Hello! I hope the end of your semester is going well. We are in the process of completing our work for students that attended the 39th Annual CSU Student Research Competition held at Cal Poly Humboldt. Our students proved to be very competitive and a source of pride for our campus. Please read on to learn more details about their experiences.

We have added a new feature to this newsletter—Beyond the Spring Symposium. As we learn more about the additional research-related activities of our students, we will share that information with you. We have also included Upcoming Research Events sharing information about campus symposia and the CSU-wide Grad Slam virtual event—all providing opportunities to support student research!

Although summer can be quieter time on campus, the SRC in Library 2026 (second floor) will be open for all student researchers. Book an appointment with our Program Coordinator to discuss research ideas and receive suggestions for upcoming research presentations. We look forward to supporting your research work. 

Have a wonderful summer!

We are proud to recognize and celebrate the incredible achievements of our six Sacramento State students who placed 2nd and 3rd in the annual CSU Student Research Competition, hosted this year at Cal Poly Humboldt. With over 190 presentations from across the CSU system, the fact that our students once again stood out is a remarkable accomplishment. This success reflects not only the dedication, creativity, and academic excellence of our students, but also the invaluable support and guidance provided by our outstanding faculty mentors. Their collaborative spirit and commitment to research have helped cultivate an environment where rigorous and impactful scholarship thrives. 

(Left to Right) Sydney Grinstead - 2nd Place, Kater Shea - 3rd Place, Josue Marroquin - 2nd Place, Neelkumar Ahir - 3rd Place, Jacob Young - 2nd Place

Jason Hansen - 2nd Place

"Most students typically wait for my explanation, but Jacob Young was different. He took the initiative to ask questions, reflect deeply, and seek answers in the textbook. I recognized his curiosity and ability to explore complex topics, qualities essential for research. As a result, I invited him to join my research project and present our findings at various on-campus symposiums...I am immensely proud of Jacob’s expertise and professionalism. His dedication and hard work were clearly reflected in each of his outstanding presentations. Congrats, Jacob!"

"Jason Hansen is graduating this semester with a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration, a 4.0 GPA, and the honor of Graduation with Distinction. I recognized Jason’s skills at thinking through an economic lens. I helped expand this approach with the additional considerations of politics, institutions, equity, and justice.  He did this favorably in group projects, focusing on retrospective and prospective policy analyses. When asked by the Rural County Representatives of California to recommend an MPPA for an internship there, Jason was an easy choice.  This experience led to him being hired full-time as an Economic Development officer for the RCRC. "

"Participating in the 39th Annual CSU Student Research Competition was a valuable opportunity for Neel to present his research at a highly regarded and competitive event involving students from across the California State University system. His work was not only showcased at this prestigious forum but also recognized at that level, which gave him a strong sense of validation and confidence in the research he’s conducting."

"Mentoring Josue has been a true privilege. He approaches each project with depth and dedication. His drive, curiosity, and thoughtfulness made him stand out from the very beginning, and his achievements at the Sacramento State and CSU research competition are a testament to his hard work and passion. His awards are well deserved."

"Kater is a critical and compassionate student scholar who designed an original archival research study, focused on the Pride Center at Sacramento State. Through a careful analysis of institutional records and community narratives, they showed how Pride Center leaders developed strategies and tactics to address spatial marginalization and foster a sense of critical hope. This work highlights both the resilience of LGBTQ+ campus communities and the importance of space in shaping inclusive educational environments. Dr. Ruby Mendoza and I have had the privilege of teaching and mentoring Kater. Like us, they are a first-generation college student, and we are deeply proud of their growth and accomplishments.

"Sydney has one of the most important, and hardest to instill, qualities that is necessary for any research student, and scientist: energy and passion for her project and the larger scientific enterprise. Sydney shows tremendous initiative and is constantly striving to generate better data and work on new approaches to understand her findings. It has been a pleasure to watch Sydney develop into such a capable scientist and I am so excited to work with her to finish up her thesis work and see what the next chapter is in her career."

We also extend our gratitude to all the students who competed in this prestigious competition and to the faculty jurors who participated in our Spring Symposium and helped prepare and select our delegation. Every one of our ten Sac State competitors brought pride to our University, and we look forward to seeing the continued success and contributions they will make in their academic and professional journeys. 

(Left to Right) Nyasa Mitchell Ramirez, Ethan Potter, Kater Shea, Jacob Young, Josue Marroquin, Neelkumar Ahir, Natalie Freestone, Sydney Grinstead, Priya Messiah

Macey Briones, Graduate

Applying Implementation Science Framework and Community-Based Research to an Intervention Implementation Guide

Dr. Mical Shilts

Macey Briones presented her research at the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference (CANDAC), a statewide event for nutrition students and professionals. Macey chose to participate in this event to improve her professional development and to receive valuable feedback on her research. Looking ahead, Macey hopes to continue presenting at similar conferences to promote the importance of implementation guides in making interventions more sustainable and replicable. She also hopes her guide can inspire professionals working on similar projects. Macey stated, "These experiences, including the Spring Symposium, have helped me feel more comfortable with public speaking and has reminded me that growth comes from embracing opportunities to improve in areas where I struggle." 

Optimized PD Controller for Accurate Trajectory of a Quadrotor Under Aerodynamic Influence

Dr. Garima Bhandari 

Neel recently presented his research at the Department of Mechanical Engineering's Exit Seminar. This final presentation was a major milestone in his academic journey, offering him a chance to share the results of his thesis with faculty, peers, and professionals. The supportive feedback he received throughout his academic process significantly boosted his confidence and helped refine the clarity of his final presentation. Neelkumar explained, "The experience I gained from participating in earlier events such as the Fall Poster Presentation and the Spring Symposium proved invaluable. These activities not only refined my technical communication and public speaking skills but also helped me structure my work more effectively for a broader audience."

An Empirical Investigation into the Role of NIMBYism in the Lack of Affordable Housing in California Cities

Mentor, Dr. Robert Wassmer

Shoshana Levy participated in the 50th Annual Research Symposium hosted by the Social Science Research and Instructional Council (SSRIC) at CSU Dominguez Hills. As part of the event, she submitted her research paper in advance and was subsequently invited to present her study, which explored the impact of NIMBYism on the issuance of building permits. Her work addressed a critical gap in the existing literature by providing a quantitative analysis of how NIMBY-related factors influence both affordable and market-rate housing development. Set against the backdrop of California’s ongoing housing affordability crisis, the study demonstrated how specific community characteristics are associated with reduced housing growth. Shoshana’s outstanding research was honored with the SSRIC award for "Best Use of Quantitative Data." Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “I had a great experience discussing my research with other CSU students and faculty, along with learning about other fantastic research CSU graduate and undergraduate students are working on systemwide.”

It's never too early to start thinking ahead! Whether you're a first-year student considering research in your second or third year, or you're beginning grad school this Fall, now is the perfect time to start preparing. Use the summer to explore potential research topics, read academic journals in your field, and develop your research terminology and understanding of research processes. Even small steps, like understanding how a research poster works or identifying faculty whose work interests you, can make a big difference. This preparation will help you hit the ground running—and get you ready for opportunities like our Fall Poster Forum in mid-November. Start now, and set yourself up for success!

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