Six Skyline College students attended the 2025 Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM held in Atlanta, Georgia, from April 4-6, accompanied by Math Professor and MESA Co-Director Denise Hum. Princess Johnanna Eusantos, Sahil Niwas, Aaron Torres Mendoza, Ariana Cerna, and Aryanna Mendoza presented research posters. At the same time, John Rada attended his first STEM conference and supported his peers with presentation practice.
The three-day conference allowed students to attend plenary sessions, network with fellow student researchers, and connect with graduate school representatives.
Notably, Aryanna Mendoza won first place in the Undergraduate Poster Presentation division for Technology and Engineering with her nEXO Collaboration internship on “MUX Waveform Response Test,” which explores improving cryogenic readout systems for particle detectors. “As a first-generation Latina in the STEM field, it was an incredible honor to share my work,” said Mendoza. “Representing Skyline College at a national level was both exciting and rewarding. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to showcase our work and be part of such an inspiring STEM community.”
Aaron Torres Mendoza presented a research poster highlighting his internship at the San Jose State University 4D Printing Lab. “It was truly inspiring to connect with other Latino researchers with similar interests and engage in valuable networking opportunities,” he shared. “I’m especially proud to have seen my fellow Skyline College peers thrive and benefit from this experience as well.”
Ariana Cerna presented her internship research on 4D printing using Polylactic Acid and Thermoplastic Polyurethane. She reflected: “Being part of ERN boosted my confidence in pursuing mechanical engineering and reminded me why I enjoy research. As a first-generation student, this meaningful opportunity opened new doors for me.”
The conference challenged preconceptions about community college students in STEM. John Rada shared, “Sometimes, I doubted myself, thinking that as a community college student, I could not do what a university student could. However, I met many successful STEM people who started post-secondary education in a community college… they showed me that an institution does not define your capabilities.”
Princess Johanna Eusantos, attending as a travel awardee for the second time, presented her research conducted at Johns Hopkins University on “Deconstructing Cultural Specificity in Medicare Advantage Plans: A Public Health Perspective.” She noted, “As a first-generation college student and woman in STEM, it was incredible to be surrounded by so many students, faculty, and professionals who share my passion and commitment for research and innovation.”
Sahil Niwas presented on “Validating Pluripotency for Prader-Willi Syndrome iPSC cell lines,” research he conducted through an internship at Stanford University. “Attending the Emerging Researchers National Conference was an inspiring and empowering experience,” Niwas said. “As an early-career researcher, it was incredible to be surrounded by so many passionate students and professionals committed to advancing diversity and innovation in STEM.”
Beyond the academic presentations, students explored a few of Atlanta’s cultural offerings while building professional connections. Sahil Niwas mentioned, “Through this conference, I got to travel to Atlanta, connect with researchers from across the country with different backgrounds, and also visit some of the city’s attractions.” The MESA students repeatedly acknowledged the Skyline College MESA Program’s vital support. Aaron Torres Mendoza said, ” I sincerely thank Skyline College’s MESA Program for making our attendance possible.” The ERN Conference is instrumental in advancing these students’ academic journeys and professional development in STEM.
