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An Upward and Outward View of This Issue

BY EILEEN ODANAKA VAVRA
APRIL 2025

Imagine a vertical line.

Or better yet, imagine a vertical field of energy that begins far below the Earth’s surface and stretches up, way up, to stratospheric heights — up to a monster black hole in another galaxy. 

As you explore that imaginary vertical field from 300 meters downward to 1,500 light-years upward and outward, you’ll cross paths with the stories in this issue of Undergraduate Research.

First will be deep underground electrical resistivity tomography currents sourcing subsurface groundwater; then you’ll pass by California elk, pronghorn and raptors studied by Cal Poly conservation researchers. Next, you’ll step out of the wilderness and into classrooms as kinesiology researchers dabble in performance psychology and education researchers shed light on teaching inequities for Black students. And finally, you may approach the center of a supermassive black hole that intrigues astronomy researchers in the Bailey College.  

Much of the work in the Bailey College shares a common thread of place and connectivity. Here and there. Us and them. Research by students and faculty here at Cal Poly often has meaning out there in nearby communities or far beyond any line that we can imagine. This work connects us with them, benefiting scholarly knowledge or societal gain. And, in the spirit of connectivity and community, we offer our cover story on astronomy in both English and Spanish, aiming to reach a broader audience as a prospective Hispanic-Serving Institution. 

With a focus on discovery and dedication, undergraduate research can reach depths and heights that instruct, impact and illuminate. It’s an exciting adventure of Learn by Doing as well as learning by adversity — both important elements of innovation and growth.  

The paths to learning, innovation and progress are rarely linear. There are ups and downs, ons and offs, starts and stops. Successes, missteps and everything in between are useful with research and the scientific method that Dean Wendt lauds in his introduction. Sometimes the finding shared is “Eureka!” And other times it’s, “Dead end, not a through street. Use a different route.” 

The Bailey College strives to provide a supportive environment where students and faculty see hitches, glitches and misses as unique opportunities to problem-solve. From this mindset grows a type of effort and determination that often leads to creative solutions, exciting concepts and well-earned wins — some of which are highlighted in this magazine. We appreciate and applaud their work and determination to move research and knowledge upward and outward, and hope you do as well.