Science, Technology and Research Symposium
About STaRS
The Science, Technology and Research Symposium (STaRS) showcases innovative STEM research conducted by GGC students at every level, from freshmen to senior. Students from all majors – including STEM majors and non‑STEM students enrolled in science courses – participate by collaborating on faculty‑led research or pursuing topics selected with their advisors.
The event features activities, demonstrations and poster presentations across science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Graduate school recruiters will also be available to discuss options for continuing academic studies after graduation.
Student Poster Submissions
All posters should be 48-inches by 38-inches and adhere to GGC brand graphic standards for color, font and logo usage.
Students or faculty may submit finalized posters along with the following information:
- Poster title and discipline
- Student author(s)
- Faculty advisor(s)
- Digital file formatted as a PDF
- Printing selection: SST or other
Poster Branding Guidelines
Fonts
Avenir Bold (headings), Open Sans (body copy option), Arial (body copy option)
Colors
Use only approved colors: GGC green, gray, black and accent color dark orange.
View color swatches, HEX code and CMYK
Logos
Downloadable logo options include multiple image file formats, color or black/white, horizontal or vertical, and major-specific SST logos. Logos should not be edited for the following:
- Reversing logo colors
- Rearranging logo components
- Skewing, stretching or rotating logo
- Placing logo with a visually confusing background
- Decoupling the cresting double G
2026 Poster Award Winners
Posters are judged on clarity, organization and design. Evaluators assess the presenter’s understanding, technical and research rigor, and ability to communicate clearly and professionally. They also consider the project’s significance and impact, the quality and interpretation of data, and the presenter’s engagement and professionalism.
Poster Title
Caffeine and Caffeine Sensitivity Effects on Static Balance in Adults in a Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study
Student Authors
Kayley Appel, Manuela Vallejo
Advisors
Dr. Brandon Doan, Dr. Jeff Pasley
Exercise science
Poster Title
From Laboratory Spectra to Exoplanet Spectral Fingerprints: A Student Learning Module Linking Atomic Emission Spectroscopy and Gas-Phase FTIR Spectroscopy to Astronomical Spectra Signatures
Student Author
Brett Whitson
Advisors
Dr. Patrice Bell, Dr. Chantelle Anfuso
Chemistry
Poster Title
Effects of PIT Tagging on Relative Condition of Redbreast Sunfish by Size and Over Time
Student Authors
Allura Kim, Margaret Ton, Chandler Kane, Ariel Boxall
Advisor
Dr. Peter Sakaris
Biology
Poster Title
Comparative Analysis of Ultralightweight RFID Authentication Protocols
Student Author
Rashaan Shaw
Advisor
Dr. Umar Khokhar
Information technology
Poster Title
Balancing an Inverted Pendulum via PID Controller
Student Author
Ajitesh Sandhu
Advisor
Dr. Keith Erickson
Mathematics, Physics, Engineering
Poster Title
Developing a Low-Cost Prototype of a Radio Telescope for Astronomical Signal Detection
Student Authors
Ethin Vo, Alexandra Huayhua, Troy Johnson, Nicolle Bermudez, Colin Nassif, Anthony Demian, Dresun Taylor, Sophia Madrid
Advisors
Dr. Tae Song Lee, Dr. Paul Camp
Physics
Volunteering and Event Support
*Faculty volunteers may include this service as part as their evaluations.
Student Volunteers
Sign up and manage volunteer hours with GivePulse for inclusion in your e-portfolios.
Faculty/Staff Event Support
Support STaRS before, during and after the event, helping with set-up, take-down and assisting with activities.
Faculty Poster Judges
Volunteers are needed to judge student posters. Award winners will be announced at the conclusion of the event.
