Student Services Center, Room 460
530-898-6880
graduatestudies@csuchico.edu

The Office of Graduate Studies
Business Hours
8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Monday–Friday

Mailing Address
Office of Graduate Studies
California State University, Chico
400 W. First St.
Chico, CA 95929–0875

More Contact Information

@chicostategradstudies

@chicostatecogs

Grad Studies YouTube Channel (@chicostate-gradstudies)

2025-2026 McNair Scholars!

Returning McNair Scholars

I am a mother, sister, daughter, friend, mentor, and human. In social settings, I go by Shannon and in my happiest place Mom. I'm a mother of five beautiful children, ages twenty-one to four. I started my college education twenty years ago with no more than an 8th grade education. I have been off and on for that duration as a result of the obstacles of raising children. It took me approximately fifteen years to find my passion in science. My major in Microbiology with a CLS emphasis , and a minor in Chemistry and biochemistry . With all my credentials, I hope to be a clinical license scientist or obtain a master's and teach at a Junior College.With the support of the McNair program, I hope to explore all the opportunities that are available with my education.

Hi everyone! I'm Karen, a senior in biochemistry. I have been fortunate to conduct biology research alongside my faculty advisor, Dr. Gorman, for the past 3 years. My research has focused on studying the effects of testosterone on medaka fish with idiopathic scoliosis! This year, I serve as the president of the ACS: Student Chapter (the chemistry club). I'm excited to work with my peers to plan engaging events for our community! I also have the role of lead intern organizer for the California State University Employees Union (CSUEU). Where I support student assistants across California fight for better working conditions! I'm thrilled to be a part of this program and find the right grad school for me! :)

My name is Isadora (they/she), and I am an Advanced Manufacturing and Applied Robotics major, and I transferred to Chico State in the spring of 2023. I am a crafter, tinkerer, and artist at heart. I was originally a Photography major when I first went to community college, but after an extended hiatus I decided to switch to engineering as it more closely aligns with my long-term goals. I care deeply about community resiliency, especially in the face of worsening climate change, and I hope to use my education to help find ways to build our communities resiliency, and local environment.

My name is Elaina. I look forward to polishing my skills as a student as well as a scholar! This is my senior year and I'm so excited to see where my education takes me from here.

Meet Sean Jacobs (He/Him/His), a senior Sociology major and proud McNair Scholar. A father in his late 40s, he has returned to academia after a 28-year break. Sean brings his leadership skills to campus as the Communications Director for the Online Sociological Association (OSACS) and explores philosophy as a member of The Rosicrucian Order AMORC. Overcoming incarceration and homelessness created powerful life experiences that fuel his ambition to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) and become a therapist and public speaker for the addiction treatment community.

My name is Miriam Jimenez Cuevas, I am from Santa Maria, CA. I'm a double major in Cellular & Molecular Biological Science and Public Health. During my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, hikes or trails with a good view. I also love thrifting and reading.

Hello! My name is Cassidy Kuharski, and I am in my last semester of undergraduate studies here at Chico State. I am an Art Education major with Minors in Art Studio and Childhood Development. My emphasis in art is painting, but I also love ceramics as well. In addition to this I enjoy reading, walking my dog, and baking in my free time outside of class. I plan to get my Masters in Fine Arts for Painting after finishing my undergraduate studies. In addition to this I plan to get my teaching credential for art. Currently I am the president of the Art Education club on campus, in addition to being part of the Wildcat Art Educators program. My time here at Chico State, and as a McNair Scholar, has been incredible and I am grateful for the opportunities I have been granted through the program.

My name is Callie Lions, and I am currently a senior Chico State. I’m really happy I chose this university! I transferred from Santa Monica College, where I earned my associate's degree in liberal arts. Now, I’m pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Multicultural Gender Studies, with a double minor in Queer and Trans Studies and Women's Studies. I live in Los Angeles and am part of the online program, which is perfect for balancing my responsibilities as a mother. My family and I love spending time in nature, especially in the Redwood Forest and Sequoia National Park. We have a dog named Oreo, and my mother-in-law lives with us as well. I’m involved with a grassroots organization called SGI-USA, where we promote peace, culture, and education based on the inherent dignity of each person's life. As the oldest sibling, I feel it’s my responsibility to pave the way for my entire family in the realm of education. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue higher education, and when I graduate, I want to give back to society and advocate for marginalized and oppressed communities. After graduation, I plan on pursuing my Master’s at Soka University of America Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership and Societal Change. My mentor always says, “Harness the power of education and use it to create hope and value for humankind.” — Daisaku Ikeda, 2014

Hi everyone! My name is Chong, and this is my last semester. A fun fact about me is that I drove from Chico, CA to Minnesota over the summer—it took 4 days total, with 3 days of driving and 1 rest day at Mount Rushmore. I also went to Vegas twice in the span of one month! Stephanie Miller: My name is Stephanie Miller, and I’m a Sociology major and proud McNair Scholar with a deep curiosity about people, culture, and social systems. Outside of academics, my daughter is the center of my universe — together, we love traveling to aquariums, museums, and historical landmarks. I’m always up for recreational water activities and on the hunt for the best gourmet pizza. Balancing research and motherhood has shaped my passion for learning and growth, both inside and outside the classroom.

My name is Samantha Taylor, and I feel truly honored to be part of the McNair Scholar Program. I’m beginning my senior year at Chico State, and am working toward a degree in EEO Biology with a minor in Sustainability. Family is at the heart of who I am, and I love spending time with my son. We share a passion for bowling and often travel around the state together to compete in tournaments. In my free time, I enjoy reading, painting, and drawing. I’ve always loved being in and around the water, and that connection has inspired me to pursue a higher education. My dream is to become a marine biologist with a focus on ecological restoration, and I’m excited for the opportunities the McNair Program will provide to help me grow as a scholar and prepare for graduate school.

First Generation and Senior standing student in Electrical Engineering here at Chico State. As of Fall 2025, I am serving as Chico State's Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Student Chapter’s club Presidente. In addition, I am an active member of the Chico STEM Connections Collaborative (CSC^2) Program in which in the Summer of 2025 I conducted research with my Research Advisor Dr. Sam Siewert within the field of Robotics and Sensor Fusion. My research interests revolved around image processing, specifically object detection models trained to improve human and robot teaming. When I am not dribbling my mind around a wave signal or performing the right-hand rule, I indulge in the fine art of tennis, drinking coffee with vocal jazz, and exploring nature ( a big reason why I enjoy Chico’s Campus!). At the end of the day, I really enjoy earning my degree. Working in the lab with circuitry, circuit analysis, and digital design is an uphill battle, but in my field I’m already an engineer. The paper is just for the memories.

Newly Admitted McNair Scholars

Hi, my name is Julia. I'm a senior studying microbiology with a minor in biochem. I study fungi with Dr. Cobian, specifically priority effects and order of arrival of species in leaf decay. When I'm not studying, I love to spend time with my fiancée and our pets Simba (orange cat) and Jordan (guinea pig). I also enjoy cooking all sorts of food, but one of my favorites is pasta.

I am a theater and drama major looking to use all that I've learned in acting, dramaturgy, and in life to bring about positive change by reflecting the most precious, magical, and wonderful things about life back to the world through stories that resonate and cause catharsis in the audience! I'm a senior but I feel like I'm just getting started on my way to being a teacher!

Oscar Deleon Jr. is a senior at California State University, Chico, pursuing a B.S. in Plant and Soil Science with an option in Crops and Horticulture. Originally from Coachella Valley in Southern California, he transferred from College of the Desert in 2024 after earning his A.S. in Plant and Soil Science. At Chico State, Oscar works as an undergraduate researcher with the UC Cooperative Extension Rice Team, assisting with herbicide trials, pest monitoring, and grower outreach. He is also a peer worker with Project Rebound, where he mentors students and engages in community outreach. Oscar’s future goals include pursuing a master’s degree in Plant Science or Soils, with interests in weed science, crop management, plant breeding, and genetics. He is passionate about agricultural research and hopes to contribute to sustainable farming solutions that support growers in California and beyond.

Hi, I’m Katelyn Fansler! I’m currently studying Environmental Science with a Geology minor. I’m passionate about sustainability, environmental education, and getting hands-on experience in both the lab and the field. Outside of school and work, I love being outdoors, whether it's hiking, camping, or just exploring new places. I’m also a big fan of reading and winding down with video games. I’m always looking to learn something new and connect with others who care for the environment.

Hi, my name is Kimberly Gonzalez. I am born and raised in Los Angeles. My major is Environmental Science with the option of Atmosphere and Climate. I enjoy talking to people and making new friends! I love to go out with my friends, get my work done, and go to the gym when I possibly can. Don't be afraid to say hi!

Hi! My name is Jennell Hall and I'm from Los Angeles, California. My major is Microbiology with a minor in Chemistry. I hope to pursue graduate studies and become a professor. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, listening to music, collecting all things Hello Kitty and spending time with my guinea pig and kitten.

Christian Hutson is an English major from Manteca, CA. He plans on attending law school and becoming a lawyer. In his free time he enjoys making music, watching sports and creative writing.

My name is Travis Jacobson and I'm a senior undergraduate who's graduating in the spring! I love film, reading, and music. Over the summer, I went hiking all throughout Chico and to a few concerts when I could. Currently, I'm doing research in the Psychology Honors Program and wish to continue my work in the Psychological Science Graduate Program here at Chico State!

My name is Stephanie Miller, and I’m a Sociology major and proud McNair Scholar with a deep curiosity about people, culture, and social systems. Outside of academics, my daughter is the center of my universe — together, we love traveling to aquariums, museums, and historical landmarks. I’m always up for recreational water activities and on the hunt for the best gourmet pizza. Balancing research and motherhood has shaped my passion for learning and growth, both inside and outside the classroom.

Hi! My name is Marty Perez (he/him/his). I am a 3rd year Agricultural Science and Education + Agricultural Communications and Leadership double major. I have strong passions for community, agriculture, and creativity. I'm originally from the Central Valley, specificlly Bakersfield. Here on campus, I work as the Financial Wellness Coach for TRIO SSS and serve as a mentor member for the Ag Ambassadors program, as well as the co-founder and treasurer of Pride in Agriculture. Some of my hobbies include photography, thrifting, going on adventures with friends, and listening to Taylor Swift. I'm so grateful and excited to be a McNair's scholar and I can't wait to see what this year has in store!

Hi, my name is Sybil I go by Fae/Faer/Faers pronouns. I am a Senior in Multicultural and Gender Studies (Soon to be called Ethnic, Gender, and Queer Studies. I am also minoring in Queer and Trans Studies! I keep myself busy being president of the Pride club and Treasuer of the Neurodivergent and Disability Club. You can generally find me on campus wandering by the creek, buckling down in Meriam Library, or in the BSS building. I'm very friendly and love to talk with people and learn what their passions are. Feel free to come up and say hi if you see me on campus. Unless I am rushing to class I can always make time to say hello (ESPECIALLY if you have any good book recommendations)!!

Hello! My name is Jossue “Yoshi” Ruiz. I am a third-year Biochemistry major and student research assistant at the Gorman Lab, where we work to uncover and understand the mysteries surrounding Idiopathic Scoliosis (IS). In my free time, I like to go to the gym and hang out with my friends to play Super Smash Bros on the Nintendo Switch. As well as study up on what is going on in Organic Chemistry whenever I have some free time. Some research interests of mine are living within the world of Organic Chemistry and stereoselective reactions, which, if you ask me, I can simply describe as magic! Some projects that I am excited to take on while at the Gorman Lab involve some cell migration studies in idiopathic scoliosis cells vs normal (control) cells. That’s about what I can tell you for now, though, so stay tuned for what all of us student researchers present for The McNair Scholars’ program!

As an undergraduate student in Social Science with a concentration in Anthropology with a minor in Women’s studies, I am overjoyed to share a little about myself. I currently hold an A.A. in Administration of Justice, earned with Dean’s list honors, and I am finishing my B.A. while preparing for doctoral study. Some of my research interests include the intersections of law, public policy, and culture; my main focuses are biological evolution (especially bipedalism) and other sociocultural conditions of erasure and displacement. In addition to academic work, my life is quite storied, with the vast range of experiences I have, to say the least, one of the most diverse backgrounds. Just a few of these are: working in the motorcycle industry as a builder and mechanic, in the arts as a professional tattoo artist, muralist and designer, glass blower, writer, entrepreneurship and in community organizing. As a McNair Scholar, I will be committed to pursuing a Ph.D. with a hypothesis on Neonatal survival and biological evolutionary pathways to bipedalism. This program will help me aim for better opportunities and to use my knowledge to contribute to the future of anthropology.

Nigeria Sealey is a Social Science major with a specialization in Psychology at Chico State. A first-generation college student from Oakland, California, she is passionate about community outreach, mental health, and creating initiatives that empower underserved communities. Nigeria plans to pursue graduate study in psychology with the goal of combining research and community engagement to promote equity and well-being. Outside of academics, she’s also an avid chef who loves bringing people together through food and supporting her community with home-cooked meals.