Camarillo, Calif., June 16, 2009 – California State University Channel Islands and Oxnard College are holding a three-week summer institute on the campus of CSU Channel Islands, funded by a Department of Education grant to Oxnard College. The Biosphere Summer Institute is designed to assist Oxnard College students pursue a degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) discipline.

As part of the Biosphere Summer Institute, 26 students from Oxnard College are enrolled for credit in a three-unit Biosphere course and engaged in 16 hours per week of research with a disciplinary faculty member. “The Biosphere Summer Institute provides Oxnard College students with an exposure to science and mathematics disciplines through integrated research and learning experiences,” said Dr. Cynthia Hentley, Director of the HSI STEM grant, at Oxnard College.

“The Biosphere Summer Institute provides a remarkable experience for the participating students,” said Dr. Phil Hampton, Professor of Chemistry and CSU Channel Islands Director of the HSI-STEM grant.  “In addition to learning content on the biosphere from eight faculty instructors, the students gain hands-on research experience and learn about other disciplines through STEM enrichment activities.  The students are having a fantastic experience and are really enjoying themselves.  CSU Channel Islands is looking forward to continuing to work with Oxnard College on encouraging their students to consider pursuing a four-year STEM major.”

The Biosphere Summer Institute will culminate on Friday, June 19 with an evening dinner event attended by parents and students presenting a poster session of their studies.  The public is invited to the closing ceremony which starts at 5:30 p.m.  Individuals who are interested in attending the ceremony should contact Dr. Hampton for more information.

For additional information regarding the Biosphere Summer Institute contact Dr. Phil Hampton, Professor of Chemistry at CSUCI, 805-437-8869 or philip.hampton@csuci.edu.

For media inquiries contact Nancy Covarrubias Gill, Director of Communication & Marketing at CSUCI, 805-437-8456 or nancy.gill@csuci.edu.

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CSUCI Mission Statement

Placing students at the center of the educational experience, California State University Channel Islands provides undergraduate and graduate education that facilitates learning within and across disciplines through integrative approaches, emphasizes experiential and service learning, and graduates students with multicultural and international perspectives.

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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands
(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.

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