The research, scholarship and creative activity conducted at our campus enrich the educational experience of our students while providing faculty and staff the opportunity for professional development. These activities elevate the reputation of our campus and boost our prominence as a world-class institution. We have greatly expanded RSCA resources at SJSU and I am especially proud to share our accomplishments this month.

As you will see, faculty and students are working closely with industry partners, government agencies and nonprofits to create innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life in the Bay Area and around the world. Our faculty are enhancing our understanding of the impact of trauma on well-being, the effect of alcohol on human development, ways to increase cybersecurity and how Haitian and Cuban culture have influenced American arts, among many other lines of inquiry.

The spring semester brings with it many opportunities to acknowledge the exemplary work conducted year-round. SJSU’s Celebration of Research will be Feb. 16, from 4 to 6 p.m., in the Diaz Compean Student Union Ballroom. During the festivities, Early Career Investigator Award recipients Rachael French and Miranda Worthen will be honored for launching strong research agendas early in their time here at SJSU.
At the Celebration of Research, we will also recognize the shared benefits of faculty and student research partnerships through our Student-Faculty Research Pairs program and honor the winners of SJSU’s Student Research Competition.

Participation in hands-on RSCA is a high impact practice that helps students gain skills for their future careers, prepares them for graduate-level work if they chose to pursue a higher degree, fosters bonds with faculty mentors and peers, and promotes student success.

I am pleased to continue offering the University Scholars Series this spring, in which selected professors from across campus share a one-hour presentation of their RSCA. The series’ topics and details about dates and times are provided below.
Finally, the Office of Research, theResearch Foundation and the Center for Faculty Development continue to support faculty and students in pursuing RSCA agendas. The University Grants Academy is in its second year with 22 participating faculty members. I am encouraged by the strong outcomes of the 2015-16 cohort in completing applications for external grants and expect great things from the 2016-17 members as well.

I look forward to hearing about all the RSCA accomplishments that will come in 2017, and I remain dedicated to supporting your efforts.