CSU Student Research Competition

Four Cal Poly students were awarded first- or second-place prizes at the 2023 California State University (CSU) Student Research Competition, including two from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

Students from across the CSU competed in 10 divisions in the following categories: Behavioral, Social Sciences, and Public Administration; Biological and Agricultural Sciences; Business, Economics and Hospitality Management; Creative Arts and Design; Education; Engineering and Computer Science; Health, Nutrition and Clinical Sciences; Humanities and Letters; Physical and Mathematical Sciences; and Interdisciplinary.

Jordan Richards, a second-year graduate student in the food science program, and Jack Madden, a third-year food science major, won first place in the Biological and Agricultural Sciences category. Seeking to reduce food waste and utilize what is currently wasted in carrot processing, Richards’ and Madden’s project, mentored by Professor Samir Amin in the Food Science Department, involves manipulating carrot pomace and utilizing the fiber in the pomace to retain water and flavor in beef patties. 

“The food science program prepares you well for sharing and speaking about your research, and I felt confident in sharing about the work I’ve been so focused on over the past two years,” said Richards, originally from Kingston, Jamaica, who plans to defend his thesis this summer. “The competition judges took an interest in my project and asked a lot of engaging questions about how the patties tasted and how people responded to sensory tasting.”

Latinos in Ag Win President’s Diversity Award

The student club Latinos in Agriculture (LIA), advised by Professor Ann De Lay won the 2023 President’s Diversity Award in the Student Club/Organization category. The President’s Diversity Awards celebrate members of the Cal Poly community who have exhibited a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion on our campus. The awards are an opportunity to recognize members from the faculty, staff and student communities as well as contributions from a recognized student group/organization and department/unit.
A statement from Latinos in Agriculture reads, “LIA has created a familia that has since expanded beyond our Cal Poly community and this award is a testament for all that we stand for: creciendo en lugar en que hemos sido plantado.”

Cal Poly Logging Team Takes Third Place

The Cal Poly Logging Team took third place at the Association Western Forestry Club’s logging conclave recently held in Corvallis, Oregon. This is the largest event the team competes in and the largest competition west of the Mississippi River. In addition, Kelly Schwenger, a forest and fire sciences third-year student, won the top female competitor award, called the Belle of the Woods. Students also competed in events including dendrology (tree and plant id), tree measurements (without any tools, estimate the diameter, height, and number of logs of trees), and traverse (hand compass and pacing). According to Samantha Gill, the Cal Poly team did so well in these events that after the results were read, the MC of the event said, “Wow, Cal Poly is way smarter than the rest of us.”