Friday, April 5, 2013
Two Cerro Coso Community College Honors Program students presented their research at the Annual Honors Transfer Council of California (HTCC) Undergraduate Research Conference at UC Irvine Saturday, March 23.
Lori Pope's presentation entitled "Gay Marriage and the Constraints of the Supreme Court" examined how the court's constraints impact high profile issues such as same-sex marriage, creating difficulty ensuring an effective decision. To complete this project, Lori was mentored by Cerro Coso History and Political Science Assistant Professor Dr. Matthew Jones.
Will Schultz's presentation, "Comparing Lignin Structure of Various Cultivars of Alfalfa Grown in the Antelope Valley", explored how lignin at the molecular levels could lead to more efficient feed utilization in ruminant animals, lower waste emissions, and a smaller carbon footprint for meat and dairy production. Will's mentor for the project was Professor of Chemistry and Physical Science Dr. John Stenger-Smith.
The HTCC annual student research conference gives students in community college honors programs the opportunity to present the results of their work. They invite research-based presentations and creative performances reflecting inquiry into the humanities, sciences, arts, social sciences and pre-professional programs; they also welcome results of research into the honors experience.
Presenting their work at the HTCC Student Research Conference makes these Cerro Coso students eligible not only for monetary awards but also to submit their work for publication in the HTCC anthology Building Bridges, published through the University of California, Irvine.
The Honors Program Coordinator, Dr. Christine Swiridoff, attended the conference with the students. "It is my honor to attend this conference every year with some of Cerro Coso's most accomplished students, and it is a wonderful opportunity for them to distinguish themselves as scholars," said Dr. Swiridoff.
To learn more about the Honors Program at Cerro Coso Community College visit the website at http://www.cerrocoso.edu/academics/honors-program.