Science and Math Showcase

Saturday, April 11, 2026
10:00am-3:00pm in Hall of Science (HSCI) (for Science and Math Showcase)

Reserve Your Spot!

Please RSVP with Day at The Beach to attend the campus-wide event.

No additional RSVP is required to attend the Science and Math Showcase.

About the Showcase

The Science and Math Showcase is a FREE event for Fall 2026 first-time, first-year and transfer students admitted to the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (CNSM) at Cal State °µÍøÊÓÆµ.

The Showcase is part of a larger campus-wide event called Day at The Beach and aims to give admitted students and their families an in-depth look at the academic experience within our college. Participants can meet with faculty and current students, and learn more about academic departments, degree programs, and class experiences. This is an open house experience and is not considered an official orientation.

Additional details will be posted as they become available.

Science and Math Showcase Agenda

The following is the schedule for the CNSM college-specific showcase. For the campus-wide event agenda, please see Day at The Beach.

All of the following events are in the Hall of Science (HSCI) building unless otherwise noted. Links in the agenda lead to activity descriptions, which can be found below the agenda. For activities that require sign up, you will sign up in person during the Science and Math Showcase event.

Please note this is a tentative agenda; activities and times may change.

TimeActivity
9:00am-10:00amWelcome Ceremony for students and families
(session 1 at LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid)
9:00am-3:00pmResource Fair
(Upper Campus Quad)
10:00am-3:00pm

Meet the CNSM Departments and Programs

  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemistry and Biochemistry
  • Earth Science
  • Environmental Science and Policy  
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Physics and Astronomy
  • Science Education
TBA

CNSM Workshops and Panels (session 1)

  • Multi-Disciplinary Science Degree Workshop
  • First-Time, First-Year (FTFY) Student Panel
  • Parent and Family Workshop
  • Student Research Programs Panel

Note: these require sign up in person at the event; sessions 1 and 2 will be the same presentation.

TBA

CNSM Lab Exhibits and Open Houses
(first come, first served)

  • Vertebrate Collections Exhibit (Biological Sciences)
  • Science Learning Center (Science Education)
  • Marine Lab Exhibit (Biological Sciences)
TBACNSM Research and Teaching Tours (session 1)
12:00pm-1:00pmWelcome Ceremony for students and families
(session 2 at LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid)
TBA

CNSM Workshops and Panels (session 2)

  • Multi-Disciplinary Science Degree Workshop
  • First-Time, First-Year (FTFY) Student Panel
  • Parent and Family Workshop
  • Student Research Programs Panel

Note: these require sign up in person at the event; sessions 1 and 2 will be the same presentation.

TBACNSM Research and Teaching Tours (session 2)
3:00pmEnd of Science and Math Showcase
3:00pmEnd of Day at The Beach

On this page:

Meet the Departments and Programs

10:00am-3:00pm

All 7 of our CNSM Departments and Programs will be available to answer your questions and help you learn more about the programs they offer. Our department and programs are:

  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemistry & Biochemistry
  • Earth Science
  • Environmental Science & Policy
  • Mathematics & Statistics
  • Physics & Astronomy
  • Science Education

Workshops and Panels

Find out more about the following services that we offer.

Multi-Disciplinary Science Degree Workshop

Image
Lisa Martin

This activity requires sign up in person at the event. Both sessions will be the same presentation.

The Multidisciplinary Science Bachelor of Art Degree is an exciting, new degree that allows students to focus on two science fields in depth so that they can combine these areas into an array of future careers. By developing broad scientific literacy and cross-disciplinary thinking, students learn to collaborate effectively with specialists from various domains. This adaptability is especially valuable in today's fast-evolving job market.

If you're interested in connecting ideas across fields, solving systems-level problems, or pursuing roles that benefit from diverse expertise, the multidisciplinary science degree is an excellent fit. Join this workshop to learn more about it!

This presentation will be facilitated by Dr. Lisa, Professor in the Department of Science Education.

First-Time, First-Year (FTFY) Student Panel

Image
Shannon Durbin and her dog Boz

This activity requires sign up in person at the event. Both sessions will be the same presentation.

Hear from first-time, first-year CNSM students who were in your shoes not too long ago! During this session you'll learn all about the transition from high school to college, how to get involved on campus, and what to expect as a STEM student at CSULB.

This panel will be moderated by Dr. Shannon Durbin, Coordinator of Academic Advising for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

Parent and Family Workshop

Image
Sergio Temores

This activity requires sign up in person at the event. Both sessions will be the same presentation.

All CNSM parents and family members are welcome to join us to learn about campus experiences, safety, and resources that are available to all °µÍøÊÓÆµstudents. This session will include a short presentation followed by a Q&A session.

The presentation will be facilitated by Sergio Temores, M.A.Ed., Coordinator of Peer Learning.

Student Research Programs Panel

Image
Cheyanne Ramon

This activity requires sign up in person at the event. Both sessions will be the same presentation.

This presentation will be facilitated by Cheyanne Ramon, M.S., Research Programs Coordinator for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

Lab Exhibitions and Open Houses

Experience the following research labs and academic spaces.

Vertebrate Collections Exhibit

Browse through our extensive biological collections of preserved skins, skulls, and skeletons. Presented by Dr. Ted Stankowich, professor in the Biological Sciences Department.

Image
collection of mammal skeletons

Science Learning Center

Explore the Science Learning Center (SLC), a unique learning space located on campus. The SLC seeks to provide exceptional learning experiences for both local K-8 youth as well as the students of °µÍøÊÓÆµthrough exhibits and activities that encourage questioning and hands-on investigation. Presented by Katherine Huotari, Science Learning Center Coordinator.

Image
young scientists building tower out of index cards

Marine Lab

Tour through the Marine Lab's touch tanks for a close experience with some marine animals.

Image
marine lab touch tanks

Research and Teaching Tours

Take a faculty-guided tour of the following undergraduate research labs and teaching labs on campus.

More information to come.


Before the Event - Explore

Your college experience will be more than just going to class. Before coming to the event, we encourage you to explore the opportunities available at Cal State °µÍøÊÓÆµ, where you will be able to immerse yourself in faculty-mentored research, join other students in clubs and organizations, and much more.

Virtual Tour

Find out what life is like on campus, and what science and math students can experience in the classroom, in the lab, and in the field with our virtual tour.


Academic Departments and Programs

Learn more about the science and math that we do at Cal State °µÍøÊÓÆµ:

VIDEO: More Than A University

VIDEO: Explore Biology at CSU °µÍøÊÓÆµ

VIDEO: Marine Biology at CSU °µÍøÊÓÆµ

VIDEO: Explore Chemistry at CSU °µÍøÊÓÆµ

VIDEO: Explore Math at CSU °µÍøÊÓÆµ

VIDEO: Explore Physics at CSU °µÍøÊÓÆµ

VIDEO: °µÍøÊÓÆµScience Teaching Credential

Find out more about what each department has to offer:

Research Opportunities

Cal State °µÍøÊÓÆµ is unique in that it gives you access as early as your first year to student research experiences, volunteer opportunities, and student research symposiums so that you can be at the forefront of new science and math discoveries.

Learn more about some of our research labs:

Video: °µÍøÊÓÆµResearch Mentor: Dr. Kelly Young
Video: °µÍøÊÓÆµResearch Mentor: Dr. Renaud Berlemont
Video: °µÍøÊÓÆµResearch Mentor: Dr. Douglas Pace
Video: °µÍøÊÓÆµResearch Mentor: Dr. Enrico Tapavicza
Video: °µÍøÊÓÆµResearch Mentor: Dr. Deborah Fraser
Video: °µÍøÊÓÆµResearch Mentor: Dr. Judy Brusslan

Beach XP Learning Communities

The Science and Math Beach XP program is designed to support CNSM students navigate through their college transition, build a community among their peers, and promote academic success. The Beach XP, short for Beach Experience, is a program for incoming first-time first year students that aims to establish peer networks, enhance learning, build career connections, and cultivate community through friendship and fun.

Students enrolled in Beach XP meet with the same peers each week for designated courses that count toward their general education or major-specific requirements. The Beach XP program learning communities are designed to create connections and support our students' educational goals, bringing important opportunities and resources directly to them.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Students can network professionally, prepare for their careers, explore interests, and connect to the community through various student clubs and organizations. Ranging from pre-professional organizations like the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, to service organizations like Medlife, to social clubs, there is a wide array of involvement opportunities at Cal State °µÍøÊÓÆµ for science and math students.

is the official home for websites of student clubs and organizations. You can see a list by going to "Orgs" and selecting a category; the Academic: Science & Mathematics and Career & Professional Development categories are particularly useful for science and math students.


After the Event - Next Steps

We hope that we can show you that The Beach is the place to be!

If you are ready to commit to Cal State °µÍøÊÓÆµ, here are the next steps to take:

We look forward to seeing you on campus!