Hartnell students take top honors at science conference

Two Hartnell students were recognized for outstanding research presentations during SACNAS conference, the largest STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) diversity event in the country.

There were 918 undergraduate student presentations total with 99 awards given in eight multidisciplinary categories.

The 2014 SACNAS Undergraduate Student Poster Presentation Awardees from Hartnell were:

* In Biochemistry/Biophysics - Jazel Hernandez, “Quantifying Butanol Production of a Genetically Engineered Halophile”

* In Engineering – Jhanic Ramos, “PV Cleaner Robot”

Both students participated in the Hartnell College STEM Internship Program. Jhanic Ramos was part of the group of students working with a team from the University of California, Santa Cruz, Baskin School of Engineering. This was a joint effort between UCSC and Hartnell as part of the National Science Foundation Advanced Technology Education program.

Jazel Hernandez was part of the team of students from UCSC, Baskin School of Engineering, iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) team. Jazel’s team also participated in the iGEM Giant Jamboree in Boston, Mass., where they earned a bronze medal. The Giant Jamboree competition celebrates university students as they showcase their achievements in Synthetic Biology.

Jhanic Ramos is in the process of applying to transfer to UC Berkeley and UC Davis and wants to specialize in neurosurgery.

Jazel Hernandez plan is to attend UC Santa Cruz in the fall and go on to medical school to specialize in pediatric oncology.

Way to go, ladies!