Students from our lab had a great time sharing their research at the 2025 Bailey College of Science and Mathematics Undergraduate Student Research Conference. The conference was a valuable opportunity to learn about the wide range of projects happening across the college and to connect with the broader community.
Plankton Fun at the Cal Poly Pier Open House
At this year’s Pier Open House, visitors got a glimpse into the tiny, fascinating microorganisms that drift through our coastal waters. Armed with microscopes and big smiles, the students guided members of the public through the mesmerizing world of plankton. Many students generously volunteered their time and shared their knowledge and enthusiasm for marine science with everyone who stopped by. It was a day filled with curiosity, learning, and a shared appreciation for the wonders of the ocean. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event!
Cal Poly Students Present at Ocean Sciences 2024
We were thrilled to bring five Cal Poly students to Ocean Sciences 2024 in New Orleans. Each student presented their research in the fields of biological oceanography or marine chemistry, sharing their findings with scientists from around the world. The conference was an exciting and memorable experience - not only did we have the chance to learn from leading experts, but we also ran into several of our lab alumni. It was a wonderful reminder of the strong connections and ocean community beyond Cal Poly. We’re grateful for these Learn by Doing opportunities that allow our students to engage in professional scientific meetings, gain feedback on their work, and expand their networks. Special thanks to the Frost Fund for providing our students with travel support.
Undergraduate Students Present at CERF Conference
Cal Poly undergraduate students Sedona Fugitt and Kelly Pi presented their work characterizing phytoplankton communities in Morro Bay Estuary at the Coastal Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) conference in Portland. We were joined by lab alumni Nick Soares (currently the Field Coordinator with the Morro Bay National Estuary Program) and Alex Barth (currently finishing up his PhD at the University of South Carolina).
BCSM Undergraduate Student Research Conference
It was another wonderful Bailey College of Science and Mathematics Undergraduate Student Research Conference. Our students enjoyed sharing their work with the Cal Poly community.
PECO Lab members Jaden Hansen and Eva Kokkino (top), Lucy Nelson (middle), and Sedona Fugitt and Kelly Pi (bottom) share their research posters at the conference.