COSAM E-Newsletter, May 2011
Chemistry, Microbiology, Kinesiology Earn Top Spots
in Annual College Awards
John Swanson of Alpha Chi Sigma
accepts the top club
award from Dean Phil Bailey
SAN LUIS OBISPO -- Microbiology senior Lauren Blomberg, microbiology/biochemistry double major Nicholas Dindio, kinesiology senior Caleigh Cox and the Alpha Chi Sigma chemistry club all received top honors at the 2011 College of Science and Mathematics Awards, held in May.
“Top Club award was hotly contested this year. It was a very difficult decision,” said Dean Wendt, associate dean of Cal Poly’s College of Science and Mathematics. Alpha Chi Sigma was chosen because of members’ involvement in tutoring both chemistry majors and non-majors, sponsoring a canned food drive to help the local food bank, and participating at an elementary school science fair. The club also sponsored events connecting students to alumni by hosting guest speakers from industry.
Lauren Blomberg
Blomberg was honored for outstanding contributions to the objectives and public image of the College of Science and Mathematics. The microbiology major has been an active member of the Biotechnology club, the COSAM Council and the Student-Based Fee Committee. She has conducted undergraduate research on abundance and distribution of pathogens in coastal ocean waters and in seafood. She volunteered in the Guatemalan village of San Pablo with Cal Poly’s first Guateca Project trip there, and worked with a team to develop better water filtration for the local community. She was also very active in Cal Poly’s Learn By Doing Lab, making a big impact on the elementary and middle school students who visit Cal Poly to learn about science and mathematics.
Dindio was honored for contributions to the objectives and public image of Cal Poly. He is an active member Alpha Chi Sigma, College Council, the Biotech Club, the Micro Club, and the College-Based Fee Committee. He represented the college on the ASI Budget
Nicholas Dindio
Committee and the ASI Board of Directors, as their secretary of publicity and outreach. He also participated in the university’s International Education and Programs Committee and the Inclusive Excellence Council, where he served two years promoting and improving diversity on campus, and participated in the California Higher Education Student Summit and California State Student Association.
His undergraduate research focused on characterizing the genes involved in the oxidation of the toxic element Antimony (III). He also received an ACS undergraduate award in analytical chemistry.
Caleigh Cox
Cox was recognized for service to the community. She completed a 120-hour internship at a senior living facility where she helped with yoga instruction and social activities for residents there. She also participated in a Healthy Aging Symposium at the Senior Center in Paso Robles, which was focused on how seniors can maintain health through physical activity. As a member of the Physical Therapy-Occupational Therapy club, she volunteered at the Special Olympics and the Cal Poly Hair Boom Project.
The Hair Boom Project collects human and animal hair from local salons or grooming facilities. Afterward, it is shipped to San Francisco and woven into mats or booms that are used to contain oil spills. During her time at Cal Poly, she also volunteered with Sierra Vista Medical Center, Central Coast Hand Rehabilitation, California Children’s Services and the Cabrillo Nursing Facility.
Mathematics Professor Jonathan Shapiro took photos at the banquet. See more of his photos from the event.
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