STCC students present COVID-19 research at statewide conference

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – More than 60 Springfield Technical Community College students on April 23 joined the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference (MassURC), which united more than 900 undergraduate students from colleges and universities within the Commonwealth.

Students from STCC’s STEM Starter Academy presented 31 research posters. The team that won at STCC’s Sustainathon Research competition earlier in the spring worked on a project titled “COVID-19 Impacts on the Environment.”

The annual conference, held virtually this year, provided a platform for students to engage in research under the guidance of their professor, to showcase their research findings and share innovative ideas to a wide audience.

Three STCC students who were part of the UMass conference said they were excited to present on their topic and learn from other college students.

“It was a rigorous process,” said Dr. Reena Randhir, director of the STEM Starter Academy at STCC. “It took them more than 10 weeks to prepare. They learned the process of scientific research, critical thinking, teamwork and oral presentation.”

The students, Miranda Kamukala, Sandra Pradhan and Jonathan Pilat, were part of a team of five students who won the research poster competition during the STCC Virtual Sustainathon on April 14. The research project was created as part of their class project in Human Anatomy and Physiology.

“We researched how air pollution was affected by the pandemic,” said Pilat, of East Longmeadow. “There was less pollution because people weren’t getting out that much. There was less smoke because factories were closed.”

They were awesome collaborators, which led to successful completion of the research. The fun part was the practice for the oral presentation, which included a lot of laughter and learning. Dr. Reena Randhir, Director, STEM Starter Academy at STCC

They also examined the impact of COVID-19 on public health. They reported on hospitalization trends related to infections. Their research also explored vaccines approved for use in the United States.

“I was very impressed with their teamwork,” Randhir said. “Most of them had jobs, but they prioritized their Wednesday Zoom meets. They were awesome collaborators, which led to successful completion of the research. The fun part was the practice for the oral presentation, which included a lot of laughter and learning.”

Kamukala, of Agawam, said working virtually on Zoom was challenging, but the team found a way to make it work. “The most important thing was we all put effort into it,” said Kamukala. “We all scheduled a time that was good for everyone.”

She added, “This experience has been amazing. During this pandemic when students are isolated and most work is done as an individual, it was great to meet my classmates and discuss this project.”

Pradhan, of Springfield, said the team experience helped her develop her public speaking skills. “When I started, I was afraid to talk, but with practice I feel comfortable speaking to a group. I have learned so much and gained confidence in myself.”

Some of the main findings were that air, water, and greenhouse gas pollution improved while waste from personal protective equipment worsened. Data indicated that mitigation through masks and physical distancing reduced the spread of the disease. In addition, vaccine development and administration is a major innovative strategy against the pandemic.

Uncertainties remain on variants, a new surge in cases, and a future uptick of the virus. The students found that reducing the impact of COVID-19 on poor and vulnerable populations remains a critical need.

The STCC students who presented at MassURC also represented other programs on campus including the Honors Program and the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) division. 

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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