Biola University School of Science, Technology and Health students presented research at two recent undergraduate research conferences with one presentation receiving a prize for excellence. Students attended the West Coast Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference (WCBSURC) and the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) where they were able to share their research with other attendees.

“In engineering, we always ask students to seek opportunities beyond the traditional project-based learning environment,” said Stanley Ng, program chair of physics and engineering. “This is where I advocate for innovation-based learning, where students seek opportunities to take their work beyond the classroom walls.”

Two recent presentations showcase how students are doing just that.

Nursing and Applied Physics Students Collaborate on Award-Winning Presentation

Hannah Han, nursing major, and Jenna Huseby, applied physics major, presented at the 45th West Coast Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference at Point Loma Nazarene University and were awarded excellence in poster presentation.

“This is a wonderful opportunity that emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of scientific innovation,” said Ng. “This team of two presented dynamically that covered both clinical implication and technological application of their research and development.”

Their research, “Detection and Simulation of Deep Vein Thrombosis Using Photoplethysmography Technique,” examined deep vein thrombosis, a life-threatening medical condition, and a technique called Photoplethysmography (PPG) used for detection of it by analyzing blood flow volume.

“Being awarded highest excellence and a cash prize shows the high caliber research and scientific impact that Biola students can partake in,” Ng said. “I am very proud of both Hannah and Jenna for their contribution, collaboration, and award-winning poster presentation.”

Both student researchers will be awarded a certificate and cash prize for their presentation. Two associated student researchers — Brenton Li, nursing major, and Luke Hsing, engineering physics major contributed to Huseby’s research through the collection of data and software and hardware development. Han and Huseby joined students from multiple universities around the nation to share their presentations at the conference.

Students Present at National Conference on Undergraduate Research

At the 2022 National Conference on Undergraduate Research, applied physics students Huseby and Aliyah Person, presented their individual research. Huseby presented her award-winning research on Deep Vein Thrombosis and Person presented her research titled, “Technical Theatre Education: Arduino-based Automation” which studied cross-disciplinary coursework for theater at Biola.

“As a fan of creative arts, I am always amazed at the advanced technology used in theme parks and modern theater. As technology is advancing and becoming more accessible, it is exciting to help transform the curriculum of next generation creative artists,” Ng said. “We incorporated education in automation techniques into coursework geared toward students majoring in theater so that they would be prepared to utilize automation in their future creative endeavors.”

This year, the conference was held virtually throughout the span of four days where participants are given the opportunity to learn from others around the world doing research in the same field. Around 4,000 undergraduate students attend the conference yearly.

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Written by Dalet Valles, University Communications Copywriter Intern. For more information, please contact media.relations@biola.edu.