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In The News
May 14, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Graduate Students
Take Home Awards at the System-wide CSU Student Research Competition
(Carson, CA)—Two graduate
students from California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH)
were winners at the 22nd annual system-wide CSU Student Research
Competition held May 2-3 at CSU East Bay.
Redondo Beach resident Giancarlo Bonora,
a second-year grad student, was named outstanding presenter in
the biology-graduate division’s
first session for his presentation of a study that could have implications
in the fight against breast cancer. His research mentor on the
project was Dr. H.K. Choi, CSUDH assistant professor of biology.
Chaka Dodson, a CSUDH alumna (2007, B.A.
psychology) who is now working on her master’s degree in
clinical psychology, was named runner-up in her session in the
graduate-psychology division
for research she did on neuro-cognitive dysfunction in HIV-positive
men. Her research mentor was Dr. Karen Mason, assistant professor
of psychology and coordinator of the M.A. in clinical psychology
program.
Approximately 200 students from throughout the 23-campus CSU system
participated in the competition that highlights undergraduate and
graduate student research in disciplines ranging from the humanities
to the sciences. Monetary awards for outstanding presenter and
runner-up are given for both sessions in each discipline.
For Bonora, winning his session was an
unexpected experience. The 34-year-old native South African is
still getting used to being
called a biologist. After years of working as a computer programmer
in London, Bonora developed an interest in biology, and after he
and his wife moved to Redondo Beach, he became more serious about
pursuing his studies further and applied to the master’s
program at CSU Dominguez Hills.
He started the program in the spring of 2007 and that summer began
working with Dr. Choi on his research on mammary epithelial cells,
which are breast cells that produce milk proteins under the influence
the hormone prolactin.
The research paper Bonora presented up
at CSU East Bay, “The
Role of Lipid Rafts in STAT5 Activation in Mammary Epithelial Cell,” involved
an examination of the importance of lipid rafts, which are tiny
components in cell membranes, in mammary cell stimulation, particularly
how they influence STAT5A (Signal Transductors and Activators of
Transcription) activity. An intracellular molecule, STAT5A is believed
to be associated with the development of cancer, given its active
form has been found in tumor samples. Bonora said this study is
looking at whether lipid rafts play a role in influencing STAT5A
activity in mammary cells.
“If we can discover the mechanism behind how lipid rafts
modulate STAT5A activation, it might help us to understand how
its dysregulation leads to tumors,” he said.
Like all presenters, Bonara had to submit a written abstract of
the study and give a 10-minute presentation before a jury of experts
from the corporate world, the nonprofit sector, governmental agencies
and universities. Presenting the research in a clear and concise
way in the timeframe allotted was the most challenging part, Bonora
said. Having listened to the other presentations, he was taken
aback at having won.
“I was very impressed with all the research,” he
said.
Dodson, a resident of Inglewood, said she
was happy with her runner-up win at CSU Student Research Competition,
but in the same breath
says she’ll be back next year for a first place win. She
says she’s nothing if not determined and resilient, which
is why she believes she was drawn to psychology.
“I’m very interested in human behavior and what motivates
an individual to act in a certain way,” says the first-year
graduate student whose research paper at the competition looked
at depression and resiliency, specifically in men who are HIV-positive. “I
found that HIV-positive men who were classified to have lower cognitive
function were more depressed and less resilient than those with
higher cognitive function. The areas in the brain that incur major
assault as a result of HIV overlap with the areas that have also
been implicated in depression. Ideally once their diagnosed with
HIV, they should be monitored and treated for depression to increase
their ability to be resilient.”
Dodson aspires to get a Ph.D. in psychology and continue engaging
in neuropsychological research. She sees herself returning to CSUDH
as a professor one day, reciprocating the guidance and inspiration
she has received from her mentors and the institution that has
been so instrumental in transforming her life.
“I want to continue the tradition of support,” she
said.
The CSU Student Research Competition was
the first statewide competition she’s participated in;
she and Bonora won in their disciplines at the preliminary competition
at CSUDH. She said the experience
was invaluable.
“I felt honored to represent my department, my university,” Dodson
said. “I was proud to bring home an award to CSUDH.”
Also representing CSU Dominguez Hills at
CSU Student Research Competition were Michael de la Rocha, interdisciplinary
master’s;
Jonny Baker, graduate, public administration; Tigress Briggs Wroten,
graduate, public administration; Sheryl Tsai, Amy Zavora, Alexandra
Benitez-Alvarez, Kyla Dickerson Santana, graduates, occupational
therapy; Xhercis Mendez, undergraduate, interdisciplinary studies;
and Staryl McCabe-Glynn, second bachelor’s, earth science.
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---------------------------------------------- About
CSU Dominguez Hills -- California
State University, Dominguez Hills is a highly diverse,
urban university located in the South Bay, primarily
serving the
Los Angeles metropolitan area. The university prides itself
on its outstanding faculty and friendly, student-centered
environment.
Known for excellence in teacher education, nursing, psychology,
business administration, and digital media arts, new degree
programs include computer science, criminal justice,
recreation and leisure
studies, social work, and communication disorders. On campus
is the Home Depot Center, a multi-purpose sports complex
that hosts
world-class soccer, tennis, track and field, lacrosse, and
cycling.
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