From innovative lighting interfaces and the complexities of social media algorithms to the mysteries of exoplanets. Student researchers at Las Positas College showcased a wide range of research topics during the Student Research Symposium on April 29.
Students in the LPC Honors Program presented the research projects they have been developing over the past academic year. Students in the honors program work with faculty mentors to complete a research project over the semester, which are typically presented at various conferences.
These projects are a hallmark of the program. Most of the work showcased at the LPC symposium was also presented May 2 at Stanford University for the Bay Honors Consortium Symposium.
“(I’m) really excited about being here and learning about all the great research that our scholars have completed,” LPC President Dyrell Foster said.“Many are going to be presenting at various conferences across the country.”
Attendees visited classrooms in the 2100 building to view student presentations. The building featured other student research projects, and students stood in front of their posters to converse with guests.
Arpita Shanbhag, a student who presented a poster at the symposium, said that conversing with people sparked new ideas for her research. Her project investigated calculus-based numerical strategies to determine the best indicators for heart disease in patients.
“The more that I talk to people, the more that people ask me questions, I was able to find future work, such as investigating various countries that patients are from,” Shanbhag said.
Other students focused on studying social dynamics in the world. Maegha Ramanthan presented research on how female athletes of color are portrayed in California Sports media.
“It’s really rejuvenating to see so many passionate people here,” Ramanathan said.
Arya Khirwadkar applied classroom theory to the real-world to study whether multilingualism impacts cognitive flexibility.
“It was fun getting to just play with my own data that I got to collect by myself,” Khirwadkar said. “There’s so much to learn in class (about) research methods.”
For many, the symposium provided a sense of closure.
“It’s a big weight off my shoulders. I’m excited to be done and show the world what I’ve done,” Khirwadkar said.
The event also highlighted the role of faculty mentors. Robin Roy, a professor in the Psychology department was able to aid many students in their research.
“I am just so proud of all our students, they’re just doing so much amazing research,” Roy said. “It’s a great way for students to see that they really (enjoy) doing this original research.”
Following the presentations, an announcement was made regarding the selection of papers for the “Las Positas College Journal of Honors,” an academic journal created by and for LPC students.
Managing editor Apurva Agarwal announced the submissions that were selected to be in the journal’s first publication. Nine submissions were chosen — three research papers each — made the cut from the following categories: arts; social science; science, technology, engineering and math.
“(The journal) provides honors students a chance for them to publish their academic research,” Agarwal said.
The journal is now another outlet for students to publish their research.
As LPC concludes the academic year, the symposium serves as a way to showcase student dedication and the academic opportunities available on campus.
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TOP PHOTO: Las Positas College students and faculty advisors attend the 16th Annual Bay Area Honors Research Symposium at Stanford University on May 2, 2026. Hosted by the Bay Honors Consortium, the event features outstanding projects from top community college students across California. (Photo Courtesy of LPC Honors Program)
Nuha Maflahi is the Campus Life Editor for The Express. Follow her on X @NuhaMaflahiLPC.
