|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
> Home > McNair Scholars Program > Current ScholarsMcNair Scholars Program 2005-2006 McNair Scholars
MICHELLE ALBERTELLA Michelle Albertella
is a senior with a major in psychology and double minor in biology and
philosophy and has enjoyed the opportunity of participating in
research under generous faculty and would like to continue working in
research in the future. Michelle plans to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical neuropsychology followed by a career of performing neuropsychological
assessments as well as conducting research and teaching.
KARLA ALONSO Karla Alonso transferred to CSUDH from Los Angeles Trade Tech as an EOP student and absolutely loves being here at CSUDH! She is a History major with a minor in Chicano Studies. She will pursue her PH.D. in the field of U.S. History with a possible emphasis on Chicana/o History/Cultures. She is excited about being a McNair Scholar and cannot wait to go to graduate school. In her time off, she likes to go to the movies, spend time with her significant other as well as her family. 
MARIO APODACA Mario Apodaca is a senior majoring in Chemistry. His goals are two-fold: first, to pursue a doctoral degree in chemistry and second, to eventually become a university faculty member. Currently, he is an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. H Leonardo Martinez’s theoretical chemistry group working in chemical kinetics of molecules in one dimension. He hopes to use the knowledge gained in Dr. Martinez’s group and apply it to his future experimental research. His research interests lie in the linking of nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, with biological molecules that ultimately assemble into complex structures with specifically designed functional properties. 
JYENNY BABCOCK Jyenny Babcock is a senior Psychology student, with a minor in crafts. Ms.Babcock is applying to Ph.D. programs in Counseling Psychology and plans to pursue a university teaching or counseling position. Her areas of research interest include self-efficacy, perceptions of success, goal achievement and academic and career satisfaction. She is currently conducting research with her mentor, Dr. Larry Rosen, on the impact of self-disclosure on impression formation in online dating. She has maintained a 4.0 grade average while attending CSUDH and is active within the campus community. She is a member of Psi Chi the National Honor Society in Psychology and president of the CSUDH Ceramics Guild. Outside of the university, Ms. Babcock is a silversmith with a thriving jewelry business. 
ELIZABETH BERMUDEZ As the youngest of nine children, Elizabeth's life has been filled with adventure and discovery, including a passion for discovery through research and learning. To that end, Elizabeth received an Associate of Arts degree in English with honors from El Camino College in 2004 and currently is a senior at California State University, Dominguez Hills pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature with a minor in Language and Linguistics. The ever-trivial question asked by friends and loved ones, "when will you be finished with school?" never discourages Elizabeth as she plans to go to school forever! A bit shy, Elizabeth would like to utilize the McNair Scholars Program as a motivation to develop her communication and networking skills. On her spare time, Elizabeth's fascination with movies makes her an avid (moderate, some might even say) collector of DVDs. She also prides herself on being the owner of an extensive collection of books compiled through years of study. Elizabeth has traveled throughout California, Nevada, and different parts of Mexico and plans on adding to that list. Elizabeth feels that life, in all its intricacies, is a mystery she wishes to explore through educational endeavors at CSUDH and as a doctoral student in the very near future. 
ESTHER CASTILLO Esther Sevilla Castillo transferred to California State University, Dominguez Hills from Santa Monica College where she received an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts. Currently she is majoring in Sociology with a minor in Interdisciplinary Studies emphasizing in Human Studies. Esther aspires to earn a Ph.D. in Sociology and to return to the CSU as a professor or to enter a career in social services in the non-profit sector. Her research interests include the cultural, health and political conflicts that minority groups experience in American society. Esther is the first person in her family to attend college and the first woman in here extended family comitted to pursuing a Ph.D. 
JANETTE DIAZ Janette Diaz is a junior at California State University, Dominguez Hills pursuing a double major in Chicana/o Studies and Sociology. She is the first generation in her family to attend college, and is exited to graduate in spring 2007. Upon doing so, she will not only have accomplished a major personal goal, she will also set an example for younger family members. After the completion of her undergraduate studies Janette's goal is to obtain a PhD. in sociology. Janette considers herself lucky to understand the importance of a higher education degree. She wants to apply her knowledge and degree in a field where she will be able to help and show her community the significance of a college education and the many doors it opens.
GEORGINA ESCOBAR Georgina Escobar is a senior at California State University, Dominguez Hills majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and a minor in Economics. She holds a 3.9 GPA and hopes to graduate with honors in spring 2007. Her aspiration is to become a professor in sociology. She plans to do research that will answer questions dealing with the Hispanic population and women in the United States. Being the first in her family to go to college, she feels great pride and responsibility in giving back to her community in the future by starting a non-profit organization in Central Los Angeles where she grew up. Currently, Georgina is an active member of the CSUDH Honors Program, T.O.R.O Network, and the Accounting Society. 
KELLYE FRANKLIN Kellye Franklin is a senior at California State University Dominguez Hills, double majoring in English and Sociology and aspires to ultimately become faculty at a university as an English Professor. Kellye is especially interested in exploring the realm of Transnational Literature. She hopes to work in developing a comprehensive definition of this area while identifying its roots and further developing it as a genre through theory and criticism. Recently awarded an apprenticeship with Dr. Roderick Hernandez through the CSUDH Alumni Association and the CSUDH Honor’s Program, Kellye continues to move forward in her research pursuits and aspirations of becoming faculty. Currently, Kellye is also a member of both the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the CSUDH Honors Program. Kellye's experience, however, is not untouched by challenges; she must balance full-time employment with a government agency, a part-time position as an English tutor in Student Support Services and family obligations. Nevertheless, the college preparation she received at the Brentwood School and her work at CSUDH enables her to actively work toward her goal of graduating with honors while overcoming the challenges that life brings. In addition, Kellye also makes time to engage in personal interests which include community service involving children and continues to improve her knowledge of Japanese and American Sign Language. 
MARGARITA GOMEZ Margarita is a junior at California State University Dominguez Hills. She plans to graduate in the spring of 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services. Her passion for helping people has led her to pursue a PhD in Social Work. After receiving her degree, Margarita plans to return to the community where she grew up and plans to help other Latinas attain their personal and academic goals. She has been fortunate to gain experience through her internships in Eastlake Youth Center and the California Faculty Association. Margarita credits her parents and teachers for instilling in her the importance of a strong education. With the support of the McNair Scholars Program, Margarita plans to fulfill her long time goal of obtaining a PhD. 
ELIZABETH GONZALEZ Elizabeth is in her junior year majoring in Chicana/o Studies with a minor in Anthropology. Her goals are to receive a Ph.D. in Mexican American Studies. She plans to teach Mexican American Studies and/or Culture Anthropology at the university level. She would like to research educational issues that affect the Hispanic community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She constantly travels to Tecate, Mexico (Baja California) to visit her father and family. She also enjoys reading fiction, autobiographies and political books. 
STEVEN HAYES Steven Hayes is a true inspiration to returning students. He maintained a B+ average at Santa Monica College and appeared on the Dean's List multiple times. He is a Psychology major planning to found charter schools that target and impact his community. Already he has put his skills in practice as a tutor and with a PhD in School or Developmental Psychology he is sure to ensure a brighter future for the school and his own in the future.
PERNELL JONES Pernell R. Jones is currently a sophomore at CSUDH majoring in Health Sciences. For the past two semesters, he has maintained a 3.5 grade point average. In addition, Mr. Jones has been involved in numerous programs on campus such as the Associated Students Inc, Judiciary, T.O.R.O. Network, The Black Men’s Group, The Science Society, and The Organization of Africana Studies. He is striving towards graduating with honors, a goal that was set the first day he set foot on campus. After the competition of his undergraduate coursework, it is his intention to earn a Master of Sciences degree in Biokinesiology and to enter a doctoral program that offers a Ph.D. in Biokenisiology. 
CHARMAINE LANG Charmanie Lang is a senior at CSUDH. She is a dual major in English: Language & Linguistics and Public Administration, with an Administrative Management Concentration. After she graduates in spring, 2006, she plans to enter a UC or CSU campus. Her career goals are to teach for approximately 5 years at a secondary school and then to enter into an administrative position. While teaching, she will be working towards earning her doctoral degree also in Educational Administration. 
MONICA LOMELI Monica Lomeli is a senior at California State University Dominguez Hills majoring in the fields of Anthropology and Behavioral Sciences with a minor in Psychology. She works part-time in a nonprofit organization that assists underprivileged minorities complete high school and attain higher education. In lieu of her newfound interest in the area of education, she hopes to conduct research on the positive influences and/or factors that contribute in aiding Latino/a PhD students to complete an advanced degree. Her future academic goals are to become a professor in Social Psychology with an emphasis on the Latino community. In addition, she is the Vice-President for the Anthropology Club on campus and volunteers much of her time to the same non-profit that she works for. 
MICHAEL LOVEGREN Michael Lovegren is currently a senior at CSUDH studying Kinesiology, emphasis in teaching. He is working with two mentors Dr Michael Ernst and Dr Ben Zhou in the Division of Kinesiology and Recreation. He is also supported by his wife and son who admire him for his passion in knowledge. He raced as a Pro Amateur cyclist in the USCF in the United States. He will be pursuing his Masters and PhD. in Exercise Science. These degrees will enable him to work with elite adult and junior Olympic endurance athletes, to gain knowledge and understanding training in cardiovascular systems and motor skills. He would like to come up with new ideas in training elite athletes. He wants to give back to the community by sharing his passion and implementing cycling programs in to the junior high and high school systems as a sport program where kids of all levels can participate together. He wants to raise the bar and come up with new ideas for sports in which student’s of all levels and abilities can participate. 
HEIDI MARTIN Heidi Martin transferred from Santa Monica College and is a senior pursuing dual bachelor degrees in Africana Studies and Psychology with an English minor. Her research interests include cultural psychology, adolescent coping mechanisms within households diagnosed with a schizophrenic caregiver and postcolonial theory and literature. She is the co founder of a scholarly club, The Organization of Africana Studies and a founding member of Beta Lambda Kappa Black Honor Society both at CSUDH. She has presented at Student Research Day and has been a panelist on student diversity at CSUDH. Heidi plans to study psychology and literature abroad to enhance her undergraduate education and will be graduating in spring 2007. After graduation Heidi is pursuing a PhD that will enable her to teach at the university level and work within the globalized context of UNESCO. She is a self proclaimed bibliophile who loves to cook and entertain friends and family. In addition, she works in the University Archives and Special Collections and cares for her two children, Dejuan and Gabriel. 
ANGELICA MENDOZA Angelica Mendoza is a senior at California State University, Dominguez Hills double majoring in Psychology and Chicana (o) Studies. Angelica plans to pursue graduate studies first completing a master’s degree in clinical psychology and then pursuing a Ph. D. in that field. Her research interests are centered around the effects that background music has in the academic setting and the effectiveness of implementing programs such as the Restorative Justice to minority communities. Angelica's goal is to conduct research among Latina (o) population and to become a professor. In her spare time, Angelica enjoys spending time with family and friends and currently enjoys learning to play the guitar with an on campus ensemble. 
MONTREECE E. PAYTON Montreece E. Payton is involved in the campus community in several other organizations: Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc., Circle K, Black Business Students Association, and the Unified Greek Council. She has received numerous awards including a scholarship from the Black Faculty and Staff Association for academic achievement and community service. Ms. Payton is a senior who is an English major and Communications minor actively involved in the International Poet Society for which she has been published in two anthologies in the past four years. Within the society she was also awarded the International Poet of Merit Award. Montreece is aspiring to be an English professor of 20th Century American Literature at a top university while continuing as a poet. Balancing her schedule with faith, Montreece Payton is confident in her ability to multi-task and accomplish her goals with the help of all those in the program and the inspiration of Ronald E. McNair. 
KAREN PEREZ Karen P. Pérez is a senior at California State University, Dominguez Hills. She is married, has two daughters and holds a full time job. Her major is Spanish with an emphasis in Language and Literature and her minor is English Literature. Karen’s goal is to obtain a Ph.D. and become a Spanish professor. Her research interests include Sixteenth and Seventeenth-Century Spanish Literature having recently worked on a project focusing on Cervantes’ novel Don Quixote. Karen has presented research at UC Berkeley, the CSUDH Don Quixote Symposium and will present at the Western Regional Honors Conference in March 2006. Karen was born in the city of Barranco in Lima, Perú and came to the United States at the age of 19. After overcoming the barrier of not speaking English, she developed a passion for learning other languages. Last summer, Karen participated in the Seminario de Estudios Hispánicos in Madrid, Spain and Currently is an honors student at CSUDH. Karen has been the recipient of various scholarships including the Honors Program Apprenticeship, the Foreign Language Assistance Program Scholarship, the Bilingual Teachers and Personnel Scholarship, Who is Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, and is currently on the Dean’s list. In addition, Karen is a member of the Sigma Delta Pi, Spanish National Honorary Society, the California Association for Bilingual Education and the Cervantes Society of America. It is Karen’s desire that students retain their own language, values and Traditions while taking an interest in learning other languages and becoming appreciative of other’s cultures. 
MYESHIA NICHELE PRICE Myeshia came into McNair as a sophomore here at Dominguez Hills. She moved to Los Angeles from San Diego where she graduated from Santana High School. Her major is psychology with a minor in sociology. Upon completing her bachelor's degree, she intends on returning to San Diego to pursue her Ph.D. Myeshia wants to work with children because she believes that in order to make an impact on the future, one must work with those that are going to comprise it. She is also currently the Chapter President for her sorority, Sigma Lambda Gamma. She enjoys spending time with family and friends. Myeshia is interested in human rights issues and has spoken several times on such issues. For the summer of 2005, she is working on research regarding the best readability formula for health pamphlets. 
NOSHIN RAZZAGHI Noshin Razzaghi is a junior at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Born in Costa Rica to a Costa Rican mother and a Persian father, Noshin immigrated to the United States at thirteen and entered middle school speaking no English. Currently, Noshin pursues a double major in Communications with an emphasis in Mass Media and Spanish emphasizing in Language and Literature. Noshin looks forward to conducting research while developing her communication and critical thinking skills as she participates in the McNair Scholars Program. Upon completing her undergraduate studies, Noshin will pursue a doctoral degree leading to a successful career in communications. Noshin aspires to anchor Spanish language news for CNN’s international division. 
ABDELHAMED SADIK Abdelhamed Sadik is a senior majoring in Business emphisizing on Computer Information Systems and plans to graduate in summer 2006. Abdelhamed was born and raised in Torrance, California where he still lives with his family and is a visible member of the community since he plays local league soccer. Prior to attending California State University, Dominguez Hills, he participated extensively in sport wrestling and made the All-American team while attending Rio Hondo Community College and later wrestled internationally in Egypt. Currently, Abdelhamed is preparing to pursue a doctoral degree in information systems after graduating from CSUDH. On his free time he likes to socialize with friends, play sport video games and go to the movies. Abdelhamed credits his involvement in student life and his participation in the McNair Scholars Program as two important elements which help him succeed as an undergraduate. 
IGNACIO A SOBERS JR. Ignacio A. Sobers Jr. is a third year student at California State University, Dominguez Hills. After assessing his goals and aspirations, Ignacio decided to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and plans to pursue a doctoral degree in that field as well. Ignacio’s research interests include looking at child development in relation to the various institutions that influence it. Ignacio is driven to his research through a passion for motivating future generations of young people to succeed personally and academically. He is dedicated to providing hope to adolescent lives and is concerned with serving as an example of what is attainable through acquiring higher education and by incorporating a healthy social, emotional, and spiritual development for youth. 
VICTOR TOVAR Victor is a feminist Chicano and a senior at California State University Dominguez Hills. His major is Psychology with a minor in Women Studies. In addition to participating in the McNair Scholar's Program, he also participates in the Educational Opportunity Program and Student Support Services since entering CSUDH in Fall 2002 upon graduating from John C. Fremont High School in south Los Angeles. Victor is proud to attend CSUDH because it is such a multicultural university with so many first generation college-attending students like himself. After graduating from CSUDH, Victor's goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in Social Psychology to become a therapist, professor and researcher. Victor is interested on researching gender roles among cultural minorities. Victor’s hobbies are to write poetry and to read feminist literature. Victor is thankful to all the good people who have helped him advance academically until now and looks forward to what the future will have in store for him academically. 
RASHINA YOUNG Rashina Young is a junior at California State University, Dominguez Hills. She is working to attain a Bachelors of Arts degree in Public Administration, concentrating in Administrative Management. Since she has been a student at Dominguez Hills, she has taken an active role in the campus community. In the past she was elected as the Resident Student Association President and was appointed as the School of Education Representative for Associated Students Incorporated. She was most currently elected as the Cultural Programs Commissioner for Associated Students where her job is to plan and implement activities and programs that would target our diverse student population. She is also a member of the Black Business Students of America and the first ever Black Honor Society here at Dominguez Hills. Being involved in student government and various organizations on campus has been a great learning experience. She developed strong leadership skills, a stronger knowledge of Parliamentary procedures, and is able to stay informed on campus issues. Now that she is a part of the McNair Scholars Program, she looks forward to enhancing her skills even more. Attaining a Doctorate degree has been a life long goal and through McNair, she will have the resources and support needed in order to reach that goal.
|
