Two California State University, Stanislaus students were awarded at the 27th Annual California State University Student Research Competition, held earlier this month at Cal Poly Pomona.

For her presentation entitled “Mountains and Mindsets: The Ideologies Behind the Mineral King Controversy, 1965-1978,” graduate student Alexandra Vicknair became the first CSU Stanislaus history student to win first place in the Humanities and Letters category, graduate division.

Joseph McCarty, a graduate English student from CSU Stanislaus, took second place in the same division with his presentation “Assessing Early Start: Collecting Data Necessary for Good Decision Making.” McCarty was the first English student from CSU Stanislaus to win in the category.

The 27th Annual California State University Student Research Competition provided an opportunity for students from all 23 CSU campuses to present scholarly research and projects before a panel of judges. Each presentation and written summary was evaluated on clarity, purpose, methodology, interpretation of results, value of the research or creative activity, ability to articulate one’s work, organization of the material, and ability to handle questions.

Seven other CSU Stanislaus students participated in the competition, including Kristy Ortega (Biology), Sandi Lavito (Physics), Reema Shakir (Biology), Matthew Vander Schuur (Chemistry), Kirin Basuta (Social Work), Gianna Smith (Technology), and Jessica Kaven (Advanced Studies).