CSTEM Students Recognized for Achievements in Research
The Committee for Undergraduate Research recognized Callie Steppat, a physiology student, and Isabel Serrano, a biochemistry student, for their outstanding achievements in faculty-mentored research, scholarship and creative activities.
The committee reviewed student applications, including a short essay, to select five semifinalists. Based on their poster presentations at the CSUSM Student Poster Showcase on Dec. 3, Steppat and Serrano were selected.
Steppat, mentored by biology professor Dennis Kolosov, showcased her research at the poster showcase on “Voltage-gated Potassium Channels Regulate Cell-Specific Ion and Fluid Transport in Malpighian Tubule Epithelium of an Important Agricultural Crop Pest, larval Trichoplusia ni.”
The committee recognized Steppat’s ability to embrace unpredictability and problem-solving while conducting research.
Serrano works with chemistry and biochemistry professor Kang Du to study the magnetism of iron. Serrano presented her research titled, “Developing Rigid Mixed-Valent Fe₂ Complexes to Facilitate Double-Exchange Magnetic Coupling.”
The committee was impressed by Serrano’s creativity and collaboration as well as her clear communication of research applications.
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