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Meet NSME's outstanding graduates

The School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering honored students from each department

By California State University, Bakersfield

May 21^st, 2021

The School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering is filled with talented, hard-working students. Each year, a handful of students are chosen to be recognized as Outstanding Undergraduate or Graduate of their respective departments, with three other students being honored for Outstanding Papers.

From these students, two were named NSME’s Outstanding Undergraduate and Outstanding Graduate. Learn more about all of our honored students here.

Emily Oliver — B.S. in Mathematics

President's Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Outstanding Undergraduate Student for the School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering

Outstanding Undergraduate Student for Mathematics

Faculty mentor: Hualong Feng

Emily Oliver has earned an A in each college course at Taft College and CSUB, except for one UD GE course where she received an A- despite a 94% course average. This has resulted in an impressive 3.98 CSUB GPA and 3.99 overall college GPA. Emily investigated the Fibonacci Sequence for a Senior Seminar presentation. In her well-received talk, she showed that the Fibonacci sequence comes as close to being a geometric sequence as possible without actually being a geometric sequence. During high school, Emily solicited donations to create packages to send to sailors on the USS McCain. During college, she was a math tutor at Taft College and volunteered in her mother’s 6th-8th grade classroom. When her older sister was diagnosed with epilepsy, it changed Emily’s life. She had to learn to rely on herself, while her parents focused on handling the medical issues and expected her to be responsible for her sister. This experience turned Emily into a rule follower, who worked hard in school and became valedictorian in high school. After graduation, Emily will work as a mathematician at Navair, a Naval Weapons Facility located in China Lake that develops software for planes and missiles.

“When I was in high school, my English teacher said, ‘You can only be what you are willing to work to be.’ This award has validated all the hard work I have put in the last four years, and I am grateful to receive this award. Thank you to all the faculty and staff for providing me with tools to be successful in the future and always supporting my education. I am proud to be a roadrunner and it means the world to me to have been awarded such a high honor.”

— Emily Oliver

Jaycie Fickle — M.S. in Biology

Outstanding Graduate Student for the School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering

Outstanding Graduate Student for Biology

Faculty mentor: Dr. Anna Jacobsen

Jaycie Fickle is incredibly talented academically, a highly capable student and scientist, and a wonderful member of the CSUB community. In her time as a graduate student at CSUB, she has been a co-author on four published scientific papers with more in review and she completed an outstanding graduate thesis project in biology that she is preparing for publication. She also served as a teaching assistant, was a member of the National Science Foundation Center for Research Excellence in Science and Technology program, and she served as the president of the Graduate Student Fellowship student club. She is now a new graduate student in the Biology Department at the University of Utah, where she is working to complete her Ph.D.

Jonathan Janes — B.S. in Biology

Outstanding Undergraduate Student for Biology

Faculty mentor: Dr. Anna Doty

Jonathan Janes is an exemplary first-generation student who serves as a role model for his peers in the biological sciences and beyond. Jonathan has excelled academically while completing his degree in traditional biology with a concentration in biotechnology. He has made the Dean’s list each semester and is in the Alpha Chi Honor’s Society as well as the National Society of Leadership and Success. Jonathan has held a variety of positions at CSUB, including Chair of the Board for Associated Students, Inc., Treasurer of the Biology Club, and President and founder of the Society of Student Greatness. Further, Jonathan is a peer mentor for the NSME Pathways program and a patient volunteer with Hoffmann Hospice. He has also been an active participant in the Doty Lab, while maintaining two jobs, demonstrating his ability to effectively manage his time while excelling academically, participating in research, and contributing to CSUB and the community. Jonathan plans to complete his Ph.D., and eventually come back to academia to teach in order to continue to give opportunities to students like him.

“Getting chosen for this award is an amazing feeling; the recognition of mine along with my peers’ hard work makes it all worthwhile. There are innumerable people I’d like to thank for helping me along the way to this achievement – from those professors and peers that I’ve met at CSUB alone I’d like to thank Dr. Anna Doty, Dr. Amber Stokes, Dr. Michele Engel, Dr. Karlo Lopez, Taytlyn Alvarez, Uchechi Okey-Dike, and Dezi Salcedo. Thank you all for pushing me to be better.”

— Jonathan Janes

Nicole Saint John — B.S. in Human Biology

Outstanding Undergraduate Student for Human Biology

Faculty mentor: Dr. Amber Stokes

Nicole Saint John is a very engaged, intelligent student. She is consistently seeking new information and things to learn, even when it isn’t required by her courses. She is just genuinely interested in learning as much as she can. She did research in one of her courses on the efficiency and efficacy of aquaponic gardens, even making a small one herself. This gained the attention of CSUB’s aquaponics garden and President Zelezny! She has also spent time volunteering in the Learning Center after school program in Shafter teaching K-8 students art, German, and biology. She also has spent time as an “art cart” volunteer at Mercy Hospital. She has an enthusiasm and love for biology, teaching, and learning that is inspiring. She hopes to continue learning by pursuing a graduate degree in biology.

“I had a wonderful time as a CSUB student and I am deeply honored by the recognition. As a German immigrant who was born in 1958 and came to the United States in 2000, I regard my U.S. education as a great privilege. It has given me the scientific background and the confidence to work in my chosen field as a member of this community. I am very thankful to my professors for their kindness and support, and to my husband for his support and steadfast encouragement.”

— Nicole Saint John

Brenden Chase — B.S. in Biochemistry

Outstanding Undergraduate Student for Biochemistry

Outstanding Undergraduate Unpublished Paper, "Limiting Lysyl Oxidase Activity Through the Development of Small Molecule Inhibitors"

Faculty mentor: Dr. Danielle Solano

Brenden Chase is an impressive Helen Hawk Honors scholar who is currently conducting two different research projects: one with Dr. Danielle Solano and another with Dr. Marina Shapiro. With Dr. Solano, Brenden is working towards the synthesis of pyridine-containing molecules with the goal of developing inhibitors of the enzyme lysyl oxidase, an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of metastatic cancers. With Dr. Shapiro, Brenden is studying challenges in STEM energy education. In his spare time, Brenden volunteers his time to run SI sessions for organic chemistry students, volunteers at a number of university events, and helps his younger brothers with their homework. Brenden has achieved all of this despite being a first-generation college student who has had to work throughout his college career. Brenden eventually hopes to get his MD/PhD and eventually work in a hospital setting while conducting research in the field of infectious diseases.

“Upon being notified that I had received this award, I was ecstatic as I felt that this award was a recognition of all the hard work that I had put in at CSU Bakersfield. My time at CSUB has been one to remember, and I am glad that I chose to attend this school. I have made many dear friends and mentors throughout my time here, and I am forever grateful for the impact that they have had on my life and educational journey.”

— Brenden Chase

Michael Stevens — B.S. in Chemistry

Outstanding Undergraduate Student for Chemistry

Faculty mentor: Dr. Danielle Solano

Michael Stevens is a Gates Millennium Scholar and a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Michael is currently conducting research with Dr. Danielle Solano where he is working to improve reaction conditions used to prepare inhibitors of the enzyme lysyl oxidase, an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of metastatic cancers. Michael has achieved all of this despite being a first-generation college student whose family has struggled with financial hardship. Michael has worked throughout his college career to support his family and is currently the primary breadwinner. Additionally, Michael regularly commutes from Bakersfield to Visalia (where his family lives) so he can help around the house. Michael plans to attend Fresno State this fall to get his master’s degree in chemistry and then eventually go on to attend pharmacy school. Michael hopes to one day open his own pharmacy in the Central Valley to give back to the underserved community where he was raised.

Bradley Squires — B.S. in Geology

Outstanding Undergraduate Student for Geology

Faculty mentor: Dr. Anthony Rathburn

Bradley Squares is a highly self-motivated student. He is hardworking, friendly, and a good teammate. He maintained a 4.0 major GPA. He is also very active in the department, CSUB, and the local community, and he has been instrumental in developing high-impact outreach events, such as organizing fundraisers. Bradley is the vice president of the CSUB Geology Club and student assistant in the department helping clean and setup lab and organize field trips. Bradley plans to pursue a MS in geology with a concentration in hydrogeology or mining geology.

Karine Hochstatter — M.S. in Geology

Outstanding Graduate Student for Geology

Faculty mentor: Dr. Junhua Guo

During her time in the geology department, Kari Hochstatter has worked hard to advance her knowledge as well as the knowledge of others. She has done well in her coursework and has dedicated herself to her research while also working full time as a geologist. Her research has the potential to establish a new method in the field of geothermometry. This can be a valuable exploration tool in the fields of petroleum and geothermal energy. She is active in the community, mentoring high school girls interested in STEM. She has enthusiastically volunteered to present her masters work to several local professional associations, which helps foster good relationships between the geology department and university and the community and industry. She has overcome the adversities presented to her including working full time, completing her research during the COVID-19 pandemic, and actively pursuing her Professional Geologist license. After completing her Master of Science in Geology, Kari plans to continue her work as a geologist and earn her Professional Geologist accreditation.

"I am honored to be chosen as the Outstanding Graduate Student for the Geological Sciences Department. It feels good to be recognized for the hard work I have done. The road towards my master's degree has been a long one, but my time at CSUB has been very fulfilling."

— Karine Hochstatter

Hazel Bains — B.S. in Nursing

Outstanding Undergraduate Student for Nursing

Faculty mentor: Krystal Ball

In an academic year that started out in the “Year of the Nurse,” Hazel Bains exemplifies all that the nursing department hopes to achieve with its graduates. As an impacted and nationally accredited program on campus, Hazel competed with upward of over 400 candidates where only 60 were chosen. Most graduates complete in five years, but she took the pledge to graduate in four years and did just that, not only completing it, but excelling in it and attaining a 3.96 GPA. Despite the extra work due to this, she has continually found ways to get involved: she is one of our simulation student assistants, served in service-learning roles and even joined the mentoring program on campus to assist pre-nursing students to have the support they need. In addition to this, she responded to the Kern County Public Health Department when a call went out early in the Covid-19 pandemic to assist in a junior staff nurse role and worked for our community with Covid-19 testing, contact tracing and now immunization clinics.

Onn Wright — M.S. in Nursing

Outstanding Graduate Student for Nursing

Faculty mentor: Dr. Annie Huynh

Onn Wright is bright and well-liked by her classmates, colleagues, and the Nursing Department. She does many things beyond her duties as a student. She has overcome many obstacles in life as well as her educational journey to focus on a goal of giving back to her community. She dedicates her career to providing healthcare services to underserved populations in rural areas.

Genesis Bill Mangunay — B.S. in Computer Engineering

Outstanding Undergraduate Student for Computer Engineering

Faculty mentor: Dr. Mostafa Abdelrahim

Knowing that Genesis Bill Mangunay’s GPA is 3.65, the highest among all computer engineering major students, Dr. Abdelrahim was not surprised with the exceptional performance he showed in his robotics course. One of his notable projects was the “Contactless Temperature Gun,” a very important application during this pandemic. In his senior project, Genesis developed a drone design that was made mainly using a 3D printer, something that would make drone technology more accessible. Genesis also has a good character and likes to help others. For example, Genesis worked closely with the Wonderful Education organization. Through this organization, Genesis worked with advisors on the challenges of college life. By talking about his college experience, it served to help the upcoming freshman students by showing what worked and didn't work. With the previous achievements, services, and qualifications it is no surprise to know that Genesis was listed for eight consecutive terms on the NSME Dean’s List.

William Sparks — B.S. in Computer Science

Outstanding Undergraduate Student for Computer Science

Faculty mentors: Gordon Giesel & Dr. Anthony Bianchi

William Sparks has worked very hard during his time at CSUB and earned the highest GPA in the department at 3.95. Dr. Bianchi recalled having William in his computer architecture class, in which he would often use William’s work as a sample to show other students. He was very gracious and humble about his skills and talents. William was also a team leader in a senior project, where he took his role seriously. He has shown great leadership and skills that did not come easy. Dr. Bianchi said William is a model for other students.

Allen Au — B.S. in Electrical Engineering

Outstanding Undergraduate Student for Electrical Engineering

Faculty mentor: Dr. Mostafa Abdelrahim

Allen Au is keen and kind to his colleagues. For two years, he tutored his classmates in a variety of different classes. He is a persistent person and never gives up. In a robotics course – a heavy coding course – his programming skills were limited because of his electrical engineering major background. However, as time went on, he rapidly developed his programming skills. He even led his project team and kept tirelessly working until the last minute. Dr. Abdelrahim was not surprised with Allen’s practical experience and how he developed an excellent career profile in his previous company. In three years, he could join the RD team of his company and contribute to some of the very important products of the company. It is no surprise that Allen has the top GPA in the electrical engineering major.

Raquel Pimentel Contreras — B.S. in Engineering Sciences

Outstanding Undergraduate Student for Engineering Sciences

Faculty mentor: Dr. Dayanand Saini

Raquel Pimentel Contreras will graduate this semester with a GPA of 3.67, the highest in the engineering program. She will attend UC Davis for an MS in Mechanical Engineering beginning fall 2021. She was one of the NSF CREST-sponsored research scholars since 2017 and worked in research projects with Dr. Dayanand Saini. She has also received the California Resources Corporation (CRC) President’s Scholarship, which is annually awarded to an outstanding student studying engineering sciences with an emphasis in petroleum engineering. In addition, she won the CSUB Student Research Competition (Engineering and Computer Sciences category). In 2020, she won second place for oral presentation, and in 2018 she won first place (jointly) for a poster presentation. She is serving as secretary for the SPE Student Chapter at CSUB and is also active in the Society of Women Engineers club.

Javier Alexander Contreras — B.S. in Biology

Outstanding Undergraduate Published Paper, "Asparagine-based production of hydrogen peroxide triggers cell death in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum" published in "Botany Letters"

Faculty mentor: Dr. Jeroen Gillard

Javier Alexander Contreras was an integral part of this paper, his mentor said. While working in Dr. Gillard’s lab, Javier was involved in all aspects of research, from house-keeping laboratory work to the design and execution of experiments, to the analysis and visualization of results, the oral presentation of results on conferences, to the reading of literature and the assistance with the writing of a manuscript. Importantly, in all these instances, Javier contributed with enthusiasm.

“I am grateful for being awarded the Outstanding Published Undergraduate Paper. Being chosen for this reward means a great deal to me as I didn't believe that I would receive any notable recognition when entering CSUB as a freshman. Some four years later, I'm amazed at what I've received and feel lucky to have met the amazing people I now have in my life. I would like to especially thank my mentor Dr. Jeroen Gillard, Jaimi Paschal of the NSME Pathway's Community Program, and members of CSU Bakersfield's Department of Biology as I wouldn't be where I am today without their support.”

— Javier Alexander Contreras

Zachary Webb — M.S. in Geology

Outstanding Graduate Published Paper, "Preservation of organic carbon in the Cretaceous Hue Shale on the North Slope of Alaska: Insights from pyrite morphology," published in "International Journal of Coal Geology"

Faculty mentor: Dr. Liaosha Song

Zachary Webb contributed to a paper on pyrite crystals as a proxy to evaluate the reduction conditions of cretaceous rocks, research that was published in a top-tier peer-reviewed journal. Zach’s work focused on identifying pyrite framboids and measuring their sizes. His contribution was pivotal to the success of this research, his mentor said, adding that Zach is a brilliant student and a pleasure to work with in the lab.