Graduates from the Presidential Scholars Program, the McNair Scholarship Program, and the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship share their Toro experiences, inspirational faculty mentors, future plans, and more.
Raquel Serrano, Women’s Studies: Mellon Mays Scholar
Inspirational Mentor(s): Associate Professor of Women’s Studies Jenn Brandt. See below.
Scholarship Takeaways: Through the Mellon Mays program Raquel has traveled, networked, and advanced her skills as a scholar. She calls the experience “one of the best things to happen in my life.”
Campus Life: Raquel enjoyed many opportunities at CSUDH that helped “sky-rocket” her success.
Next Move: Raquel has been accepted into and is fully funded for the Women’s and Gender Studies master’s program at the University of South Florida.
Who has been your most inspiring CSUDH faculty mentor(s) and why?
Dr. Jenn Brandt has been my absolute favorite professor, mentor, and guiding light throughout my undergraduate journey. She has trained me to reach far beyond my academic potential and did not let me give up even though I wanted to many times. Dr. Brandt is someone who will always be in my life and I really appreciate her going above and beyond.
Brent Legaspi, Clinical Science, Medical Technology Option: Presidential Scholar
Inspirational Mentor(s): Assistant Professor of Chemistry Patrick Still.
Scholarship Takeaways: See below.
Campus Life: Participating in community service activities was one of the most rewarding aspects of Brent’s CSUDH education, during which he experienced firsthand the family atmosphere on campus, and the belonging that comes with being a Toro.
The DH Effect: One of the most important skills Brent learned at CSUDH was adaptability, which has helped him to communicate more effectively, and enables him to tackle problems better in a laboratory setting.
Next Move: Brent will begin an internship in the Clinical Training Program for Clinical Laboratory Scientists at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Health Medical Center.
In what ways did the Presidential Scholars Program help prepare you for the future?
It taught me to take pride in my achievements while also maintaining humility and gratitude. As a result of my participation in the program, I gained the confidence and motivation to face the challenges of becoming a clinical laboratory scientist.
Denise Aguiluz, Psychology: McNair Scholar
Inspirational Mentor(s): Professors of Psychology Silvia Santos and Maria Hurtado-Ortiz, and Assistant Professor of Psychology Kevin Montes.
Scholarship Takaways: The McNair program enabled Denise to become an “excellent researcher and student,” and provided her assistance with graduate school applications and documentation.
Campus Life: Denise enjoyed being a research assistant for two labs, learned a lot from her mentors and fellow lab members, and liked learning and enhancing her research skills.
The DH Effect: see below.
Next Move: Denise will pursue a master’s in Clinical Psychology at CSUDH.
What is the most useful skill that you acquired during your time at CSUDH?
Attention to detail. This skill will help me as a graduate student and in my profession because it’s essential to be precise when conducting research and being a counseling psychologist.
Natalya Cardona, Cell and Molecular Biology/Biochemistry minor: Presidential Scholar
Inspirational Mentor(s): Adjunct Biology Professor Begona De Velasco.
Scholarship Takaways: See below.
Campus Life: Natalya enjoyed being a mentor and STEM tutor, which enabled her to help K-12 and undergraduate students succeed academically.
The DH Effect: Skill as a researcher is what Natalya has acquired as Toro that will guide her best throughout her career.
Next Move: This fall, Natalya will begin a Ph.D. program in Translational Genomics at The Lundquist Institute, and will continue working as a mentor and STEM tutor for undergraduate students.
In what ways did the Presidential Scholars program help prepare you for the future?
As a non-traditional, first-generation Latina pursuing higher education in a STEM field, one of my fears was being unable to complete my degree due to the lack of financial support because I am a self-supported student. It is because of the support from the Presidential Scholars Program that I have a future now.
Miriam Weinberg, Clinical Science: Medical Technology: Presidential Scholar
Inspirational Mentor(s): Assistant Professor of Chemistry Erin McCauley, and full-time Lecturer of Chemistry Barbara Belmont. See below.
Scholarship Takeaways: Miriam gained the confidence to be a leader, enhanced academic abilities, and the vigor to exceed expectations. She will use these skills to curb self-imposed limits and maximize her capabilities.
Campus Life: The closeness and the overall friendly atmosphere on campus, and the lasting relationships with faculty and classmates are what Miriam has cherished the most about her time at CSUDH.
The DH Effect: Adaptability is one of the most valuable skills Miriam gained at CSUDH, which she will use abundantly to enhance her career and life experiences.
Next Move: Miriam will be interning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center as part of the CSUDH Clinical Laboratory Science post-baccalaureate certificate program, which will make her eligible to become a licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist.
Who has been your most inspiring CSUDH faculty mentor(s) and why?
Something that I love about CSUDH is how much the faculty members care about their students, and how much time they’re willing to put in to ensure that their students are successful. I had several professors that I have so much respect for, but Barbara Belmont and Dr. Erin McCauley were two who I found to be very inspiring for their readiness to continually help students in matters that go beyond their respective classes.
Tania Lugo, Psychology: McNair Scholar
Inspirational Mentor(s): Associate Professor of Psychology Philip Vieira.
Scholarship Takeaways: For Tania, it was the financial support the McNair Scholars program offered that made her DH experience exceptional and helped her grow as a researcher and scholar.
Campus Life: see below.
The DH Effect: Tania learned how to perform several immunohistochemistry techniques, a valuable skill in neuroscience that enables scientists to measure protein expression in the brain.
Next Move: Tania will be enrolled in a Ph.D. in Psychology program at UCLA with an emphasis in Behavioral Neuroscience.
What did you enjoy the most about your CSUDH experience?
I enjoyed making friends at Dominguez Hills, and it was quite easy to make friends here. I was able to relate to many students who were also first-generation minority students. The sense of community at Dominguez Hills made it easier for me to navigate academia as I was able to ask for help from my peers. I will always remember the times I spent studying with my friends at the library.
Elijah Arzate, Psychology: Presidential Scholar
Inspirational Mentor(s): Heather Butler, associate professor and chair of the Department of Psychology.
Scholarship Takeaways: Through rich experiences, mentors, and the emotional support of Gayle Ball-Parker, Elijah learned perseverance and gained the tenacity to work through mental, physical, developmental, and learning disabilities, and to not view them as barriers to achievement.
Campus Life: See below.
The DH Effect: Among his many accomplishments, Elijah spent a summer attending a fieldwork and research program at Columbia University in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and the Summer Public Health Scholars Program. He was also accepted into the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program.
Next Move: Elijah launched his Masters in Library and Information Science at San Jose State this spring.
What did you enjoy the most about your CSUDH experience?
I chose to go to Dominguez Hills over other institutions due to its small size. Socially, I appreciated the familiarity I was able to build with the people I saw most often, such as those who also frequented the Queer Cultural and Resource Center. Academically, I enjoyed being able to get to know my class professors, as opposed to larger institutions where there is a level of anonymity. As simple as it sounds, I also looked forward to the little things, like being able to see and hear the professor even if the seats in the front of the classroom were taken.
Joseline González, English Literature/Chicana and Chicano Studies Minor: Mellon Mays scholar
Inspirational Mentor(s): Associate Professor of English Roderick Hernandez and Assistant Professor of Chicana and Chicano Studies Alfredo González.
Scholarship Takeaways: See below.
Campus Life: For Joseline, working and being with students, faculty, and staff was the most enjoyable part of her CSUDH experience. She was also deeply impacted while collaborating with the Toros Guardian Scholars program.
Next Move: Joseline will be entering the English Literature Ph.D. program at Texas A&M.
In what ways did the Mellon Mays program help prepare you for the future?
The program has become my main motivator for attending graduate school. The Mellon Mays faculty and resources have improved both my research and understanding of academia, and the summer programs and conferences I attended were instrumental to my undergraduate experience and successes.
Isabel Munoz, Psychology/Spanish minor: McNair Scholar
Inspirational Mentor(s): Psychology Lecturer Aimee Miller and Professor of Psychology Maria Hurtado-Ortiz.
Scholarship Takeaways: Isabel had always wanted to go to graduate school but didn’t have a clear vision of how to get there. Through the McNair Scholars Program, she received the resources to help her prepare and prosper in higher education and develop as a scholar and researcher.
Campus Life: Faculty and staff engagement, and student support are among the most valuable experiences Isabel gained during her time as a CSUDH student, which made a significant impact on her academic and personal life.
The DH Effect: See below
Next Move: The next step in Isabel’s academic journey will take place at CSU Northridge, where she will earn a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and continue to conduct research with an emphasis in neuropsychology.
What is the most useful skill that you acquired during your time at CSUDH?
Dominguez Hills helped me develop confidence as a student and leader. This skill will help me persevere in my future academic and personal goals. I became a confident student who is not afraid to communicate and ask questions. I will use this skill to guide and remind myself that my goals are possible.
Karlee Rivera, Earth Science: McNair Scholar
Inspirational Mentor(s): Assistant Professor of Earth Science and Geography Parveen Chhetri.
Scholarship Takeaways: One of the many benefits Karlee received through the McNair Scholars Program was comprehensive assistance through the graduate school application process.
Campus Life: See below.
The DH Effect: Karlee says that learning to conduct diligent research is the most important skill that developed at CSUDH.
Next Move: This fall, Karlee will attend UC Riverside in the Ph.D. Geological Sciences Program.
What did you enjoy the most about your CSUDH experience?
One of the most enjoyable things at CSUDH was the small community that provided me with constant support. It allowed me to make important relationships with my mentors and classmates, which made me feel supported and helped me succeed.
Daisha Campbell, Political Science: McNair Scholar
Inspirational Mentor(s): Assistant Professor of Political Science Yea Ji Kim. See below.
Scholarship Takeaways: Daisha appreciated the good advice she received from Michelle Martinez, director of the McNair Scholars Program, and the check-ins she received to make sure her academic plans and applications were moving forward.
Campus Life: Daisha enjoyed working as a peer mentor for the Encounter to Excellence program, which helped shape her character and prepare her professionally.
The DH Effect: Confidence was among the most important skills Daisha learned at CSUDH, which she says helps “mold my character.”
Next Move: Daisha has been accepted into the Ph.D. program for Political Science at UC Davis.
Who has been your most inspiring CSUDH faculty mentor(s) and why?
Dr. Yea Ji Kim has been the most wonderful mentor. While taking POL 340: Political Change First and in Third World Countries, I became more engaged in politics. Dr. Kim challenged me to be better and get the best opportunities. I was able to participate in the USC Summer Institute for Political Science because of her recommendation. She also encouraged me to pursue a Ph.D. I am grateful for her support.
Gabriel Angulo, Earth Science: McNair Scholar
Inspirational Mentor(s): Assistant Professor of Earth Science and Geography Parveen Chhetri.
Scholarship Takeaways: The McNair Scholars Program helped Gabriel with developing documents that he will need for future endeavors, and provided him the funding for conferences in his field and the experience to excel at them.
Campus Life: see below.
The DH Effect: At CSUDH, Gabriel gained the ability to find resources and the confidence in his abilities to tackle the obstacles ahead.
Next Move: Gabriel is considering applying for the Masters in Environmental Science program at CSUDH.
What did you enjoy the most about your CSUDH experience?
I made friends and had a home away from home in the Earth Science and Geography lab. I did all my assignments there and ate most of my meals during the week in that room. It was nice to be surrounded by people who were passionate about similar things.
Julissa Magana, Criminal Justice Administration and Psychology/Women’s Studies minor: Presidential Scholar
Inspirational Mentor(s): Chris Waters, adjunct professor of Public Administration, and a faculty adviser for the Southern California Collegiate Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.
Campus Life: See below.
The DH Effect: At CSUDH, Julissa learned to step out of her comfort zone. Many of the risks she took resulted in leadership opportunities, professional development experiences, and amazing friendships.
Next Move: Julissa will take a gap year from her studies, during which she will be researching institutions to enroll in a Ph.D. program for Forensic Psychology. She will also work to save money for graduate school.
What did you enjoy the most about your CSUDH experience?
Dominguez Hills is such a vibrant community, and everyone is always so friendly. …I really enjoyed getting to meet amazing people from my fellow Presidential Scholars and the people involved in the student organizations, to classmates, faculty, and those who you just happen to share a table with at lunch. It was easy for me to build my community on campus and feel like I truly belonged.
Michelle Mohr, Earth Science/Geography minor, with a certificate in Geospatial Techniques: McNair Scholar
Inspirational Mentor(s): Assistant Professor of Earth Science and Geography Parveen Chhetri. See below.
Scholarship Takeaways: The McNair program helped Michelle to prepare for the future in many ways. From hosting workshops and providing winter retreat “check ins,” to offering financial support to complete and present research.
Campus Life: Michelle enjoyed the close community she formed with others in her department, and attending campus events with fellow students while creating life long memories.
The DH Effect: Research and presentation skills are among the skills that Michelle honed while at CSUDH. She plans to use these skills to continue working in climate change research and to present her findings to the public on as many platforms as possible.
Next Move: Michelle has been accepted into CSUDH’s Masters of Environmental Science Program. Her long-term goals are to obtain a Ph.D. and continue research in paleoclimate studies using dendrochronology.
Who has been your most inspiring CSUDH faculty mentor(s) and why?
Dr. Parveen Chhetri. Since my first day on campus Dr. Chhetri has encouraged me to participate in research, present my work at as many academic conferences/platforms as possible, as well as apply for all the grants, scholarships and internship opportunities I could get. Without him, I know my time at Dominguez Hills would have been drastically different.
Bailey Campbell, Criminal Justice Administration: Presidential Scholar
Inspirational Mentor(s): Cailin K. White, University Outreach and School Relations.
Scholarship Takeaways: Through the Presidential Scholarship Program Bailey had the opportunity to interact with many intellectuals and inspiring indivduals, and she developed connections that will last a lifetime.
Campus Life: Bailey enjoyed making connections with other students at CSUDH. By working in multiple departments on campus, she formed many relationships and friendships with peers that were academically supportive. She says they would “never let each other fail,” particularly after those “sleepless nights together.”
The DH Effect: See below.
Next Move: Bailey plans to continue working as a restaurant server while searching for a professional career.
What is the most useful skill that you acquired during your time at CSUDH?
By being a tour guide and speaker at many DH events, I have become confident in my public speaking skills. I also learned how to be an efficient communicator through teaching prospective students about our amazing campus. My public speaking skills will help guide me in my future career because I plan to work in the law enforcement field. In this field, I must be able to speak up in front of others and be an effective leader.
