Celebrating Student Innovation at the 11th Annual CARS Event
The Office of Undergraduate Research hosted its annual Creative Activities and Research Symposium (CARS) on Thursday, Aug. 7 at the Bronco Student Center. Now on its 11th year, the event celebrated more than a decade of student innovation, research and creativity, bringing together students, faculty, staff and community members to recognize the transformative power of undergraduate research.
This year’s symposium welcomed 314 attendees that included 172 student presenters from Cal Poly Pomona and regional colleges who shared the outcomes of their faculty-mentored summer research projects in poster sessions and oral presentations, demonstrating that the program continues to serve as a dynamic platform for intellectual exchange and collaboration, giving students the chance to connect with peers, faculty mentors and potential collaborators.
For many students, CARS was the culmination of an eight-week intensive research experience, offering them the opportunity to present their discoveries across disciplines ranging from engineering and agriculture to business, humanities and the arts. The symposium was not just about presenting data but also about personal and academic growth.
“Working in Dr. Nancy Buckley’s lab has been incredible,” said Madison Kay, a biotechnology and chemistry major. “She encourages curiosity and supports every new idea, no matter how out of the box. That’s what I love about research. You’re constantly asking new questions and discovering more.”
“Research can be frustrating,” said Afnan Saleh, a biology major. “You may fail again and again before you see results. But failure is an inevitable step towards success. You just have to keep moving forward with a positive outlook.,”
For more information about CARS and to learn about upcoming events, visit the Office of Undergraduate Research website or contact our-cpp@cpp.edu.