Spring 2025 STEM-NET Edison Student Research Fellowship Recipients​

Student Name: David Vargas-Monroy
College Level: Undergraduate Senior
Major: Computer Science
Department: School of Computer Scien​ce and Engineering
College: Natural Sciences
Campus: California State University, San Bernardino
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Yan Zhang

"I enjoy learning guitar and am a big fan of the book Dune. My research interests lie in artificial intelligence and data science. Looking ahead, I plan to continue my studies with a master’s degree and eventually pursue a doctorate."
– David Vargas-Monroy

Student Name: Edgar Yak-De Padua
College Level: Senior
Major: Mathematics
Department: Mathematics
Campus: California State University, Los Angeles
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mike Krebs

"I am a first-generation college student at Cal State LA. My parents came to the United States in search of a better life, and growing up, I watched them work tirelessly to ensure that my brother and I were never hungry and always taken care of. In my free time, I enjoy playing Minecraft and watching the Spider-Man trilogy directed by Sam Raimi. My research focuses on Graph Theory, where I am working alongside Dr. Krebs at Cal State LA to determine the chromatic number of Circulant Graphs using homomorphisms that simplify them into smaller, more manageable versions. My current goal is to pursue graduate school."
– Edgar Yak-De Padua

Student Name: Hannah-Betty De Moica
College Level: Undergraduate
Major: Biology
Department: Department of Biology
Campus: California State University, Bakersfield
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Isolde Francis

"As an undergraduate biology student at California State University, Bakersfield, I have a deep interest in microbiology and molecular biology. Growing up in a low-income household, I didn’t have much, and college started as a way to build a better future. But along the way, I discovered my passion for research and the microbial world. Being the first in my family to attend university—and the first STEM major—I understand how tough the journey can be, which is why I mentor incoming STEM students to help them find their footing. My research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of microbial interactions and their impact on human health, and I’m gaining hands-on experience under the mentorship of Dr. Isolde Francis. My goal is to earn a Ph.D. in microbiology and work at the CDC, where I hope to contribute to public health through microbial research. When I’m not in the lab or mentoring, I enjoy hiking, yoga, watching movies, and catching up on good sleep."
– Hannah-Betty De Moica

Student Name: Jose Ortiz Franco
College Level: Senior
Major: Biochemistry
Department: Chemistry
Campus: California State University, Fullerton
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kenneth Childers

"Some of my hobbies include playing music, crocheting, baking, cooking, and watching sports. I’m a huge Eagles fan—go birds! My research focuses on the structural characterization of blood proteins related to hemophilia, a bleeding disorder. I am fortunate to have Dr. Kenneth Childers as my faculty mentor. My goal is to pursue a master’s degree in biochemistry, and I am currently interested in becoming a Clinical Lab Scientist!"
– Jose Ortiz Franco

Student Name: Lizeth Rojas
College Level: Junior
Major: Biophysics and Physics
Department: Physics
Campus: California State University, Dominguez Hills
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Horace Crogman

"I was born in the U.S. but grew up in Mexico before returning at six years old. I am the youngest of six siblings—three brothers (one deceased) and three sisters. I am the first in my family to attend college and a mother to five children. Together, my kids and I make our home in South Central LA.

I enjoy dancing, going on walks to the park, and spending time outdoors with my kids—whether at the beach, exploring new places, or hiking. Reading is also one of my favorite pastimes. My favorite food is mole poblano with rice, a dish that connects me to my cultural roots. One of my favorite books is Always Running by Luis J. Rodríguez because of its powerful depiction of life as a Mexican-American. As a Chicana/Latina, I identify with his experiences of gang crime, poverty, and overcoming adversity. I was raised not far from where he grew up and faced similar struggles, especially with my two brothers being victims of gang violence and racial injustice. His story resonates deeply with me because it reflects the reality that many Latinos, like myself, have lived.

My research interests lie in computational drug discovery and pharmacology, particularly in modeling cannabinoid and opioid co-treatment for pain management. I also work with and passage different cancer cell lines to study their behavior and response to treatments. My goal is to earn a Ph.D. in physics or engineering and become a faculty professor at a California State University. I am passionate about teaching and mentoring, especially supporting minority students from underserved communities. By fostering an inclusive learning environment, I hope to inspire and guide the next generation of scientists and engineers, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement to succeed in their academic and professional journeys."
– Lizeth Rojas

Student Name: Kristen Hairapatian
College Level: Junior
Major: Cell and Molecular Biology
Campus: California State University, Northridge
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Wilber Escorcia

"My research interests lie in gerontology, oncology, and immunology. My goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in molecular biology and immunology and work in industry research."
– Kristen Hairapatian

Student Name: Maria Mendoza Gutierrez
College Level: Junior
Major: Geology – General Concentration, History (minor)
Department: Geological Sciences
College: College of Natural Sciences
Campus: California State University, San Bernardino
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sally McGill (Specializes in neotectonics and paleoseismology.)

"As a first-generation college student and the eldest of five, my journey has been deeply shaped by my family. My parents didn’t have access to the same educational opportunities, but they’ve always supported and encouraged my pursuit of higher education. They often tell us they want my siblings and me to have a better life than they did—but I hope they know I only wish to be half the incredible people they are. I’m endlessly grateful to them.

In my free time, I find joy in listening to vinyl records, painting, dancing, reading memoirs, and spending time with loved ones. Two memoirs that have profoundly impacted me are The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio and Always Running by Luis J. Rodriguez. As for food, nothing beats pambazo and caldo de camarón—delicious, traditional Mexican dishes that remind me of home.

My current research focuses on determining the uplift rate of the Etiwanda Avenue fault in Southern California to assess its seismic hazard. I'm also passionate about Earth surface processes, fault structures, tectonic activity, and understanding the impacts of climate change.

Looking ahead, I aspire to become a K–12 science educator and create opportunities for students from underrepresented communities, just as others have done for me. I also plan to continue my academic journey by pursuing both a master’s and a doctorate degree."
– Maria Mendoza Gutierrez

Student Name: Regina Ortiz
College Level: Sophomore
Major: Kinesiology – Concentration Allied Health
Department: Kinesiology
Campus: California State University, Bakersfield
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jahyun Kim

"I'm deeply interested in sex-difference research and how it can lead to more personalized and effective healthcare. I aspire to pursue a career in the medical field—whether that path takes me through an MD, DO, or PA program, my goal is to make a meaningful impact in patient care."
– Regina Ortiz

Student Name: Sunny Yoshimitsu Nguye
College Level: Bachelor's Degree (in progress)
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineer (double)
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineer
Campus: California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mohamed El-Hadedy

"I’m a first-generation immigrant and the first in my family to attend college. One of my favorite hobbies is designing PCB boards for various digital systems—it’s both a way to gain hands-on experience and something I truly enjoy. My research interests include FPGA development, chip design, and RF systems. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. with a focus on either chip design or RF engineering."
– Sunny Yoshimitsu Nguyen

Student Name: Vicky Lopez
College Level: Senior
Major: Computer Science and Engineering
College: Natural Science
Campus: California State University, San Bernardino
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Fadi M.

"As a first-generation college student, I'm passionate about using technology for real-world impact. My research focuses on wildfire prediction and prevention through multi-agent AI and machine learning."
– Vicky Lopez

Student Name: Xochitl Roque Villalobos
College Level: Senior
Major: Biology with a minor in Chemistry
Department: School of Arts and Science, Biology Department
Campus: California State University Channel Islands
Faculty Mentor: Nitika Parmar

"When I’m not in the lab, I love camping, hiking, or getting lost in a good book. Right now, my favorite series is A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR), and I can never say no to sushi. My research focuses on how disruptions in cellular pathways lead to disease, especially in the areas of neurodegeneration and metabolic dysfunction. I’m currently working under the mentorship of Dr. Nitika Parmar, and I plan to continue my education through a Ph.D. or a medical research-focused program. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to advancements in cellular and molecular biology and to mentor underrepresented students in STEM—helping build a more inclusive and supportive scientific community."
– Xochitl Roque Villalobos

Student Name: Yu Hsin Daniel Chiu
College Level: Senior
Major: Microbiology
Department: Biological Sciences
Campus: California State University, Long Beach
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Deborah A. Fraser

"In my free time, I enjoy hiking, surfing, and cooking—they help me recharge and stay balanced. My research interests lie in immunology, and my ultimate goal is to become a physician (MD) and make a meaningful impact in patient care."
– Yu Hsin Daniel Chiu

Student Name: Guy Greeff
College Level: I am currently a Junior
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Department: Department of Mechanical Engineering
Campus: California State University, Northridge
Faculty Mentor: Dr. C. Shawn Sun

"My primary interest in research is contributing to projects that create a positive impact and drive meaningful change. I’m also eager to gain hands-on experience applying design and manufacturing skills to solve real-world challenges. In the future, I hope to be part of the aerospace industry, contributing to the design and development of new aircraft."
– Guy Greeff

Student Name: David Ross
College Level: Junior
Major: Biology
Department: Biology
Campus: California State University Channel Islands
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nitika Parmar
Family and Personal Background: Southern California born and raised; first person in my family to reach this level of education

"I was born and raised in Southern California and am proud to be the first in my family to reach this level of education. I love cooking, and I’m a big fan of science fiction and horror novels. My research focuses on cell culture studies of relevant pathological biomarkers. Looking ahead, I aim to build a career in biological research or the pharmaceutical industry."
– David Ross

Student Name: Alejandro Reyes
College Level: Senior Undergraduate
Major: Computer Science
Department: College of Engineering and Computer Science
Campus: California State University, Fullerton
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Doina Bein

"I come from a very supportive family that has taught me the importance of hard work and resilience. As the second oldest of four siblings, we’ve built a strong bond and can always rely on each other. Outside of school, I enjoy motorsports—especially off-road adventures in the desert and car shows with my family and friends. My research focuses on extreme-value dependence in the S&P 500 Index, which ties into my passion for data science and analytics. I’m currently building a solid foundation in statistics, machine learning, and data visualization through education and hands-on projects. My goal is to apply these skills to make an impact in data-driven industries."
– Alejandro Reyes

Student Name: Amy Lee
College Level: Freshman
Major: Animal Science
Department: Animal Science
College: Don B. Huntley College of Agriculture
Campus: California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Janel Ortiz, Dr. Rhea Hanselmann

"I’m from Irvine, and in my free time, I love hiking, painting, and making clothes for my dog. My favorite movie is The Maze Runner. My research interests include One Health, ticks, veterinary medicine, animal science, and bioengineering. I’m especially passionate about how these areas intersect to improve both animal and human health.

My long-term goal is to become a veterinarian and pursue a Ph.D. so I can help develop innovative biotechnology solutions in the field of veterinary medicine."
– Amy Lee

Student Name: Daniel Perez
College Level: Sophomore
Major: Physics 
Campus: California State University, Fullerton
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Anton Peshkov

"Currently, I’m interested in how granular matter interacts with the world, but I plan to expand into astrophysics. I plan to join academia to fund the research of which I first intend to define what is known and what must be known to set what I want to research relating to astrophysics"
– Daniel Perez

Student Name: Anay Rosas
College Level: Junior
Major: Chemistry
Department: Animal Science
Campus: California State University, Los Angeles​
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Xin Wen
Family and Personal Background: Mexican American, born and raised in LA. 

"I have a strong passion for the arts, particularly painting and playing the violin. In my free time, I love playing video games to unwind. One of my favorite dishes is cemitas poblanas. I would like to obtain a Master of Science in Criminalistics, which will lead to a career in forensic science.​"
– Anay Rosas​

Student Name: Evelyn Brittany Juarez
College Level: Senior
Major: General Physics
Department: Physics
Campus: California State University Dominguez Hills
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Horace Crogman

"I enjoy playing basketball. My favorite foods are semitas or pasta. My research interests include astrophysics and theoretical physics. My goal is to continue learning, earn a Ph.D. in astrophysics, and contribute meaningful research to the field."
– Evelyn Brittany Juarez

Student Name: Guadalupe Jacem Alonso-Aguilar
College Level: Freshman
Major: Biochemistry
Department: Natural & Behavioral Sciences
Campus: California State University of Dominguez Hills
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Horace Crogman

"I am proudly the eldest daughter of two Mexican immigrant parents who achieved their dreams of becoming an architect and a nurse. Growing up with three younger brothers, I was taught the value of resilience, hard work, and hope, no matter what obstacles life throws your way. Watching my mom care for others as a nurse sparked my own passion for helping people, and that passion only grew stronger after losing three close family members to cancer. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be part of something greater, something that saves lives. Living with eczema made my school years difficult, and the lack of compassion I experienced from some dermatologists deeply impacted me—it pushed me to dream of becoming the kind of doctor who treats patients with empathy, not as paychecks. That dream has led me toward a future in dermatology, where I hope to not only care for others but also contribute to cancer research in honor of the loved ones I’ve lost.

Some of my favorite hobbies involve the outdoors—being outside with nature is an amazing hobby when I have downtime. As far as favorite foods are concerned, I have plenty, but I love shrimp, so any seafood dish will have me content. My favorite books/reads were The Giver by Lois Lowry and The Hunger Games series.

I’m particularly drawn to research involving inflammatory skin diseases, skin cancer, and pharmacologic treatment development. My passion stems from both personal experience with chronic skin conditions and a deep desire to contribute to innovations in patient-centered dermatologic care. I’m eager to gain hands-on research experience, whether through clinical or laboratory-based projects.

Looking ahead, my goal is to attend medical school and become the first doctor and first dermatologist in my family. I’m especially interested in continuing research in cancer and contributing to advancements in both dermatologic care and cancer-related skin conditions. Beyond my personal aspirations, I’m passionate about helping others who, like me, are pursuing a career in medicine without much guidance. I hope to one day mentor and support students from underrepresented backgrounds, showing them that with perseverance and purpose, it’s possible to make a real difference in healthcare."
– Guadalupe Jacem Alonso-Aguilar

Student Name: Lynne Payad
College Level: Senior
Major: Biotechnology
Department: College of Science
Campus: Cal Poly Pomona
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tatiane Lima

"I am a first-generation college student who enjoys playing video games, watching movies, reading, and visiting botanical gardens and museums. My research focuses on characterizing the events of host cell invasion and phagocytosis during Toxoplasma gondii infection. My future goals include enrolling in graduate school and continuing to strengthen my skills within a research laboratory to pursue a career in industry."
– Lynne Payad