Alumni Showcase

Our METRIC alumni have gone on to do fantastic things in their respective fields. Here are just a few of them.

Delora Gaskins, Ph.D.

Major: Chemistry and Mathematics (May 2011)

What Delora is Doing Now

Currently:

Postdoctoral researcher, Nonlinear Physical Chemistry Unit, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
Individual Fellowships: Marie Curie Actions COFUND/ IF@ULB, Belgian American Educational Foundation

Previously:

Ph.D. from Epstein Laboratory, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
Individual Fellowship: National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship program

In Delora's Own Words

How this Scholarship program helped you get to where you are today:
The mentorship of PSMS faculty (particularly Drs. Kwon and Buonora) in terms of life and professional advice while I was applying for fellowships and starting to transition from CSULB was really important for me. I've also reached out for advice from Dr. Kwon and Dr. Stevens after I graduated and I know if I need to that I can still, which is nice.

Words of wisdom for the current students:
Ask for help early and often. Find mentors whose opinion you trust. Find non-academic mentors too. Do paid summer internships in industry if you can, in addition to academic experiences. Try different things to see what you like. Don't sacrifice your health for your academic performance. Find out "your way" to be efficient and learn.

Brandon Hessler, M.S.

Major: Physics (December 2012)

What Brandon is Doing Now

Currently: Senior Multi-Stack Software Engineer at FanDuel

Previously:

Masters of Science in Software Engineering from Penn State
Physicist/Radar Warning Engineer/Radar Jamming Engineer/Software Engineer for U.S. Navy, Naval Air Systems Engineering

In Brandon's Own Words

How this Scholarship program helped you get to where you are today:
As a member of the inaugural group of the program, I had the pleasure of watching the group and scholarship grow into an amazing group. The program gave me more than just financial help that I needed to get through the years as a Veteran on my own, it gave me peers to help me when I had nobody else that had the skills to help me in my studies and most importantly, advisors that truly helped me in my college career. One of the defining things the scholarship helped me do seemed small at the time but was enormous; the advisors helped me reserve a classroom for my classmates and I to work on our homework together as a group, for a year and a half. Without that I doubt I would have understood half of what I do about electrodynamics, thermodynamics, or quantum mechanics.

Words of wisdom for the current students:
Study what you love, if you don't have a passion for it, then that major isn't for you and you will not enjoy your upper division courses. You should enjoy your lectures; of course the homework and tests are awful, but the lectures should be fascinating. When you get to your upper divisions, really get to know your professors and remember that they are human and want you to succeed. If you are completely lost, raise your hand and say exactly that. If you don't get anything from the homework, say just that in class. When I did just that, the professor asked the rest of the class if they were lost too (they were), and he pushed back the homework due date and reviewed all of the material again.

Linda Ta

Major: Geology (December 2012)

What Linda is Doing Now

Currently: Environmental Professional at Nicklaus Engineering, Inc.

Previously:

Environmental Chemist (2013-2014)
Project Manager Assistant (2014-2018) at Eurofins Calscience, LLC
Project Manager at Laboratory Data Consultants, Inc. (2018-2021)

In Linda's Own Words

How this Scholarship program helped you get to where you are today:
The financial support helped take the burden off my shoulders and gave me the opportunity to focus on school. The community was very supportive and prepared me for life after graduation.

Words of wisdom for the current students:
Be proactive within your department and consult with your academic advisor about upcoming internship opportunities as soon as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, even if you didn’t get the response you were looking for, keep at it. Always remember, when one door closes, another door opens.

Zakiya Shivji, M.S.

Major: Geology (2013)

What Zakiya is Doing Now

Currently: Environmental Protection Specialist at FEMA.

Previously:

M.S. in Geology & Graduate Certificate in GIS from New Mexico Highlands University
GIS Specialist for USFS (2016-2017)
Professional Dancer
Geologist at Prescott National Forest, U.S. Forest Service (2017-2021)

In Zakiya's Own Words

How this Scholarship program helped you get to where you are today:
This program really helped me to re-prioritize my schoolwork and remember why I got into Geology in the first place. It wasn't an easy road for me and I learned the hard way that I have to motivate myself to be who I want to be and to get to where I want to go. It made me realize to not let anybody tell me that I can't do something.

Words of wisdom for the current students:
You must study or at least enjoy the view from the 5th floor of the library. I can't tell you how many times this helped calm my mind and let me re-focus. Join student organizations because you will always need friends outside of your major. It helps to be able to get away and recharge. Take a PE or Dance class every semester, because we know how busy life can get and this way you have your physical and mental health as a priority too.

Academically speaking, the Tutoring Center was my 2nd home! I used it for math and chemistry mainly and it was the best thing I could have ever asked for. They had great tutors and hours. Even if I didn't need help, I would be there with my homework so when I did need help they were right there to answer my questions. my last words of advice, "Don't be afraid to ask for help or clarification. You are in school to learn, no one can read your mind, and you are in charge of your education. Remember that you can do anything you set your mind to, and with the help of others it is even easier."

Leo Palomera, M.S.

Major: Mathematics (May 2014)

What is Leo Doing Now

Currently: Associate Director at Guidehouse.

Previously:

B.A. in Mathematical Economics & Economic Theory at CSULB
B.S. in Statistics at CSULB; Masters in Economics at USC
Lecturer of Economics at University of California Los Angeles
Director of the Data Science & Statistics Team at Ankura (Previously Navigant) – Global Disputes & Investigations
Lecturer (for Introduction to Data Science) at University of Colorado, Boulder
Learning Success Data Scientist at Pearson
Lecturer – Data Analytics Boot Camps at University of Denver

In Leo's Own Words

How this Scholarship program helped you get to where you are today:
This program provided me the ease of mind to concentrate on my academics but, also gave me the opportunity to travel around the world. The program opened my eyes to the vast opportunities offered to STEM majors nation wide, including conferences, Research Experiences for Undergrads (REUs), and Graduate Funding for Minorities. It has allowed me to rise to greater potential than I initially thought in myself (after failing Dr. Chang’s initial Calc III exam). To recognize the applications and beauty of mathematics in the real world.

Words of wisdom for the current students:

Write & Read More - Going into my 5th year as a profession, most of my time is spent drafting reports and communicating analysis. Though many of us choose to study a STEM field to avoid writing papers believe me when I say writing will come back to haunt you.
Learn to Program - Whether it's R, MATHLAB, or Python, this day and age will require you to learn a programming language. Find some data which overlaps with your passion and see what you learn from it.
Personal & Professional Relationship - Along with going to office hours, build relationships with faculty and staff around the university. Some of my most memorable moments took place outside the classroom: Grading for Dr. Chang, expecting a world-class meal afterward, racing Dr. Murray in a mile before STAT 381 because he was trash talking.

M. Katy Rodriguez Wimberly

Major: Physics (December, 2014)

What Katy is Doing Now

Currently: NSF MPS Ascend Postdoctoral fellow at UC Riverside

Previously:

Physics M.S. program at CSULB
Physics Ph.D. from UC Irvine in 2021
NSF Graduate Research Fellow at UC Irvine

In Katy's Own Words

How this Scholarship program helped you get to where you are today:
The mentoring and research experience I received through this program prepared me for graduate research! I now do astrophysics research but while I was in the program I did Condensed Matter research - even though I switched, I learned so much about myself as a scientist during my undergrad research. It has helped me immensely in graduate school - I feel like I was able to start my doctoral thesis work and focus on the science since I learned many good research techniques in the program!

Words of wisdom for the current students:
Create a network of mentors - peers, grad students and professors! Their advice and support will help keep you inspired and on track to achieve your goals. Don't be afraid to ask questions, ask multiple people the same question and to go after what whatever it is you want!

Gina Oliver, Ph.D.

Major: Geology (May 2014)

What Gina is Doing Now

Currently:

Part time faculty/Oceanography Instructor at San Bernardino Valley College, CA
Co-owner and founder of From The Land LLC., a sustainable/regenerative agricultural business

Previously:

Doctoral researcher at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy NY
Ph.D. in Geology/Geomicrobiology, May 2019

In Gina's Own Words

How this Scholarship program helped you get to where you are today:
During my time at CSULB, this program helped me financially, which took a huge burden off of my shoulders that allowed me to focus on my academic work. More importantly, the PSMS program provided a community of mentors and peers that supported and facilitated my choice to pursue a PhD program. Even during my PhD program, my PSMS advisor, Dr. Stevens provided me with much needed perspective during the most challenging time. It inspired me to push forward and finish my degree.

Words of wisdom for the current students:
Focus on you during this time of your life. You are investing in yourself by getting a great education at CSULB. Continue to push yourself because you will be surprised at what you are capable of. Even when times get hard, either in school, at home or with friends, keep going. Be bold and do not limit your imagination or thought of what you think you can and cannot do. Be open to trying and learning new things, even outside of your field of study. Explore as much of the world as you can and never be afraid of failure.

Patrick Kwon, M.S.

Major: Mathematics (May 2014)

What Patrick is Doing Now

Currently: Mathematics Instructor at Highline College

Previously:

Mathematics Instructor at Chabot College (2017-2018)
Mathematics Instructor at Bellevue College (2018-2019)
Pricing and Reporting Analyst at Trupanion (2019-2020)

In Patrick's Own Words

How this Scholarship program helped you get to where you are today:
The program was able to give me a really strong network of people that helped guide me through college as a first-generation college student. It also gave me the financial means to be able to focus more on my academics without having to get multiple jobs to pay for school.

Words of wisdom for the current students:
Work hard, but play hard too. You'll never get these years back. Also, go to office hours! They are actually helpful.

Adriana Arias, M.S.

Major: Mathematics (May 2015)

What Adriana is Doing Now

Currently: Full-time, Tenure-track Mathematics professor at Riverside City College

Previously:

Master’s Degree in Mathematics at CSULB
Mathematics Lecturer at CSULB & Adjunct Instructor at Rio Hondo College

In Adriana's Own Words

How this Scholarship program helped you get to where you are today:
Besides the huge financial support, what I got most out of PSMS was this network of support from peers and professors. I met many like minded people who encouraged me to continue pursuing my goals. This helped solidify my choice in pursuing a Master’s degree in Mathematics. I've had amazing professors, like Dr. Chang, vouch for me in my current position and allow me to take on more opportunities in my career.

Words of wisdom for the current students:
I would not have survived school without my friends. It is so important to build relationships in your classes and form cohorts outside of class to help you succeed. This is how I met some of my closest friends who helped me throughout undergraduate and graduate school.

Diana Gonzalez, M.S.

Majors: B.S. in Mathematics; B.A. in Physics (May 2015)

What Diana is Doing Now

Currently:

Full-time, Tenure-track, Mathematics professor at Long Beach City College
Mathematics Lecturer at CSULB (2018-present)

Previously: M.S. in Applied Mathematics (August 2018)

In Diana's Own Words

How this Scholarship program helped you get to where you are today:
This program helped me break out of my shell. I was fixed on graduating, getting my teaching credential, and teaching high school, because I didn’t know there were other routes for me to take. I attended a summer math program and became a SI instructor to satisfy the requirement of getting involved with my degree. Those two experiences changed my game plan. I gained confidence that teaching was what I was meant to do and specifically, I wanted to impact incoming first generation students. To do this, I'd have to get a master's degree, again something I never thought I could do.

While working on graduating, I spent a lot of the PSMS study sessions with Jaylen who introduced me to his physics cohort. I had FOMO with physics and Jaylen and his peers convinced me to get the second degree. Overall, PSMS forced me to explore different paths and in doing this, I gained the mentality that I can achieve anything I choose to work for. With this growing confidence and the guidance of Dr. Jen-Mei Chang, I am currently living my dream.

Words of wisdom for the current students:
Take advantage of all the resources this university and this program have to offer and learn about who and where you want to be. The mentors in this program have your success in mind and will do their best to help you but you must help yourself first. If you ever feel lost, reach out to your peers because you'll find comfort in knowing they have been lost too or are currently lost #mathmakesfriends. It's okay to struggle and to feel overwhelmed. When you take the time to take care of your emotions and then overcome those obstacles, you'll be a stronger person.

Julia Murphy

Major: Applied Mathematics & Mathematical Economics (May 2016)

What Julia is Doing Now

Currently: Lead Developer & Project Manager at Springwave Studios

Previously: After graduation, I traveled and worked remotely for 8 months. Since then, I have worked as an analyst at a telecom company and served as their interim Fulfillment Supervisor before settling into a development role at a Long Beach marketing and web design company.

Lead Developer & Project Manager, KDA Consulting (2017-2018)
Interim Fulfillment Supervisor at The Comtel Group (2019)

In Julia's Own Word

How this Scholarship program helped you get to where you are today:
The program helped me stay in a tough major, gain research experience and support from peers and staff, and graduate with significantly less debt.

Words of wisdom for the current students:
Don't do it alone! Build a study group, use your support systems, and remember the importance of balance in your life.

Christian Santizo

Major: Mathematics (May 2016)

What Christian is Doing Now

Previously: B.S. in Applied Mathematics with emphasis in Economics and Management; B.A. in Economics; M.S. in Applied Statistics at CSULB (2019)

In Christian's Own Words

How this Scholarship program helped you get to where you are today:
The program allowed me to stay connected with academics (e.g., faculty, peers with similar majors and goals).

Words of wisdom for the current students:
Make sure to make a positive reputation of yourself to the people around, especially towards your professors and peers. This will pay dividends in the future when you need people to vouch for you (letter recommendation for grad school, references for jobs).

Jaylen Wimbish

Major: Physics (May 2017)

What Jaylen is Doing Now

Currently: Systems Programmer I at City of Los Angeles, Information Technology Agency.

Previously:

Software Engineer at Lantronix
Programmer Analyst at City of Los Angeles, Information Technology Agency

In Jaylen's Own Words

How this Scholarship program helped you get to where you are today:
PSMS had a huge impact on my studies and professional development at CSULB. The benefits of being a part of the program has assisted me in getting to where I am today. The financial assistance helped tremendously as I was able to focus on doing well in my classes and involve myself in extracurricular activities on campus instead of juggling multiple jobs and my studies. The extracurricular activities included being active members of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) and Associated Computer Machinery (ACM).

The program facilitated an environment where I was able to meet other students in STEM who also shared a passion in wanting to excel in their fields. A lot of the students in the program became my friends and we helped each other get beyond the trials and tribulations our degrees put us through. It was comforting to know that I had relationships with the PSMS faculty, and I could easily reach out to them for mentoring not just with academics but for professional development as well. By having the ability to focus on my studies, expand my network with like-minded people in the program, and having awesome faculty coaching me through my time at CSULB, I had the discipline, knowledge, and role models to help me pursue the career I am in today.

Words of wisdom for the current students:
Self-reflect and make sure you know where your passion lies. Study the subject(s) that makes you happy as your passion will help you succeed in your college career. Surround yourself with like-minded people in your field as they will make the best friends and support group. I encourage you to be open minded in trying new opportunities and by doing so it will help you grow as a person.

Natalie Cannon

Major: Physics (May 2021)

What Natalie is Doing Now

Currently:

Ph.D. candidate in Nuclear and Radiological Engineering at Georgia Tech
Nuclear criticality research fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory

Previously: Visiting graduate researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

In Natalie's Own Words

How this Scholarship program helped you get to where you are today:
METRIC gave me the ability to pursue my academic and research interests without having to worry about how I'm going to afford to continue in my education.

Words of wisdom for the current students:
Say yes to as many experiences as you can. You'll be amazed at what you'll be able to do.

Jordyn Helaire

Major: Mathematics Education (May 2022)

What Jordyn is Doing Now

Currently:

Instructional Student Assistant for MATH 112A (Essential Algebra) at CSULB
Student in a Single Subject Credential Program at CSULB
Looking to work as a Middle or High School Math teacher straight out of the credential program. Plans to get a master's and teach at the community college level after being an ISA this semester

Previously:

Academic Support Coach for MATH 122 (Calculus 1) for HSI-STEM
Supplemental Instructor and Mentor for MATH 122 (Calculus 1) at the CSULB Learning Center
Supplemental Instruction Mentor at the CSULB Learning Center

In Jordyn's Own Words

How this Scholarship program helped you get to where you are today:
The METRIC scholarship paid for my education at CSULB which I otherwise would not have been able to afford. I was also able to form friendships with other students in the program by taking classes together and attending METRIC events.

Words of wisdom for the current students:
Do your best but notice when your best isn’t achieving the results you want anymore and be willing to do something about it. That’s what the METRIC program and other resources on campus people in the program will direct you to are for.

You will struggle but don’t struggle alone.

Cyna Nguyen

Major: Mathematics (May 2022)

What Cyna is Doing Now

Currently: Ph.D. student in Applied Math at Iowa State University

Previously:

The EDGE program
study abroad at Oxford University
REU at Pomona College
President of MSSA
Math department social media intern

In Cyna's Own Words

How this Scholarship program helped you get to where you are today:
METRIC helped me by opening the doors to many opportunities for academic and personal growth. The connections I have made through the METRIC community has benefitted me immensely because of the encouragement and support. METRIC events are some of my favorite memories at CSULB.

Words of wisdom for the current students:
Take advantage of the opportunities/events that METRIC provides. Don't be afraid to ask questions or step out of your comfort zone.