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STEAM: Undergraduate Research

STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking which PVCC supports.

Student Research Spotlight - PVCC/CURM

                                         Image Dehazing Research: Student-Led Project Giving Back to Future Scientists

This video was created as part of the CURM Give-Back initiative to inspire other students interested in math and science research. Through the Center for Undergraduate Research in Mathematics (CURM), a student team (Maggie Boyd, Alexis Duron, Aidan Hammer, and Becca Hecht) from Paradise Valley Community College (Phoenix, AZ) explored the mathematics and computer science behind image dehazing using the Dark Channel Prior method. This presentation serves as their Give-Back to the community—an opportunity to share their research with fellow students, particularly those considering pathways in STEM. Under the mentorship of PVCC faculty member Dr. Raquel Lopez, the team engaged in a year-long undergraduate research experience that culminated in a conference presentation and research manuscript. They collaborated with Dr. Malena Español and her research group at Arizona State University. This project highlights the impact of collaborative learning, undergraduate research, and cross-institution mentorship. We hope this video encourages more students, especially those at community colleges, to explore research opportunities, ask big questions, and find a sense of purpose and belonging in STEM. Research isn’t just for university labs; it begins with curiosity, collaboration, and the belief that every student has something valuable to contribute.                     

                                                               **If you’re a student curious about research, this video is for you!

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