CSUMB chemistry professor named Mentor of the Year

By Mark Muckenfuss

For Arunkumar Sharma, the students in his Cal State Monterey Bay classroom aren’t just there to listen and take exams. They are fellow researchers.

An associate professor of chemistry, Sharma, a native of Mumbai, came to CSUMB three years ago after a stint at New York’s Wagner College. During his time here, he has published six peer-reviewed articles with 26 students as co-authors. One study, in which the researchers taught a computer how to distinguish between different shapes of molecules, listed 14 students as co-authors. 

“I’m trying to break the mold by doing research with the entire class,”  Sharma said. “I integrate a lot of research into my classroom. It helps students see what a full research project looks like.”

Those who are interested are able to participate in the projects Sharma is working on.  

It’s one of the reasons he was recently named Mentor of the Year by the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center. 

Sharma said he encourages any of his students who are interested to participate in the projects he is working on. These include aggregating molecules in both oil processing and aerosols, and using machine learning to identify different weeds in Monterey County in order to predict the onset of disease before visual cues are apparent. 

“There are no prerequisites,” he said. “You just have to work hard and ask questions. Those are the only requirements.”

His experience, he said, is that students often hold back, uncertain of their own abilities. He encourages them to challenge themselves and get involved in research at the earliest opportunity. And, he added, CSUMB is a great place to do that. 

“The advantage here is the one-on-one mentoring,” Sharma said. “When we have events like Admitted Otter Day, I tell students and their parents we are a good school where you can get to know your professors. This is a place where they will be challenged. But step by step, they will be able to build their careers.

“Some people have gone on to roles in local industry,” he added. “Some have gone on to a master’s or PhD. One student is going to veterinary school. If they want to do something and I can play a role, that’s my sign of success.”

The benefits go both ways, he said. 

His students, he said, “have made me a better communicator. They have made me more empathetic. They keep me on track.”

UROC director John “Buck” Banks called Sharma’s recognition “well deserved.”

“Students, staff and faculty nominating him noted his many important contributions to student success through teaching course-based research classes, helping undergraduates publish and present their research at conferences, and creating an engaging laboratory environment aimed at preparing students well for graduate school and the workforce.”

Much like his published research studies, Sharma said he sees his award as the result of a collaborative effort. 

“I don’t think this award is for me,” he said. “It’s the success of the students. I haven’t yet gone to get the actual award. I’m waiting because I want my students to go with me.”