“Construction is in my blood,” says Cesar Mejia Gomez, which is just one of the reasons that he loves his job as lead carpenter in CSUDH's Facilities Services department. “I enjoy that I can make a difference for our students,” he says. “The work I do helps students enjoy their learning process more by beautifying, transforming, and maintaining our classrooms and other important areas of our campus. It gives the campus a more welcoming feeling.” Gomez' days usually begin by checking for new work requests that have come in for him or the staff he supervises. Then he'll either head onto campus or go to his shop in Facilities Services to work on current projects. Gomez often heads off ... Read More
CSUDH Receives $1 Million STEM Grant from U.S. Department of Homeland Security
California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) has been awarded a portion of an $8.9 million Scientific Leadership Award (SLA) grant from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate. CSUDH was one of eight Minority Serving Institutions nationally to be included in the grant, and joined CSU Northridge as one of only two in California. CSUDH will receive $1 million over the five-year length of the grant for their program Securing the Future of Los Angeles: CSUDH Homeland Security Initiative, which will launch the Homeland Security Initiative at CSUDH. The initiative aims to build the university's capacity in interdisciplinary research, education, ... Read More
Staff Spotlight: Ludivina Snow
“I've always wanted to help people from underserved communities,” says Ludivina Snow, Director of the Toro Guardian Scholars (TGS) program at CSUDH. “While I was in grad school, I had the privilege of working at an alternative school for current and former foster youth, and young people involved in the youth and adult carceral systems. I knew then that I would always want to work serving these populations.” In her role leading TGS, Snow is doing exactly that. The TGS program is designed to help support college students that have transitioned from the foster care system, providing a wide range of services and resources that assist them throughout their educational journey. Working at ... Read More
CSUDH Alumna Brings Toro Pride to DC Politics
Ruby Robles loves being where the action is. That's one big reason that the CSUDH alumna's current job, working in Washington, D.C., as the press secretary for Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, suits her to a T. “I'm right here where the laws are made,” says Robles. “Washington, D.C., is at the center of the news all the time. I'm really drawn to that–the excitement and the atmosphere.” As press secretary, Robles is part of Warren's communications team and is responsible for everything from writing press releases and coordinating interviews to pitching stories to reporters or providing the public with background information on pending legislation. Robles also helps manage Warren's ... Read More
Staff Spotlight: Gilbert Hernandez
As a CSUDH graduate himself, Gilbert Hernandez feels right at home in his role as Senior Alumni Relations Specialist. It allows him to get to know lots of his fellow alumni, while also giving back to the student community by helping connect them with Toro graduates as mentors and advisors. “I know what it's like being a student,” he says. “So many people gave me advice or support through my academic career, going above and beyond to ensure that I had the help I needed.” He's happy that a large part of his job consists of assisting in making those connections for the next generation of Toros. Hernandez oversees the CSUDH Alumni Association. In that role, he does everything from ... Read More
