Cal State Fullerton’s College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics actively supports innovative ideas that promote student success through initiatives like the NSM Dean’s Excellence Fund. The fund, made possible by generous donors, has provided funding for six exceptional “Best Good Ideas” proposals, chosen because they embody the core mission of the college and have the potential to further NSM priorities to increase retention and graduation rates, decrease equity gaps, and build community among its students. Read on to learn more about each of these six exciting faculty-led projects.
Combating Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria
María Soledad Ramírez, professor of biological science, will lead a two-week summer course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) focused on analyzing soil samples for antibiotic-producing bacteria in partnership with Tiny Earth.
“Students will be part of a worldwide effort to combat antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, and this experience will also immerse them in the ‘One Health’ approach, which helps them to gain experience in research that has tangible global impacts,” Ramírez says.
The CURE program at NSM immerses students in authentic research early in their higher education careers, exemplifying the commitment of CSUF and the College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics to providing impactful academic experiences. Support for this program shows the strong connection the college has with its faculty and alumni.
Tiny Earth is a course-based undergraduate research experience, an international network, and an antibiotic discovery pipeline that seeks to inspire and retain students in the sciences while addressing one of the most pressing global health challenges of our century – the diminishing supply of effective antibiotics. Tiny Earthlings are college students who enroll in a Tiny Earth research course to discover antibiotics from soil bacteria in their own backyards.
Preparing Students for Success in Organic Chemistry
The CHEM FORGE Ahead: Organic Chemistry Prep Course, led by Julia Chan, assistant professor of chemistry education, aims to better prepare students for the challenges of organic chemistry through a five-week course that integrates a growth mindset and effective learning strategies.
Organic chemistry is notoriously challenging and is known for its high drop, failure, and withdrawal (DFW) rates. This initiative focuses on building students’ confidence and skills before they take the full course.
“I’ve seen students enter my classroom believing their chemistry abilities are fixed, which undermines their confidence and ultimately their ability to perform,” Chan says. “This project is designed to show that with the right mindset and strategies, every student has the potential to succeed in organic chemistry.”
The CHEM FORGE Ahead course integrates the cognitive, affective, and metacognitive domains of learning, which, according to Chan, have the potential to reduce failure rates, especially for underrepresented minorities, while boosting retention in STEM majors and fostering a more equitable academic environment.
Infusing Data Science Into Elementary Mathematics Curricula
Bridget Druken, associate professor of mathematics, seeks to create a community of practice among local elementary teachers and Cal State Fullerton students that integrates data science into elementary mathematics curricula. This initiative builds on the success of Project IDEEM: Infusing Data Science Education into Elementary Mathematics, a program funded by the CSU Chancellor’s Office. Teachers who participated in that program reported they wanted more support in creating their own lesson materials for their classrooms.
Druken plans to mentor local teachers and CSUF undergraduates to co-develop lesson plans and activities for TK-8 classrooms. This project’s dual focus on improving student success and fostering collaboration between teachers and students aligns with NSM’s priorities, enhancing both faculty development and community engagement.
“By co-creating data science-infused lessons with local teachers and undergraduate students, we are not only supporting the development of innovative educational practices but also strengthening the community ties between CSUF and local schools,” she says.
Introducing AI-Based Activities for NSM Course Learning Gaps
Matheus B. Guerrero’s project addresses learning gaps in NSM courses by mentoring students to create AI-based educational activities aimed at improving student comprehension, particularly in courses with high failure rates. The activities will be designed by NSM students for NSM students, ensuring the materials are relevant to their needs.
“AI is an invaluable tool in education, and through this project, we aim to use AI to make learning more personalized and accessible,” says Guerrero, assistant professor of mathematics. “This approach will create equitable opportunities for all students to better understand the practical applications of their courses.”
By involving students directly in the development of educational tools, this project not only enhances student engagement but also empowers them to contribute to improving the learning experience for their peers, aligning with NSM’s goals of increasing retention and fostering equity.
Guerrero plans to select four students from four different NSM majors at the beginning of the spring 2025 semester who have experienced specific difficulties and are motivated to improve their understanding with the help of AI. In the fall 2025 semester, he plans to collaborate with faculty teaching the targeted courses to test the AI activities in their classrooms.
Flipping the Classroom to Train Math Faculty
Ashley Thune-Aguayo, Jolene Fleming, and Amanda Martinez, all full-time lecturers in the Department of Mathematics, will develop in-depth training for faculty teaching Math 115A, 115B, and other related courses, introducing them to the flipped classroom model. With increasing enrollment in these courses, the initiative will ensure that instructors are well-equipped to engage students through active learning and personalized support.
The flipped classroom model, now mandatory for Math 115A and 115B, has grown in popularity due to its student-centered approach. In this format, students complete video lectures and low-stakes pre-class assessments at home, freeing class time for collaborative problem-solving on more complex topics. However, with the expansion of Math 115A sections, many new instructors are assigned to teach this course with minimal experience in implementing the flipped classroom method.
“Flipping the classroom allows students to engage more deeply with the material and collaborate with peers in meaningful ways,” Martinez says. “Properly training instructors using the flipped model may have a significant impact on first-time freshmen, better preparing them for subsequent math courses.”
Engaging Students in Early and Interdisciplinary Research
“Unraveling the mysteries of nature using the principles of science has been one of my passions since I was introduced to research during my late undergraduate years,” says Nabila Tanjeem, assistant professor of physics. “I discovered my identity as a scientist and developed a sense of belonging through the ‘mini adventure’ experiments that I was doing at the laboratory. From this personal experience, I know the importance of helping students make the connection between scientific knowledge gained from coursework and the real-world problems that science can solve.”
This understanding motivated Tanjeem to design a project that will make research accessible to students early in their academic careers, provide them with cross-disciplinary knowledge, and prepare them for future career opportunities.
The first phase of the project involves introducing a research problem into elementary physics courses. Students will apply their fundamental knowledge of mechanics to analyze data collected from an ongoing research project about microscopic particle systems, introducing them to the creative and iterative process of applying scientific methods to solving a real-world problem.
The second phase will involve cross-disciplinary exposure through collaborative group meetings and seminars. Students will receive hands-on training from mentors and feedback from peers on how to develop effective science communication skills and have opportunities to network with professors, alumni, and other scientists in the field – helping them build their community and develop their passion.
Demonstrating Excellence
The NSM Dean’s Excellence Fund is a vital resource for cultivating innovative, student-centered projects that enhance learning experiences, promote inclusivity, and drive academic success. Through the generosity of donors and the leadership of faculty members like those featured in these projects, the College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics continues to build a community that is dedicated to the success of its students and the advancement of science.
