College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Jevon Jackson, Program Chair/Program Lead for the Software Engineering Program in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, is extremely accomplished in music, not just engineering. Where he performed as a 10-year-old is amazing, as is his wide range of interests. His spirit comes through in every answer of what he submitted for Faculty Focus.

There were innovations aplenty as GCU dealt with the pandemic. But none of the required alterations were more visible than the cutouts in GCU Arena, where the basketball environment still was plenty loud enough to be noticed by visiting coaches. Reprinted from the February issue of GCU Magazine.

From natural deodorant to COVID-19 research, there was no shortage of impressive student presentations at this year’s CSET Research Symposium and Honors Showcase on Saturday. Honors finalists delivered in-person presentations while CSET finalists presented orally via Zoom. “It just goes to show how active and engaged our students were both inside and outside the classroom this year despite COVID-19 and limitations on what they could and couldn’t do,” Honors College Associate Dean Dr. Breanna Naegeli said.

Dr. Dwight Farris, who teaches information technology and cybersecurity in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, spoke recently to KJZZ National Public Radio field correspondent Matthew Casey about the Department of Homeland Security’s steps to elevate cybersecurity across the government.

Students in GCU clubs related to STEM fields really wanted to hear from female experts in the field, so they launched a virtual “Women in STEM” panel discussion Wednesday that attracted five women at the top of their fields. The five pros gave advice for women navigating the male-dominated world of science, technology, engineering and math.

Dr. Sherlin Moses of the College Science, Engineering and Technology faculty has been at GCU for 11 years, which means she goes back to the days of the Tell Science Building — where the Roadrunner Apartments stand today. She fondly recalls the many alumni she has influenced, and she finds it interesting that she attended church services in Ethington Theatre before working at the University. “I guess God was paving the path for me,” she writes.

Dr. Samridhi Shrestha, an Online Full-Time Faculty member of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, received the most prestigious academic award the government of Nepal hands out, and she also has established two scholarship programs in the country. She has been an eager volunteer in the COVID-19 fight and is passionate about helping her students understand global challenges.

Participants in the Kevin McClean Research Colloquium said they got a lot out of the experience. So did those who merely observed. And as important as it was for faculty, it might have been even more beneficial for students on both sides of the equation. “I honestly couldn’t believe that students who are here at GCU are already learning about all those things and starting to do research projects like that on their own,” junior Klarissa Gutierrez said.

The first day of the Kevin McClean Research Colloquium featured nine impressive presentations, but the three by students on desert plants were the talk of the attendees. “Those kids were impressive, good gravy,” said one of the other presenters, College of Education Professor Jena Akard. The colloquium continues at 3 p.m. Thursday with eight more presentations.

There will be so many presentations at the fourth annual Kevin McClean Research Colloquium, it will take two days for them to all be shared. The colloquium will begin at 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, will be entirely online and will feature five GCU students as well as a wide array of faculty members. It is the fulfillment of McClean’s wish to see the event grow.