Research

The concept of sustainable energy research, as realized by CEaS, involves a multi-disciplinary effort to address issues of making existing energy technologies more efficient while pursuing emerging alternate energy technologies that are not reliant on fossil fuels. We conduct transformative research to promote energy diversity, efficiency, and sustainability while training diverse and talented engineers and scientists to catalyze change in this field. We also engage policymakers, schools, and the public to ensure that technological advances are robust, widely understood, and adopted. Visit NSF-CREST Center for Energy and Sustainability.

The NASA DIRECT-STEM Program has an overarching goal of recruiting highly competitive, historically under-represented students, giving them direct NASA research experience in scientific computing and data analysis, and inspiring them to become future leaders in STEM-related professions. Visit NASA DIRECT STEM.

The Cal State LA PREM program, in partnership with the MRSEC Center for Nanoscale Science at Penn State University (PSU), enhances the research and education of students in materials science and engineering at Cal State LA. Its focus is on mentoring, guiding, and training undergraduate and master’s students for careers in the field via a comprehensive scientific and educational program. Research projects students undertake provide them a broad interdisciplinary experience in materials science in chemistry, physics, and mechanical engineering thereby reflecting the current research and development industrial environment. The newly established Master’s of Science Degree in Materials Science and Engineering will serve as a bridge for Cal State LA students to continue on to Ph.D. studies at PSU or other leading institutions, or seek employment in the field after graduation. Visit PREM Cal State LA.

The Sikand SITI-Center enables the creation of infrastructure and an ecosystem to support many faculty members, and help to facilitate the process of pre and post-awards. The center director and staff will make sure that faculty can focus on their research and producing valuable scientific outcomes (with the engagement of undergraduate and graduate students) while relying on a research infrastructure within the College. Visit the Sikand SITI Center.

California State University – Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (CSU-LSAMP), is a comprehensive, statewide program dedicated to broadening participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. It is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Office of the CSU Chancellor. Initiated in 1993-94, the CSU-LSAMP Alliance currently consists of all 23 campuses of the CSU. The types of activities offered to support each objective (listed below) have consistently been shown to facilitate the retention and progression of underrepresented minority (URM) students in STEM and represent a set of well-established "best practices." In the current Senior Phase (internally known as Phase V), substantial emphasis has been placed on engaging students in research activities and activities designed to enhance graduate school preparedness. CSU, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) currently has one of the largest LSAMP programs, with over 500 students participating each year. The CSU-LSAMP @ Cal State LA is supported by significant funding from the College of Natural and Social Sciences and the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology at Cal State LA. The program is open to all undergraduates majoring in the STEM disciplines and who plan to graduate in a timely fashion in a STEM discipline and then move into the STEM workforce. Visit  Cal State LA LSAMP