William Slocumb, ’14 Materials Engineering, collaborated with Andrea Kramer, an orthotic resident at Hanger Clinic, on research they presented at a recent conference (photo courtesy of William Slocumb).
Seven Spartans will advance to the 28th Annual California State University Student Research Competition May 2 and 3 at California State University, East Bay.
All seven students and their faculty mentors will be honored at the 35th Annual SJSU Student Research Forum beginning at noon April 10 in Engineering 285/287.
Slocumb sections down materials for testing (photo courtesy of William Slocumb).
The Graduate Studies and Research Committee selects San Jose State’s finalists from a pool of nominees sent forward by SJSU’s seven colleges.
It’s important to note the competition is open to all students, including those majoring in the creative arts and design fields.
Each college has its own robust reviewing committee, so we ultimately see the best of the best,” said Cheryl Cowan, Graduate Studies and Research Administrative Support Coordinator.
Among this year’s winners are William Slocumb, ’14 Materials Engineering. His research, “Design of Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Composites for Use in Orthotics and Prosthetics,” focuses on making cost-effective prosthetics from sustainable materials.
Bamboo Prosthetics
Being selected to represent SJSU “is validating to me is [because this] shows that people are responding to what I’m doing and that this technology is doable, relevant and helpful,” he said.
Slocumb was inspired by a Chinese man who spent eight years building his own bionic hands after a fishing accident.
For people in developing countries, this research not only impacts their ability to thrive but also their survival and well being,” Slocumb said.
A self portrait by Mark Pinto, ’14 MFA Photography.
Mentor and Professor Guna Selvaduray encouraged Slocumb to enter the competition because of his student’s “passion, productivity and capability to take complete ownership of the project.”
“Very few people are able to see the benefits of doing research that combines different traditional fields, and how the results can be used productively in a particular application,” Selvaduray said.
Connecting With Veterans
Mark Pinto ’14 MFA Photography, is one of two art students advancing to the systemwide research competition.
Representing “San Jose State and [showing] key people how great the art and graduate departments are–that is exciting to me,” he said.
Pinto’s entry, a collection of photography entitled “The War Veteran’s Voice,” provides insight into the extended costs of war. A Marine veteran, Pinto learned a lot about himself while creating his entry.
It’s very personal, and each time I do it, I realize how connected I am to the veteran community, the suffering of the survivors, and those who did not make it as well,” he said.
“Suicide Joe” by Mark Pinto.