Making Waves: January 2025
Making Waves is a monthly column that celebrates accomplishments of the CSULB community.
Employee of the Month: Languages coordinator Marci Bacani
Every large university has many “invisible threads” — people who bring a seamless cohesion to complex events and operations while flying completely under the radar. CSULB’s December Employee of the Month, Marci Bacani, is one of ours. As department coordinator for the Romance, German, Russian Languages and Literatures Department, Bacani routinely is praised for her outstanding contributions, most notably last spring’s Student Success Celebration. “Behind the scenes, Marci orchestrated every detail, from logistics to guest accommodations, ensuring the event ran like clockwork," said Translation Studies Associate Professor Guilia Togato. Bacani also played a key role in establishing the CoHabit PsyLing Lab, a groundbreaking initiative for studying bilingualism. Faculty commended her professionalism, kindness and unwavering commitment to fostering a welcoming environment.
Professor earns dual honors at CSU Biotech Symposium
Shadnaz Asgari, professor in the Computer Engineering & Computer Science Department and Biomedical Engineering Department, won big at the 37th Annual California State University Biotech Symposium, receiving both the CSU Faculty Research Award and the CSU Andreoli Faculty Service Award. The system-wide honors recognize Asgari’s groundbreaking work in integrating artificial intelligence and biomedicine to advance patient-centered solutions, as well as her leadership in developing CSULB’s biomedical engineering (BME) program. Asgari’s contributions have significantly affected student and faculty success, as well as program growth, promoting inclusive excellence and strengthening CSULB’s reputation in biotechnology innovation. Asgari’s work goes a long way toward cultivating workforce readiness of BME graduates in the high-demand field of biotech.
Dance professor shines on global stage and in the classroom
Danzel Thompson-Stout, assistant professor in the Department of Dance at CSULB, recently reached new heights in his professional career with major accomplishments in both performance and competition. In November 2024, he won the House category at the Freestyle Session World Finals, a renowned international street dance competition held in Los Angeles. He also had the opportunity to perform on Usher’s "Past Present Future" tour, bringing his extensive stage experience to audiences worldwide. Thompson-Stout seamlessly integrates his real-world expertise into his teaching at CSULB, where he offers courses in improvisation, street dance styles and Umfundalai — a contemporary African dance technique. His accomplishments underscore his dedication to bridging the gap between professional practice and academic excellence in the field of dance.
Forensics team duo takes trophy at Rutgers Tournament
Curtis Ortega, a third-year Africana studies major, and Daniel Medina, a first-year Chicano studies major, brought home two trophies for Beach Forensics after standout performances at major policy debate competitions earlier this month. The duo competed at Georgetown University, finishing with a 5-2 record and advancing to the octafinals. Their success continued at the prestigious, invitation-only Rutgers Round Robin, where they achieved a 4-1 record. Ortega earned first-place speaker in his pod, and the team went on to win the entire tournament in a unanimous 3-0 decision against Macalester College. This marks the first time CSULB has won the Rutgers tournament, a significant milestone that helps secure their spot at the upcoming National Debate Tournament at Gonzaga University. Led by Communications Studies lecturer Deven Cooper, Beach Forensics continues to showcase its excellence in competition.
BIG students win top spot in investment competition
Students from CSULB’s Beach Investment Group (BIG) at the College of Business recently earned first place in the 2024 CFA Society of Orange County Foundation's Request (RFP) for Proposal Competition for Student Managed Investment Funds. The competition challenges teams to develop and present a comprehensive proposal for managing a portfolio averaging $115,000, mirroring the rigorous processes used by institutional asset managers. CSULB students showcased their financial expertise and strategic acumen, surpassing competitors from Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Fullerton, UC Irvine, Biola and UC Riverside. Now in its 30th year, BIG, formerly known as the Student Managed Investment Fund, manages assets exceeding $1.6 million. The program’s continued success is credited to the vision of faculty members Richard Runyon and Peter Ammermann, who have helped shape it into a premier hands-on learning experience for aspiring finance professionals.
Have an item for Making Waves? Send your submissions to Wendy Thomas Russell.
