Undergraduate Scholars

Shurraya Polunci

Shurraya Polunci

Pursuing Bachelors in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Public Affairs

Aloha! My name Shurraya Polunci. Currently, I am studying Chemical Engineering with a minor in Public Affairs through the McBride Honors Program. For the last two semesters at school, I worked as a teaching assistant for Physics II since it challenges me to learn how to best communicate with students and work on a team. Spring 2017, I received the opportunity to join the ConocoPhillips WE2ST Scholar Program and work with Dr. Jessica Smith on conducting social science research on Memorandums of Understandings between the oil and gas operators and local governments in the Colorado Front Range.  I started this research over the prior summer, combined with research for the National Science Foundation on incorporating corporate social responsibility into engineering and technical courses. At the end of the summer, I presented a portion of my findings for the National Science Foundation at a Corporate Social Responsibility Workshop held on campus for professors wanting to integrate CSR into their technical classes. Along with research, I worked setting tile and roofing over the summer. I am eager to continue my work as a WE2ST Scholar during the upcoming year and learn more of how energy, water, and people combine, especially my team of WE2ST Scholars!

Gianna Pittman

Gianna Pittman

Pursuing a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

Greetings! I am Gianna Pittman, and am currently working on obtaining a degree in Chemical Engineering. I will be working to understand the effects of water produced from fracking when used on food crops. I grew up in the beautiful Pacific NW, and have developed a love for the outdoors. However, coming to the dry climate of Colorado for school was quite a shock to me, and it brought to my attention just how valuable water is as a resource, and a part of life on Earth. I am excited to work with the WE2ST center to innovate the way we consume water, as well as to educate the public on how we are accomplishing that.