Undergraduate Research Opportunity Center
N e w s l e t t e r | J a n u a r y 2 0 2 0
New Year, New Crew!
Meet the Newest Additions to the UROC Scholars/McNair Scholars Program!

Pictured above is the newest cohort of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center's Scholars Program. We have representation across many majors and disciplines including Mathematics & Statistics, Collaborative Health and Human Services, Psychology, Biology and Business, among others. We congratulate them on their achievements and welcome them into the growing UROC family.

Joining UROC as scholar is a 2 year commitment to research under a CSUMB mentor along with two summers of research at CSUMB or another campus or organization. Though the program is challenging, by the end, students will be ready to enter graduate school or the workforce with a strong CV

During their first semester these scholars will will be engaging in classes that help them secure positions in summer research across the country and even internationally. They will be learning the fundamentals of CV and resume organization as well as personal statement writing in order to help them be the best candidates they can be.

Some of the students have also assumed the role of Ronald E. McNair Scholars. The McNair Scholars Program prepares academically-talented and motivated undergraduates for doctoral studies in STEM. By providing research funding and other opportunities for scholarly advancement, it support each students successful transition to a graduate program.

We are excited for the new chapter they are about to open and wish them luck on their journey to success! Thinking of applying to the Scholars Program? Follow the link to see what its all about and maybe set up a consultation!
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Say Farewell to UROC's FALL 19' Graduates!
These outstanding students will also begin a new chapter in their lives as they await responses from graduate institutions as well as future employers. Congratulations graduates! Full steam ahead!

Kylin Peck, Psychology & Statistics Sonia Olmos, Humanities and Communication and Chicanx Studies Rene Nunez, Environmental Science Tech and Policy Erin Mansel, Cinematic Arts and Technology Laura Lesyna, Marine Sciences Megan Salomonson, Marine Sciences Sienna Lish, Kinesiology

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The 1st Ever McNair Alumni Panel!
On December 13th, 2019, UROC hosted its first ever alumni panel in which UROC graduates reconvened to share their stories from CSUMB and how UROC shaped graduate school experience. They provided advice and answered questions for undergraduates through the panel as well as through more intimate conversation over the post-panel dinner reception. We'd like to say thank you to our lovely panelists and good luck as you continue on your career path. Click the link to read more.
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Rookies Program

In its third iteration, the research rookies program is design to introduce curious and motivated students to academic research. Over the course of a single semester, students are tasked with a series of self-paced online assignments that build their research identity and begin to develop their communications skills. Students also have the opportunity to network with current UROC researchers and mentors. Once they've completed the program, students are encouraged to apply to the UROC Researchers and UROC Scholars Programs. Click the link to learn more.
Mentor Spotlight
Student Spotlight
Dr. Eric Crandall

Dr. Eric Crandall has been a mentor to many students in the UROC family. With a focus on evolutionary biology and molecular ecology, Crandall's lab sought to understand larval dispersal of marine species. His mentees have an impressive history of publication and are dedicated to communicating the importance of their work to the larger science community. We would to say farewell to Dr. Crandall as he begins a new journey at Penn State University. Thank you for your time and commitment to our students at UROC!
Vanessa Garcia

Vanessa Garcia is a senior majoring in biology here at CSUMB. As a UROC Researcher, Vanessa worked in Dr. Crandall's Molecular Ecology Lab studying how larval dispersal influences aquatic gene flow. She has also become an NIH-BD2K Scholar at UC Santa Cruz. There, she works in Dr. Russ Corbett-Detig's Evolutionary Genomics Lab studying the parameters that govern tRNA gene evolution. After graduation, Vanessa would like to attend graduate school for Genomics and Bioinformatics.
Events and Resources
1 . 30 . 2020 4 pm - 5 pm
Workshop: I've Started My Application...Now What?
Bring any component of your application to get feedback from UROC staff member with a lot of experience reviewing applications.
Student Opportunity Center
SOC is your one stop shop for the best real-world learning opportunities across the nation.

From internships to summer research to publication opportunities, SOC helps students reach their professional goals and individual potential.

Take advantage of this free service to CSUMB students by creating an account today!
Meet the Creators
Jada Carter
Biology Major
Brandon Garcia
Psych Major
Yazmin Macias
HCOM Major