´ó·¢

Student Excellence Award

Students Recognized for Achievements in Research

The Committee for Undergraduate Research (CUGR) is dedicated to supporting student research, scholarship, and creative activity (RSCA) at CSUSM. The CUGR Student Excellence Award will honor undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate students who demonstrate excellence in faculty-mentored research, scholarship, and creative activities at CSUSM. This will be evaluated through a short essay and presentation of a poster, artwork, or demonstration at the annual CSUSM Student Poster Showcase. Up to two students (or student groups) will receive a certificate and cash award. For group applications, only one form submission is required.

• Application Process
  • Student will apply to present at the Student Poster Showcase.  Held on December 4, 2025. 
  • Application information can be found here:  
  • Student groups: Choose one person to submit the application on behalf of the group. 
  • Student, or student groups, will prepare a personal statement and upload in the application no later than 5pm Monday, November 3, 2025. In the statement (500-word limit), explain how you have shown excellence through your participation in research, scholarship, and/or creative activities. Evidence of excellence may be demonstrated through explanation of one or more of the following:
    • Positive impact on the community (please define community in statement, whether CSUSM, local, or scientific, etc.)
    • Resilience and perseverance to complete the project 
    • Growth in the discipline or area of study
    • Creativity to conceive of and execute the project
    • Collaboration to work effectively in a team
    • Examples of publications, presentations at conferences, or other dissemination and how the work demonstrates excellence in the field 
• Selection Criteria
  • Faculty mentors will be sent a survey to confirm that they worked with the student and provide feedback. 
  • CUGR judges will evaluate essays based on a 5-point scale. There will be at least two judges for each applicant.
  • Judges select the top five applicants, based on evaluation of essays and holistic consideration of the faculty survey responses.  
  • The top five applicants (finalists) will be notified at least one week before the event that their presentations will be evaluated immediately before or during (12:00-12:50pm) the Student Poster Showcase. 
  • CUGR judges will evaluate five finalists’ presentations at the Student Poster Showcase according to the rubric.
• Selection Process
  • Five submissions (finalists) are selected by CUGR judges based on their essays, with consideration of faculty mentor survey information.
  • CUGR judges evaluate poster presentations based on a rubric. Each presentation will be evaluated by at least two judges.
  • Awards will be given to the top two students (or student groups) with the highest score totals.
  • Award winners will be notified after the event. CUGR chair will seek to advertise the awardees with a CSUSM News article.
• FAQ
  • Q: Can Groups apply?
  • A: Yes. The group will submit one application, which includes one personal statement (500-word limit). The group will split the $500 award if they win.
  • Q: Is there a GPA requirement to receive this award? 
  • A: No, any CSUSM undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate student may apply. 
  • Q: Does the research (RSCA) need to have been conducted at CSUSM?
  • A: No, if you are a CSUSM student and you were mentored by a faculty member or professional in the discipline, you are eligible to apply. 

     

Student Excellence Awardees

• 2024-2025 Awardee: Callie Steppat
  

  Callie Steppat, “Voltage-gated Potassium Channels Regulate Cell-Specific Ion and Fluid Transport in Malpighian Tubule Epithelium of an Important Agricultural Crop Pest, larval Trichoplusia ni�

  The committee notes Callie’s reflection on embracing unpredictability and problem-solving in the personal statement as well as clear communication of the overall research purpose.

• 2024-2025 Awardee: Isabel Serrano

  

  Isabel Serrano, “Developing Rigid Mixed-Valent Fe2 Complexes That Facilitate Double-Exchange Magnetic Coupling�

  The committee notes Isabel’s demonstration of creativity and collaboration in the personal statement as well as clear communication of research applications.