Welcome to the February newsletter updating you on everything going on in the College of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering.

At NSME, the future starts here

With programs in the realms of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and health care, CSUB’s College of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering proudly develops the next generation of STEM and health professionals. Students in our programs can expect a supportive learning environment, small class sizes, research and internship opportunities, professional development and so much more. 

Check out our new video celebrating everything NSME and subscribe to our channel on YouTube @csubnsme to be the first to know when we post new videos!

NSME represented at CSUBIOTECH Symposium

Four students represented California State University, Bakersfield at the annual CSUBIOTECH Symposium last month, presenting their research on topics like microbes, fungi and carrots. The January 24 symposium brought together students and faculty members from across the CSU system, with one event held at CSU Los Angeles for southern California campuses and another held in Sacramento for northern campuses. At either location, students had the opportunity to share their research in the realm of biotechnology, learn about their peers’ work and attend workshops and talks.

“This symposium is particularly interesting for students because it provides a positive environment for first time presenters,” said Dr. Isolde Francis, an associate professor in CSUB’s Biology Department. “The audience contains lots of faculty from the different campuses, and they do a really good job to go talk to as many students as possible to not only give feedback to the presenting students but to also actually learn from them.”

Read more about the students’ research!

CSUB to launch MESA Center

Students looking to pursue a career in a STEM field will soon be able to take advantage of a program focused on ensuring that they have access to additional resources that will empower their journey to a degree.

California State University, Bakersfield is in the process of establishing a Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) Center on campus. MESA is a nationwide program that aims to ease STEM pathways for underrepresented and first-generation students by providing them with extra academic support and hands-on learning experiences. 

“It’s very exciting. The MESA program is one of the best approaches to inspiring students to go into a STEM major,” said Dr. Jane Dong, dean for the College of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering (NSME). “I'm glad that a MESA program will be established over here, and I definitely think it will be very welcomed by the local community. Its impact will be very significant.”

Read more about the new MESA program!

Roadrunner Science Fridays celebrates 10 years

On any given Friday during the academic year, students from local K-12 schools are visiting the California State University, Bakersfield campus and getting a glimpse into what their futures could look like. From scientific demonstrations in laboratories to meeting with current Roadrunners and even eating lunch in the Student Union, they are encouraged to imagine their lives as CSUB scholars.

The university’s College of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering (NSME) regularly hosts students from fourth through twelfth grade as part of its Roadrunner Science Fridays program, now celebrating its 10th year. Funded by Edison International, the program is a way to get younger students on campus early to learn about options at CSUB for those interested in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and health care careers.

“I want them to have such a great interaction with our students and faculty that they think, ‘I want to go there. I want to be a Roadrunner,’” said Director of NSME Grants and Outreach Dr. Andrea Medina.

Read more about Roadrunner Science Fridays!

Updates from the Mathematics Department 

Our Mathematics Department is off to a productive start for the spring semester! In January, Dr. Brian Ryals presented his research "Global stability in periodic rational difference equations" at a special session of the Joint Mathematical Meeting in Washington D.C.  This work was also accepted for publication in the Journal of Difference Equations and Applications. On Feb. 13, Dr. Prosper Torsu moderated the Kern County MATHCOUNTS competition that concluded with 10 teams and 92 students competing. And next month, Dr. Charles Lam will present at the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators Conference in Boston.

EVENTS

CECE Spring Career Expo

Thursday, March 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Student Rec Center gym

 

53rd annual Math Field Day

Saturday, March 7

While the event is for high school students, volunteers are needed!

Email mrush@csub.edu to volunteer

 

California Energy Research Conference

April 8-9

More information

"What's New at NSME" is a monthly newsletter produced by the College of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering at California State University, Bakersfield. This newsletter will go out every month during the regular school year to highlight the work our students and faculty are doing both on campus and off. If you have any questions or entry submissions, please contact Kelly Ardis at kardis@csub.edu.