> Home > McNair Scholars Program > Current Scholars

McNair Scholars Program

2006-2007 McNair Scholars

	Aguirre Maria Maria G. Aguirre is proud to be a first generation college student. She grew up in Compton and in Los Angeles. Maria is married, has three boys and works as a community service officer/dispatcher at Cerritos College, where she attended school before transferring to California State University, Dominguez Hills. She is currently a senior majoring in sociology with a minor in psychology. Maria is currently doing gang research with her mentor, Professor Skiffer in the sociology department. She has been involved in her campus community since her time at Cerritos College, where she was a senator and Vice-President for the Alpha Gamma Sigma sorority. Maria received the Bronze Falcon award from Cerritos College for her service. She is currently a member of Nosotras, a Latina support group at California State University, Dominguez Hills. It has always been in her heart to support others, especially in the Los Angeles area. She has been a volunteer for LAPD and for LA County Probation. Maria’s experience with law enforcement has been a positive one and this led her to attend the police academy, and graduate in 2003. However, she hopes to earn her PhD in criminology from UC Irvine to pursue a career in teaching.

	Alatorre Andres I am a student at California State University, Dominguez Hills where I am majoring in Spanish Language and Literature with a Minor in Kinesiology (Physical Education). I have a black belt in Shoto-Kan Karate-Do and I have taught martial arts to children. My previous involvement as a martial arts instructor has resulted in me having a particular interest in youth sports, particularly in low-income neighborhoods. I am interested in conducting research among Zapotec and Mixtec children in an elementary school during physical education, specifically in the North County area of San Diego. I choose to conduct my research in this area, because there is a high prevalence of Latino students there. Obesity plagues this community, since over 30% of Latinos and African-Americans are obese here in the United States. I would like to help children in elementary schools gain healthy lifestyle habits at the youngest age possible. My research interests include exploring Indigenous groups in Latin America, particularly the Zapotec group of Southern Mexico. I am currently doing research in the Zapotec language with Dr. Michael Galant at California State University, Dominguez Hills.

	Albertella Michelle Michelle Albertella is a senior with a major in psychology and minor in biology. She is in the Honors Program and Psi Chi, National Honor Society in Psychology. Michelle has enjoyed the opportunities of participating in research under generous faculty and would like to continue working in research in the future. She plans on pursuing a Ph.D. in clinical neuropsychology followed by a career of performing neuropsychological assessments, as well as conducting research and teaching. Michelle also has been acknowledged by Who’s Who Among American Universities and is a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

	Becker Brandon Brandon is a junior at CSUDH, recently transferred from Cerritos College. Brandon is majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology. Throughout his tenure at Cerritos College he achieved and maintained his status on the President’s and Dean’s Lists. In addition, he has been inducted into several honor societies, including Psi Beta, Phi Theta Kappa and the National Dean’s List. Brandon plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. He is fascinated with all aspects of psychology, especially in the abnormal, social, forensic, and research fields. While at CSUDH and participating in the McNair Scholar program, he hopes to gain a deeper insight into his future career goals and possibilities.

	Bermudez Elizabeth 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.

	Carrasco Mario Mario Carrasco transferred from Cerritos College in the fall of 2006. He is majoring in psychology with a minor in Spanish. Mario is a native Mexican who immigrated to the United States in 1980. He is the first member of his family to attend college and is making the best of it by maintaining a 3.7 GPA. Mario is happily married and has four daughters and one son. In his spare time, he enjoys going fishing and biking with his family. Mario’s motivation is the example he is setting forth for his kids in the area of education. His ultimate goal is to see that his wife and kids achieve a college degree in whatever area they find fascinating.

	Castillo Esther 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.

	Sandra Chaidez Her last year as an undergraduate is indicative of what Sandra Chaidez has come to realize: futures are formed through overlapping paths. Once unsure of what major to choose, Sandra came to embrace Sociology and Political Science after riding tenuous waves of change. Her collegiate beginnings took place at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, a place so vastly different from “the mainland” that it may well have been another country. Norms were turned upside-down, and “commonalities” such as speaking English did not mean sameness—Sandra’s appeal for Sociology increased. Upon returning to California, she enthusiastically studied Sociology at CSU Dominguez Hills until a course on political behavior in Latin America clarified intricacies of government, at home and abroad, and harnessed a deeper interest in politics in all levels of everyday life. One semester before concluding her Bachelor’s in Sociology, Sandra saw a natural coupling of the two disciplines and decided to double major. At this point, a Bachelor’s was no longer enough—she aspired to participate in research and claim more knowledge at the Ph.D. level. She began by acquiring an internship with the California Faculty Association, which serves to move students on campus in politics directly related to their education. She then became a research assistant at the Urban Community Research Center on campus which evaluates community health and policy through some of its projects. She will graduate Summer 2007 as a McNair Scholar, forging onward with the assurance that she will complete her academic goals and contribute her own perspective to academia.

	Diaz Janette 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.

	Franklin Kellye 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.

	Gamino Nancy Nancy Gamino is a senior at CSUDH with a double major in mathematics and Spanish with a concentration in literature. She is the first person in her family to graduate from high school and attend college. Nancy plans to pursue a PhD in Spanish Literature and become a Spanish professor. She is especially interested in medieval Spanish literature and wishes to continue researching literature from around the world. In addition, she would like to travel around the world to learn more about other cultures. Nancy is happy to participate in the McNair program, because it will give her the tools to attend graduate school in the future.

	Gomez Margarita 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.

	Govan Jeffrey Jeffrey Govan is a person committed to excellence. He graduated with Honors from El Camino College with an A.A. in Liberal Studies and earned the merit-based Presidential Honors Scholarship at CSUDH. He is an English Literature major at Dominguez Hills and maintains a 3.92 GPA in his major. Jeffrey is also part of the Honors program at CSUDH and had the honor of presenting his research at the spring 2006 Western Regional Honors Conference in Denver, Colorado. He enjoys being a student at CSUDH and looks forward to entering graduate school and working towards a PhD. His goal is to become a university level professor of Ethnic Studies and English Literature. As an older student, Jeffrey’s first successes came from his musical endeavors as a bassist. These experiences afforded him the opportunity to tour the United States extensively. His wide palette of musical tastes which include reggae, ska, alternative rock, cumbia, soca, vallenato, salsa and various types of blues reflects his love of diversity in life and his bi-cultural upbringing. In 2003, his Colombian cumbia band named Cumbeley won the LA Weekly Music Award (LAWMA) for “Best Salsa/Latin Artist”. Jeffrey believes that music will always play a major role in his life. He continues to compose, perform and record occasionally; however, at this point in life his focus is school. When he is not studying or performing, you will find him spending time with his family…finding ways to make them smile and laugh.

	Herron Antwan I am a senior at California State University, Dominguez Hills majoring in English: Literature with a minor emphasis in Theater. I moved to L.A. from Gary, Indiana. I love the arts, especially poetry and theater. Three years ago, I became involved in Educational Theater at L.A. Harbor College in an effort to help the television and digital arts department globalize their program and connect with students around the world. Since then, I have traveled internationally and across the country performing a one-man show called WhiteWash, which deals with issues of African-American heroes. Last year I was published in the CSUDH literary magazine called “Enjambed.” In the future, I hope to publish more poetry and utilize theater in my life's work. Upon graduation I will pursue a degree in African-American Studies, and, subsequently, attain a law degree.

	Jones Pernell 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.

	Lomeli Monica 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.

	Mendoza Angelica 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.

	Miller Erika Erika Miller is a transfer student from Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. Her major is anthropology and she is a double minor in dance and English. She is a Dean's List awardee and participates in dance productions both on and off campus. Erika is a dedicated student and mother of one and she aspires to earn a PhD in urban anthropology. She hopes to understand how displaced communities express their cultural identity. Erika plans to use her studies to aid in displacement rehabilitation in the U.S. and abroad. She is extremely excited to be selected to the McNair Program and hopes to represent her family, friends, and fellow cohorts through academic progress.

	Montes Kevin Kevin Montes is currently a senior at California State University, Dominguez Hills majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. Kevin aspires to be a college professor in the field of cognitive psychology after completing his PhD. Kevin is interested in the decision making process of adults as well as human perception. He is a current member of the Psychology Club and Psi Chi, which is the National Honor Society in Psychology. He is also currently working on a research project about the availability and content of advice parents can use when talking to their kids about smoking.

	Perez Karen 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.

	Rosas Mitchell Mitchell Rosas is a 21 year old senior majoring in Political Science with an emphasis on Global Politics and Economics. He is interested in pursuing a PhD in International Relations with an emphasis on Sustainable Development. He served as President of the Latino Student Business Association during the 2005-2006 academic year. He is currently a volunteer for the Los Angeles Superior Court where he provides low income litigants with free legal information. His goal is to become a professor in the area of International Relations and do research which will reduce poverty in third world countries through the efficient use of available social, political and economic mechanisms.

	Ruoti Heather Heather Ruoti is currently a senior at California State University, Dominguez Hills, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology. She works part time as a mentor for elementary school children in Palos Verdes and goes to school full time. Heather has maintained a 3.9 GPA and is currently a member of Psi Chi, the Psychology Club, the National Honor Society in Psychology, and the Honors program at Dominguez Hills. Her areas of research interest include child development in relation to trauma, abuse, deviancy, and parental relations, and the effects those influences have on adulthood. She is conducting research with her mentor Dr. Carl D. Sneed, analyzing the content of programs and information available for parents to talk to their kids about smoking. Heather will graduate with honors in the spring of 2008, and plans to continue on to pursue her PhD in clinical psychology with the goal of beginning her own private practice. She enjoys hanging out with her friends, reading, running, surfing, kickboxing, and snowboarding in Utah.

	Sobers Jr. Ignacio 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.

	Tovar Victor 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.

2003-2004 McNair Scholars

2004-2005 McNair Scholars

2005-2006 McNair Scholars

California State University, Dominguez Hills • 1000 E. Victoria Street • Carson, California 90747 • (310) 243-3696
Copyright © 2003 CSUDH. All rights reserved.
If any of the material is in violation of a copyright, please contact copyright@csudh.edu.
The statements found on the Graduate Studies Web page are for informational purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure that this information is up to date and accurate, official information can be found in the University Catalog and Class Schedule.
Last updated 05/09/2007 , by the McNair Coordinator.