Chapman University: Grand Challenges Initiative

Event Recap: Translating Bioengineering Discovery and Innovation into Industry and Societal Impact

March 18, 2026 by Alex Lewandowski | Education, Internet, and Technology

The Grand Challenges Initiative hosted an engaging and insightful Speaker Series event on Monday, March 16, featuring Prashanth Asuri, Ph.D., M.B.A., Chair and Professor of Bioengineering at Santa Clara University. Held in the Ideation Zone, the session brought together students and faculty interested in the intersection of bioengineering, industry collaboration, and societal impact. Dr. Asuri drew

Aracely Acevedo, Ph.D. - Investigating the Functional Role of Protein Arginine Methyltransferases (PRMTs) During Cold-Induced Thermogenesis

March 9, 2026 by Alex Lewandowski | GCI Fellows

At our 2026 GCI Postdoc Showcase, Postdoctoral Fellow Aracely Acevedo presented a poster about assessing the role of PGC-1α arginine methylation by PRMTs in thermogenesis under cold and dietary conditions. To learn more about her research, reach out to Dr. Acevedo at aracevedo@chapman.edu. Abstract: Dr. Acevedo is currently investigating the functional role of protein

E. Daniel Cárdenas-Vásquez, Ph.D. - Restructuring Ultra-Soft Microgel Pastes with Tunable Shear Thinning and Thickening for Controlled Injectable Delivery

March 9, 2026 by Alex Lewandowski | GCI Fellows

At our 2026 GCI Postdoc Showcase, Postdoctoral Fellow E. Daniel Cárdenas-Vásquez presented a poster about experimental and in-silico rheomechanics-assisted biophysical principles of synthetic biomaterials for regenerative medicine. To learn more about his research, reach out to Dr. E. Daniel Cárdenas-Vásquez at cardenasvasquez@chapman.edu. Abstract: My research aims to design new materials using ULC microgels useful in fields like

Joelle Prate, Ph.D. - Virtual Simulations in Elementary Science

March 9, 2026 by Alex Lewandowski | GCI Fellows

At our 2026 GCI Postdoc Showcase, Postdoctoral Fellow Joelle Prate presented a poster about investigating virtual simulations in elementary science. She also studies the role of noticing and sensemaking in undergraduate quantitative reasoning in biology. To learn more about her research, reach out to Dr. Prate at joprate@chapman.edu. Abstract: My research focuses on the

Sayani Ghosh, Ph.D. - The Quantum Hammersley Clifford Theorem

March 9, 2026 by Alex Lewandowski | GCI Fellows

At our 2026 GCI Postdoc Showcase, Postdoctoral Fellow Sayani Ghosh presented a poster about her research on exploring quantum Markov networks. To learn more about her research, reach out to Dr. Ghosh at saghosh@chapman.edu. Abstract: My research bridges the fields of mathematics and theoretical physics. To be specific, I apply graph-theory-based tools to physical

Cassandra Maya, Ph.D. - Edible Insects as Human Food

March 9, 2026 by Alex Lewandowski | GCI Fellows

At our 2026 GCI Postdoc Showcase, Postdoctoral Fellow Cassandra Maya presented a poster about the nutrition, quality, and consumer acceptance of alternative proteins, with a particular interest in edible insects. To learn more about her research, reach out to Dr. Maya at cmaya@chapman.edu. Abstract: My research focuses on the potential of edible insects as a sustainable alternative

Event Recap: You Don't Get All the Facts: Leadership Lessons from Uncertain Times in Western Water Management

March 4, 2026 by Alex Lewandowski | Environment and Sustainability

March 3 | Argyros Forum 209 The Grand Challenges Initiative hosted an insightful and timely conversation with Camille Touton, former Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, who brought her firsthand experience managing water in the American West to Chapman University. The talk centered on how leaders navigate high‑stakes decisions when information is incomplete and

GCI Showcase: Fall 2025

December 23, 2025 by Alex Lewandowski | Student presentations

Grand Challenges Initiative Showcase: Celebrating Innovation and Collaboration On Friday, December 5, 2025, the Grand Challenges Initiative (GCI) hosted its semi-annual Showcase the close of the fall semester. This event marked the culmination of three semesters of hard work for four student teams — though one team impressively completed their project in just a single

Diabetes Risk Calculator: Your Health Starts with Knowing Your Risk

December 15, 2025 by Micah Kim | Student presentations

At our 2025 GCI Fall Showcase, a group of students presented a poster about a cost-effective tool that will allow individuals to assess their risk and reduce the likelihood of developing early-onset diabetes.

Who's phishing in my emails?

December 15, 2025 by Micah Kim | Student presentations

At our 2025 GCI Fall Showcase, a group of students presented a poster about an interactive, educational game that will help people with identifying phishing emails to prevent any potential scams.