Community Invited to Student Research Showcase on Inauguration Day

A study on the role of women in the effort to save one of San Diego’s most treasured canyons—and other examples of San Diego State University’s student research—will be on display for the campus and community April 11 as part of President Adela de la Torre’s inauguration day celebration.
The public is invited to the Student Research Symposium Showcase, open from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 at the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center. All student presentations were selected from the 2019 Student Research Symposium (SRS) in March. 
The annual symposia are opportunities for students to gain experience explaining their work to the public. They also allow students, faculty, staff and the community to learn about and become involved in the research being done at SDSU. 
Shannon Farnsworth, a senior double majoring in history and anthropology, will present her research on the role of women who worked to save Tecolote Canyon from development in the 1960s and ‘70s. The canyon east of Mission Bay was used centuries ago by the Kumeyaay Indians and appeared on the first pueblo map of San Diego in 1845.  
Farnsworth’s work, which she will also present at the California State University’s system-wide Student Research Competition at CSU Fullerton later in April, places the fight to save the canyon into a larger historical context of women’s connection to the environment.  “I am extremely excited to present my work on inauguration day,” said Farnsworth. “I think the day will be a great way to bring our SDSU community together and look positively at the future.”
Farnsworth believes sharing research with the school and the community is important and beneficial for everyone.
“I want to share what I have worked on because I don’t want it to just stay between me and a professor,” said Farnsworth. “I want it to be heard by as many people as possible. I can also receive feedback on my research which is vital going forward.”
Jon Cabrera, a third-year civil engineering major, presented his research on a novel technology to stabilize clay soils upon water attack at the March symposium. He said the variety of new ideas was inspiring, and he looks forward to the April 11 showcase. 
“I am honored to present on the president’s inauguration day because it could not be a greater acknowledgment of my work and the work of my peers to share her day with all of us,” said Cabrera. “Respect is a two-way street, and I find that a leader who is willing to recognize the work of others and commemorate that work is the kind of  leader everyone should strive to be.”
Emily Woolf, a student in the dual master’s program in exercise physiology and nutrition said presenting work at research symposia allows her to broaden her knowledge and have the experience of being in a professional setting.
“It is important to share research in order to grow and learn as a community,” said Woolf, who studied potential food allergens associated with edible insects. “Without sharing research, our world would be at a standstill with no improvement in healthcare or society in general.”
Woolf said she is excited to participate in the Inauguration Day events. “I am very excited to present my research on the president’s inauguration day. I have never experienced an inauguration event in person, so this will be a great experience for me.”
De la Torre’s investiture is set for Thursday, April 11, from 2 – 4 p.m. at Viejas Arena. There will be a campus and community celebration reception immediately following the event.