2021-2022 McNair Scholars 

 

Graduating Scholars 

 


 

Noora Ghadiri

 

Noora Ghadiri

 

Major: Physics, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Mentor: Dr. Geoffrey Lovelace, Physics

Thesis: Modeling Gravitational Waves Using Numerical Relativity Coding

Noora’s research interests include modeling gravitational waves caused by extreme astrophysical events, such as merging black holes or neutron stars, by using numerical relativity. Her current research involves implementing and testing a calculation of the vorticity of a space time, which measures the twisting an observer would experience near a black hole because of differential frame dragging. She is implementing this using a next-generation numerical-relativity code called   SpECTRE. She wants to pursue a PhD in gravitational waves physics to continue contributing to gravitational-wave science.

 


 

Elston Lewis

 

Elston Lewis

 

Major: Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Mentor: Dr. Sagil James, Mechanical Engineering

2021 Summer Research Program: Summer Undergraduate Research Academy, CSUF

Elston hopes to positively impact the environment with his research and is interested in pursuing a career in renewable energy.

 

 


 

Marlo Morales

 

Marlo Morales

 

Major: Physics, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Mentor: Dr. Geoffrey Lovelace, Physics

Thesis: Coding Spectre: Numerical Relativity Code for Merging Black Holes

2021 Summer Research Program: Cornell University Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program in Astrophysics and Planetary Science Research

Marlo's  research interests include the study of gravitational waves and the properties of extreme space time through numerical relativity. His current research involves contributing code that will model gravitational wave sources, such as colliding black holes and colliding neutron stars. His work will add new capabilities necessary to measure the properties of the black holes’ horizons, such as their surface areas and the measures of mass and spin angular momenta. He wants to pursue a Ph.D. in Gravitational Waves Physics to contribute to the understanding of general relativity and Einstein’s equations.

 

 

 

Rico Palafox

 

Rico Palafox

 

Major: College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Mentor: Dr. Jessica Jaynes , Mathematics

Thesis: Mind your Designs: A Novel Approch to Discrete Choice Experiments

His research interests include Statistics, Data Mining, Data Visualization, Design of Experiments, Applied Statistics, and Computational Mathematics. His career goal is to become Biostatistician so that he can work in industry and/or in the professoriate. Rico was a SACNAS Travel Scholarship Recipient and is a Data Visualization Club Board Member.

 

 

 


 

Current Scholars

 


 

Alec Ainsworth

 

Alec Ainsworth

 

Major: American Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Mentor: Dr. Carrie Lane, American Studies

Thesis: Reviewing How United States Spanish Language Newspapers Reacted to Critical Events Leading Up to the Civil War in the 1850s

Alec's current research utilizes archival research to  examine the civil and human rights that were lost and regained between Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement in the 20th century. In the spring of 2021, Alec received the Alexander Napolin APC Undergraduate Scholarship. Alec plans to pursue a Ph.D. in American Studies.

 


 

Paloma Arriero

 

Paloma Arriero

 

Major: Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Mentor: Dr. Kristin Beals, Psychology 

Thesis: TBD

Paloma’s research interests include how social stigmas around queer identities affect people's ability to explore and express themselves and how that relates to mental health issues. She hopes to discover ways to help queer people, especially children and young adults, navigate through a world of heteronormative values and strong gender norms. She is also interested in the impact that mindfulness meditation has on the brain and one’s mental health, such as anxiety and depression. Paloma wishes to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. Her goal is to open her own practice one day and integrate mindfulness meditation techniques, as well as help create a safer and more comfortable environment in therapy for the queer community. Paloma also hopes to one day teach positive and mindful parenting courses.

 


 

Michelle Baez

 

Michelle Baez

 

Major: Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, College of Natural Science and Mathematics

Mentor: Dr. María Soledad Ramírez, Biological Science

Thesis: Testing Novel Inhibitors Strategies and Understanding Their Mechanisms Beyond Their Activity To Combat Acinetobacter Spp Infections

2021 Summer Research Program: Bridges to Stem Cell Research, CSUF

Michelle transferred to CSUF with Associate's degrees in Arts and in Math and Science. Michelle has participated in the Urban Agriculture Community-based Research Experience program (ACRE), focusing on food security, nutritional sufficiency, environmental justice, and sustainable agriculture. She was awarded the 2019-2020 Southern California Edison Scholarship. Michelle’s thesis explores the clinical effectiveness of combining different inhibitors for carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter spp. infections. After earning a Ph.D, she hopes to work for the CDC and conduct her own research.

 


 

 

Andrea Ceja

 

Andrea Ceja

 

Major: Physics, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Mentor: Dr. Geoffrey Lovelace, Physics 

Thesis: Using SpEC and Spectre to Test Spin, Mass, Distance, Orbit Parameters in Binary Black Hole Collision Simulations

Andrea hopes to continue working on understanding the impact of a range of parameters on the behavior of binary black hole collisions and contributing to the code that makes this possible. Her career goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in Physics and continue contributing to gravitational wave research.

 


 

Jessica Douglass-Eurich

 

Jessica Douglass-Eurich

 

Major: Sociology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences 

Mentor: Dr. Mei-Ling Malone, African American Studies 

Thesis: Social Movements and Leadership 

 Jessica’s research interests lie in studying aspects of social movements such as leadership and organizational practices.  Her undergraduate McNair thesis explores the positionality of social movement leaders in relation to movement outcomes.  Jessica's goals are to obtain a Ph.D. in Sociology and pursue a career in research.  

 

 


 

Lanette Espinosa

 

Lanette Espinosa

 

Major: Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Mentor: Dr. Andrew Petit, Chemistry

2021 Summer Research Program: Platform for Accelerated Realization, Analysis and Discovery of Interface Materials, Cornell University

Lanette's research interests include the study of photobases and their structure-function relationships. She is interested in finding out how changing the shapes of molecules can affect their photobasicity.      Lanette currently works as an SI Leader for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. She wants                         to obtain her Ph.D. in biochemistry and become a medical scientist.

 


 

Liz Flores

 

R. Elizabeth Flores

 

Major: Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Mentor: Dr. Susan Sy, Psychology

Thesis: There is Hope for First-Generation College Students

2021 Summer Research Program: Mentoring Summer Research Internship Program, UC Riverside Liz's research interests include Learning and Memory, specifically pertaining to student success in higher education. Her educational goals are to obtain a Ph.D. in Psychology and to become a professor. She hopes to uncover ways to improve equity and access for undeserved populations within higher education. Prior to attending CSUF, Liz attended Cerritos Community College where she graduated with Honors and two Associates degrees in her field.

 


 

Lizbeth Gonzalez

 

Lizbeth Gonzalez

 

Major: Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Burnaford, Biological Science

Thesis: COVID-19 Pandemic Effects on California Mussel Populations along Southern California

Lizbeth’s main research interests revolve around conservation and restoration biology. She aims to help preserve the diminishing habitats that are one of the leading causes of animal population declines. Lizbeth’s long-term goal is to explore the different ways that we can reduce detrimental human impact on the natural resources that our planet provides us with. Lizbeth’s dream job is to work for a National Park, using her Ph.D. to monitor ecological changes and determining ways to eliminate human impacts.

 


 

 

Steve Green

 

STEVEN GREEN

 

Major: Public Administration and Criminal Justice, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Mentor: Dr. Stacy Mallicoat, Professor of Criminal Justice

Steven's research interests include criminal justice policy reform, punishment, sentencing enhancements, rehabilitation, reentry, and the use of life without parole.  His educational goal is to earn a Ph.D. in criminology and to become a professor. Steven transferred to CSUF after graduating with honors and six Associate’s degrees from Coastline Community College.

 

 


 

Sarah Groff

 

Sarah Groff 

 

Major: Kinesiology, College of Health and Human Development 

Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Piazza, Public Health 

Thesis: Stress and Exercise During Covid-19 In College Age Students

Sarah's research interests include stress psychophysiology and using exercise as a coping mechanism. She is the community outreach coordinator for Abled Advocators, a club at CSUF comprised of abled and disabled students advocating for inclusivity and bringing awareness to disabilities. Prior to attending CSUF, Sarah attended Orange Coast College, where she graduated with her associate degree in Kinesiology. Recently, Sarah won an award at the 2021 Giles T Brown Research Symposium for an oral presentation on her research project titled, Somatic Psychotherapy for Treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder of Sexual Assault. Sarah's educational goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in Public Health to become a tenure-track professor. Sarah aspires to mentor students to help them overcome educational barriers. 

 


 

Yaneli Guzman

 

Yanelli Guzman

 

Major: Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Mentor: Dr. Russ Espinoza, Psychology

Thesis:  Observing Aversive Bias Towards Defendants Suffering From a Mental Illness 

2021 Summer Research Program: Summer Undergraduate Research Academy, CSUF

Yanelli's research interests lie in both forensic and abnormal psychology. She is particularly interested in mental illness in legal and forensic contexts, jury decision-making, and aversive bias. Her undergraduate McNair thesis explores how jurors perceive criminal defendants with schizophrenia compared to other mental illnesses. Yanelli's goal is to obtain a PhD in Abnormal Psychology. Her career aspiration is to work for a government agency as a research analyst, conducting research to help improve treatments for those suffering with a mental illness. Yanelli currently works as a student assistant in the department of Contracts and Procurement at CSUF. 

 


 

Lizbeth Gonzalez

 

Maddy Hernandez

 

Major: Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Thesis: Why Sexual Abuse Victims Do Not Disclose

Maddy is interested in violence against women and the impact culture/community has on the victimization of young girls. Long-term, she would like to research the motivation and possible reasons that cause perpetrators to abuse. She aims to earn an MD-PhD and work on the development of a new treatment program for sexual abusers, which will hopefully become a preventative solution to sexual assault. 

  

 


 

Ivy Mejia

 

Ivy Mejia

 

Major: Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences 

Mentor: Dr. Adam Roberts, Psychology

Thesis: Zebrafish Model and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Ivy’s research interests include psychopathology, neuro disorders, and hypnosis. She is interested in studying the influence of the brain on human behavior. Her academic goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Ivy received the Excellence in Social Science 1 Award and Excellence in Statistics and Probability Award in 2018. She was recognized for her academic achievement and selected for the President’s List at Mt. San Antonio College for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021.

 


 

Alexis Mitchell

 

Alexis Mitchell 

 

Major: Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Mentor: Dr. Christina Scher, Psychology 

Thesis: The Effects of Trauma on Low-Income Minority Adolescents 

Alexis’s research interests focus on trauma, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder in low-income minority children. Alexis hopes to conduct research that can be utilized to help children manage their own mental health and developing coping mechanisms, and therefore, limit childhood trauma. Alexis plans to obtain a Ph.D. in clinical adolescent psychology and become a pediatric psychologist with an emphasis on trauma.

 


 

Mykayla Miller

 

Mykayla Miller

 

Major: Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics

Mentor: Dr. Joya Cooley, Biochemistry & Chemistry

Thesis: Novel Therapeutic Studies of Prostate Cancer Prevention

2021 Summer Research Program: Summer Research Opportunity Program, Michigan State University

Mykayla's research interests include virology, epidemiology, and antibiotic resistance. Her undergraduate McNair thesis explores how to inhibit androgen receptors and lysine demethylase I using sangaurine. She is working towards pursuing a Ph.D. in Virology in preparation for a career as a virologist.

  


 

Melissa Ochoa

 

Melissa Ochoa

 

Major: Anthropology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Mentor: Dr. Karen Stocker, Anthropology

Thesis: Language Brokering 

Melissa’s research interests include topics in the field of Linguistic Anthropology. She is interested in studying language brokering, raciolinguistics, and sociolinguistics. Melissa hopes to get her PhD in order to become either a full-time professor or a researcher. 

 

 


 

Deanna Perez

 

Deanna Perez

 

Major: Mathematics, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Mentor: Dr. Matt Rathbun, Mathematics

Thesis: Seifer Fibration in S3 

2021 Summer Research Program: Research Experience for Undergraduates at the Ohio State University

Deanna's research interests include topology and low-dimensional manifolds. Their career goals are to be obtain a Ph.D. in Mathematics and obtain a position as a tenure-track professor. 

 


 

Keyla Sanchez

 

Keyla Sanchez 

 

Major: Human Services, College of Health and Human Development University Hour (U-HOUR)

Keyla’s research interests lie in education, student wellness, homelessness, and undocumented and immigrant communities. Her educational goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in higher education or educational leadership and policy. 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Celeste Salinas

 

 

Celeste Salinas

 

Major: Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

2021 Summer Research Program: Summer Training Academy for Research Success, UC San Diego

Celeste's research interests include how child attachments to their parents affect their mental health, focusing on depression and anxiety.  She is the ICC Representative of a club on campus called Active Minds. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

 

 

 


 

Kathy Tran

 

Kathy Tran

 

Major: Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Mentor: Dr. Angela Minh-Tu Nguyen, Psychology

Thesis: Diversity of Friendship Networks and College Persistence amongst First-generation Southeast Asian American College Students 

Kathy’s research interests include academic sense of belonging and intraminority solidarity of first-generation college students. She is currently a research assistant for the Psychology Research on Intersectional and Multicultural Experiences (PRIME) lab and a teaching assistant for Psychological Statistics. She plans to obtain her Ph.D. to become a college professor and begin her own research lab.

 


 

Berenice Vences

 

Berenice Vences

 

Major: Public Health, College of Health and Human Development

Mentor: TBA

Thesis: TBA

Berenice’s research interests include learning about the early prevention of type 2 diabetes and ovarian cancer epidemiology. She was a part of the 2021 Summer Research Program: Allied Health Academy Summer Research Experience Program at California State University, Fullerton. Her educational goals are to obtain a Ph.D. in Public Health and become a professor. 

 


 

Sydney Washington

 

Sydney Washington

 

Major: Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Mentor: Dr. Ella Ben Hagai, Psychology

Thesis: College Football Concussions and Mental Health 

2021 Summer Research Program: Summer Training Academy for Research Success, UC San Diego

Sydney's research interests include self-efficacy, athletic identity, and mental health side effects experienced during injury rehabilitation. She is currently studying athletes’ post-concussion depression and anxiety symptoms. Her career goal is to obtain a Ph.D. and become a clinical sports psychologist           and wellness coach for professional athletes.