CSU STEM NET

05/07/2026

Join us for the Spring 2026 STEM-NET Edison Student Research Virtual Symposium on May 8, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. as undergraduate students from across the California State University system showcase innovative research projects developed alongside CSU STEM faculty mentors.

This year, 22 student researchers received STEM-NET Edison Student Research Scholarships of up to $3,750 to support hands-on research experiences during the Spring 2026 semester.

Explore groundbreaking student research across six exciting tracks:
Health, Nursing, and Neuroscience
Biology, Biotechnology, and Biomedical Research
Environmental, Ecological, and Sustainability Research
Computer Science, AI, and Smart Systems
Engineering, Robotics, and Applied Technology
Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Modeling

The symposium will be held virtually via Zoom and will feature breakout rooms for each student presentation, allowing attendees to move between sessions and engage with research across multiple disciplines.
Join us in recognizing the outstanding achievements of CSU student researchers and faculty mentors who are driving innovation, discovery, and real-world impact across California and beyond.

May 8, 2026
9:00 a.m.
Virtual Symposium via Zoom
Program and Registration Information Here: https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/research/stem-net/Pages/2026-spring-stem-net-edison-student-research-virtual-symposium.aspx

04/20/2026

Celebrating the Future of Computing & AI

California State University, San Bernardino honored 34 outstanding students at the 2026 ExCELS Scholarship Reception—highlighting the continued impact of expanding pathways into computing and technology careers.

Supported by the NSF-funded ExCELS program, these scholars are gaining access to mentorship, research opportunities, and the tools needed to succeed in high-demand STEM fields.

The event also featured recognition from Congressman Pete Aguilar and CSU Chancellor’s Office leadership, reinforcing the importance of investing in student success and innovation across California.

Read more about the event and program:
https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/research/stem-net/Pages/csusb-celebrates-34-scholars-at-2026-excels-scholarship-reception.aspx

Watch the Congressman’s message:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXQ_hyeRfoI&feature=youtu.be

👏 Congratulations to all ExCELS scholars!

04/20/2026

Celebrating the Future of Computing & AI

California State University, San Bernardino honored 34 outstanding students at the 2026 ExCELS Scholarship Reception—highlighting the continued impact of expanding pathways into computing and technology careers.

Supported by the NSF-funded ExCELS program, these scholars are gaining access to mentorship, research opportunities, and the tools needed to succeed in high-demand STEM fields.

The event also featured recognition from Congressman Pete Aguilar and CSU Chancellor’s Office leadership, reinforcing the importance of investing in student success and innovation across California.

Read more about the event and program:
https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/research/stem-net/Pages/Highlights-and-Articles.aspx

Watch the Congressman’s message:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXQ_hyeRfoI&feature=youtu.be

👏 Congratulations to all ExCELS scholars!

04/15/2026

STEM-NET in Action at Defining the Future 2026!

We’re proud to highlight Dr. Frank A. Gomez, who is contributing his expertise at the Defining the Future 2026 conference at Cal State San Bernardino.

Dr. Gomez is moderating a session focused on NSF ExLENT (Experiential Learning for Emerging Novel Technologies)—a powerful initiative aimed at expanding workforce pathways and hands-on learning opportunities in cutting-edge fields.

In addition, he is participating in the session “Collective Intelligence: Collaborative Models for Breakthrough Research,” where leaders from academia and industry explore how partnerships can drive innovation and student success.

This work reflects STEM-NET’s mission to:

Strengthen collaboration across institutions
Expand access to emerging technology careers
Support students through high-impact, real-world learning experiences

Catch the session and join the conversation on building the future workforce through collaboration and innovation.

03/24/2026

We’re proud to spotlight Dominique Nunez Garcia, a senior civil engineering student at Fresno State, whose undergraduate research experience was made possible through a STEM-NET SEED grant awarded to her faculty mentor, Dr. Xiangxiong Kong, with Dr. Laura Huisinga as Co-PI.

As a paid undergraduate research assistant on this STEM-NET-supported project, Dominique helped develop a virtual reality tool for civil infrastructure inspection while gaining valuable research, writing, and professional experience. She also had the opportunity to present at the 2026 SPIE AR | VR | MR Conference.

Her story reflects how STEM-NET SEED funding supports faculty innovation and creates impactful research opportunities for students.

Read her story here: https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/research/stem-net/Pages/highlights/dominique-nunez-garcia-and-a-new-vr-tool-for-civil-infrastructure-inspection.aspx

03/24/2026

We’re proud to spotlight Dominique Nunez Garcia, a senior civil engineering student at Fresno State, whose undergraduate research experience was made possible through a STEM-NET SEED grant awarded to her faculty mentor, Dr. Xiangxiong Kong, with Dr. Laura Huisinga as Co-PI.

As a paid undergraduate research assistant on this STEM-NET-supported project, Dominique helped develop a virtual reality tool for civil infrastructure inspection while gaining valuable research, writing, and professional experience. She also had the opportunity to present at the 2026 SPIE AR | VR | MR Conference.

Her story reflects how STEM-NET SEED funding supports faculty innovation and creates impactful research opportunities for students.

Read her story here: https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/research/stem-net/Pages/highlights/dominique-nunez-garcia-and-a-new-vr-tool-for-civil-infrastructure-inspection.aspx

-NET

03/17/2026

We are proud to share that Dr. Frank A. Gomez, Executive Director of CSU STEM-NET, attended and presented at the 2026 California AI-Cybersecurity Workforce Development & Education Summit at Los Angeles Valley College.

This important gathering brought together leaders from higher education, industry, and workforce development to advance conversations around AI, cybersecurity, innovation, and preparing students for the future workforce. Dr. Gomez’s participation highlighted CSU STEM-NET’s continued commitment to strengthening pathways for student success, faculty engagement, and cross-sector collaboration in emerging STEM fields.

During the event, Dr. Gomez connected with fellow leaders and presenters, including Dr. Edgar Perez, Dr. Sankha Banerjee of Fresno State, Dr. Jose Alfredo Millan Higuera of Cal Poly Pomona, and Dr. Keith Clement of Fresno State.

We are excited to see CSU STEM-NET represented in conversations that help shape California’s future workforce in AI and cybersecurity.

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03/09/2026

Save the Date:
CSU Live Webcast on Quantum Information Science & Technology (QIST) + Quantum Computing (QC) Webcast
We invite CSU faculty, administrators, staff, and students to attend this live webcast, hosted by STEM-NET within the Department of Research, featuring:
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
11:00 AM – 12:20 PM (Zoom Lobby opens at 10:55 AM)
Featured topics include:
• Quantum Frontiers Across the CSU
• Physics-Informed Neural Networks for Quantum Sensing
• Quantum Computing Education
• Quantum State Engineering
Speakers:
• Dr. Youngmin Kim (CSUSB)
• Dr. Gina Passante (CSUF)
• Dr. Yang Peng (CSUN)
• Dr. Ehsan Khatami (SJSU)
• Dr. Hilary Hurst (SJSU)
Register by 3/09/2026: [https://calstate.zoom.us/.../WN_GF_mqIDZSBa-YiGKqL29nQ...](https://calstate.zoom.us/.../WN_GF_mqIDZSBa-YiGKqL29nQ...)
Meet the Presenters here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc9bWY0OSsU&feature=youtu.be

Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) and Quantum Computing (QC) Live Webcast Presented by the Department of ResearchDate: Tuesday, March 10, 202...

03/04/2026

Save the Date:
CSU Live Webcast on Quantum Information Science & Technology (QIST) + Quantum Computing (QC) Webcast
We invite CSU faculty, administrators, staff, and students to attend this live webcast, hosted by STEM-NET within the Department of Research, featuring:
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
11:00 AM – 12:20 PM (Zoom Lobby opens at 10:55 AM)
Featured topics include:
• Quantum Frontiers Across the CSU
• Physics-Informed Neural Networks for Quantum Sensing
• Quantum Computing Education
• Quantum State Engineering
Speakers:
• Dr. Youngmin Kim (CSUSB)
• Dr. Gina Passante (CSUF)
• Dr. Yang Peng (CSUN)
• Dr. Ehsan Khatami (SJSU)
• Dr. Hilary Hurst (SJSU)
Register by 3/09/2026: https://calstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GF_mqIDZSBa-YiGKqL29nQ #/registration
Meet the Presenters here:.

02/24/2026

New episode: All Things STEM

Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): Learning from the Past, Preparing for The Future​​

Host Dr. Frank A. Gomez sits down with Dr. Rick Sperling for a thoughtful conversation on Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and what it can look like to support students in ways that go beyond enrollment numbers.

They reflect on how changing funding climates can influence institutional priorities, why student and community voices matter in decision-making, and how “self-determination” can help guide meaningful, long-term progress.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:
Pairing key metrics with deeper measures of student experience and impact
How funding uncertainty can shape priorities and participation
Telling stronger stories in proposals without overlooking student strengths
The difference between representation and shared influence in shaping opportunity

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/research/stem-net/Pages/all-things-stem-podcast.aspx