Bailey College Innovation Initiative
The Bailey College Innovation Initiative provides opportunities for science and mathematics students to engage in innovation and entrepreneurship. It empowers Bailey College students to develop scientific solutions to real-world problems, with faculty and alumni mentors providing guidance and technical expertise.
Summer Innovation Fellowships
Each summer a group of students engage in full-time innovation-focused research, working alongside faculty mentors and receiving stipends supported by the Bailey College Innovation Initiative. In addition, advisors, supporters, and mentors are welcomed to campus to meet with students and faculty in the initiative, as well as students participating in the broader Frost Summer Undergraduate Research Program.
Academic Year Activities
Under the direction of Bailey College Innovation Faculty Lead professor Erik Sapper, the following activities are currently being launched:
- Academic Year Innovation Fellows: Each year, three summer Innovation Fellows will continue to develop their summer research projects through the academic year that follows. Fellows will work with their faculty advisors and initiative mentors take their project off campus, performing customer development exploration, securing external funding and considering project viability as a profit-making venture outside of academia.
- Shadow-an-Executive program: Mentors and supporters of our initiative will visit campus to give college-wide seminars on their career path and work experience as start-up founders, executives, and innovation champions. After visiting with Bailey College students, select students will travel to visit the speaker on-site at their workplace, shadowing them through a day of work.
- Quarterly speaker series to feature an alumni mentor/advisor in the program, stoking student and faculty interest and creating broader awareness of the initiative.
- Exploration of a capital project to create a named Bailey College Innovation Space to include a wet lab and gathering space for students and faculty participating in the initiative.
Explore Our Innovation Initiative Fellows and Projects
Summer 2025
Sophia O’Mahony (2027, Physics; Advisor: Dr. Peter Schwartz)
Personal Bio:
My name is Sophia O’Mahony, and I am a junior at Cal Poly studying physics. I grew up in Seattle, Washington and am passionate about learning, the outdoors and music. I am a first violin in the symphony orchestra, an avid climber, surfer, and amateur astronomer.
Project:
Parallel Pedagogy Dissemination
Project Description:
Why doesn’t everybody use Parallel Pedagogy? Developed at Cal Poly, this introductory physics curriculum is better at teaching students to apply concepts and represents a novel way of learning in general. While it is preferred by every instructor that has tried it, few instructors make the switch. We are studying this. Our goal is to mitigate adoption barriers, so more people use Parallel Pedagogy.
Shawky Bassil (2027, Biological Sciences; Advisor: Dr. Nathaniel Martinez)
Personal Bio:
My name is Shawky Bassil, and I’m a rising third-year Biology major at Cal Poly, concentrating in anatomy and physiology. After graduating from Cal Poly, I plan to attend dental school and specialize in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Project:
Point of Care Diagnostics
Project Description:
Our project focuses on developing a point-of-care test that can conveniently detect different Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) isoforms. Since the ApoE4 isoform is strongly associated with an increased risk of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, this test can help individuals identify their genetic risk early on. By providing this information in an accessible setting, we aim to empower users to take proactive steps toward managing their health.
Elliot Kunz (2026, Mathematics; Advisor: Dr. Jean Davidson)
Personal Bio:
My name is Elliot Kunz, and I am in my rising fourth year at Cal Poly SLO pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Minor in Data Science. I am currently working as a member of a bioinformatics research team at the Computational Molecular Sciences Lab under Dr. Davidson and Dr. Anderson where I apply machine-learning techniques to biological data.
Project:
Domain Knowledge and Patient Metadata Informed Classification Tool Development for Precision UTI Diagnosis
Project Description:
We are developing a diagnostic website that leverages easily obtainable clinical and general patient metadata—such as age, sex, symptoms, and recent medical history—to predict the likely pathogens responsible for urinary tract infections (UTIs). By comparing patient profiles to publicly available datasets of confirmed UTI cases, the platform delivers probabilities for potential pathogens and highlights likely antibiotic resistance patterns. This predictive tool is designed to support clinicians in making more targeted decisions about diagnostic testing and antibiotic treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes and promoting more effective antimicrobial stewardship.
Charlier Palmer (2026, Biochemistry; Advisor: Dr. Eric Kantorowski)
Personal Bio:
I am a biochemistry major at Cal Poly with a minor in Entrepreneurship. My interests are an intersection of health, chemistry, and innovation. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career that bridges science and business.
Project:
Algae-based Recovery Supplement
Project Description:
The project investigates the development of a hangover-relief supplement aimed at reducing the harmful effects of alcohol metabolism byproducts. The formulation leverages a nutrient-dense, algae-derived compound known for its detoxifying properties, along with electrolytes to support recovery.
Cara Pelling (2026, Chemistry, Advisor: Dr. Erik Sapper)
Personal Bio:
As a Chemistry major with a minor in Entrepreneurship & Innovation, I have developed a strong foundation in analytical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and entrepreneurial problem-solving. With experience in Python-based data analysis and a solid background in both physical and biological sciences, I approach challenges with a balance of discipline and creativity.
Project:
Formulation Discovery and Optimization
Project Description:
This project focuses on improving the efficiency of formulation and chemical database referencing through the development of a dedicated software platform. The objective is to simplify and enhance the discovery and optimization of new chemical products, mixtures, and formulations within the polymers and coatings industry.
Read More About the Innovation Initiative
- Inspiring a Brighter Future: CSM Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative Launches
- Treating Disease Through Innovation - Cal Poly Biology Student Launches Drug Design Software Company to Help Combat Disease
For more information, or to get involved, contact Dr. Erik Sapper at esapper@calpoly.edu.
