MESA, Arizona - April 30, 2025 - Eight students conducting undergraduate research at Mesa Community College were honored during the college’s recent Undergraduate Research Symposium.

More than 30 students shared their research through paper presentations and research posters with family, peers and instructors during the event.

“So many of usfaculty, staff and lab techsare working hard to create these kinds of opportunities in and beyond the classroom, and this symposium really brought that to life,” said Francesca de Martini, Ph.D., MCC Undergraduate Research Initiative Committee chair.

Poster competition honorees include:

Atria Coffinger for Steller Analysis
Poster Title: “Changes in Tree Canopy Cover at Mesa Community College (Southern and Dobson Campus) 1969-2024”
Mentor: Sean Whitcomb

Samantha Bagby for Greatest Community Impact
Poster Title: “A Descriptive Study Comparing Improvement of Reading Skills Across Neurodivergent Children Diagnosed with ADHD, Autism and Related Disorders”
Mentor: Dr. Andrew Baldwin

Ryan McBride and Stephanie Boudrie for Best Use of Graphics and/or Figures
Poster Title: “Fertilizing the Desert: Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria in the Microbiomes of the Desert Ironwood (Olneya tesota)”
Mentor: Dr. Aurelie Buffin

Huyvan Phan, Sophia Martinez, Kami McCain and Edna Gardea for Clearest Communication
Poster Title: “Eat Dirt: Discovery and Isolation of Environmental Bacteriophages”
Mentor: Dr. Francesca De Martini

Undergraduate research programs can enhance a student’s critical thinking skills, increase engagement and retention, provide a deeper understanding of a discipline and prepare them for graduate studies and careers, de Martini explained. The process requires students to participate in a scholarly inquiry/investigation to contribute original knowledge or creative work to their field.

“One of the most inspiring aspects of the symposium was seeing the number of students who attended from the very beginning at 10 a.m. and stayed through the entire event,” De Martini added. “They were genuinely curious, engaged and proud to share their work. And we, as faculty, felt the same. It was a powerful reminder of the impact undergraduate research has on student retention and engagement.”

At MCC undergraduate research experiences occur in all disciplines.Visit the MCC website for more information.

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Abstracts: MCC 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium

Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving over 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. For nearly 60 years, MCC has been a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges. The MCC American Indian Institute supports students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. MCC's diverse student body includes hundreds of international students. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education and training. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional lands of the O'odham, Piipaash, and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.