Javier Contreras hadn’t conducted much research before he started working with Dr. Jeroen Gillard, assistant professor, department of biology, besides the REVS-UP program he’d attended at CSUB. It gave him a taste but wasn’t quite as extensive or as hands-on as his current work.
Fast forward to now, Contreras’ research focuses on cell biology, specifically diatoms, which are a group of unicellular algae found in virtually all sunlit bodies of water and are responsible for 25 percent of global primary production.
“His devotion is just really amazing,” said Dr. Jeroen Gillard. “I’ve never seen another student putting so much effort into it and I think it’s because he’s very clear about what his goals were.”
During the second semester of his freshmen year, Dr. Gillard asked if Contreras wanted to work in his lab.
“The experience was definitely intimidating at first, but over time I got more accustomed to the teachers and the lab work,” said student researcher, Javier Contreras.
When Contreras came to CSUB, he was afraid he wouldn’t have any research opportunities when he started CSUB.
Now that he’s seen the possibilities and has experienced it, he understands the overwhelming sense that incoming students have when engaging with campus research. However, once you get into, it’s something you grow accustomed to, he explained.
“The way he interacts with other students in the lab – he’s taken more of a leadership role,” said Dr. Gillard, explaining that Contreras does a great job of explaining procedures to those students who are just coming in.
“He’s really good at mentoring other students and giving advice on how to do things,” added Dr. Gillard.
Dr. Gillard was an undergraduate at one point himself and said he doesn’t think he would’ve been able to balance getting good scores and an excellent GPA on top of the research – the way Contreras has been able to.
Contreras’ assistance with Dr. Gillard’s research has helped support his hypothesis that amino acids present in the world’s oceans, can have important roles in diatom biology. Dr. Gillard said even when things didn’t work out the first time or didn’t seem promising, Contreras kept the faith.
Now that he’s a published author, Contreras says he’s very grateful he actually had the opportunity to do so.
“I understand that this is something not every student has,” said Contreras. “I’m glad that after all these years of work, I have something to show for it,” Contreras added.
Contreras is currently finishing his undergrad, working towards his bachelor’s degree and plans to continue his education by going into a Ph.D. program for molecular and cellular biology.
“I see this as a very massive achievement for me as a first-generation American. I do feel I’m supporting my family and I want to make them proud by taking advantage of the education we currently have in the United States,” said Contreras.
“For me, it’s really satisfying that I can help the students be successful in the next steps he’s going to take,” said Dr. Gillard.