Biotechnology in Spotlight

Who/What:
Some 57 Cal State Fullerton students will join hundreds of researchers from across the California State University system during the CSU’s 23rd annual Biotechnology Symposium Jan. 7-8 in Garden Grove. They have teamed with faculty members to present scientific research on such subjects as dementia, drug-resistant bacteria, stem cells, ovarian cancer and longevity, among others. At the symposium, CSUF faculty members will give presentations on their research projects and on the development of online science education.

When:
Friday and Saturday, Jan. 7-8. Full symposium schedule available online.

Where:
Hyatt Regency Orange County, 11999 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove

Faculty:
Hope A. Johnson, assistant professor of biological science, is featured in the Principal Investigator Showcase from 1-2:20 p.m. Friday. Her research lab focuses on the interaction between bacteria and the environment.

Robert Koch, acting dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, is among CSUF faculty members facilitating a workshop on interactive online science teaching, from 2:35-4:30 p.m. Friday. Joining Koch are: Kara Andrews of University Extended Education; Dennis Robinson, director of distance education and the university’s OASIS Center for Online Learning; and Sean Walker, vice chair and associate professor of biological science.

Why:
The annual symposium aims to highlight cutting-edge biotechnologies and to make connections between innovative life-science research and the impacts it has on society. This year, the program theme is innovation, especially as it might affect global health and new-product development. The symposium also provides an opportunity for CSU students to network with biotech professionals working in academia, government and industry. Faculty members share research progress, discuss educational best practices and meet potential collaborators from other campuses and industry.

Awards:
Cal State Fullerton students are among finalists for undergraduate and graduate research awards to be presented at the event. Winners will be announced during Saturday’s 5:30 p.m. awards ceremony. The Cal State Fullerton finalists are:

• Senior Chelsea McCallister of Alpine
• Graduate student Katrina Taylor of Fullerton
• Graduate student Jason Schott of Irvine
• Senior Catherine Tran of Orange
• Senior Leslie Ann Kirby of Upland

Additional details about the awards are available online.

Faculty:
Both undergraduate and graduate students work alongside faculty members, who guide their research efforts. Those guiding this year’s poster presenters include:
Esther J. Chen, assistant professor of biological science
Math P. Cuajungco, assistant professor of biological science
Spiros Courellis, assistant professor of computer science
Peter de Lijser, professor of chemistry and biochemistry
David Drath, professor of biological science
Hope A. Johnson, assistant professor of biological science
Maria C. Linder, professor of chemistry and biochemistry
Christopher Meyer, chair and professor of chemistry and biochemistry
Alison Miyamoto, assistant professor of biological science
Nikolas Nikolaidis, assistant professor of biological science
Nilay Patel, assistant professor of biological science
Melanie A. Sacco, assistant professor of biological science
Chandra Srinivasan, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry
Marcelo Tolmasky, professor of biological science

Media Contacts:
Sean Kearns, CSU Public Affairs, 562-951-4800
Dayna Melton, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, 657-278-2780 or dmelton@fullerton.edu
Russ L. Hudson, CSUF Public Affairs, 657-278-4007 or rhudson@fullerton.edu