Posted: April 18, 2025Written by: Ritchie Bermudez

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cuesta College proudly announces its first-ever Undergraduate Research Week, April 21 – 25. This milestone event will highlight the outstanding research contributions of students and faculty across a wide range of STEM disciplines. The week will culminate in a live student research poster session on Friday, April 25, from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. in the STEM Courtyard (between the 2300 and 2400 Buildings) at the San Luis Obispo campus, where the public is invited to attend and celebrate the innovative work being done at Cuesta College.

“This inaugural undergraduate research week and live poster session on April 25 is an exciting opportunity to celebrate novel research and excellence in STEM on campus,” said Dr. Laurie McConnico, Biology Instructor and Undergraduate Research Mentor at Cuesta College.

Over the past seven years, Cuesta College has built a robust undergraduate research program. In the 2023-24 academic year alone, more than 300 students engaged in research across 15+ faculty-led projects in biology, mathematics, anthropology, astronomy, engineering, and oceanography. This new campus-wide celebration will be the first of its kind, recognizing the impactful collaboration between STEM students and faculty mentors.

“This is a significant achievement, and the community should be aware of the remarkable research taking place right here at Cuesta College,” added Dr. McConnico.

Cuesta College’s undergraduate research efforts are supported in part by grants from the National Science Foundation’s Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE) program, which has helped institutionalize student research opportunities. 

“These grants support faculty developing research programs and the students who participate,” said Dr. Jason Curtis, Cuesta College Assistant Superintendent / Vice President of Instruction. “Our programs empower students to explore real-world challenges and develop critical thinking skills through hands-on learning in fields such as anthropology, astronomy, biology, engineering, geology, mathematics, oceanography, and robotics.” 

Those interested in attending the April 25 research poster session can register by clicking here. Please visit the website for more information about undergraduate research at Cuesta College. 

PHOTO: Cuesta College STEM student Alfredo Duque presenting his student research poster to Dean of Instruction for STEM Dr. Erin Naegle.