Undergraduate Research Conference Proceedings

We have developed a glucose sensing authentic inquiry module for high school students using an electrochemical sensor and glucose oxidase to detect glucose. This 5-day module focuses on equipping students with critical thinking and data analysis skills, while demonstrating the real-world applications of electrochemistry, biochemistry, and medicine. Each day of the module highlights how these fields collaboratively address complex, real-world problems. Beyond scientific skills, the program emphasizes cultivating practical abilities in scientific inquiry and research methodology, as well as heightening their interest in science through helping students grasp the importance of science subjects via their real-world applications. Under the mentorship of experienced professionals, students engage in hands-on experiments, analyze data, and present their findings. By participating in this module, students not only strengthen their academic capabilities but also develop a passion for inquiry-driven learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students in high school are often not taught the practical value of the science topics they are learning, and thus may quickly lose interest or lack motivation to learn. However, by tying these topics to real world applications, such as medicine, and engaging students with hands-on experimentation, it may be possible to reignite their interest. We are assessing whether students' interest in science is improved through their involvement with SciTrek in general, and this module in particular. The results of this study will help us evaluate the efficacy of the module and guide future improvements in how we engage students with these STEM topics. Scitrek, founded in 2011 by Dr. Norbert Reich and Dr. Darby Feldwin, is a UCSB based outreach program whose mission is to increase scientific knowledge, interest, and critical thinking skills for K-12 students through hands-on experiential learning, and guided inquiry. Since its launch, Scitrek has worked closely with the Santa Barbara School District (59.9% Latino, 31.1% White, 2.9% Asian, 0.7% Black, 4.9% Multiracial, 0.2% Native, 31.5% economically disadvantaged (US News)) and private schools to bring engaging science modules to local students of all socioeconomic backgrounds. For this study, we continue to work with high school students from this school district and population. Our methods utilize tests to measure content knowledge and science critical thinking skills (ex. Analyzing data, determining if results are statistically significant), and surveys that measure perceptions of science and their role in science (ex. “I believe electrochemistry can be used to solve problems in medicine”, “I see myself as a scientist”).

In the U.S. higher education setting, universities are bound by law to offer support services to disabled students. However, the level of support required by law often does not fully meet the needs of many students. Additionally, thorough documentation is required for students to access these services which causes many to fall through the cracks. This project aims to investigate the gap between the needs of neurodivergent students at UCSB and the support offered by the University, with the goal of providing actionable steps to more effectively support these students.

Coastal sage scrub (CSS) ecosystems are home to hundreds of bird and insect species. Their range has been significantly reduced, so restoration is crucial. Unfortunately, CSS plants in North Campus Open Space struggle at the Audubon Overlook, yet they thrive on South Parcel. California sagebrush (Artemisia californica) is a foundation species in CSS ecosystems, and these plants grow best in sandy, well-draining soils. Previous researchers hypothesized that high soil compaction stunts CSS plant growth, but more research is needed on how soil bulk density and texture may affect California sagebrush. Our first hypothesis was that California sagebrush responds negatively to high soil bulk density in clay soils but not in sandy soils. Our second hypothesis was that California sagebrush are larger and CSS plants are more abundant on South Parcel due to sandier soils. We measured the dimensions of California sagebrush closest to soil bulk density locations at the Audubon Overlook and South Parcel, and we counted CSS plants in a 3 meter radius of each location. We also analyzed soil texture for 6 Audubon Overlook locations and 10 South Parcel locations. We didn’t find a significant difference in California sagebrush volume within the Audubon Overlook based on soil bulk density. However, the mean soil bulk density was higher at the Audubon Overlook, and the median California sagebrush volume, median number of living California sagebrush in a 3 meter radius, and median number of living CSS plants in a 3 meter radius were all higher for South Parcel; these differences were statistically significant. Also, the sand content was higher for the South Parcel locations. This suggests that soil bulk density relative to soil texture might affect the growth and abundance of CSS plants. This research and future research may inform coastal sage scrub restoration.