News and Events
2025
Cal Poly Chemistry professor among three U.S. faculty to be honored for contributions to chemistry instruction
Dr. Phil Costanzo, a Chemistry professor at Cal Poly, is one of three U.S. university faculty to be awarded the national James Flack Norris Award for outstanding teaching in chemistry by the American Chemical Society.
Bailey College Faculty Appointed to Fulbright Fellowships in Africa
Bailey College faculty members Joni Roberts (Kinesiology and Public Health Department) and Pete Schwartz (Physics) have been selected for Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards in Malawi, Africa.
Donor Impact Supports Kinesiology and Public Health Students
Donor funds supporting the Kinesiology and Public Health Department allowed 27 Cal Poly students to attend three engaging California conference events this academic year, where they explored, learned, mingled, presented their own work and heard from industry leaders.
Genesis Glover Talks Cal Poly and Family Legacy
Genesis Glover, daughter of famous astronaut and Cal Poly alumnus Victor Glover, shares thoughts on her Cal Poly experience and the Glover family Mustang legacy.
Healthcare Delivered: Cal Poly's Mobile Health Unit
At the Women’s Mobile Health Unit, Cal Poly public health student explore the medical field while providing free care to a vulnerable population on the Central Coast.
Adapted Paddling Program Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Cal Poly’s Adapted Paddling Program (APP) has served community members with disabilities for more than two decades. Learn more about the program's 25th anniversary celebration and ceremony.
Statistics Research Team Tackles Questions Related to Biology
Research teams led by Statistics Department Assistant Professor Trevor Ruiz explore research topics related to rattlesnakes, lizards and oceanography. Find out more on what they’re studying.
Now in its 23rd Year, Student Research Conference Carries on Tradition of Scholarly Study
This year’s event includes 385 student presenters and 114 faculty advisors. The research conference also includes an experienced group of professional alumni mentors who generously return to campus and meet with students, discuss careers and answer questions.
Cal Poly Pre-Med Student Credits His Single Mother’s Resilience and Inspiring Education Values
Jeff Wilson, a third-year biological sciences major, praises his mother for raising five children while earning her college degree and advancing her career goals. Her inspiration now fuels Wilson to become a physician.
From Foster Care to Graduation: Liberal Studies Student Wants to Give Back
Alea Dosty, a liberal studies major, was raised through adoption in the foster care system and faced life challenges growing up. She always enjoyed school and teachers positively influenced her life. Now, she’s going into teaching herself.
DataFest Returns to Cal Poly with Double the Participation
The event that challenges students data analytics skills was held April 4-6 at the Advanced Technologies Lab, with about 80 students attending.
NASA Scientists Visit Cal Poly
The Physics Department hosted a successful afternoon of astronomy presentations and activities.
Physics with Phones: Innovative New Curriculum Launched
The Cal Poly Physics Department collaborated with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to launch the new “Physics with Phones” curriculum using smartphones in lab activities.
Cal Poly Hosts Three-Day CU*iP Conference to Support Underrepresented Students in Physics
The event included students from Cal Poly as well as from universities including UCLA, Cal Lutheran, University of Southern California and Cal Tech. Participants gathered to find community, showcase work and share learning experiences.
Beres/Dahl Chemistry Fellowship to Support Research Initiatives in Computational Science
Chemistry Professor Ashley McDonald is leading the newly established fellowship initiative over the next three years with learning opportunities for all Bailey College students in AI/machine learning, drug design discovery and more.
Public Cal Poly Astronomy Event to be Held Feb. 23 in Advance of NASA Launch
Find out all of the information about the upcoming, family-oriented public event including presentations by NASA mission officials and astronomy activities.
CHR Receives Shared $10.6 Million Grant to Combat Maternal Diabetes
Suzanne Phelan, director of the Center for Health Research, is a lead researcher on the five-year study.
Public Health Teacher Among Cal Poly’s First Faculty Excellence Award Recipients
Joni Roberts, an assistant professor in public health, was recognized for her excellence in teaching, research contributions and service to the university.
2024
Cal Poly Statistics Faculty Member Embarks on Grant Project to Assess STEM Education Learning Tools
Statistics faculty member Allison Theobold is collaborating with CSU Monterey Bay on a $750,000 grant to assess equitable teaching and learning practices related to data science education.
Cal Poly Physics Grant Will Explore Mysteries of the Universe
A $340,000 NSF grant will support Cal Poly physics research in collaboration with team of international scientists.
Astronomy Research Fellowship Focuses on Early Universe Cosmology
The 2024-25 Astronomy Faculty Research Fellowship, supported by the Marrujo Foundation, is being led by Physics Department faculty member Ben Shlaer whose work focuses on abstract astrophysics.
School of Education Receives More Than $8 Million in Federal Grants
The grant funding will help support initiatives related to teacher training, recruitment of a diverse pool of applications, bilingual and special education, and more.
Cal Poly Pier Open House to Take Place Oct. 26
Come join us at the Cal Poly Pier Open House Pier in Avila Beach from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Cal Poly Math Student Uses Data Skills to Help Cal Poly's Baseball Team
Gabe Riedel, a math major and student manager, analyzes baseball statistics for Cal Poly’s Division 1 team, breaking down the numbers with precision.
Cal Poly Researchers New Launch Livestream for Scientific Study and Public Observation
Cal Poly rattlesnake researchers have installed a new camera system at a large den, or “mega-den,” of rattlesnakes in Colorado that livestreams footage to YouTube. The project helps the scientific community and public viewers to better understand snake behaviors in habitat undisturbed by nearby human presence.
Retired Cal Poly Professor First Cuban-American to be Inducted into Cuban Academy of Sciences
Raul J. Cano, who previously received national attention for his work with amber dating back millions of years, has been heavily involved in research and clinical projects in Cuba over the past five years. He has made contributions to science in Cuba through research and development of probiotics.
Debondable Glue Wins Industry Innovation Award
The debondable glue product, D-Glue, designed with Cal Poly student participation, won a prestigious national innovation honor.
Biology Faculty Champion Cultural Exchange Through the Fulbright Program
Read about biological sciences Professor Jean Davidson heading off to Iceland and Professor Nishi Rajakaruna’s new ambassador role.
Astronomy Faculty Research Fellowship Program Launches Gamma Ray Study
The second year of the fellowship supported by the Marrujo Foundation is examining high-energy particle jets near supermassive black holes.
New Human Anatomy Club to Merge Science and Art
A new student club that incorporates the artistic aspects of anatomy has launched.
2023
Cal Poly Climate Conference Sets Record Attendance
The Climate Solutions Now conference drew more than 800 online attendees from around the world
Cal Poly chemistry team partners with East Coast company on glue patent
An innovative, ecofriendly glue designed by a Cal Poly chemistry research team in collaboration with an East Coast company has been approved for a U.S. government patent.
Intersections Magazine 2023: Women in Stem, Whale Sounds, New Trees and More
This issue of Intersections Magazine highlights the life and career of longtime Chemistry Department Chair Tina Bailey and the advancement and accomplishments of women faculty and students in STEM, along with other college news updates and highlighted student standouts.
Pier Open House to Take Place Saturday, Oct. 28
Find out all the details about attending this year’s Pier Open House, a public showcase marine science with Cal Poly students and faculty on hand. Bring the family to view displays and learn about oceanography.
Study Explores Noise and Light Impact on Birds
A Cal Poly professor and student researchers are embarking on a five-year study to better understand how exposure to human-caused noise and light pollution affects birds. The National Science Foundation awarded the team a nearly $900,000 grant to be used toward the research.
Cal Poly Initiative Receives $1.9 Million Climate Action Grant
Cal Poly’s Climate Action Initiative, headed by math professor Erin Pearse, has been awarded nearly $2 million for two projects to reduce carbon emissions, improve resource management and advance long-term, sustainable agricultural practices.
Treating Disease Through Innovation
Recent biological sciences graduate McClain Kressman has launched a startup company, BioGlyph, that offers a digital platform for pharmaceutical drug design. Kressman worked with UC Berkeley computer science major Nico Galin and Cal Poly’s CIE program to start the new business. The student team won an Innovation Quest award this spring.
Historic Announcement: College Renamed in Honor of Phil and Tina Bailey!
The university made a historic announcement that the College of Science and Mathematics is to be renamed in honor of Phil and Tina Bailey, Honoring the legacy of two longtime, devoted champions of Cal Poly and Learn by Doing education.
CSM Undergraduate Research Magazine: Oceanography, Vaping, Math Game Theory and More
The first-ever College of Science and Mathematics Undergraduate Research Magazine includes articles on breast cancer diagnostics, baby feeding cues and wind energy, with sections on CSM spaces, cool tools and research briefs.
CSM Winter Newsletter: Learn about New Programs on Naturalists, Innovators and Climate Leaders
The 2023 Winter Newsletter features articles about new degree programs, a partnership with an expedition cruise line and initiatives on climate and entrepreneurship.
Bringing Cal Poly STEM Mentorship into the Elementary School Classroom: Learning with ‘Voice and Choice’
As part of a new initiative to encourage active STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning, Cal Poly students are branching out into local schools to help elementary schools with lessons and workshops
Joining Forces: Cal Poly Establishes New Connection with Prestigious African University
Cal Poly launches the first year of its new exchange program with Ashesi University in Ghana.
Cal Poly Awarded $475,000 Grant for Inclusive Teaching in STEM Fields
The Learn by Doing campus is among 104 public and private colleges and universities to further develop new more-inclusive teaching methods to attract a greater number of underrepresented students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
2022
With New Year’s Around The Corner, CSM Student Leading the Rose Float Team
Cal Poly’s Rose Float has existed for more than seven decades. The CSM student president of this year’s project has participated on the team for four straight years.
Read more about the Rose Float Team
Technology and infant development focus of $2.7 million public health study
Cal Poly Kinesiology and Public Health Professor Alison Ventura aims to better understand how mothers’ use of mobile devices may impact development during an infant’s first year.
Read more about the technology and child development study here
Public Health Research Grant Assesses Cardiovascular Health
A research team led by Suzanne Phelan, director of the Center for Health Research and a Cal Poly professor of kinesiology and public health, received a $5.6 million award from the National Institutes of Health for a study related to pregnant women and infants.
Read more about the study on mothers' health here
Chemistry Lab Creates Novel Eco-Friendly Glue
A new type of glue created by a Cal Poly chemistry lab, in collaboration with an East Coast company, is designed to break down more easily to help recycle consumer materials.
Read about the innovative glue here
School of Education to begin grant study on dyslexia teaching guidelines
The School of Education (SOE) was awarded a $21,000 grant by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to help incorporate required dyslexia guidelines into its training for aspiring K-12 teachers.
Read more about the dyslexia education award here
Learn by Doing Lab Uses Body Donations to Teach High School Students
Through a rare opportunity to observe the human body in a form they likely will never forget, Central Coast high school students visited Cal Poly’s first Learn by Doing Lab Body Donation program site this spring to study actual, dissected cadavers.
Read more about the Donated Cadavers >
Polymers and Coatings Students Win Research Presentations
Students and faculty in Cal Poly’s Polymers and Coatings Program took top honors at the biannual Western Coatings Symposium and Show, the premier event for the paint and coatings industry in the Western U.S.
Read more about the polymers and coatings awards.
New Drone Program Gets Seal of Approval
A group of student researchers is using a drone to count elephant seals on the Central Coast.
Read more about elephant seal population surveys
Student Research Conference Celebrates Two Decades
The college's year-end event returned in person after a multiyear hiatus and featured more than 80 poster displays and 40 presentations at the Baker Center with new alumni mentoring sessions.
Read more about the conference >
Biology professor receives second career Fulbright Award
Botanist Nishi Rajakaruna had a big year! He earned multiple career honors and an opportunity to return to South Africa to research and teach.
Read more about Nishi's Fulbright award >
Marine science expands horizons
College Ambassadors welcome Lindsay High learners from Tulare County to Cal Poly and the pier to inspire teens to learn about aquatic life and earning a university degree.
Read about the Ambassadors and outreach >
Postdoc program offers rare opportunity
A unique CSM program offers future college educators and industry professionals a combination of research, teaching and mentorship in all aspects of their postdoc work.
Read more about the Frost-funded postdocs >
