research techniques or simply checking up on me. It has been great

working with you.”

“Thank you for your generous guidance in the past year. I have acquired

important research skills throughout the year (such as how NOT to kill my

worms) and your continuous support, constructive corrections and valuable

advice have been integral in not only making me a much more competitive

research candidate for future opportunities but also an better student as a

whole. Thank you.”

“I would like to THANK YOU for everything you have done for me. From scheduling

last minute appointments to listening to my crazy stories, you have really helped me

in my academic endeavors. You have opened many doors (not literally, of course!)

and opportunities for me such as encouraging me to do things that I thought were

never possible.”

"My mentor is a very busy professor, but she is always there guiding her students for

success. I know that without her help, I would not be in the position to succeed or

have a career path to look forward to. Thank you"

“Thank you for planting me into your garden and allow me to grow such

great apples for many students.”

“Words can

NEVER describe

how much we

are THANKFUL

to have such an

AMAZING

mentor like you

in our lives”

-S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and

Research Scholars

from Biological

Science, Chemistry

and Biochemistry

Department

SEPTEMBER 2013

First Field Trip To UCI Was A SUCCESS! By Phillipe D. Rodriguez, Department of Physics

As a part of SUCCESS’s mission to expose students to both

science careers and research opportunities, students from local

community colleges, undergraduate and graduate students had the

opportunity to visit a local PhD granting institution, the University of

California, Irvine (UCI). On July 12, 2013, over 40 students from

California State University, Fullerton visited the University of

California Irvine (UCI) campus to tour its research facilities to

stimulate undergraduate interest in research. Students on the tour

were from the Students United with Community Collaborators to

Enhance Success in Science organization (SUCCESS), the

Strengthening Transfer Education and Matriculation in STEM

(STEM2) research program, and the Howard Hughes Medical

Institute (HHMI) Summer Research Experience for Community

College Students program.

Upon arrival, students were greeted by Dr. Chris Vanderwal,

Vice Chair of Graduate Affairs of the UCI Department of Chemistry,

and were given a presentation covering various aspects of research

in chemistry. During the presentation, Dr. Vanderwal discussed the

UCI campus, opportunities available to students in the graduate

chemistry program, considerations for selecting a graduate institution,

and the accomplishments of UCI alumni. During the course of this

field trip, students were able to take part in both a laboratory tour and

a facility tour. For the laboratory tour, students had three options:

Inorganic, Organic, and Physical/Atmospheric laboratories.

Additionally, the students had two options for the facility tour: the

mass spectrometry or the nuclear reactor. After the tours, students

were invited to a lecture on the topic, “Polymers Revealed by

Microscopes,” by the UCI Department of Chemistry’s Dr. Suzanne

Blum.

This visit to UCI was not only an exciting learning experience

for students, but also a chance to explore the many research

opportunities available to them. The UCI graduate program has many

exciting programs and centers such as Chemistry and Material

Physic (ChaMP), Chemical Biology, Medical Chemistry and

Pharmacology (MCP), Institute for Surface and Interface Sciences

(ISIS), AirUCI, Chemical Bonding Center, and Center for Solar

Energy. With the enthusiasm and gratitude from the students, Dr.

Chris Vanderwal welcomes more opportunities in the near future.

UCI’s Lab and Facility

Tours

SEPTEMBER 2013

UCI’s Lab and Facility

Tours

Atmospheric/Physical Laboratory Tour

Daniel Minami, Post Baccalaureate Cohort 5

Fourteen students opted to go on the Atmospheric/Physical laboratory tour led by Dr. Lisa Wingen. Students were taken to the Finlayson-Pitts laboratory where they saw a torpedo-looking flow reactor used to study aerosols under various conditions and reaction times. Students learned about the atmospheric research being conducted at UCI which included the effect of aerosols in the atmosphere that affect human health and climate. The laboratory staff focused on the importance of how the Earth’s temperature and atmosphere are affected by carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. During the tour, students were shown a nitrous oxide (NO) and an oxygen simulator. Students were able to physically see the effect of nitrous oxide when exposed to oxygen (the NO gas turned orange). The laboratory staff explained how gases and particles like these are constantly interacting with each other in our atmosphere. The ways in which atmospheric particles are formed and processed in the air are currently being studied at UCI. The goal of the laboratory staff is to gain a better understanding of atmospheric particles to improve air quality and climate control through research and observation. Students had the opportunity to see and learn about an Atmospheric/Physical Lab.

Inorganic Laboratory Tour Eddie Corvarrubias, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

About twenty students participated in the Inorganic lab tour, where research students briefly described their experiments. Their focus was on the reactions between metals and other elements, with a focus on lanthanide and actinide elemental groups. They presented that lanthanides and actinides are found in a lot of our everyday devices such as the LEDs on our phones, televisions, and other devices. They discussed the lab machinery that the students use in their inorganic lab. Shlankline being the first consisted of two lines, a vacuum and one with inert glasses to flush it out. The high vacuum line serves the same purpose as the Shlankline, except they only use one tube with a diffusion pump, and uses solvent lighter than water to flush the solutes and rouge molecules.

The glove box is a pressurized container with gloves used to work inside the pressurized zone equivalent to the area of a tabletop. Inorganic chemistry also uses mass spectroscopy to analyze samples, and examine the purity of the substances. The students enjoyed and learned a lot as to what is necessary to carry out inorganic experiments.

Organic Laboratory Tour Ryan Daniels, Department of Biological Science

UCI’s Organic Chemistry and Nuclear Reactor labs were exceptional labs. The organic chemistry lab had amazing machines that enabled the graduate students to accomplish any tasks in a relatively fast time such as using high pressure liquid chromatography (hplc) machine to separate the components in a mixture and be able to identify them. There was also a low pressure liquid chromatography to purify compounds from mixtures of compounds.

The graduate students at UCI are able to choose which lab they want to work in and, from then on, are able to choose any type of research they so choose. After students have chosen a focus, they propose a thesis to their lab instructor, try to prove it, and present their results to the faculty. The graduate students were tremendously helpful when it came to answering any questions we had about the lab or graduate school.

Mass Spectrometry Facility Tour Daniel Minami, Post Baccalaureate Cohort 5

Twenty-one students chose to go on the Mass Spectrometry

facility tour led by Dr. John Greaves. During this tour, students learned about the history of mass spectrometry and its current uses including drug detection in athletes, protein analysis, and the identification of unknown compounds. Doctor Greaves went into detail about how the field of mass spectrometry has changed over the past 6 decades and how the advances in technology have allowed more accurate and efficient analysis of substances.

Researchers at UCI commented on how convenient it was to have a dedicated mass spectrometry facility on campus for their use. Students also learned about how the mass spectrometry machines work in the laboratory. By utilizing the time of flight of ions within a vacuum, the mass spectrometry machines are able to help determine the makeup of the substance being analyzed. Students were given a demonstration on how researchers set up the mass spectrometry machines for use and the steps a substance takes while being analyzed in the machine. Various mass spectrometers were shown on the tour. One interesting machine was the state of the art Micromass ATOF2 which was described as a very accurate mass spectrometer providing the capability for exact mass measurements of substances. During this tour, the students learned a lot about research activities at UCI and many of the students were excited about entering the field of research in the future.

Nuclear Reactor Facility Tour Ryan Daniels, Department of Biological Science

UCI’s nuclear reactor lab was one of the most extraordinary

labs I have ever seen. The reactor was submerged under 25 feet of water and radiates a cool eerie neon blue light. Dr. Athan J. Shaka calmed everyone by informing us that nuclear power is actually very safe if used properly. The main purpose of the nuclear reactor at UCI is for educational purposes; however, they have also done many studies using the nuclear reactor. One of the studies was analyzing the bullet that killed JFK. The nuclear reactor is also used to authenticate various art pieces that are in the Getty Museum. Dr. Shaka and the various graduate students made everyone feel welcome and were able to teach everyone about how to get into graduate school and what you can do when you get there.

SEPTEMBER 2013

UCI’s Lab and Facility

Tours

SEPTEMBER 2013

Students’ Written Feedback

What did you like MOST about this event?

“[I liked that] all the faculty and current students were

encouraging [us] to further [pursue] higher education”

“The presentation by Professor Suzanne Blum [was very

informative and interesting]!”

“[I enjoyed] the demonstration of the nuclear reactor and how

the speaker [was] really, [engaging], and good at explaining

things”

“The nuclear reactor was very interesting to see [and] the

lecture was very informative!”

What did you learn about this event that you didn’t know before?

“[I learned about the] potential jobs after [getting a ]Ph.D.”

“[I learned about the] brief history of UCI and [the] paths for

science research”

What did you like most about your lab tour?

“[I learned about the use of these equipment] in [the] medical

studies”

“[I got] a taste of what it is like to be a graduate student in lab”

“[The clear] explanation [from the professors and graduate

students]. [They] did a fantastic job explaining their research.”

What did you like most about your facility tour?

“The professors explained everything very well and the

students were helpful”

“[I learned how mass spectrometry [really] works and [the]

history [of it]”

Did this experience have any influence on where you want further your education?

“I never thought about going to graduate school until now!”

“[I] did not consider [attending] California schools for Ph.D.,

[but now I] am interested in UCI”

“It showed [that] UCI have a lot of resources for graduate

program”

“I thought I wanted to go to UCI, but now I am very sure”

“The trip made me feel excited about my future [and pursing

my] work on a Ph.D. degree”

“It gave me more information and seeing it for myself [did]

help.”

“It helped me determine what career choice I might want to

pursue”

UCI’s Lab and Facility

Tours

SEPTEMBER 2013

Students’ Feedback Continued

What did you learn out of this experience?

“That I have options”

“How interdisciplinary science really is and the overlap”

“There are various research projects by graduate students

that eventually become products used by other researchers

and companies’”

“I got a better understanding of chemistry as well as UCI’s

program and their success in research”

“I learned that there are vast amounts of novel research

going on currently”

“I learned that there are so many opportunities for going to

graduate school”

What else could have made this experience better?

“This experience is one of the best experiences I ever had.

Very productive and interesting”

“I don’t think of anything to improve it. It’s really good already”

Comments:

“Thank you for bringing to life things that cannot even be

learned by reading”

“Awesome time!!!”

“We should have more trips like these in different schools!”

“Thank you for the opportunity. It was very interesting =)”

“Excellent setup of the entire experience”

“Amazing tour”

“Great experience”

UCI’s Lab and Facility

Tours

SEPTEMBER 2013

The Future of SUCCESS in STEM By Jeff Lopez, Engineering & Computer Science College

During the Spring 2013 semester, SUCCESS was only offered to Biology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry students. As we have accomplished our goal of laying down a strong foundation and impacting a large number of students to become proactive in undergraduate research, we believe this organization should not be limited to just these departments. This upcoming fall semester, SUCCESS will be expanding to incorporate all STEM disciplines, including Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Geology, and Mathematics. By having all STEM disciplines collaborate, students will gain a deeper understanding of how other disciplines approach challenges and how interdisciplinary science is the new approach to modern science. Students will not only learn from a large range of academic fields, but will also learn how to work together and develop creative thinking skills. This expansion of STEM disciplines will benefit not only students, but also faculty who will learn about other research and have the opportunity to collaborate such as in work and grants. This organization will allow an interaction between students and faculty which will promote undergraduate research and create more ideas and projects for the future.

SUCCESS is a unique organization because it consists of students from all STEM disciplines who are interested in undergraduate research and are collaborating together. A very important stepping stone that SUCCESS is working toward is getting students involved in undergraduate research. This is important for students because it allows them to go beyond the books and gain hands on experience in their field. Undergraduate research also connects students with professors in which students will get insight and experience from the experts from the field. Undergraduate research is extremely important because it provides students with real world problems and allows students to collaborate and think critically in order to find solutions to these problems. Robert A. Koch, Acting Dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, says, “We know that students who engage in undergraduate research have a higher rate of persistence in their majors and a higher rate of graduation.” SUCCESS is not just a club, but is an important tool that will help students succeed in their college career through undergraduate research and guidance which allows students to discover their full potential.

SUCCESS is 100% student-run which means we are all peers. This direct peer community has a passion for helping students exceed their own expectations. Peer mentoring is one of the many SUCCESS stepping stones that has had and will continue to have a big influence on students’ attitudes toward science. This is an another important stepping stone that SUCCESS is working toward and encourages students to learn, teach, and guide others throughout their college journey. As SUCCESS grows, it is important to have mentors who are model students in each discipline because it sets an example of leadership and gives other students a chance to learn how to utilize tools and opportunities. A model student will provide advice on how to overcome challenges that many students will encounter among the different disciplines. By having these mentors, students will have the support and confidence to succeed and will learn how to take advantage of all the great opportunities that the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics can offer.

The SUCCESS organization has many programs for the future to break barriers, build confidence, and ultimately help students succeed in STEM. SUCCESS is working towards providing a multitude of stepping stones to ensure the success of students throughout STEM and looks forward to developing new and innovative ways to facilitate the success of students.

Students see SUCCESS!

“SUCCESS has given me

multitudinous opportunities to

allow myself to not limit

myself to just one field of

study. SUCCESS has also

taught me that you do not

need to be the smartest

person to be successful, you

just need to be determined,

motivated, and willing to

achieve what you want.”

- Ryan Daniels,

Department in Biological Science

“SUCCESS has taught me to

be a more outgoing person.

SUCCESS has also

introduced me to research;

something I never thought

was reachable. I have never

been involved in such a

program that has cared so

much about their students

and members. I am very

grateful for all the

opportunities and lessons

SUCCESS has taught me so

far and I know it is only the

beginning.”

- Patrick Ramirez, Department in Biological Science

We would like to say thank you to the Departments of Biological Science,

Chemistry & Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, and our mentors:

Dr. Jennifer Burnaford, Dr. Sean Walker Dr. Kathryn Dickson, and Dr. Christopher Meyer

Created by: Tammy Vu and Phyllis Liang

Edited by: Tammy Vu, Phyllis Liang, and Phillipe Rodriguez