New Psychology faculty member, Shaun Perisho, is first author on the manuscript, “Characterization of Swine Behavior and Production Using Measurements Collected via Indoor Positioning System“ which was accepted for publication by the Journal of Applied Animal Behaviour Science on November 4th, 2020. While Shaun’s primary area of study is marine mammal cognition, this particular study dealt with pig behavior and was conducted at the University of Pennsylvania using an indoor positioning system to track the location and movement of pigs as they socialize with each other in socially complex settings. Measurements were used to predict things like animal health and reproductive success (future litter size and the size of individual piglets within each litter). The research team is now working on a follow-up study investigating whether multifractal dynamics in the data set can help improve predictions.

Additionally, Shaun was a co-author on the poster, “Effects of Virtual Reality on Psychophysiological Arousal Compared to 3D Gaming” presented at the 2020 Association for Psychological Science conference.

Shaun received his PhD, Psychology in 2018 and before arriving at Skyline College he spent time as a marine mammal trainer, research assistant, and college instructor. We are excited to have Shaun Perisho as a new member of the Skyline College Psychology Department.

Article by Chris Woo

SparkPoint at Skyline College is currently accepting scholarship applications for 25 Career and Technical Education (CTE) students for the Spring 2021 cohort. Grove Scholarship applications are available online at skylinecollege.edu/sparkpoint and are due by 3:00 p.m. on February 17^th, 2021.

Eligible students will be selected for the program based on three short personal statements that describe who they are, why they have chosen their career path and why financial literacy is important to them. Academic standing and GPA are not a factor in selection, as long as the student meets the minimum requirements of a 2.0 GPA and a 75% completion rate. Once selected for the Grove Scholars Program, students will receive individualized financial coaching and career counseling, as well as a $2,000 scholarship for the semester.

If you would like to refer a student to the Grove Scholars Program or if you would like a SparkPoint staff member to share scholarship information or other SparkPoint Services with your class or program, please call (650) 738-7035, or send an email to grovescholar@smccd.edu.  Additional information and support can also be found through the SparkPoint website.

Article by Chad Thompson

The Skyline College Drive-Thru Community Market launched in September and provided groceries to 300 families in the first day. This past week marked our 17^th weekly food distribution event and served 825 families! Each family receives almost 40 lbs of groceries, including milk, eggs, pasta, rice, fresh produce, canned goods and dry goods, as well as a protein item (ham, chicken, turkey, etc.).  Second Harvest Food Bank calculates that the over 429,000 pounds of groceries distributed have offset over $768,500 in grocery costs for the most at risk members of our local community.

This weekly event is held at Skyline College every Wednesday, 11:00am-1:00pm and has been extended through May 2021.  SparkPoint, public safety, and facilities staff work along side volunteers from Skyline College, SMCCCD and our local community to distribute pre-boxed groceries while adhering to all COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols.

• Only drive-thru pickups will be served
• All participants must remain in their cars at all times and wear a mask
• Open to students and the community
• No I.D required to pick up food
• Please call 650-738-7970 for weather and air quality closure updates
• Please use Skyline Blvd entrance

If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up through the Second Harvest Food Bank website.  If you have any questions please email us at skylinesparkpoint@smccd.edu.

Article by Chad Thompson

The San Mateo County Community College District offers free Wi-Fi access for students at all three campuses. The “Drive-Up Wi-Fi” service allows students to park in a specially designated parking lot on the campus of their choice, where they can access Wi-Fi to attend online classes or do schoolwork.

The program was made possible by an all-District team of staff and administrators who have been working to design a system that provides convenient student Wi-Fi access while maintaining District health and safety requirements during the pandemic.

Reservations are required. Students can pick the campus most convenient to them, fill out the Eventbrite reservation form, print or download their Eventbrite ticket, and follow the instructions. Restrooms are available. Students have in/out privileges for the Drive-Up Wi-Fi lot between 6am – 8pm.

Drive-Up Wi-Fi Website/Reservations

Student Drive-Up Wi-Fi Hours
Cañada College:
Monday – Friday, 6 am – 8 pm

College of San Mateo:
Monday – Saturday (except Fridays), 6 am – 8 pm

Skyline College:
Monday – Friday (except Wednesdays), 6 am – 8 pm

Student Drive-Up Wi-Fi Rules

• Review COVID-19 symptoms and stay home if you are sick
• Make a reservation on Eventbrite and bring your ticket to campus
• Check in at the Public Safety Access Point
• Drive to the Wi-Fi lot and park in any space with a GREEN cone
• Only members of the same household in each vehicle
• All vehicle occupants must remain in the vehicle except to use restrooms
• Read and follow all rules on your Eventbrite ticket
• Abide by the Student Code of Ethics

For more information, please see the District Drive-Up Wi-Fi website.