SURE Profiles

Current College: Cypress College

Transfer Year: 2023

Major: Civil/ Environmental Engineering

Minor: Physics

CPP Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ali Sharbat

Ann Hsu is a Civil & Environmental engineering major minoring in Physics at Cypress College and is thinking about transferring to Cal Poly Pomona in Fall 2023. The SURE program has been very fulfilling for Ann because it allowed her to get the support that she needed in her first research experience.  Ann appreciated the research seminars that were a part of this program because they helped her structure the research paper.

Ann’s research project with her faculty mentor, Dr. Ali Sharbat, is to utilize funding provided by Measure W to update the current infrastructure of Cal Poly Pomona, so that a water treatment system can be created to effectively collect stormwater. The landscape on campus can also be transformed into a rain garden that can recharge the underground aquifer.

For students looking to join the SURE program, Ann would say, “I would highly recommend the program to friends because not only everyone in the program is very supportive.  There are also many workshops and seminars that helped me learn the process of conducting research…through the seminars, I can network and expand my horizon on different subjects.’

Ann was motivated to participate in this research project because it aligns with her long-term goal of contributing to building a future for her two kids to keep vital resources like water accessible. She knew that she wanted to work with water-related subjects when she returned to school. The project is a great fit for Ann to explore her passions because environmental issues have always been important to her.

Ann naturally encountered some struggles during her research, since it was her first experience. Ann highly values time management, planning, and communication to help continue her research while also being a mother. Ann experienced some minor complications in the beginning when working in a team setting. However, her team combatted those issues by creating discord and shared google folders to communicate effectively.

The biggest takeaway from the SURE program for Ann this summer was learning how to structure a research paper. Ann was able to learn more about this process through the workshops offered and having the support of her faculty mentor. This led to a better understanding of research overall and helped her pave a road map on how to conduct research and finding topics.

After Ann’s participation in the SURE program, she feels more confident with engaging in future research and is planning to apply for a research opportunity next summer.

This research that Ann participates in gives her an insight on the structural side of environmental engineering and its chemical aspects like water quality and treatment, which will help her decide which path she will take in the future.

Advice to Students

Current College: Cal Poly Pomona (Transfer from Cypress College)

Transfer Year: 2021

Major: Computer Science

CPP Faculty Mentor: Dr. Subodh Bhandari

Tran Nguyen is a Computer Science major at Cypress College. He says that SURE (Summer Undergraduate Research Experience) was one of the most memorable experiences of his academic career. He emphasized what a great privilege it was being mentored by Dr. Subodh Bhandari, who is an expert in unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAV.

Together, Dr. Bhandari and Tran developed a space detection algorithm that works with a stereo vision camera to detect and avoid collisions for drones. The stereo vision camera is a two-camera system that generates a depth field, which is helpful to the drone because having information about the distance between it and the object ensures that the drone can avoid collision. Tran and Dr. Bhandari used the algorithm they developed to map out a safe space for the drone to fly. If the safe space was not in the center of the frame, it meant that there was an obstacle, and thus the drone would maneuver to avoid it until the safe space was in the center of the frame. The pair performed a couple test runs and were very impressed by the results. The drone successfully detected and avoided obstacles and flew to the target location.

Tran’s experience was enriched by the people he worked with in SURE. Perhaps the most important part of being in an undergraduate research project is having a good faculty advisor, and Tran was lucky to have one in Dr. Bhandari. Tran said, “Thanks to his patience and his willingness to guide new students, I can quickly adapt to research and catch up on the project in a very short time.”

Moreover, Tran had a capable and experienced research team that helped support one another during the project. With them, he learned how to solve problems that he had previously thought were unsolvable.

Tran also had very kind words about the SURE staff, who he said were always helpful and open to answering questions. Additionally, he interacted with other STEM transfer students and established a network of connections that will prove helpful in his academic journey and beyond.

Tran got inspired to take on his research project due to his love of problem solving, particularly in the realm of computer science. During the project, he enjoyed breaking problems up into smaller pieces. Every time he solved a piece, it motivated him to solve another. He said he especially loved when all of the small pieces have been solved to complete an entire part of the project. For Tran, seeing the results of a test, whether or not it had been successful, always gave him a feeling of accomplishment because it meant that he and his team were one step closer to solving the problem.

Through his research, Tran gained valuable technical knowledge, sharpening his skills using programs like Python and C++. He also became adept at using real-time imaging filters and learned a lot about basic object detection, skills which will prove hugely valuable in the job market. He also got a bevy of experience in interpersonal communication, working with a team.

When asked whether he would recommend the SURE program, Tran gave a resounding yes. He said in addition to getting research experience, students have the opportunity to work with an expert in their field and learn technical knowledge from their peers, which is beneficial for one’s academic career and the job market. He also emphasized the benefit of having a built-in network.

Tran has a bright future ahead of him. He expects to graduate in 2021 and aims to go to University of Southern California (USC). Doing the SURE program has been a significant stepping stone on his academic journey. He said that SURE prepared him to perform research in the future: “After the SURE program, I gained experience working as a member of a research group and also improved my technical skills; therefore, I am very confident with engaging in future research projects.”

Tran mentioned that his research project this summer fit perfectly in line with his future career goals, as he would like to become a software engineer. The crash courses he got in programming, algorithms, and data structure will no doubt place him at the head of the pack in many of his classes and into graduate school.

Advice to Students

To students wishing to begin undergraduate research, Tran said to cast your net wide and apply to a multitude of research programs. Furthermore, he said to ask lots of questions about research projects that you’re interested in, so you can make sure that the project fits your interests.

Current College: Cypress College

Major: Computer Science

CPP Faculty Mentor: Dr. Hao Ji

Samee Rauf is a Computer Science major at Cypress College with an associate degree in Biology. In Summer 2021, Samee worked alongside his Cal Poly Pomona faculty mentor, Dr. Hao Ji, on a project that explored different methods of 2D and 3D human pose estimation. Samee discovered how to code using Python and learned how to run convolutional neural networks. He had a largely positive experience with SURE (Summer Undergraduate Research Experience), stating that although it was an intense program, he is now more confident in his research skills, and has gained valuable knowledge about his field of study.

Samee stated, “I would definitely recommend the SURE program to my friends because I have learned and grown so much by the end of it. I have learned so much about how to effectively conduct research, present research at the CARS symposium, and how to write a research paper.”

Samee added that the weekly summer seminars gave him insight into how research is presented. In addition, Samee benefited from the Thursday Office of Undergraduate (OUR) research workshops, because they offered learning opportunities for research, and because they provided an opportunity for SURE students to connect with one another.

“Through the course of the research, I became close with the other SURE students as we were all conducting research for the first time and we're facing our own struggles. It was great to see the progress of everyone's research as we chatted with each other in the Thursday meetings,” Samee added.

Samee became inspired to embark on his research project because he wanted to learn more about machine learning and artificial intelligence. This project allowed him to learn about Computer Science, while additionally providing him with hands-on experience working with machine learning algorithms. Furthermore, the project helped him determine whether or not Intelligence Systems was the field that he wanted to specialize in. Ultimately, the project confirmed his passion for machine learning.

Samee did have his share of struggles during his research. Because he was a former Biology major and had only recently switched to Computer Science, Computer Science was an entirely new field for him. In particular, he had no previous experience of pose estimation. However, what he lacked in experience, he made up for in drive and motivation. He filled his gaps in knowledge by utilizing Google, reading numerous research papers, and watching YouTube tutorials. In addition, he was never shy about asking his faculty advisor questions. As a result of his research experience in SURE, Samee learned lots of useful research skills such as organization and communication, and he learned how to use Zotero to create a reference list and cite sources. He also improved his work ethic skills, due in large part to the dozens of hours spent reading articles and research papers.

Now that he has completed SURE, Samee feels confident about engaging in future research projects. He said: “I now have an experience of what it is like to conduct research alongside a professor. I have learned how to be determined and push through unforeseen obstacles to succeed in my research as well as how to better my communications skills so that my faculty mentor could understand my struggles and help me.”

For Samee, the SURE program was his first foray into research, but certainly won’t be his last. He added that now that he’s had exposure to research, he desires to make contributions to future research projects based on the skills and growth that he’s experienced. Whatever path Samee decides to take next, it is evident that he will succeed, as evidenced by the incredible effort and fortitude he put into his research in SURE.

Advice to Students

To anyone wishing to pursue undergraduate research, Rauf said that it’s vitally important to communicate with one’s faculty mentor and SURE staff, especially given that much of the research work will be new territory. Additionally, he advised that although the research will be intense, it flies by, and scholars learn an immense amount by the end.

Current College: Cal Poly Pomona (Transfer from Citrus College)

Transfer Year: 2020

Major: Computer Science

CPP Faculty Mentor: Dr. Hao Ji

Student Quote: “The SURE program provided excellent opportunities to meet and talk with other students who were also experiencing similar struggles with their research. Listening and being able to talk with other students about our struggles helped me realize that I was not alone in how I felt.”

This year's Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program had the pleasure of mentoring Citrus College student Rebecca Gio as she began her journey of research. Rebecca was one of fifteen students handpicked from a pool of applicants to join this summer’s 2020 SURE Cohort. The SURE program partners with community colleges and their STEM students for an 8-week program where they participate in high-level faculty-mentored research projects. Students who participate in SURE also have the opportunity to present their culminating research projects at the annual Cal Poly Pomona Creative Activities & Research Symposium (CPP CARS).

Being a computer science major, Rebecca has developed an interest in artificial intelligence. Because of this, Rebecca’s goal throughout her time in the program was to explore her interest and utilize this time to gain experience within her field. Rebecca’s research project was titled: “Synthetic Data Generation for Deep Learning-Based Object Detection.” In this project, she was investigating the use of synthetic data to lower the cost of preparing labeled data for training deep learning models. In particular, an automated pipeline was designed to generate a large dataset of labeled images using realistic 3D models of real-world objects and train deep learning models for object detection tasks. Rebecca also mentioned that her project proposes a deep neural network that is trained with both synthetic and photorealistic synthetic data that can detect objects more efficiently. Rebecca’s project was guided by one of Cal Poly Pomona’s Computer Science Department faculty mentors, Dr. Hao Ji.

Although her project was a success, Rebecca exclaimed that she struggled tremendously throughout the whole program. Rebecca, like many, was completely new to the research realm before the summer program began. She had no experience with any of the software or programming languages that she needed to use for her research. However, with some motivation and determination, Rebecca conquered her struggles by utilizing the support of her mentor and fellow SURE students, and by quickly becoming good friends with Google search.

The SURE program allowed Rebecca to work with other students who were also experiencing similar struggles with their research. She said, “Listening and being able to talk with other students about our struggles helped me realize that I was not alone in how I felt. The support we received on how to write a research paper, how to present, etc. are skills that I will take with me even beyond this summer.”

Rebecca emphasized that the myth that you need to be an A student in order to participate in research is not true at all. In the beginning of her community college journey at Citrus, she had a 0.7 GPA and was placed on academic probation three times. However, with an adjusted mindset and the proper support from faculty and programs, Rebecca was able to change her academics around and obtained a final total GPA of 3.35! Rebecca’s academic journey has truly been remarkable.

Rebecca stated: “To anyone going through something similar, trust me, I know it feels like the world is falling. But looking at all the trips and bumps, I wouldn't want it any other way. I learned how to get up when I fall, find people who will support me, and reach for whatever I want no matter my circumstance.”

At the end of the SURE program, Rebecca took away three research skills: communication, leadership, and determination. From these skills, Rebecca has built confidence as a student, researcher, and employee. Moreover, Rebecca has learned and grown immensely; her accomplishments embody what the SURE program is all about.

This Fall 2020, Rebecca joins Cal Poly Pomona as a transfer student in Computer Science. The Office of Undergraduate Research would like to congratulate Rebecca on all of her accomplishments thus far. We wish you the best of luck at Cal Poly Pomona! Your determination and achievements will lead you to greatness in the future ahead.

Advice to Students

“Ask questions. If you don't have enough experience, don't think that you are not eligible. If you communicate and are not afraid to ask questions, you will do very well even if you don't have any experience in what you want to do research in. Don't be afraid to ask questions; your team and faculty mentor are there to support you!”

Current College: Citrus College

Expected Transfer: 2020

Major: Biology CPP

Faculty Mentor:  Dr. Alex John

Student Quote: “Be patient, flexible, and ask questions. Research takes time and you may not get the results you wanted or were hoping for, either due to time constraints or something else. You might find yourself starting at square one towards the end of your program because whatever you were doing didn't work out. That's okay, and what you learned instead was a way of how not to do something.”

Matthew Serna was one of fifteen community college students to participate in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Program this past summer. The SURE program partners with community colleges and their STEM students to participate in high-level faculty-mentored research projects over an eight-week program. Students that participate in SURE have the opportunity to present their culminating research projects at our annual Cal Poly Pomona Creative Activities & Research Symposium (CPP CARS). Matthew was chosen from Citrus College to participate in the SURE program 2020 Cohort.

Although Matthew is a biology major, the research project he was completing throughout the program was heavily rooted in the chemistry field. The project was guided by Cal Poly Pomona’s faculty mentor, Dr. Alex John. Specifically, Matthew and his cohort studied data analysis of dioxo-molybdenum complexes as a catalyst of deoxydehydration reactions of vicinal diols to olefins, for a means towards more improved and sustainable chemistry practices. Matthew explained that these complexes are fairly new in research and in their efficiencies as catalysts, with limited complex structures that have been studied.

Matthew was motivated to become involved in research and participate in the SURE program to not only build skills and gain experience, but also to challenge himself and bring back some of the intellectual stimulation he had lost these past couple of months due to COVID-19. Similarly, due to COVID-19, the 2020 SURE program was a bit different than the summers before. Matthew explained that his greatest struggle throughout this program was having to adjust and adapt to retaining information online rather than in person. However, he was able to push through with the help from not only his mentor Dr. Alex John, but from his peers and SURE coordinators. The SURE program gave Matthew the confidence to move forward to pursue other research opportunities. He also mentioned that SURE helped him gain skills such as communication, helped increase his productivity, and improved his leadership skills to become a better mentor for others who are beginning their research journey.

This fall, Matthew will be transferring to UC Davis where he will be pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity, with a minor degree in Public Health Science. He hopes to join labs and ongoing projects to continue to build his research skills during his time at UC Davis. Matthew is also considering a future of medical school or doing an MD/PhD degree one day.

We thank Matthew for his participation in the SURE program, and we wish him lots of success and prosperity in his years to come! 

Advice to Students

“Don't see failure as failure but see it as an opportunity for growth.  Ask your mentors, peers, neighbors, what their opinions are. Ask them if they have a different perspective in what you are doing. Ask them to remind you of something that maybe you forgot. The best thing you can do for yourself is to ask questions.”