SPRING 2025 / ISSUE 3
Undergraduate Research
Stories highlighting Bailey students and faculty will take you on a journey — from deep subsurface groundwater data, among wildlife conservation studies of native elk, pronghorn and raptors, through insights on human performance and educational inequities, and even to supermassive black holes studied by astronomy researchers.
In This Issue
Message From the Dean
Dean Wendt reflects on the deep sense of place and purpose connecting Bailey College students, faculty and staff to the greater community and for the greater good.
Upward and Outward View
Preview what you’ll find in this issue of Undergraduate Research and the imaginary journey you’ll take.
Bailey Spaces
Not all of our research happens in labs. This special edition highlights unique locations for undergraduate research in the Bailey College impacting California and beyond.
View more of our research spaces
Raptors Fall Prey to Microplastics
Cal Poly researchers examined deceased local birds and found microplastics in each animal’s digestive tract.
See full story and more photos
Looking Deep into Never Explored Granite for Groundwater
A geophysics professor and student researchers use specialized resistivity equipment to detect groundwater nearly 1,000 feet below the earth's surface on the Central Coast.
See full story and more photos
Thriving vs. Surviving
Wildlife researchers study elk and pronghorn in Carrizo Plain to determine why one species rebounds while the other struggles.
See full story and more photos
Why is the Universe So Big?
Astronomy researchers have made it their mission to explore this question and other cosmological mysteries.
See full story and more photos
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Everyone Wins with Funded Fellowships
Generously funded fellowships advance research and create impactful Teacher-Scholar outcomes.
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Ignored Inequities
Cal Poly researchers study rarely discussed factors affecting Black students’ experiences in developmental mathematics. Also, read the conversation between an education researcher and future educator.
Performance Psychology: Mind and Matter
Kinesiology research students and faculty use debriefing to help clients maximize physical performance in sports and other activities.
See full story and more photos
Funded and Focused
Meet some of our undergraduate stars making excellent use of research funding from a variety of sources.
See profiles on funded undergraduate student researchers
Cool Tool
It doesn’t get more cool than lasers and cutting-edge equipment. Our photo gallery spotlights exciting new instruments used by physics researchers.
Research Briefs
A quick look at the who, what, why, what’s next and the wow of research by our students and faculty.
Pub and Rec
Researchers in the Bailey College have been busy and noticed. See condensed notes on their publications and recognitions.
Dive deeper into Bailey College research. Explore past issues showcasing curiosity, discovery and hands-on learning in action.