Recent Projects

RUI: Double photoionization to probe electron correlation many-electron molecules - National Science Foundation- $151,000

Principal Investigator: Dr. Frank Yip, Associate Professor

The goal of this project is to investigate by means of theoretical calculations the effects of electron correlation by considering double photoionization (DPI) of many-electron molecules for which experimental data exists: C2H4 and H2O . Both time-independent and time-dependent methods applied to molecular targets with core electrons can reveal fundamental physics for molecules with many electrons. Large-scale computational methods employing novel numerical grid designs for
the description of radial coordinates of bound and photoionized electrons with outgoing boundary conditions imposed by employing exterior complex scaling (ECS) will be expanded and applied to consider the body-frame triple differential cross section (TDCS) for double photoionization of molecules, which is a sensitive probe of the effects of electron correlation.

Building and Bridging Data Science Opportunities in Solano County - California Learning Lab - $185,000

Principle Investigators: Dr. Julie Simons, Associate Professor and Dr. Taiyo Inoue, Professor

This Interdisciplinary Collaboration (IC) project will establish a new minor at CSU Maritime Academy (CSUM) in Data Science (DS), focusing on innovative and inclusive pedagogy and interdisciplinary collaboration. CSUM is located in one of the most racially diverse counties in the nation. Being a STEM-focused institution with a strong record of promoting socioeconomic mobility through discipline-specific training and an emphasis on job placement, CSUM is uniquely positioned to address the demand for data science education while promoting diversity in the field. The new minor will provide students with a solid foundation in data science while emphasizing its application across fields. Our interdisciplinary approach will create a high-quality program
attracting diverse students with wide-ranging academic interests.

CONFIDE: Community of Networking Faculty Investigating Data Ethics - California Learning Lab - $260,000

Principal Investigator: Dr. Ariel Setniker, Assistant Professor

The CONFIDE project will establish a first-of-its-kind faculty learning program on ethics in data science (DS). Through this program, DS adjacent faculty will learn from DS faculty and industry experts, equipping them with the resources and community necessary to successfully incorporate relevant DS curriculum into their courses. Faculty will be empowered to support students in learning how to critically think, reflect, engage, and make reasoned ethical choices in the field of DS through the use of research-informed teaching methodologies such as active learning. Investing in a foundational ethics and DS best practices curriculum is paramount since DS evolves so quickly. Strong foundations of DS best practices, if taught well and early, are translational to any DS tool, technique, or application. This program fits naturally into the recently established DS pathway partnership between Solano Community College (SCC) and California State University Maritime (CSUM), filling the void for quality, relevant faculty development as our pathway calls for a streamlined curriculum. This project will have a lasting impact on the entire state of California as the completed program will be made widely available as an open educational resource for faculty developers statewide.

Feasibility Study on Future Energy Options for Commercial Harbor Crafts (CHC) in California - Maritime Administration - $50,000

Principal Investigators: Dr. Dinesh Pinisetty, Interim Dean of Engineering, Mr. David Satterwhite, Associate Professor, Mr. Chris Brown, AVP Research and Innovation 

The purpose of this feasibility study is to investigate the suitability of different alternative fuels and power options for Commercial Harbor Craft in California through 2050. Cal Maritime is part of a large collaboration on this project that is being lead by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

Cornerstone: Learning for Living Initiative - The Teagle Foundation - $25,000

Principal Investigators: Dr. Amy Parsons, Professor and Dr. Sarah Senk, Associate Professor

This project will design an Integrated General Education Certificate that begins with a first-year Gateway course grounded in faculty-selected Transformative Texts that encourage explicit investigation into enduring questions about intellectual development and social engagement, issues made more pressing by the global nature of the maritime industry. After completing the Gateway course, students will select courses in their General Education requirements that align with one of three thematic clusters.  This purposeful pathway through General Education will bring a greater sense of meaning and coherence to the connections between general education and major courses, enhancing students’ cultural perspectives and their analytical and communication skills in their professional lives after graduation.