Scholar Biographies |
2004 - 2005 Scholars |
Nicholas Anderson Feeling that college was the only way to increase his knowledge and career opportunities, Nicholas became the first in his family to attend. By becoming a McNair Scholar, Nicholas hopes to show potential graduate schools that he is motivated enough to take the initiative and prepare himself for his educational future as best he can in the field of clinical psychology. He said previous teachers and professors have inspired him with their passion and knowledge and he hopes that one day he can do the same for others. |
Angela Arriola The first in her family of eight to attend college, Angela is studying business administration with an emphasis in management. Her desire to be a part of the McNair Scholars Program goes hand in hand with her feelings about higher education; she knows that both will give her the social, academic and financial help to achieve the highest level of education. |
Marisa Bautista Every experience and every person in her life have helped to shape Marisa into the person she is today - an individual striving to obtain her BS in molecular biology and microbiology, then move on to earn her PhD. She hopes that the McNair program will help her improve her research techniques, assist her with writing skills and guide her through the graduate school application process. |
Jaqueline Gutierrez Jacqueline may be the first in her family to attend college, but she has in no way limited her future plans. Her family's support has encouraged her to follow her dreams and obtain a PhD in educational leadership and policy. Jacqueline is looking for experience in conducting research and gaining the opportunity to develop relationships with faculty mentors that she knows will assist her on her educational journey. |
Teresa Kirkpatrick Although not the first in her family to go to college, Teresa is still a first generation college student. Whereas most of her family members have not made it through high school, her older sister went to college. After growing up in tough financial conditions Teresa knew that college would be her only escape to a better life. Her interest in biology stemmed from a childhood congenital heart valve condition, ever since seeing an exposed view of her heart, Teresa has been enthralled by the workings of the human heart. She hopes that through the program she will gain research experience, make connections with other scholars and become better prepared for the rigors of graduate school. |
Elaine Manzanilla Motivated by her desire to do something valuable for her future, Elaine decided that college would be the best place to start. Studying molecular biology, she hopes to earn her PhD and then return to CSUS where she would like to teach biology. Raised by her grandmother and mother, Elaine attributes her love of learning to their continuous desire for knowledge as they taught her to never lose her sense of wonder or to never give up. It is with this in mind that Elaine was motivated to become a McNair Scholar, to help her develop the skills that she will need to achieve her dreams. |
Crystal Martinez Encouraged by her family and the low percentage rate of Native Americans who go on to higher education, Crystal has decided to get as much education as she can. Currently studying communications, she hopes to obtainer her PhD in either education or communications. Her long term career goals include becoming a college professor and working with the tribal community. Through McNair she hopes to take advantage of the opportunities provided which will better prepare her for continuing beyond her bachelor's degree. |
Oscar Mendoza Born in Tototlan Jalisco, Mexico, Oscar is the first person in his family to attend college. Since moving to the Unites States, he has had one goal in mind and that was obtaining higher education. Although he cites being low income and a minority student as obstacles, he knows that the McNair Scholars program will assist him in reaching his academic goals. |
Lashauna Smedley The image of her hard working parents is part of what encourages Lashauna to continue to pursue her educational dreams. Born in Sacramento, Lashauna is an English major and plans to obtain her Ph.D. so that she can become a professor. She believes that the McNair Scholars Program will assist her in reaching her goals by helping her to succeed in school and in life so that in the future she can make a difference in her community. |
Deborah Ward Growing up with an intense love of nature due to frequent family camping trips, Deborah decided to attend college after growing bored by the grooming business she had started. She wanted thoughtful stimulation and to expand her world views. Upon starting school she has found each semester engaging and is continually inspired to learn more. She hopes that with the assistance of the program she can gain knowledge that will assist her in preparing for graduate school while introducing her to new people and places. |
River Ybarra After starting a career in technology in the Silicon Valley, River realized that she was not utilizing her full potential and would benefit from continuing her education. Although she enjoyed working with technology, she did not enjoy the corporate environment or the "glass ceiling" she seemed to be facing. With the encouragement of her husband and former McNair scholar, Jason, River has decided to continue her education to the PhD level in molecular biology with a concentration in either genetics or neuroscience. |
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