Student Colloquia
Every week, some of our senior researchers in each department at ASDRP give public seminar presenting the current state of the field, and disseminating how their research at ASDRP fits into the broader context of the frontiers of modern science and engineering. Colloquia are public events, and anyone can join. Simply click the Google Calendar link to add the event to your calendar.
Department of Biological, Human & Life Sciences
Tuesdays @ 8:00 - 9:00 PM PST

Tuesday, November 23, 2020
Determining the Presence of Coccidioidomycosis in Contra Costa Soil for Valley Fever.
Coccidioidomycosis, more commonly known as Valley Fever, is a respiratory disease that typically affects the lungs. However, depending on the severity, the infection may spread to other parts of the body. The disease is contracted through the inhalation of Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii, fungal pathogens that can evade the immune system of the host. These fungi reside in soil and dirt and can be easily dispersed by wind, making the disease more common in hot, dry areas. Although symptoms of the disease are flu-like, in rare cases severity of symptoms rises, possibly resulting in brain and nervous system damage. Unfortunately, other than antifungal treatment, there is no successful cure or vaccine for Coccidioidomycosis. In our research, we will be studying soil samples from parts of Contra Costa county to determine whether this strain of fungi is present in the soil. Our research group will be applying the principles of microbiology and the tools of molecular biology to modern issues in biology, medicine, and materials. This is pursued via targeted 18S ribosomal RNA with the use of Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and primers.
Anika I., Evergreen Valley High School
Kaur Research Group
Genetics & Microbiology
Department of Computer Science & Engineering
Wednesdays @ 8:00 - 9:00 PM PST
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
The many ways research can blow up in your face.
It isn’t always easy to measure research “success”. There are always pitfalls, holes, road blocks, and much more. In this week's colloquium, we will discuss this in detail and keep ourselves open to what research really means. Robert Downing, Department Chair of CSEN, and other advisors and research will be leading the colloquium discussion.
Robert Downing
CSEN Department Chari