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Undergraduate Research
Opportunities Center
N e w s l e t t e r | S U M M E R 2 0 2 4
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 |  | As we prepare for another exciting fall semester on campus, I’d like to take a moment to congratulate all of the UROCers who engaged in research/creative activities this summer - and also to those who are moving on to graduate school or the workforce. You can read about many of their amazing achievements in this issue of our newsletter. One of the highlights of this time of year is the Summer Symposium: this year, like every year, we convened in the Tanimura & Antle Family library to mark the end of summer and celebrate myriad research/creative activities conducted by students near and far, working with CSUMB faculty, regional partners, and colleagues further afield. It’s one of the events we here at UROC look forward to most, as students come back to campus invigorated by their experiences, ready to dig into further scholarly activities. This fall we look forward to working with continuing and new student cohorts in the UROC Scholars, McNair, and Researchers programs. We also look forward to continuing work with our Koret Scholars and Apple Scholars; I was especially excited to hear recently that we have been granted continuing awards to keep both of these signature programs going.
Enjoy reading about our amazing students - and we look forward to seeing you on campus soon!
John “Buck” Banks, Ph.D.
UROC Director
**Image of John Banks and Oscar Murillo-Espinoza, McNair Scholar, at the Summer Symposium.
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René Aguilera, Kinesiology
Miguel Alvarado, Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy
Mercedes Ballejos, Psychology
Haley Bartlett, Cinematic Arts and Technology
Curtis Bireley, Agricultural Plant and Soil Science
Vanessa Bravo-Trujillo, Agricultural Plant and Soil Science
Michiel Breen, Kinesiology
Guadalupe Cabrera, ITEP: Education
Ahn Cao, Environmental Studies
Mackenzie Caprino, Marine Science
Ellery Charleton, Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy
Aidan Cohen, Marine Science
Vaughn Compas, Marine Science
Gabriel Curiel, Marine Science
Caitlyn Davidson, Biology
Stephanie Faris, Marine Science
Jorge Flores, Agricultural Plant and Soil Science
Madison Franke, Biology
Shelby Franke, Biology
Jairo Gamez, Marine Science
Sean Gleavy, Agricultural Plant and Soil Science
Amanda Gutierrez, Psychology
Marc Guzman, Agricultural Plant and Soil Science
Ashley Hinds, Social and Behavioral Science
Alex Imperial, Agricultural Plant and Soil Science
Jonathan Ingan, Kinesiology
Ramsha Iqbal, Social and Behavioral Science
Lisa Irvine, Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy
Citlaly Jaurequi, Kinesiology
Micah Kendall, Mathematics
Sonia Kortenkamp, Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy
Nicolle Leon, Kinesiology
Brielle Liske, Biology
Anna Lopez, Business Accounting
Edwin Lopez, Global Studies
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Tianyi Luo, Environmental Studies
Alexandra Mallon, Biology
Jake Martin, Cinematic Arts and Technology
Alexis Martinez, Humanities and Communication
Miguel Martinez, Agricultural Plant and Soil Science
Jacque McKay, Marine Science
Bailey Miller, Computer Science
Matthias Milton, Marine Science
Sarah Moloney, Marine Science
Dylan Moran, Marine Science
Hana Moyle, Marine Science
Cameron Oakley, Computer Science
Branden Padilla, Humanities and Communication
Erika Padilla-Huerta, Agricultural Plant and Soil Science
Ulisses Peralta-Diaz, Agricultural Plant and Soil Science
Grace Quinowski, Psychology
Connor Rad, Marine Science
Ashley Rawlins, Biology
Cecilia Regalado Diaz, Agricultural Plant and Soil Science
Stefano Rincon, Biology
Matthew Ritchey, Kinesiology
Valeria Rodriguez, Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy
Jude Saxton, Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy
Zoe Schimnowski, Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy
Shannon Sondeno, Marine Science
Jasper Tao, Agricultural Plant and Soil Science
Cassidy Thompson, Marine Science
Daran Towns, Marine Science
Aline Tusan, Marine Science
Jasmine Valdez, Agricultural Plant and Soil Science
Madison Villalpando, Agricultural Plant and Soil Science
Nicholas Weinman, Agricultural Plant and Soil Science
Shay Zalavadia, Marine Science
Zachary Zirbel, Marine Science
Nicholas Zuniga, Psychology
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African Heritage Research Collaborative
Gennelle Watkins, Social and Behavioral Science
Liyah Marie Boyd, Humanities and Communication
Cottell Ealey, Human Development and Family Science
Rosa Gonzalez Mojarro, Collaborative Health and Human Services
Audrey Jones, Collaborative Health and Human Services
Leahna Valenzuela, Humanities and Communication
Koret Scholars
Alo Wilson, Psychology
Brianna Saucedo, Business Administration
C Mazariegos, Psychology
Danielle Francisco, Psychology
Kyle Parker, Psychology
Leila Ashman, Psychology
Nathan Salow, Psychology
Neahkahnie Conley, Psychology
Stela Apostolova, Psychology
Alexandra Aboukhater, Psychology
Sydney Utley, Psychology
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UROC Scholars
Alma Leon, Biology
Emily Donahue, Environmental Science, Technology and Policy
Ingrid Martinson, Marine Science
Zachary Vayder, Marine Science
Lexi Yokomizo, Environmental Science, Technology and Policy
McNair Scholars
Kimmy Smith, Collaborative Health and Human Services
Jissel Antonio, Humanities and Communication
Rosa Acevedo Duran, Psychology
Connor Quiroz, Environmental Science, Technology and Policy
Apple Scholars
Alora Skustad, Marine Science
Berenice Lemus, Business Administration
Moana Bullock, Marine Science
Natalie Frontella, Marine Science
Elliot Shabram, Computer Science
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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 fall. | |
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Zachary Vayder
UROC Scholar
Master's in Marine Biology
University of Alaska Fairbanks
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Shannon Sondeno
UROC Researcher
Master’s in Enviromental Science
Cal State Monterey Bay
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Connor Quiroz
McNair Scholar
Master’s in Aquatic and Fisheries Science
University of Washington
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Rosa Acevedo Duran
McNair Scholar
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
University of Oregon
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Citlaly Jaurequi
UROC Researcher
Master's in Kinesiology
Oregon State University
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Riley Moulton
UROC Researcher
Ph.D. in Ocean Science
UC Santa Cruz
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Jissel Antonio
McNair Scholar
Master’s in Chicano/a Studies
San José State University
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René
UROC Researcher
Master's in Kinesiology
CSU Fullerton
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Jastper Tao
UROC Researcher
Master's in Plant Pathology
University of Minnesota
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Berenice Lemus
Apple Scholar
Master’s in Accounting
University of South Carolina
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Hana Moyle
UROC Researcher
Ph.D. in Ocean Science
UC Santa Cruz
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Ingrid Martinson
UROC Scholar
Ph.D. in Ocean Science
UC Santa Cruz
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Elliot Shabram
Apple Scholar
Master's in Computer Science
UC Davis
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Nicholas Zuniga
UROC Researcher
Master's in Counseling
St. Marys' College of CA
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Curtis Bireley
UROC Researcher
Master's in Agriculture
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
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Kimberly Smith
McNair Scholar
Master's in Public Health
UCLA
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Lexi Yokomizo
UROC Scholar
Master's in Environmental Policy and Management
UC Davis
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Matthias Milton
UROC Researcher
Master's in Marine Science
Moss Landing Marine Labs
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Zachary Zirbel
UROC Researcher
Master's in Marine Science
Moss Landing Marine Lab
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Gabriel Curiel
UROC Researcher
Ph.D. in Marine Physiology
UC Santa Cruz
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And a Round of Applause Goes to... | |
Berenice Lemus - Selected for an Outstanding Future Alumni Awards during the 2023-24 College of Business Awards & Accomplishments. | |
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Dean’s Medalist Winners!
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Mariana “MJ” Jimenez, College of Science
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Alo Wilson, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
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Citlaly Jauregui, College of Health and Human Services
Read more about it!
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Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society | |
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Congratulations to UROC Scholar, Ingrid Martinson, on being selected as the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society North American Scholar!
With their selection as an OWUSS Recipient, Ingrid becomes the first CSUMB student and the first CSU student since 1985 to be selected for this highly competitive scholarship!
As a OWUSS Recipient, Ingrid will work with leaders in marine-related fields partaking in endeavors ranging from scientific expeditions, underwater research, field study, laboratory assignments, equipment testing and design, photographic instruction, and/or other specialized assignments. Ingrid will spend the year traveling extensively to strengthen her hands-on experiences that will contribute to their well-rounded education. Ingrid just finished working on coral restoration with the Reef Revival grassroots initiative in the Galápagos islands. Follow their blog to see what awesome adventure they're in!
Congratulations, Ingrid!
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Baldock and Butler Scholars Awarded | |
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Congratulations to McNair Scholars, Levi Mahler, Japanese Language and Culture, and Sarina Regis, Biology (pictured with Ms. Baldock and Dr. Butler) on being named B&B Scholars! Both Levi and Sarina are applying to graduate 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) supports Scholars in their undergraduate research and graduate school application endeavors. Award are 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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CSU Student Research Competition 2024 Results | |
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The California State University Student Research Competition (CSU SRC) was held this past April, hosted by Cal Poly San Luis Obispo! The CSUMB Delegates presented across 2 days in six different categories alongside 240 students representing all 23 campuses.
Congratulations to Ilia Borromeo and Mariana Jimenez, who won 1st place for their presentation “Exploring the Recovery of the Pismo Clam (Tivela stultorum) in the Monterey Bay”! Oscar Murillo-Espinoza was selected for an Honorable Mention for his presentation “Arithmetical Structures on Canoe Paddle Graphs”
Picture of Ilia Borromeo and Mariana Jimenez with Natasha Oehlman
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McNair Scholar Highlights | |
A dedicated section for everything McNair Scholars, both current and alum! | |
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Congratulations to Caleb Hernandez on completing his year-long research internship with the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Jellies Team. Special thanks for Manny Ezcurra, Curator of Fish and Invertebrates, and Ellen Umeda, Senior Aquarist, for their mentorship throughout the year.
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Congratulations to Wendy Feng (‘22) on graduating from the University of Oregon with their Masters of Science in Environmental Studies!
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Congratulations to Rosa Elena Acevedo Duran on being selected as a California State University Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program (CDIP) Fellow for the 2024-25 school year! Rosa is the first CSUMB undergraduate to be awarded this honor.
The goal of the California State University Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program (CDIP) is to increase the number of faculty with the qualifications, motivation, and skills needed to teach the diverse students of the CSU.
CDIP prepares promising doctoral students for CSU faculty positions by providing financial support, mentorship by CSU faculty and professional development and grant resources. It is the largest program of its kind in the U.S.
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Congratulations to the following newly published UROC alumni and their research faculty! | |
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Derek Lilienthal, UROC Researcher. Multi-Resolution Diffusion for Privacy-Sensitive Recommender Systems. IEEE Access
Nikole Babcock, UROC Scholar. How LGBTQ+ Young Adults Navigate Personal Risk in App-Based Hookups: The Safety Spectrum Theory. Archives of Sexual Behavior.
Selsela Arsala, UROC Researcher, Madison Franke, UROC Researcher, Shelby Franke, UROC Researcher, Simon-Olivier Gingras, UROC Researcher, Katelyn Huie, UROC Researcher, Samantha Kozlo, UROC Researcher, Levi Molnar, UROC Researcher, Sarina Regis, McNair Scholar, and Dr. Arun Sharma, Assistant Professor of Biology and Chemistry. Machine learning to identify structural motifs in asphaltenes. Results in Chemistry.
Matthew Ritchey, UROC Researcher, Margaret Falknor, UROC Researcher, Steven Kim, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Statistics, George Beckham, Associate Professor of Kinesiology, and Eric Martin, Associate Professor of Kinesiology. Lack of Neuromuscular Fatigue Due to Recreational Doubles Pickleball. J — Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal
Katrina Conen, UROC Scholar. The Effects of Burnout, Team Support, and Perceived Leader Effectiveness on Career Interventions Among JAG Corps Personnel. Military Medicine
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CSU Pre-Doctoral Sally Casanova Award Recipients | |
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Congratulations to McNair Scholars, Yeritzi Victoria (Psychology & Spanish Language and Culture), Samantha Ulloa (Psychology), UROC Scholar, Alyssa Walter (Marine Science), Koret Scholar, Saba Shah (Human Development and Family Science), and UROC Researcher, Laura Flores (Psychology) who have been named as 2024-2025 Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars. Each will each receive an award of $5,000 to support graduate school and professional development activities for the upcoming school year. This year also represents the largest class of Sally Casanova Scholars in CSUMB history. Read more about it on CSUMB News.
UROC Scholar Alum, Nevan Bell (‘23), graduate student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, was also named as a 2024-2025 Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholar.
The CSU Pre- Doctoral 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 2024-25 year, 77 scholars, both undergraduate and graduate students, were selected from 212 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 2025-26 scholarship application cycle will open in December 2024.
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Year End Celebration 2024 | |
Enjoy some pictures of our undergraduate researchers from our Year End Celebration! | |
Matthias Milton is excited to receive his UROC stole. | |
Kimberly Smith and Rosa Acevedo Duran reflect on their time as McNair Scholars. | |
Citlaly Jaurequi reflects on her time at CSUMB. | |
Dr. Sherry Palacios is presented with the Mentor of the Year Award. | |
Buck places the UROC stole on René Aguilera. | |
Buck places the UROC stole on Grace Quinowski. | |
Summer Research Symposium 2024 | |
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Special thanks to everyone who joined us for the 11th annual Summer Research Symposium! This was by far the biggest symposium ever: 132 students presented their research representing 8-10 weeks of faculty mentored summer research ranging from humanities, marine sciences, psychology, biology, agricultural and soil science, and education.
This year, there was representation from 12-14 different grant-funded programs, including the Nurturing Relationships To Harvest Success: Leveraging Social Capital For Training The Next Generation Of Diverse Agricultural Leaders Program managed by Dr. JP Dundore-Arias, National Institutes Of Health (Nih) Genome Research Experiences To Attract Talented Undergraduates Into The Genomics Field To Enhance Diversity (Great) Scholars Program managed by Dr. Nathaniel Jue and Dr. Shahidul Islam, and many more!
Enjoy images from our 11th Annual Summer Research Symposium!
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Dr. Frank Macabenta and his mentees. | |
A super group of undergraduate researchers. | |
Jackie Schmidt and Hamza Al-Hakim present their research. | |
Valerie Aring presents their research on CA condors. | |
Dolores Marquez, Laura Mercado, and Yeritzi Victoria are proud to present their work on false memory. | |
Matt Biermann proudly stands by his research poster on gopher fish. | | |
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