Lessons in chemistry

Former CSUB chemistry lecturer Haley Hashim is a 2024 Alumni Rising `Runner

By California State University, Bakersfield

February 22^nd, 2024

Haley Hashim is the 2024 Alumni Rising `Runner for the School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering. Each spring during Homecoming Week, the Rising `Runner program recognizes CSUB alumni of the last 10 years who are already making an impact in their career and community.

Haley Hashim graduated from California State University, Bakersfield in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry and a 3.64 GPA.

During her undergraduate studies, she was a member of the Chemistry Club and participated in many community outreach events. Some of her outreach events included Science Bowl, REVS-UP summer research program for high school students, and science demonstrations for elementary students.

Hashim said some of her favorite memories on campus were late nights spent studying with friends at the Walter W. Stiern Library. She also said CSUB’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Department and professors were an integral part of the development in her academic career.

“Each professor I had played a role in where I am in my professional career today,” she said.

In addition, Hashim was a research assistant in Dr. Danielle Solano’s research group. She worked on the Synthesis of Lysyl Oxidase (LOX) Inhibitors for the Prevention of Cancer Metastasis research project and later presented the group’s research at the American Chemical Society meeting in Denver in 2015. During Hashim’s undergraduate career, Solano gave her a career book that helped her discover the world of forensic science. Solano’s advice and support led to Hashim applying as an intern at the Kern Regional Crime Laboratory, which later confirmed her love for forensics.

Hashim went on to earn her Master of Science in chemistry at University of California, San Diego. While she was in graduate school, she would often visit CSUB to speak with undergraduate students about her graduate school experience and advice on applying to graduate school.

After graduate school, Hashim became a lecturer for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at CSUB from 2019 to 2021, during which she taught general and organic chemistry classes. She also taught a course where she implemented an alumni guest speaker series for students to learn about careers in medicine. As a lecturer, Hashim was known to share how she overcame difficult challenges during her collegiate experience with her students and imparted the importance of perseverance in pursuit of goals.

In 2022, Hashim left CSUB to chase the dream she had as an undergraduate and started working as a criminalist for the California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Forensic Services. Hashim is responsible for analyzing seized items collected by law enforcement agencies for controlled substances. Hashim said that as a forensic chemist, her role is behind the scenes. She assists law enforcement, prosecution attorneys, defense attorneys, and the general public by speaking for the evidence and facts of a case through science.

“I love that my job combines my two passions, chemistry and forensics. I am excited to come to work every day, and there is always something new to learn or work on in this career field,” said Hashim.

For those interested in entering a similar industry, Hashim recommended focusing on a science degree and preferably majoring in biology, chemistry or biochemistry. She also advised for students to seek internships and make network connections with others in the field. Hashim credits not only her CSUB undergraduate experience, but also teaching experience she gained during her time as a lecturer for contributing to her success as a criminalist.

“CSUB provided me the opportunity to receive a quality education while also developing personal and professional connections with its staff. The chemistry and biochemistry department expanded my breadth of knowledge in chemistry and allowed me to develop a skillset that I utilize every day in my career,” said Hashim.