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Undergraduate Research
Opportunities Center
N e w s l e t t e r | M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 3
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May the Research
Be With You
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Another school year in the books!
It seems like I say this every year, but this was by far our largest UROC graduating class yet -- 98 students! This year, participants from our UROC Scholars / McNair Scholars, UROC Researchers, Koret Scholars, African Heritage Research Collaborative, STEM Education Research Experience, LSAMP Rising Researchers, and our newest program, Apple Scholars, received their UROC graduation stoles at our Year End Celebration. All of these students have demonstrated -- via both internal and external measures -- the powerful transformation that engagement in the high-impact practice of undergraduate research can bring about. This work is not easy; it takes tremendous effort, discipline, and passion, along with a supportive and nurturing community – even during non-pandemic times. And so, as we do every year, we take this time to celebrate their accomplishments. Congratulations!
Moving forward, be sure to mark your calendars for our next campus student research showcase: Nearly 100 students engaged in research and scholarship across nearly every discipline this summer will be presenting at our 10th Annual Summer Research Symposium on Friday, August 11th. This event will be a great opportunity to see yet more excellent student contributions to the scholarly vibrancy of our campus and local community.
Best wishes to all for a fun and productive summer of research & scholarly activities!
John “Buck” Banks, Ph.D.
UROC Director
**Image of John Banks placing stole over Destiny Henderson-Hudgins at the Year End Celebration
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Aleah Adame, Environmental Science
Kayla Arakawa, Marine Science
Kaden Ball, Cinematic Arts and Technology
Wells Calac, Marine Science
Samantha Camacho, Psychology
Alyssa Chappel, Kinesiology
Kelly Christensen, Global Studies
Yoshio Clemente-Astudillo, Psychology
Michelle Cone, Environmental Science
Mario Coronado-Cartmell, Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy
Emily Elizabeth, Psychology
Olivia Equinoa, Environmental Science
Tom Evert, Statistics
Samantha Fischer, Human Development and Family Science
Sierra Fishman, Humanities and Communication
Kiara Gable, Agricultural and Soil Science
Devynn Gately, Marine Science
Keshav Gupta, Computer Science
Smokey Heisey, Business Administration
Destiny Henderson-Hudgins, Biology
Lucia Hercher, Environmental Studies
Katie Herrmann, Biology
Nia Howard, Kinesiology
Natalie Hunter, Biology
Vasiliki “Kiki” Iden, Mathematics
Annie Jones, Environmental Studies
Bryce Jones, Marine Science
Danijela Jozinovic, Environmental Studies
Paris Kellogg, Marine Science
Micah Kendall, Mathematics
Hannah Kim, Marine Science & Visual and Public Arts
Mikaela Kirkpatrick, Kinesiology
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Kai Larrieu, Agricultural and Soil Science
Cody Leporini, Statistics
Mazie Lewis, Marine Science
Valerie Li, Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy
Isabel Lizarraga, Biology
Cristian Martinez, Marine Science
Melissa McGinnis, Psychology
Robbie Medina, Marine Science
Cole Mefford, Agricultural and Soil Science
Avery Mentken, Marine Science
Caitlyn Morgan, Agricultural and Soil Science
Tyler Morgan, Marine Science
Dana O’Donnell, Social Behavioral Science
Myrna Pacheco-Ramos, Spanish Language and Cultures
Jherrica Phillips, Kinesiology
Miguel Rodriguez, Marine Science
Ingrid Romero, Psychology
Diego Salgado, Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy
Paige Siegel, Marine Science
Abygail Singer, Mathematics
Daniella Spina, Marine Science
Hayli Stewart, Environmental Studies
Mary Sullivan, Cinematic Arts and Technology
Alondra Tapia, Social Behavioral Science
Monica Urias, Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy
Lily Vang, Psychology
Juan Vargas, Agricultural and Soil Science
Elise Vasquez, Agricultural and Soil Science
Stephanie Vu, Business Administration
Tianna Wehby, Kinesiology
Maddy Willey, Cinematic Arts and Technology
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African Heritage Research Collaborative
Stephanie Stephens, Marine Science
Brooklyn Greene, Psychology
Zah-Rah La Tour, Business Administration
Jaren Leary, Social and Behavioral Science
Charnelle Wickliff, Master's of Science in Marine Science
Koret Scholars
Brenda Alfaro, Business Administration
Sofia Christofi, Psychology
Jennifer Lopez, Psychology
Devon McCauley, Social & Behavioral
Science
Maria Navarro, Psychology
Lesly Rocha, Business Administration
LSAMP Rising Researchers
Leta Dawson, Marine Science
Julio Hernandez-Vazquez, Statistics
Science Education Research Experience
Eric DeSoto, Biology
Krysta Malech, Biology
Mackenzie Price, Biology
Kenneth Tran, Marine Science
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UROC Scholars
Grace Hardy, Biology
Nikole Babcock, Psychology
Gabriel Morales, Social & Behavioral Science
Connor Rickard, Biology
Nicholas Romero, Marine Science
Eva Scrivner, Marine Science
Taylor Trivino, Marine Science
Emily Vidusic, Marine Science
Spencer Winter, Human Development & Family Science; Biology
McNair Scholars
Angelica May Amita, Business Administration
Jocelyn Chavez-Diaz, Spanish Language and Cultures
Robert Hays, Biology
Emilia Lepe, Marine Science
Serena Ross, Psychology
Apple Scholars
Monica Aguayo, Psychology
Monica Gutierrez, Psychology
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UROC is proud to play a role in the development of education ownership, intellectual vibrancy, and scholarly identity in our CSUMB students. This growth allows students to not only move into the next phase of their academic careers, but also better prepare for the intellectual challenges they will encounter. We congratulate the following UROC students who will embark on a whole new academic journey around the country this coming fall. | |
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Hannah Kim
UROC Researcher
Master of Science in Biology
Eastern Washington University
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Angelica May Amita
McNair Scholar
Master’s in Marketing
University of Houston
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Kiki Iden
UROC Researcher
Master’s in Education, Teaching Education Program
UC Santa Barbara
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Devon McCauley
Koret Scholar
Master of Library and Information Science
San José State University
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Spencer Winter
UROC Scholar
Ph.D. in Bioengineering
California Institute of Technology
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Nevan Bell
UROC Scholar
Master’s in Higher Education Counseling & Student Affairs
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
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Caitlyn Morgan
UROC Researcher
Master’s in Horticulture and Agronomy
UC Davis
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Monica Urias
UROC Researcher,
Koret Scholar
Ph.D. in Ecology
UC Davis
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Matt Mondragon
LSAMP Member
Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program
Medical University of South Carolina
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Monica Gutierrez
Koret Scholar
Master’s in School Psychology
CSU Monterey Bay
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Leta Dawson
LSAMP Rising Researcher
Master of Science in Marine Biology
CSU Northridge
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Yoshio Clemente-Astudillo
UROC Researcher
Master’s in Human Factors and Ergonomics
San José State University
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Grace Hardy
UROC Scholar
Ph.D. in Botany and
Plant Pathology
Oregon State University
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Nikole Babcock
UROC Scholar
Ph.D. in Human Development and
Family Science
University of Connecticut
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Jocelyn Chavez-Diaz
McNair Scholar
Master of Arts in Teaching
San José State University
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Taylor Trivino
UROC Scholar
Master of Science in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
University of Washington
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Annie Jones
UROC Researcher
Masters in Urban Planning
San José State University
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Melissa McGinnis
UROC Researcher
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
Alliant International University
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Cristian Martinez
UROC Researcher
Master’s in Marine Science
Moss Landing Marine Labs
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Elise Vasquez
UROC Researcher
Masters in Environmental Science
CSU Monterey Bay
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And a Round of Applause Goes to... | |
Nevan Bell, UROC Scholar was awarded the Alumni Vision Award, which recognizes a graduating student who best exemplifies the vision of CSUMB, namely preparing leaders for a collaborative, multicultural society – especially in the areas of bridging socio-economic divides, celebrating diversity and promoting understanding and respect for other cultures. Learn more about his and the winners’ achievements on the CSUMB News Page. | |
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Spencer Winter, UROC Scholar, was awarded the Provost’s Award for Exemplary Academic Achievement. Learn more about his and the winners’ achievements on the CSUMB News Page.
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Caitlyn Morgan, UROC Researcher, was awarded the CSU Monterey Bay’s 2023 Dean’s Medalist award for the College of Science. Learn more about his and the winners’ achievements on the CSUMB News Page. | |
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Connor Quiroz, McNair Scholar, and Lexi Yokomizo, UROC Scholar, presented their research at the 2023 Society for Freshwater Science Annual Meeting in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, and were recognized with Best Undergraduate Presentation Awards.
*Picture of Connor Quiroz, Dr. John Olson, Gretchen Wichman (UROC Scholar Alum) and Lexi Yokomizo
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Berenice Lemus, Apple Scholar, received the Hilda Holl Memorial Scholarship, presented by Michael Holl, husband of the late Hilda Holl. This yearly scholarship is focused on, but not limited to, Hispanic women business students. Learn more about it on the CSUMB News Page. | |
Madison Heard, UROC Scholar Alum and current graduate student at UC Santa Barbara was honored with a University Award of Distinction for the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology. This award is presented annually to graduating seniors and graduate students who have made an outstanding contribution to a particular area of UCSB student life. | |
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Baldock and Butler Scholars Awarded | |
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Congratulations to Emily Donahue, Environmental Science Technology & Policy (Statistics minor) and Ingrid Martinson, Marine Science (Environmental Health Policy minor) on being named B&B Scholars for 2023!
Ingrid aims to earn a Ph.D. in marine science and pursue a research career in the non-profit sector as a marine conservation biologist focusing on sustainability and social justice for marginalized communities.
Emily aims to earn Ph.D. in ecology to focus on protecting the intricate and productive ecosystems found in nature while also establishing a baseline for environmental outreach efforts to lead in the areas of science and communication.
Both Emily and Ingrid will be applying to doctoral programs this fall.
Dr. Phil Butler and Ms. Barbara Baldock have been supporting UROC Scholars every year since 2011.
The Barbara Baldock and Phillip Butler Scholarship (aka The B&B Scholarship) awards UROC Scholars $5000 to support their undergraduate research and graduate school application endeavors. Award based on academic achievement, undergraduate research interests, financial need, graduate school aspirations, and a commitment to serve the community through research, outreach, and service.
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2023 Graduate School and Professional Degree
Prep Conference
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The 2nd annual Graduate School and Professional Degree Prep Conference was a huge success! Funded by the CSUMB METAS grant and hosted by UROC, the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center in partnership with the CLC, Cooperative Learning Center; Center for Advising, Career, and Student Success; and MAESTROs, students learned about the factors involved in applying to graduate school and credential programs–and most importantly, had dedicated workshop time to work on, and get feedback on various parts of their application.
Thank you to everyone who helped make these three days a success!
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McNair Scholar Highlights | |
A dedicated section for everything McNair Scholars, both current and alum! | |
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CSU Pre-Doctoral Sally Casanova Award Recipients
UROC McNair Scholars Rosa Acevedo Duran, Psychology, and Kimberly Smith, Collaborative Health and Human Services, have been named as 2023-2024 Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars. Duran and Smith will each receive an award of $5,000 to support graduate school and professional development activities for the upcoming school year. Congratulations, Rosa and Kimmy!
The CSU PreDoctoral program is designed to increase the pool of potential faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of California State University students. The program places a special emphasis on increasing the number of CSU students who enter doctoral programs at one of the University of California institutions. For the 2023-24 year, 77 scholars, both undergraduate and graduate students, were selected from 156 applicants across the CSU.
Interested in learning more about this scholarship? Pop into an information session this fall; check out MyRaft to sign up. The 2024-25 scholarship application cycle will open in December 2023.
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Research Poster Award!
Congratulations to McNair Scholar alum, Wendy Feng (class of 2022), whose research poster won the award for “Best Engagement with Environmental Justice” at the Annual Environmental Joint Campus Conference.
The Joint Campus Conference (JCC) is an annual event that brings together graduate students and faculty to present research from three programs: the Environmental Sciences Program at Oregon State University, the Environmental Sciences and Management Program at Portland State University, and the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Oregon.
Congratulations, Wendy!
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Looks Who's Graduating!
Congratulations to McNair Scholar alum, Jada Carter (class of 2021), who has graduated from Norwegian University of Life Sciences and Wageningen University and Research (WUR) in the Netherlands! Jada now holds a Master of Science in Organic Agriculture and will be applying to PhD programs in the fall. Jada is currently in Sweden completing her internship.
Congratulations, Jada!
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Every year, students in the UROC Scholars and McNair Scholars program are encouraged and supported to apply to summer research experiences outside of the UROC Summer Researchers Program. Participating in these experiences can help students clarify career interests and post-graduation plans while strengthening written and oral communication, critical thinking, and technical skills. It also provides exposure to other branches within one’s discipline that students may never have even thought about and increases networking opportunities as well.
Check out some of the programs and places some of our Scholars are participating in.
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Alyssa Walter, UROC Scholar and Ernest F. Hollings Scholar, spent 4 days at the NOAA Orientation in Maryland before starting the COAST Ocean Exploration Internship working with the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary In Santa Barbara.
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Damaris Ispache, McNair Scholar, is participating in the Sustainability Opportunities for Agricultural Research Summer Program at the University of Minnesota.
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Kattie Padilla, UROC Scholar, is at Emory University for the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience program in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Levi Mahler, McNair Scholar, spent three weeks in Japan with the CSUMB Tyler Fellows. They toured various sites along with Dr. Dustin Wright and two other fellows all while collecting data that they will analyze upon returning home. Alo Wilson, Koret Scholar, was also part of the trip.
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Oscar Murillo-Espinoza, McNair Scholar, is in Occidental College in Los Angeles for an REU focusing on coding theory, number theory, and related topics.
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Karla Buitrago-Yepes, left, and Emily Donahue, right, UROC Scholars, are back in their hometown of San Diego working on the Spiny Lobster Fisheries Conservation Project with California Fish and Wildlife.
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Jasmin Juarez-Gonzalez, McNair Scholar, is at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute’s Summer Internship Program in Moss Landing. | |
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The 10th Annual Summer Research Symposium will take place on Friday, August 11th, 2023 at the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Science Building and the Tanimura and Antle Family Memorial Library where we will celebrate the research, scholarship, and creative activities of the undergraduate students in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center & Monterey Regional Ocean Sciences Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program.
Stay tuned for more details!
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Enjoy some pictures of our undergraduate researchers from our Year End Celebration and Commencement! | |
Mia Lepe is excited for the Year End Celebration! | |
Buck places the UROC stole on Devynn Gately. | |
Dr. Danielle Burchett with her mentees: Monica Gutierrez, Melissa McGinnis, and Ingrid Romero. | |
Dr. Alison Haupt is presented with the Mentor of the Year Award. | |
Nia Howard with her mentor Dr. Steven Machek and labmate Rene Aguilera. | |
Buck places the UROC stole on Jocelyn Chavez-Diaz. Dr. Alison Haupt is presented with the Mentor of the Year Award. | |
Gabriel Morales can't wait to start commencement! | |
A super group of research mentors! Dr. De Miguel, Dr. Penalver, Dr. Matthews, and Dr. Burchett | |
Monica Urias and Mario Coronado Cartmell pose for a quick picture. | |
Annie Jones and Michelle Cone are all smiles. | |
Sarah Kuykendall shows off her graduation stoles. | |
The Marine Science Crew! Eva Scriver, Emily Vidusic, Paige Siegel, and Cristian Martinez. | | |
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Chat with us!
Want to get involved in research but don't know where to start? Set up a virtual consultation on the UROC website!
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