Available Projects

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Projects for the 2023-2024 Academic Year

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College of Agriculture

Agribusiness & Food Industry, Management/Agricultural Science

• Yunkyung "Julie" Lee
  
  • Project Description: Project Title: CRISPR-edited Beef Messages
    1. Objective:
       This research project investigates the effect of information sources on consumers' perceptions and willingness to pay for CRISPR-edited beef that will be commercialized in the U.S. Specifically, the study aims to determine whether individuals are more likely to accept and value information about CRISPR technology from sources within their own group (e.g., college students) than from sources that are perceived as external or outgroup (e.g. consumer advocacy group, cattlemen's association), as indicated by the willingness to pay for the beef.
    2. Procedures:
       All participants will access an Internet-based questionnaire on Qualtrics, a popular and secure online data-collection platform that Cal Poly Pomona provides. Participants are estimated to spend approximately 20-30 minutes completing this study, depending on how much detail they choose to provide.
       Participants will respond to open- and closed-ended questions about their true and honest cognitions, emotions, experiences, and behaviors about genome editing, CRISPR technology, their consumption of CRISPR-edited beef, and more general agricultural items. Then, they will be randomly assigned to read one of several mocked-up Instagram posts containing true information about agriculture, beef, and CRISPR. Another item included an assessment of various individual and group dimensions of consumption patterns and preferences.
    3. Benefits:
       Examining the purpose of this project will help us understand the role of social identity in shaping consumers' attitudes and preferences toward CRISPR-edited beef. In addition, the study will provide significant implications for marketers and policymakers communicating about new bioengineered food by understanding how social influence and persuasion operate throughout the consumer decision-making process.
  • Weekly Responsibilities: 
    • Regular meeting once or twice a month with advisor and co-authors
    • 4 hours work per week
    • Working on data analysis - graphical representation of results.
    • Designing, conducting, and tracking the survey using Qualtrics.
  • Preferred (but not required) Skills:
    • Agribusiness major or agricultural background
    • A strong interest in agribusiness and/or agricultural economics
    • Basic knowledge and skills in using Office365 (Excel, PowerPoint) and Qualtrics are preferred.
    • Ability to track records in data management, preferably in a research context, including
      communications, events, and experiment engagement.
    • Experience in contributing to reports/presentations is preferred.
    • Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
    • Comfort actively participates in internal meetings, including agenda creation, recapping, and follow-up.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: The "CRISPR-edited Beef Messages" research project can provide meaningful experiences for students across disciplines including agricultural economics and communication. Students will gain the following skills and knowledge from involvement:
    1. Design and implementation of the research:
       • Students will learn how to design a research project, including formulating research questions.
       • Students will learn the importance of experimental design, randomization, and control groups when ensuring results validity.
       • By developing an open-ended and closed-ended questionnaire, students will gain experience in creating a comprehensive survey.
    2. Collecting, organizing, and analyzing data:
       • Students will become proficient in using online data collection platforms, Qualtrics, to design and distribute surveys.
       • Students will learn how to manage and organize survey data for analysis.
       • Basic data analysis skills, such as summarizing descriptive statistics and conducting statistical tests.
    3. Understanding the impact of social identity on consumer decisions:
       • Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of social identity in relation to in-group or out-group and its impact on consumer behavior.
       • Exposure to communication theories and concepts related to persuasion, social influence, and cognitive biases will broaden their knowledge base.
    4. Exploring genetic engineering and CRISPR technology:
       • Students will learn about genetic engineering principles, including CRISPR-Cas9 technology used in the food industry.
       • They will understand the potential benefits/costs and ethical considerations associated with bioengineered foods like CRISPR-edited beef.
    5. Developing communication and presentation skills:
       • Students will develop skills in communicating research findings effectively in written reports and potentially in presentations.
       • They may have the opportunity to present their project experiences with peers and faculty at conferences.
    6. Problem-solving skills:
       • They will develop problem-solving skills when dealing with unexpected challenges during the research.
    7. Ethical considerations:
       • Students will gain an understanding of the ethical implications of conducting IRP-approved research.
       • Students will learn about obtaining informed consent, ensuring participant privacy, potential conflicts, and following ethical guidelines.
    8. Interdisciplinary knowledge:
       • Students gain interdisciplinary insight into genetics, consumer behavior, and communication through this project.
    9. In conclusion, the study of "CRISPR-edited Beef Messages" offers students a variety of opportunities by having theoretical knowledge with research experience, problem-solving skills, and ethical awareness of bioengineered food. As a result of having these skills and knowledge, they will be more prepared to have a successful career in the fields of agriculture, marketing, and public policy in the future.

Apparel Merchandising & Management

• Helen Trejo
  
  • Project Description: This project will involve creating two woven wool textiles on a floor loom, including wool from the Cal Poly Pomona Sheep Unit and a US sheep farm. Analysis will include observing fiber, yarn, and textile characteristics, as well as evaluating quality based on textile tests. A goal will be to determine the feasibility to use the woven wool in footwear prototyping as an upper.
  • Weekly Responsibilities: The student will meet with the faculty advisor, read previous students’ research, create a woven textile for footwear, develop an academic research paper, conduct observations of the textile, and prepare a prototype to determine usability. Involves in person meetings in Building 45 in the Apparel Merchandising & Management department.
  • Preferred (but not required) Skills: Student should be interested in research with wool, be self-starting, patient, and willing to learn new techniques. Interest in pursuing graduate school is preferred.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: Student will gain hands-on experience learning about wool and weaving. Will gain extensive experience with academic writing. Ultimately, the student will work on a project that can be presented at the CPP RSCA conference through a poster or oral presentation.

 

• Md Arif Iqbal
  
  • Project Description: Second-hand clothing products are considered fashionable, fun, unique, nostalgic, affordable, and environment-friendly (Yan et al., 2015). The global trend of second-hand clothing consumption is significantly increasing and contributing to the sustainability initiatives of the global fashion supply chain (Herjanto et al., 2016). Used clothing was the 551st most traded product worldwide in 2020, with an overall trade amount of $3.87 billion (Simoes, 2023). In contrast, the fashion industry is one of the leading sources of environmental pollution. The state of environmental pollution caused by the fashion industry has no recovery but rises day by day (Geegamage et al., 2021). In this crisis, second-hand clothing can act as a remedy by helping achieve a circular economy. The core concept of the circular economy is recovering value from tangible commodities through a narrower closed loop of reuse and restoration which could increase economic and environmental performance (Ashby, 2018). Even though the industry is heavily challenged by sustainability worldwide (Su et al., 2023), consumers from different parts of the world react differently to this issue. The degree of consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions toward sustainable products may vary due to differences in economic development and cultural values (Su et al., 2023). This study will employ a qualitative approach and aims to understand the Hispanic Gen Z consumers’ existing practices of using second-hand clothing.
    Researchers have found that affordability, quality, and design variety are the factors that affect the second-hand undergarment trade (Chipambwa et al., 2016). Although second-hand products are gaining popularity, some consumers still refuse to shop for these products mostly because of the embarrassment of using products that used to be associated with poverty (Ferraro et al., 2016). Prior researchers have concentrated their studies on the history, consumption and disposal, and impact of second-hand clothing (Herjanto et al., 2016). The existing literature lacks the perspective of Hispanic Gen Z consumers in terms of their actual behavior toward using secondhand clothing. This study will explore the existing practices and behavior of this significant consumer group in the US.
    In-depth interviews will be conducted with a purposive sample approach. The participants will be recruited by the student researcher under the supervision of faculty mentor using a snowball sampling technique. The sample size will be decided based on the saturation of the data (Hodges, 2011). Interviews will be conducted in person and through online meetings (Zoom, WhatsApp, etc.). After gathering the data from participants, the student researcher will thoroughly transcribe each interview under the supervision of the faculty mentor before analyzing the interview texts. Together, the faculty mentor and the student researcher of this study will analyze the data, develop codes, find themes, and write up the findings.
    This study will contribute to the literature on second-hand clothing practices of Hispanic Gen Z consumers in the US. The findings of this study may be helpful to clothing companies and the government in formulating sustainability and circular economy policies.
  • Weekly Responsibilities: The student participating in this project should have at least a 4-hour weekly commitment. There will be two meetings with the faculty mentor on Mondays and Thursdays about the project's progress. The meetings can be in person or via Zoom. The student can take and participate in his/her regular classes and labs. The research activity will be designed in a way that the regular classes of the student are not impacted.
    During the first four/five weeks, we (student and faculty mentor) will work on the literature review and IRB application. There will be no specific daily activities. Rather, the student will be guided to conduct an extensive literature review. The faculty member will teach the student how to find relevant literature and summarize them. The faculty mentor will take the feedback twice a week.
    During the data collection phase, both faculty mentor and student will conduct the interviews. After conducting the interviews, we will transcribe the interview data together. This part is challenging. The faculty mentor will provide maximum support to the student.
    During the data analysis phase, we will analyze the data together. The ultimate goal of this project is to present the findings at the Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities Conference. We will also plan to write a manuscript for a Journal article based on this project.
  • Preferred (but not required) Skills: Communication skill, time management skill, idea about sustainability
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project:
    • Research design
    • Literature review
    • Conducting interviews
    • Qualitative data analysis
    • Research presentation
    • Academic/Manuscript writing
    • Knowledge about Sustainability and Circular Economy.

Nutrition and Food Science

• Belal Hasan
  
  • Project Description: Working on plant-based foods that are extruded using twin screw extruder to develop a cooking methods that will increase the diversity of applications in international dishes. My work is focused on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of meat analogues also know as meat alternatives and how could the mimic real meat! The limited knowledge about the potential applications is one of the main reasons for limiting the growth of meat analogues. Beside the fundamental knowledge, this research aiming to train chefs to cook wide range of extruded meat analogues and their applications in different cuisines. A recent publication and preliminary data will be provided for the prospective student(s).
  • Weekly Responsibilities: 
    • Hands-on on cooking methods
    • Few lab experiments
    • Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
  • Preferred (but not required) Skills:
    • Some knowledge about physicochemical properties of food ingredients
    • Some knowledge about food proteins
    • Statistic analysis of large data
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project:
    • Knowledge about texture analysis preferred, training will be provided
    • Simple food processing
    • Knowledge to measure temperature, weight and dimensions of different food samples
    • Spectroscopy analysis
      

Plant Science

• Eshwar Ravishankar
  
  • Project Description: There are various methods of monitoring plant health which can be categorized as destructive or non-destructive. Destructive measurements are traditionally more direct and in many cases easier to perform. However, these methods can be invasive and generally irreversibly damage plants in the process. By eliminating these destructive measurements researchers are able to increase the investigation’s experimental capacity by reducing the number of treatments and the sampling size. Currently, existing non-destructive measurement techniques such as the Infrared Gas Analyzer (IRGA) to measure carbon dioxide can cost over $20,000 and there is a need for cheaper monitoring techniques to monitor and record crop health.
    Within the last decade or so, a non-destructive method to monitor various aspects of plant health and response to external stimuli involves the usage of cameras that collect information across the electromagnetic spectrum. In a similar fashion to how various pigments absorb light energy, plants are able to reflect and emit light energy as they respond to their surroundings. These energy signatures can be observed and analyzed to determine crop health. As faculty mentors, I will guide the students to develop a raspberry-pi controlled sensor and camera platform to compute leaf area, detect disease, and monitor microclimate (light, temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide).
  • Weekly 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 in lab/greenhouses.
    4. Analysis
    5. Project progress meetings
    6. Poster presentation.
    As faculty mentor, I will be available Monday through Friday in person to ensure the students get hands-on training and assistance as needed during the project when they are working in the lab or greenhouse. Students will also be guided to conduct relevant literature search. Students are welcome to work asynchronously and flexibly as per their academic schedule during Spring 2023 to complete the initial literature review and experimental plan as well as data analysis and presentations. However, the in-person component of the project 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 (but not required) Skills:
    • Soft skills:
      1. Problem-solving skills
      2. Attention to detail.
      3. Good communication skills (written and oral).
      4. Collaboration and teamwork
    • Research ethics and safety:
      As a faculty mentor, I will be responsible for training the students on safety protocols when working with imaging equipment, sensors, and plants. The students are expected to follow them.
    • Beginner level knowledge of plant biology:
      I expect the students to have basic knowledge of plant physiology. This would mean they are knowledgeable about plant structure such as identifying parts of a plant structure during the project.
    • Data analysis:
      I expect basic expertise in Excel. As a faculty mentor, I will work with the students to give them hands-on training and an understanding of how sensors function and how to conduct basic statistical analysis on the data collected. The Plant Science building (Building 2) has an indoor lab facility with a printer, work benches, 2 monitors, and a desktop which will be provided to the students.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: Students will gain hands-on training in:
    1. Plant biology and physiology
       Students will get a fundamental understanding of plant responses to stress and environment.
    2. Imaging Techniques.
       Students will understand how to image a plant, record the data and interpret plant parameters such as leaf area, detect disease. More importantly, understand the literature in the field.
    3. Get acquainted with basic programming
       As a faculty mentor, I will be responsible for explaining and aiding the students through understanding how sensors work and get an understanding of how the program text editor looks and gets structured. This will have useful learning outcomes particularly if the students have an interest in taking up future interdisciplinary projects in the nexus of food-energy-water.
    4. Horticulture lab techniques
       The students will get acquainted with greenhouse crops and data collection in a controlled environment. This in turn will help them plan for relevant internships in the field as well with artificial intelligence taking precedence in agriculture.
    5. Presentation skills:
       As a faculty mentor, I will help the students with poster presentations as needed so that they are fully equipped to handle public demonstrations and presentations. This will provide them with valuable experience to conduct outreach of research activities successfully. Further weekly meetings with the faculty mentor will help students gain the required expertise to present and summarise work.
       

College of Business

Computer Information Systems

• Sonya Zhang
  
  • Project Description: This project centers around two main objectives: 1) Validating and presenting the relevant literature review using descriptive statistics and visualization. 2) Analyzing Airbnb listings and reviews, discovering insights, and generating recommendations utilizing text-mining techniques.
  • Weekly Responsibilities: The student will learn about machine learning with the mentor's guidance. They will work independently and with other students to analyze data, create visuals, evaluate the models' performance, meet with the mentor and other students to talk about progress and problems, come up with solutions, and write reports about the findings.
  • Preferred (but not required) Skills: Proficiency in Excel and Python (or similar programming languages) is essential. Additionally, familiarity with Tableau and machine learning is advantageous. The ideal candidate should be able to quickly grasp new concepts, and exhibit a strong work ethic, self-motivation, dedication, and effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: Participating in this project will help students learn essential skills like analyzing data, creating visualizations, using machine learning, and conducting research. They'll also improve their problem-solving, teamwork, and communication abilities by working with peers and mentors.

Finance Real Estate and Law

• Carrie Shang
  
  • Project Description: The rapid evolution of cryptocurrency markets has opened up new opportunities for investors, but it has also exposed them to an increasing risk of scams and fraudulent activities. The complexity of blockchain technology and the opacity of many crypto investment platforms can be daunting, especially for underrepresented minority groups who often lack access to financial education resources. This gap in knowledge disproportionately exposes them to financial risks. Regulatory bodies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have increased their enforcement activities, but individual awareness and understanding remain the first line of defense against fraud. In this context, there is an urgent need for easily accessible, comprehensible, and reliable sources of information to educate the public, particularly minority communities, on cryptosecurity. The project aims to analyze publicly available Initial Coin Offering (ICO) white papers, documented cryptocurrency scams, and regulatory enforcement actions by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to extrapolate the trend that may warn entrepreneurs and investors about cryptocurrency scams and fraud prevention.
  • Weekly Responsibilities: 
    • Data Analysis: Students begin their day by reviewing and analyzing the latest ICO white papers, SEC enforcement releases, and reports of cryptocurrency scams. They use data analytics tools to highlight patterns or red flags.
    • Educational Content Creation: Some students will work on developing educational content, turning complex regulatory language and security practices into easily digestible information.
    • Progress Update: Students will have a brief meeting, either in-person or via video conference, to discuss the day's progress, challenges faced, and the agenda for the next day.
    • Monthly Meetings with Advisors: Students will meet at least once a week with faculty advisors and industry professionals for feedback and guidance.
    • Collaboration with External Partners: As part of the project, there may be visits to or from educational institutions, government agencies, or cryptocurrency exchanges that are stakeholders or potential partners in the research.
  • Preferred (but not required) Skills:
    • Financial Literacy: Basic understanding of financial markets and instruments, particularly cryptocurrencies and regulatory landscape, will provide context to the project.
    • Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills will be essential for creating educational content and presenting findings.
    • Data Analysis: Skills in data analytics tools like R and Stata will be helpful for the data collection and analysis phases (recommended but not required).
    • Programming Knowledge: Familiarity with programming languages like Python or JavaScript will be beneficial (but not required). 
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project:
    • Financial Literacy: Basic understanding of financial markets and instruments, particularly cryptocurrencies and regulatory landscape, will provide context to the project.
    • Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills will be essential for creating educational content and presenting findings.
    • Data Analysis: Skills in data analytics tools like R and Stata will be helpful for the data collection and analysis phases (recommended but not required).
    • Programming Knowledge: Familiarity with programming languages like Python or JavaScript will be beneficial (but not required).
      

College of Engineering

Civil Engineering

• Siddharth Banerjee
  
  • Project Description: The proposed project involves collecting literature on building information modelling (BIM) and its impact on the construction industry. A survey is proposed to be developed by the student in close consultation with the faculty. The target audience would be CPP Construction Engineering alumni who have graduated in the past 8-10 years. The ultimate goal of the project would be to assess the needs to develop a new course on building information modelling which is one of the widely used collaboration tools in the construction industry. 
  • Weekly Responsibilities: It is anticipated that the student will work in close consultation with the faculty member. Video check-ins via Zoom/Teams would be acceptable. However, it is expected that the student meets at least once a month in person with the faculty.
  • Preferred (but not required) Skills: Basic computer skills, knowledge of building information modelling, good time management skills, good communication skills (both hard and soft), experience developing surveys in Tableau/Power BI is a plus.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: Performing literature reviews, developing and analyzing surveys

Electrical & Computer Engineering

• Mohamed El-Hadedy
  • Project 1 Description: 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.
    We look forward to receiving your applications and building a strong and diverse team for this transformative project. Should you have any questions, please contact me at 909-869-2594, mealy@cpp.edu
    Let's shape the future of natural language processing together with the US Navy!
    
    • Weekly 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:
      1. 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.
      2. 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.
      3. 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.
      4. 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.
      5. 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.
      6. 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.
      7. 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.
      8. 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.
      9. 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.
         Overall, 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.
         Should you require more detailed information or have any specific questions, please feel free to reach out to me at 909-869-2594, mealy@cpp.edu .
    • Preferred (but not required) 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.
  • Project 2 Description: I am thrilled to invite you to join our cutting-edge research lab focused on "Reconfigurable Space Computing: Implementing Post-Quantum Crypto Applications for Cloud Computing." This exciting opportunity is ideal for students passionate about computer science, cryptography, and space technology. As a member of our research team, you will contribute to groundbreaking advancements in the field of secure cloud computing, particularly in the context of post-quantum cryptography.
    Project Overview:
    My research lab aims to explore the best methods of implementing post-quantum cryptographic algorithms for secure cloud computing in space environments. With the rise of quantum computing, traditional cryptographic methods may become vulnerable, necessitating the development of quantum-resistant cryptographic techniques. Your contributions will directly impact the security and privacy of cloud-based applications, ensuring data protection even in the face of quantum threats.
    What You'll Gain:
    - **Cutting-Edge Research Experience:** Joining our lab will provide you with a unique opportunity to work on pioneering research at the intersection of space computing and post-quantum cryptography, with real-world applications.
    - **Mentorship and Guidance:** You will work closely with experienced researchers who will guide and support you throughout the research process, allowing you to develop your skills and knowledge in a collaborative environment.
    - **Hands-On Technical Skills:** You will gain valuable experience in reconfigurable space computing and the implementation of advanced cryptographic algorithms, honing your programming and problem-solving abilities.
    - **Contributing to Advancements in Security:** Your work will have a meaningful impact on ensuring the security of cloud computing systems, making a difference in the future of data protection.
    Required Skills:
    I welcome undergraduate students with a strong foundation in computer science, cryptography, or related fields. Additionally, applicants should possess the following skills or coursework:
    - **Programming Proficiency:** Experience in programming languages such as C++, Python, or Java.
    - **Cryptography Fundamentals:** Familiarity with basic cryptographic concepts, symmetric and asymmetric encryption, and hash functions.
    - **Cloud Computing Basics:** Understanding of cloud computing principles and services.
    - **Interest in Space Technology:** While prior knowledge of space computing is not mandatory, a keen interest in space technology and its applications will be advantageous.
    Join me in this exciting research journey to build a secure future for cloud computing in the face of quantum challenges. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out to my email: mealy@cpp.edu.
    Let's embark on this transformative research together!
    • Weekly Responsibilities: As a student participating in the "Reconfigurable Space Computing: Implementing Post-Quantum Crypto Applications for Cloud Computing" project, your typical day will be engaging and filled with exciting opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research. Here's an overview of what you can expect:
      1. Project Meetings and Planning: Your day may begin with project meetings where the research team gathers to discuss progress, goals, and plans for the day. This is an opportunity to collaborate, share ideas, and strategize on both hardware and software aspects of the post-quantum cryptographic implementation.
      2. Hardware and Software Development: Depending on your area of focus, you will be involved in either hardware development for reconfigurable space computing or software development for implementing post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. This work may include coding, testing, and debugging.
      3. Reconfigurable Space Computing: If you are working on hardware, your tasks may involve designing and programming FPGA-based systems for space computing applications. You will have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art reconfigurable computing technologies.
      4. Post-Quantum Cryptographic Algorithms: If you are focused on software development, your tasks will revolve around implementing and optimizing post-quantum cryptographic algorithms to ensure security in cloud computing systems.
      5. Collaboration with Experts: You will collaborate with experienced researchers and professors specializing in cryptography, space technology, and reconfigurable computing. This collaboration will provide valuable mentorship and insights into your specific area of research.
      6. Individual and Group Work: You may work both individually and in teams, depending on the complexity of the tasks. Collaboration with other students and researchers will foster a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.
      7. In-Person Component (if applicable): Depending on the project's setup and the prevailing circumstances, there might be an in-person component. This could include lab sessions, workshops, or seminars, providing you with valuable hands-on experience and opportunities for face-to-face interactions with your colleagues.
      8. Experimentation and Testing: You will conduct experiments and testing to evaluate the performance and security of the cryptographic implementations. This iterative process will involve refining the algorithms and configurations.
      9. Research Documentation: Throughout the day, you will document your research progress, findings, and results. Proper documentation is crucial for future reference and for sharing knowledge within the research team.
      10. Breaks and Networking: Scheduled breaks will allow you to recharge and interact with fellow participants. Networking with other students and researchers will broaden your perspectives and create potential collaborations.
      11. Project Demonstrations and Updates: At certain intervals, you may present your progress and findings to the research team. This communication will help in tracking the project's development and providing feedback.
      12. Please note that the specific daily schedule may vary depending on the stage of the project, individual roles, and the team's dynamics. Whether the project has an in-person component or is conducted remotely, your participation will be valuable in advancing the field of post-quantum cryptographic implementation for space computing.
          I look forward to having you on board as part of our dynamic research team! 
    • Preferred (but not required) Skills: Passionate to learn but few knowledge of python and C could be a good start point.
    • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: C for engineering and Python are a good start.
  • Project 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.
    Project Overview:
    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.
    What You'll Gain:
    - **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.
    Required 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.
    How to Apply:
    Please include your resume, a brief cover letter outlining your motivation, relevant coursework, and any previous research experiences in your application to the program.
    Embark on an exciting research journey that explores the convergence of Reconfigurable Space Computing and IoT security.
    We look forward to welcoming passionate and dedicated students to our dynamic research team!
    
    • Weekly 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.
      1. 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.
      2. 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.
      3. 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.
      4. 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.
      5. 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.
      6. 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.
      7. In conclusion, 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.
         
    • Preferred (but not required) Skills: Eager to learn the starting point will be C or Python.
    • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: C for engineering or studied python.
  • Project 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!
    
    • Weekly Responsibilities: As a student participating in the Reconfigurable Space Computing Laboratory at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and working on building a new drone swarm docking mechanism for exchanging both data and energy on the fly, your typical day will be a thrilling blend of research, innovation, and collaboration. Let's delve into the exciting details:
      **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.
      **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.
      **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!
      
    • Preferred (but not required) 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!

CLASS

English and Modern Languages

• Karen Tellez-Trujillo
  
  • Project Description: The research project I envision for a student with my mentorship is a project that seeks to collect stories of resilience from a population chosen by the student researchers. I would like to develop a list of interview questions with the student, decide the demographic of participants, and work with the student to find a home for either a short story collection and/or a publishable academic article. The framework with which we will work is feminist rhetorical resilience, which differs from commonplace definitions in that this resilience is ongoing, involves small gestures, and relies on resources from the community, rather than individual strength. A population students might choose is women, particularly women of color are rarely called upon to engage in memoirs or to document their stories. In addition, women who fit this description are likely to have accepted adversity and resilience as the way life is, rather than seeing the value in their experiential knowledge and what they pass on to other generations. If women in a particular group were chosen, I imagine that some of these stories would include those of migration, motherhood/maternity, education, career, and family. I would rather, however, that the student guide the topics and the questions. I have an extensive bibliography from which the student can build a literature review and will add additional readings. Thus, the student will engage in qualitative research using a decolonial methodology, interview, and note-taking as methods, with a final analysis of the stories, resulting in an article and/or collection of short stories. I will also walk through the IRB process with the student for the sake of the study.
  • Weekly Responsibilities: There will be a once-a-week Zoom meeting in the Fall. In the Spring, weekly meetings will continue with required face-to-face meetings for planning and writing beginning in March. Student researchers will need to read and discuss readings in weekly meetings and write in a research journal once per week.
  • Preferred (but not required) Skills: Prior experience with IRB application, have written a literature review or Annotated Bibliography, comfort with interviewing participants. 
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 
    • IRB application
    • Annotated Bibliography writing
    • Critical reading
    • Interview experience
    • Experience with coding interviews during analysis
    • Seeking a home for publication of findings

Geography and Anthropology

• Katherine Kinkopf
  
  • Project Description: This project uses data derived from a contemporary human population to assess the effects of age, sex, socio-economic status (SES), and other demographic information (such as birth year) on bone quantity in the skeleton. We will integrate skeletal biology, human biology and bioarchaeological methods of skeletal examination and bone quantification with social theories about inequality, intersectionality, and health to investigate this question.
  • Weekly Responsibilities: Students are expected to do some or any of the following in a given week: read relevant literature as assigned, collaboratively work with mentor to develop sampling strategy, follow lab protocols and methods, collect and quality control check raw data, document and record their observations in a lab notebook, clean and “tidy” data basics, perform basic data analysis. Work can be hybrid (occasional face-to-face or zoom meetings with the opportunity to work remotely on their personal computer/on their own on the lab computer)
  • Preferred (but not required) Skills: A high level of trustworthiness and adherence to ethical standards is required. Students will work with sensitive human biological data and images and should be comfortable with CT or Xray images of cadavers (sensitivity to blood or soft tissue is ok, we focus on bone).
    Preferably enrolled in or completed Biological Anthropology, Human Biology, Vertebrate Biology/Zoology, OR Forensic Anthropology course preferred. Strong enthusiasm for biological anthropology and/or human anatomy.
    
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 
    • Skills: Quantitative and qualitative data collection; data quality control; basic statistical analyses (parametric and non-parametric summary statistics); basic data visualization techniques; database management and “tidyr” best practices; human skeletal biology literature review
    • Knowledge: research design and sample selection strategies; basic skeletal biology and Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) theory; basic knowledge of medical imaging and forensic protocols
    • Lab techniques include the following: identifying skeletal elements visually in a CT scan or XRay, measuring bones following standardized protocols, coding qualitative data; calculating geometric properties of long bones, including bone area, cortical area, medullary area, and total area; maintain lab/research notebook
    • Successful students will have the opportunity to present their research as part of a co-authored poster at the Southwestern Association of Biological Anthropologists meeting or Western Bioarchaeology Group Meeting
      

 

• Sahar Derakshan
  
  • Project Description: How are we measuring the impact of extreme heat events across communities in California? The increasing effects of climate change, combined with the Urban Heat Island effect, will generate more frequent, intense extreme heat events in California. Heat events can induce heat stroke, organ damage, and death, with disproportionate impacts on lower-income communities, disadvantaged communities, and people with chronic health conditions. There are several efforts to measure and quantify the temperature projections, as well as, the underlying factors that contribute to unequal impact on communities.
    This research will start with a literature review and focus on developing a database for existing heat vulnerability measurements and tools, evaluate where they overlap, identify the areas that have not been represented, and analyze their performance in relation to projected heat events and heat-related emergency room visits. The outcomes of the project, includes a database that is publicly accessible, and a research paper. 
  • Weekly Responsibilities: Student will work most of the time virtually or at the GIS lab, but we will have regular weekly meetings on zoom or in-person (based on mutual agreement), to discuss the progress. We will set milestones for each phase of the project, which includes a literature review, selecting datasets, analyzing the gathered data and cross-examine, writing the research paper.
  • Preferred (but not required) Skills: An experience with GIS , and preferred course work GEO2400, GEO1010, and GEO1020.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: They will develop/advance their GIS, data and geospatial analysis skills. They will learn about the impact of heat events, and social vulnerability in California, learn how to combine social data with physical attributes, and how to translate the results into policy plans. 

 

• Amy Dao
  
  • Project Description: Multigenerational household arrangements, defined as having a grandparent, parent, and child co-residing in one household has long been practiced for its economic and cultural benefits to families. However, the coronavirus pandemic has turned these economic survival strategies into high risk living conditions as household transmission remains a primary source of COVID-19 infections. Despite recommendations to physically distance, vaccinate, wear masks if unvaccinated, sanitize, and get tested, little is known about how readily multigenerational household members can apply these recommendations given real world contingencies related to work, kin, and cultural obligations. This is especially true for households with essential workers as vaccination rates slow down and businesses reopen. The results of this study will contribute to recommendations for how to strengthen public health responses to accommodate not just individuals but families (broadly conceived), particularly those living in multigenerational households.
    This project investigates how multigenerational households provide care while negotiating coronavirus safety during the pandemic. The study will be conducted in a context in which variation in household composition and employment outside the home create specific vulnerabilities to COVID-19 given multigenerational household arrangements. We will use ethnographic and ranking methods to compare risk perceptions, harm reduction practices, and social relational issues associated with culturally specific care roles in a context of limited resources and close living quarters. The project provides the foundations for building a research design model for researchers who evaluate risk assessment for disease transmission within multigenerational households where disease exposure is higher, and frequently less able to adhere to public health guidelines.
  • Weekly Responsibilities: We will meet weekly to gain the skills and knowledge to carry out the research. Students will recruit and conduct ethnographic interviews, analyze the interviews using MAXQDA software, and create a research poster.
  • Preferred (but not required) Skills: ANT4900 or ANT1020 or instructor permission
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: Qualitative data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Methodological skills gained include: in depth interviewing, participant observation, ethnographic mapping, writing fieldnotes, analyzing qualitative data using MAXQDA

 

• Gabriel Granco
  
  • Project 1 Description: Project Food Production and Climate Change
    Climate change is influencing food production around the world. This research will investigate the local food production and how climate change might affect it and possible alternatives suitable sites for future production.
    • Weekly Responsibilities: Student will use GIS to identify food production locations in Los Angeles County and how Climate Change will affect those locations. Student will learn several GIS tools, such as Clip, Extract By Mask, Zonal Statistics, and Cell Statistics. Student will use climate change model dataset to estimate potential impact to local food production, as urban farming, community gardens, and other small production sites.
      A typical day includes:
      • Download data from GIS portal
      • Manage data and organize workflow
      • Perform GIS analysis
      • Write report on findings
    • Preferred (but not required) Skills: GIS (GEO2400/L)
    • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: Student will learn several GIS tools, such as Clip, Extract By Mask, Zonal Statistics, and Cell Statistics.
  • Project 2 Description: How changes in the perceived environment affect people’s decision about water-saving policies.
    In recent years, California has faced severe droughts, and in the last winter, it was hit with 11 atmospheric rivers. This research will explore how the perceived environment and its variations influence human decision-making. More especially, we will research the linkage between support/adoption of water saving policies and the local environment, in the form of wildflowers bloom, greener hillside, presence of birds and other animals.
    • Weekly Responsibilities: Student will explore the relationship between environmental conditions and water consumption. The research will focus on the influence of wildflowers on humans' perception of water abundance (or scarcity) and consequential support to water-consumption reducing policies. The main tasks for the student will be survey design and survey analysis. Secondary tasks will include doing literature review for water sustainability, perception of environmental change, and support for public policy. Student will also learn how to set up a Qualtrics survey.
      A typical day includes:
      • Prepare a survey
      • Manage survey collection
      • Merge GIS data
      • Perform GIS analysis
      • Write report on findings
    • Preferred (but not required) Skills: GIS (GEO2400/L)
    • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: Student will learn several GIS tools and how to set up a Qualtrics survey.

Political Science

• Marcos Scauso
  
  • Project Description: 
    • The topic of research: This research would 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.
    • Disciplinary and policy relevance: The relevance of this project lies in the possibility of empirically and systematically analyzing the continuity of these legacies, the biases that they create against the region, and the violence that they have justified throughout history. The project specifically focuses on the analysis of the roots that led to the Monroe Doctrine and the sedimentation of ideas of Latin America as a “backward” continent in need of help, guardianship, and intervention.
    • Previous work: To achieve this goal and to contribute to this field of inquiry, I have, together with other co-researchers, gathered, organized, analyzed, and mapped over 120 documents, speeches, texts, and other forms of sources dated between 1577 and 1797. At my previous institution, I collected, organized, cataloged, codified, and pre-described these documents with the help of undergraduate co-researchers. Through paid internships, undergraduate students learned about US foreign policy and applied this knowledge in the investigation of national archives and other online sources. I also supported the continuation of the work of students in summer research programs, conference presentations, and co-authored publications. Thanks to their support, I have also been able to write 5 chapters of the book related to this project.
    • Current work: The current stage of the project requires archival research specifically about USA - Latin America relationships between 1776 and 1825. How did the US react to the Haitian Revolution? How did officers in the USA speak about the declarations of independence that took place in Latin America in the early 1800’s? How did the government of the US justify its expansion south and west? Most of the texts and documents from diplomats, presidents, consuls, secretaries of state, and other officials of the time are digitized in the National Archives of the USA.
    • Methods: My research requires a form of archival research that includes several levels of evidence collection, cataloging, organization, and analysis. RIO students would be first introduced to US foreign policy in Latin America and some of the key events that took place between 1776 and 1825. Then, students would be introduced to the USA National Archive search engine and the ways in which files can be downloaded, cataloged, and organized. Students would also provide a basic idea of what each text contains.
      
  • Weekly Responsibilities: 
    • The first couple of weeks, students would be introduced to basic historical knowledge about US Foreign Policy in Latin America. They would read and discuss in group with me salient literature (E.g., Hunt 1987; Quijano 2000; 2007; Mignolo 2005; Kaufman 2017). During this phase of the research, students will meet with me and a co-researcher from U.C., Irvine. Many of these meetings will be via Zoom, but we will also organize in-person opportunities. Together, we’ll discuss some of the most important events involving USA foreign policy in Latin America, drawing a timeline of the most salient moments and officials of the time. This timeline will help to guide our archival research.
    • Students will also be introduced to basic methodological tenants of interpretive discourse analysis and decolonial approaches (E.g., Schwartz-Shea and Yanow 2012; Lynch 2014; Scauso, Schwarz, and Lynch 2018; Scauso 2020).
    • Once we familiarize ourselves with basic historical events, methodological tenants, and the timeline, I’ll introduce RIO students to the search engine of the National Archives. To achieve this goal, we’ll meet in person and I’ll guide them through the process, which includes searching documents, reading them to measure their relevance in this project, downloading them, cataloging them, and organizing them into shared folders. That they will be actively participating in the construction of the timeline will ensure that they have room to contribute with creative and agentic input not only in archive research, but also in its design.
    • In addition to some of the aforementioned steps of archival research, students will be participating in more sporadic meetings that are designed to preliminarily analyze some of the discursive trends found in these documents. These meetings include me and my co-researcher from UCI, which is helping me with some of the codifications, organizations, mapping, and analyses of texts. These stages of the research require more technical knowledge about genealogical discourse analysis and epistemic politics, but RIO students will actively participate in the discussions and more advanced forms of research that this project includes. The input of students is key for the more nuanced analysis of the meanings, trends, and ideas that go into the policies of this selected context.
  • Preferred (but not required) Skills: Courses pertaining to US foreign policy, International Relations, and/or Latin American history would be very helpful for students interested in this research.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: 
    • Archival Research
    • Discourse analysis of biases and power relations
    • Discourse mapping and meaning tracing
    • Close reading of archival documents/literature
      

Psychology

• Rachel Baumsteiger
  
  • Project Description: The purpose of this project is to learn about how college students' psychological well-being (e.g., emotions, stress, life satisfaction, sense of meaning/purpose, social connectedness) fluctuates across the semester. This project will start with two phases. In phase 1 (fall semester), we will perform a literature review on this topic and will then design a study to add to this literature. In phase 2 (spring semester), we will conduct this study, which will likely involve administering surveys at multiple points of the semester. The student who assists with this project will be involved in the literature review and study design, and will have the opportunity to analyze and present on data from the survey that is administered at the beginning of the spring semester.
  • Weekly Responsibilities: The student will be expected to attend 1-hour lab meetings every other week to discuss project updates and connect with other research assistants within the Prosociality and Well-being Lab (https://www.prosocialityandwellbeinglab.com/). Four meetings will be held on campus; the rest will be on Zoom. All other work can be completely remotely and at whatever time the student is available each week. Tasks will include reading and summarizing research articles, helping to create a survey on Qualtrics, helping to clean data, and preparing findings for a poster presentation (guidance will be offered on each task; the student does NOT need to know how to do these already). 
  • Preferred (but not required) Skills:
    • PSY2201 (introduction to psychology)
    • PSY2204 (research methods in psychology)
    • Interest in psychological well-being
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project:
    1. Conducting a literature review
    2. Designing a study
    3. Submitting a research proposal to the Institutional Review Board
    4. Cleaning data
    5. Analyzing data
    6. Preparing and presenting an academic poster
    7. Knowledge of psychology (especially psychological well-being)

Sociology

• Peter Hanink
  
  • Project Description: Following the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and inspired by social movements such as Black Lives Matter, students and faculty at universities have called for revisioning of policing on college campuses with some echoing the abolitionist call to “defund” campus police. This project will analyze sentiment towards campus police on Cal Poly Pomona’s campus by surveying students, faculty, and staff.
  • Weekly Responsibilities: Students will work with Dr. Peter Hanink through multiple phases of this project. First, conducting a literature review on previous research on campus attitudes towards the police. Second, gathering previously administered surveys. Third, applying for institutional review board approval. Fourth, drafting the text of the survey to be used. Students will meet regularly, either in person or virtually or some combination of the two, with Dr. Hanink. As the project will proceed in stages, there will be no “typical day.”
  • Preferred (but not required) Skills: Research Methods
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: Students will acquire experience conducting a rigorous academic literature review, applying for IRB approval, and drafting a survey.

•  

College of Science

Biological Sciences

• Glenn Kageyama
  
  • Project Description: We are studying the differences in enzyme or solute transporter activities in cognitive processing brain areas of demented vs. nondemented individuals that had Alzheimer's neuropathy in order to determine possible associated differences in metabolic pathways.
  • Weekly Responsibilities: This project will involve both in lab immunohistochemistry work and online literature search work.
  • Preferred (but not required) Skills: Basic biology and chemistry, and microscope skills preferred.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: Histological techniques, including histological processing, histological staining, enzyme histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Histological image processing and data analysis.

Computer Science

• Hao Ji
  
  • Project Description: Photogrammetry is a computer vision technique that reconstructs photorealistic 3D models of physical objects from images. It plays an important role in many applications such as robotics, fabrication, and augmented and virtual reality. In this project, we plan to develop a complete framework that digitizes physical objects into complete fully-textured 3D models, by taking advantage of the RGB data captured from multiple RGB cameras. In particular, students participating in this project will gain experience in setting up hardware such as a camera array for 3D scanning, processing 3D scan data, and rigging for 3D animation.
  • Weekly Responsibilities: Students will work on this project in the Computational Intelligence Lab at CPP, where high-end GPU desktops and research equipment will be provided for students to research activities. Meetings will be arranged in each week to discuss research ideas and guide project progress.
  • Preferred (but not required) Skills: Some prior programming experience is preferred. Prior experience in using 3D modeling software such as Maya/Blender to process 3D models is a plus.
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: Understanding of the basics of 3D computer vision, and practical skills in 3D modeling based on photogrammetry and animation.

 

• John Korah
  
  • Project Description: 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.
    
  • Weekly Responsibilities: As part of the project, the students will undertake the following activities:
    • The student will have initial meetings with the mentor to discuss the research project and formulate goals and objectives. These goals and objectives may be refined over the course of the project.
    • The student will meet with the mentor on a weekly basis to go over the progress of the project. The mentor will provide feedback and course corrections as needed.
    • The student will work with other students in the mentor’s research team on the overall research problem while gaining initial experience with relevant programming tools.
    • The student is expected to progressively transition into working in an independent capacity while getting feedback from the mentor.
    • The student will also take part in the mentor's research group meetings to gain background knowledge in the overall Big Data analytics area and share his/her findings with the group and get feedback.
  • Preferred (but not required) Skills: 
    • Prior exposure to programming is important to work on the project. The following or similar courses provide a good background in programming.
      • CS1300 - Discrete Structures
      • CS1400 - Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving
    • The following course or a similar course, although not required, would be useful for the project.
      • CS2400 - Data Structures and Advanced Programming
        
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: During the project, the student is expected to acquire the following skills, techniques and knowledge:
    • Problem solving and critical thinking skills required to identify the research problem and to formulate and validate the solution.
    • Proficiency in developing parallel and distributed applications and the ability to use parallel and distributed computing platforms such as cloud computing platforms.
    • Acquire proficiency in a programming language (e.g. python) and experience with using machine learning libraries.
    • Acquire the experience of formulating algorithms designs for data analytics with large and dynamic data.
    • Acquire the skills to design and run experiments to validate the algorithm designs under varying time and resource constraints.
    • Acquiring critical formal writing skills by completing the literature survey report and final project report.
      

Kinesiology and Health Promotion

• Gyasmine George-Williams
  
  • Project Description: In previous research (George-Williams, 2019, 2021) centering the lived experiences of Black student-athlete activists (BCAA), participants shared that when they attempted to engage in advocacy and activism, their coach or coaches reacted by ostracizing them, penalizing them, or engaging in silence, which illustrates compliance to not supporting growth in their leadership efforts on and off the court of field. The participants in previous research also demonstrated many coaches shy away from engaging, fostering opportunities to understand, and supporting the efforts of the athlete advocates and activists on their roster. Although the reasons for the lack of engagement and support from coaches and student-athlete stakeholders may vary, the student-athletes in the studies shared that their perception of disengagement may originate from coaches simply not knowing how even to begin the process of enlightenment and support, especially if they are White or do not identify with some of the identities that their student-athletes embody. The coach and player dynamic is arguably one of the most crucial relationships to be fostered while an athlete is in college. The student-athlete's family entrusts the coach and athletic staff to provide guidance, direction, and, in many instances discipline as surrogate parents on campus. Coaches and athletic stakeholders must actively engage in practices where they are abreast of not only the perils of society that may affect the demographics of some of the athletes under their care but also actively engage in relationship-building with the athletes’ intersecting identities. Based on the data analysis in previous research (George-Williams, 2019, 2021; NCAA, 2021), collaborative efforts with the athletic department are needed for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), especially Black student-athletes to feel supported and recognized as student leaders throughout the campus. Based on the narratives of participants, the creation of a social justice playbook for coaches and athletic stakeholders is the foundational desired implication for practice from forthcoming research. Publishing findings in journals, and presenting at conferences on campus and beyond is also desired.
    
  • Weekly Responsibilities: Depending on the stage of the study, students participating in this project will work on updating relevant literature, scholarly articles and other studies on the research topic, conducting a literature review, update an experimental research design, transcribing, coding and thematic analysis.
    Meetings with students can be in-person or virtual based on student preference and availability on campus.
  • Preferred (but not required) Skills: Be comfortable reading scholarly articles, and understanding of student-athlete issues related to social justice, activism as well as historically minoritized populations.
    Majors in kinesiology, social science, sociology, psychology, education, or related field/experience. 
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: By the project's end, the student will know how to:
    • Research writing
    • Learn qualitative methodologies
    • Write a list of interview questions
    • Transcribe data
    • Code data
    • Analyze data for publication
    • Put together an academic and creative project, depending on the goals of the student

 

• MinHyuk Kwon
  
  • Project Description: Every day, we use force in various ways, just like the Jedi (May the Force be with you). However, it's crucial to control this force correctly to complete tasks successfully, lest we fall to the dark side. Force is the result of muscle contraction, and my lab, the Motor Neuroscience Lab, studies how we control force and the underlying neuromuscular mechanisms. If you're interested in becoming a Jedi and learning about force control and its mechanisms, we welcome you to join us.
    
  • Weekly Responsibilities: My research focuses on the study of human movement, particularly in fine force production and control. Any research projects conducted in my lab require in-person participation. Students will collect human force and muscle data using specialized force sensors and electromyograms, and analyze the data using related software in the lab.
  • Preferred (but not required) Skills: 
    • Good communication, collaboration and organizational skills
    • Programming skills (Matlab)
    • Thorough understanding of anatomy, biomechanical principles
    • Course
      • Human Anatomy / Human Physiology
      • Physics / Biomechanics 
    •  
  • Skills/laboratory techniques/knowledge that the students will gain from participating in this project: In-lab / field-based biomechanical data collection tool – force transducers, Force plate, Electromyogram.