CNSM Faculty Research Showcase

Celebrating Excellence in Discovery and Innovation

Friday, April 24, 2026
12:00pm-4:00pm in HSCI-102

The CNSM Faculty Research Showcase will highlight the breadth and impact of research and scholarly activity across the College. Featuring short talks by selected faculty from each of our six departments, alongside departmental displays showcasing a wider range of research accomplishments, the event will celebrate excellence in discovery, innovation, and student-engaged scholarship across CNSM.

All are welcome to attend.

RSVP

Walk-ins are welcome, but your RSVP by April 6 will help us order sufficient refreshments. RSVPs after that date are still appreciated, and will be used to send a reminder via email.

RSVP to 4/24 Event

About the Event

Join us in celebrating the faculty of CNSM - the driving force behind discovery, innovation, and meaningful impact.

At the heart of CNSM's mission is a commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and mentorship - and our faculty embody this mission every day. They are the backbone of the college, shaping lives, opening doors to opportunity, and championing positive change.

This special showcase highlights a representative group of CNSM faculty, whose work reflects the wide-ranging excellence of research across the college. Faculty research not only advances knowledge across disciplines but also transforms the educational experiences of our students. Through faculty-led research programs, students engage in hands-on learning that prepares them to think critically, solve complex problems, and contribute to society.

At the event, you can:

  • Discover cutting-edge faculty research across CNSM.
  • Celebrate the achievements and impact of our faculty.
  • Connect with colleagues and the broader campus community.

Part of the CSULB Week of RSCA (April 20-24, 2026), a collection of events campus-wide highlighting some of the amazing work currently being done across the CSULB campus by students, staff, and faculty.

Tentative Agenda

Additional details will be posted as they become finalized. Agenda is subject to change.

Overall Event Agenda
TimeActivity
12:00pm-1:00pmPoster Viewing and Refreshments
1:00pm-1:10pmWelcome Remarks
1:15pm-2:25pm

Research Talks (session 1)

  • 1:15-1:25 (Dr. Lora Stevens)
  • 1:25-1:35 (Dr. Steve Mezyk)
  • 1:35-1:45 (Dr. Thomas Gredig)
  • 1:45-1:55 (Dr. Sara Dozier)
  • 1:55-2:05 (Dr. Rolando de Santiago)
  • 2:05-2:15 (Dr. Bree Putman)
2:25pm-2:45pmCoffee Break
2:45pm-3:55pm

Research Talks (session 2)

  • 2:45-2:55 (Dr. Ashley Carter)
  • 2:55-3:05 (Dr. Ben Hagedorn)
  • 3:05-3:15 (Dr. Sharmila Venugopal)
  • 3:15-3:25 (Dr. Sarah Grefe)
  • 3:25-3:35 (Dr. Sam Lee)
  • 3:35-3:45 (Dr. Dan Kaplan)
3:55pm-4:00pmClosing Remarks
4:00pmEnd of Event
Presentations Agenda
TimePresenterDepartmentTalk Title
1:15pm-1:25pm Dr. Lora StevensEarth ScienceThen Came the Visigoths: A Greek Tragedy Written in Sediment
1:25pm-1:35pm Dr. Steve MezykChemistry & BiochemistryDrugs, Radicals, and Engineering Potable Water: Kinetics of Advanced Oxidation Processes
1:35pm-1:45pmDr. Thomas GredigPhysics & AstronomyAtomic Force Microscopy: Molecular Thin Films and Nanoscale Interfaces
1:45pm-1:55pmDr. Sara DozierScience EducationSTEM Instructor Perceptions of Implementing Guest Speakers in Undergraduate Courses: Opportunities and Obstacles
1:55pm-2:05pmDr. Rolando de SantiagoMathematics & StatisticsA Quantum Approach to Network Complexity
2:05pm-2:15pmDr. Bree PutmanBiological SciencesLearning From Lizards: How Animals Respond to Extreme Habitat Changes
2:45pm-2:55pmDr. Ashley CarterBiological SciencesAnalyzing How Efficiently the Government Funds Health Care Research
2:55pm-3:05pmDr. Ben HagedornEarth ScienceA Hydrogeologic Framework for Freshwater Lens Systems on Tropical Islands
3:05pm-3:15pmDr. Sharmila VenugopalChemistry & BiochemistryBridging Experiment and Computation to Decode Brain Systems: From Molecules to Behavior
3:15pm-3:25pmDr. Sarah GrefePhysics & AstronomyInterplay of Topology and Strong Correlations
3:25pm-3:35pmDr. Sam LeeScience EducationScience, Language, and Equity: Expanding What Counts as Disciplinary Engagement with Multilingual Learners
3:35pm-3:45pmDr. Dan KaplanMathematics & StatisticsUnderstanding Geometric Shapes with Algebraic Equations

Acknowledging Our Campus Partners

Faculty success is made possible through strong collaboration across campus. We gratefully acknowledge our partners who support and sustain research and innovation at CNSM.

  • Office of Research and Economic Development (ORED)
  • Procurement & Contracts
  • CSULB Research Foundation
  • Beach Building Services (BBS)
  • Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S)

Their dedication and expertise play a vital role in advancing our shared mission.