The College of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering (NSME) at California State University, Bakersfield prides itself on providing an excellent educational experience that prepares its students for jobs in technology, energy, health care, research and more. To ensure its programs meet evolving workforce needs, NSME launched the Dean’s Advisory Board in May 2023 under the leadership of Dean Jane Dong.
Made up of 21 leaders from the realms of energy, agriculture, environment, aerospace, engineering consulting, health care and K-12 education, the board provides valuable input on future workforce demands and technological innovations impacting regional industries. It also strategizes new opportunities for NSME students.
“NSME is the only four-year public institution in our region preparing professionals in STEM and health care,” Dr. Dong said. “Maintaining close ties with employers is essential to ensure our graduates are career ready.”
The Dean’s Advisory Board supports NSME by serving as a sustainable communication platform between the college and employers, education, industry and community partners; collaboratively enhancing NSME’s capacity to develop talents to meet the evolving needs of industry and local communities; and advocating for NSME in the community and beyond to create more opportunities for local students and to support the growth of the college.
The board is chaired by Isabel Silva, senior director of wellness and prevention at Kern Health Systems. An alumna of California State University, Long Beach who has lived in Bakersfield with her family since 2007, she wanted to get involved with local education and was happy to find a way to do so at CSUB, a sister-university of her alma mater.
Silva explained her belief in the importance of a college education and its ability to open doors to career opportunities and foster critical thinking, resilience and personal growth. She wanted to get involved with the board because she knows the impact higher education can have, especially for first generation students, and how a little support can help those balancing academics with home or work responsibilities.
“Having experienced these challenges firsthand, I deeply empathize with students who are juggling multiple roles,” she said. “It can be exhausting at times, but with the right support, encouragement and resources, it helps make the journey less daunting.”
Silva sees the board as “a bridge between students and opportunity” and wants it to actively work toward reducing barriers to higher education, especially for students who might be the first in their family to attend college.
“I envision a board that not only provides meaningful support and encouragement, but also creates pathways for real-world experience through internships, mentorship and professional connections,” Silva said. “I want the students of NSME to feel empowered, prepared and confident as they pursue their academic and career goals.”
Already, the board has helped launch the “Classroom to Career” initiative, which includes a plan for NSME major-specific career advising and connecting students with employers through networking and career events. A career preparation subcommittee was established in Spring 2024, and its members — Aimee Blaine, Omar Hayat, Amy Galanski and Silva — have been instrumental in shaping this initiative.
In September 2024, a “Train the Trainer” workshop was organized with support from the board. The workshop included a panel of employers who regularly hire NSME graduates and an audience of NSME faculty and staff advisors, as well as advisors from CSUB’s Center for Career Education and Community Engagement. Panelists shared their insights on expectations for future members of the workforce and their companies’ recruitment process.
NSME Internship and Career Coordinator Alejandro Murillo attended the workshop and found it “extremely valuable” in strengthening his ability to advise students. In the last year, he has personally advised more than 250 students looking for career guidance and hosted 15 career or information sessions.
“By engaging directly with employers, I gained clearer insight into what they are looking for in candidates and how industry needs are evolving,” he said. “Learning about current trends and expectations in the job market has given me the tools to better guide students, helping them align their skills and goals with real-world opportunities.”
In the year ahead, the board will continue to serve as a resource on industry trends and as ambassadors to boost the visibility of NSME programs. It plans to expand the “Classroom to Career” initiative by bringing in more internship opportunities and exploring other opportunities for collaboration with industry partners.
Dr. Dong sees the board as a lasting structure for collaboration.
“It ensures our programs align with industry needs while giving students the education and experiences to thrive,” she said. “The DAB members provide valuable insight to enhance our programs and student services, helping us prepare students for their future professions.”
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