Outstanding Undergraduate Student- Anthropology
Curtis Alcantar
"It is my honor to nominate Mr. Curtis Alcantar as our Outstanding Graduating Senior. In addition to his high GPA, each of the faculty have found his work to be exceptional. Both Patrick O’Neill and I have served as Mr. Alcantar’s primary mentors for the past two years and we have both been extraordinarily impressed with his performance both as a student and a budding scholar. Mr. Alcantar has already been accepted to three graduate schools, both in and out of state, to pursue his M.A. degree in Anthropology with an emphasis in Cultural Resource Management (CRM). Curtis has significant experience as a field archaeologist and is a member of the Tejon Tribe of California Indians, for whom he has done considerable CRM work, as well as working for various environmental firms as an archaeological technician. I have heard his other anthropology instructors speak highly of him, and he has performed exemplary work in every anthropology course he has taken from me, which include the following: Field Archaeology, Cultural Resource Management, Special Topics in Anthropology (Anth 4770: Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology), Method and Theory in Archaeology, Mummies, Monuments, and Gold: An Introduction to Egyptian Archaeology, and Human Osteology. I have found him highly dependable, insightful, hard-working, and focused on his academic career. He has excellent critical thinking skills and will do extremely well in a graduate school program. Mr. Alcantar not only meets but exceeds the requirements for this distinction of Outstanding Graduating Senior in the Anthropology Program."
- Dr. Robert M. Yohe II, Anthropology
Outstanding Undergraduate Student- Criminal Justice
Taylor Thomas
"The Department of Criminal Justice is honored to present Mrs. Taylor Thomas as our 2023-2024 Outstanding Undergraduate. Despite escaping poverty to become the first member of her family to attend college, struggling with mental health, working multiple jobs just to survive, and then still finding the time to volunteer for organizations related to criminal justice, student advocacy, and voting accessibility, Taylor has excelled in the classroom and beyond. Taylor has earned a 4.0 GPA, was selected for the Kegley Institute’s prestigious Intercollegiate Civil Disagreement Program, is a member of both CSUB’s Helen Hawk Honors Program and the Alpha Chi National Honors Society, and was recently selected for UCLA’s Law Fellows program. She also serves as the Department’s Student Tutor and has subsequently helped many of her fellow majors succeed too. Now, with graduation on the horizon, Taylor plans on applying to the top law programs in the nation and hopes to one day become a criminal attorney and eventually a judge. On behalf of the entire Department of Criminal Justice, we wish Taylor all the luck in the world, even though we already know that she won’t need it!"
-Dr. Zachary Hays, Criminal Justice
Outstanding Undergraduate Student- Human Development, and Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies
Georgina Arias
"Georgina Arias is a trailblazer, who defies obstacles, inspires other individuals, and continues to serve as a role model to the members of her community. As the middle daughter of 5 girls, she is the first person in her family to pursue an undergraduate degree. Her passion for learning is reflected in her G.P.A. of 4.0 in HD-CAFS, as well as a cumulative 4.0 at CSUB. Georgina demonstrates a balance of excellence in her academic pursuits, coupled with a strong commitment to be a leader within her community. She aspires to earn her doctorate with the expectation of changing the trajectory of the lives of those she loves. Her enthusiasm to excel, even when she may have doubted herself, is a testament to the power of her desire to learn and succeed. She truly is an outstanding example of the type of student who will bring honor and prestige as an alumnus of CSUB. The HD-CAFS faculty expect that Georgina will continue “to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield!” (A. Tennyson, “Ulysses”). She is the 2024 Outstanding Student for HD-CAFS."
-Professor Anna Catalan, HDCAFS
Outstanding Undergraduate Student- Kinesiology
Limairie Leon Garcia
"Limairie is an aspiring Physician Assistant. She was an outstanding student and typically at the top of her classes. Limairie is a remarkable individual who epitomizes the ideals of resilience, determination, and a strong work ethic. As a first-generation immigrant, she has demonstrated an exceptional ability to navigate new challenges and unfamiliar terrain, emerging not only unscathed but flourishing. Limairie entered a Medical Assistant program at Kern Adult School and re-engaged on her educational path. For years, as a student at Taft College and CSUB while having a full-time job, Limairie never seemed to take a day off between school and work. This is best illustrated by her lifestyle at CSUB. She was a full-time student Monday through Thursday, focusing her efforts on her lectures and labs. Then Friday morning, she’d drive to Fresno for a 12-hour shift at Clinica Sierra Vista before driving back to Bakersfield on Friday night. She’d repeat this on Saturday and Sunday. All gas, no brakes. This story highlights her work ethic and illustrates why Limairie is the type of student to make Faculty want to work harder. Sometimes, if I am feeling lazy and not willing dedicate high effort and energy, I remember Limairie’s journey and realize that I need to step it up like she did. Limairie never made excuses for herself and is an inspiration to other students. I have no doubt that Limairie will make an excellent Physician Assistant and benefit all patients in her care. I am glad that she has chosen such a meaningful path. She was an outstanding student and now she is an outstanding graduate."
-Dr. Zachary Zenko, Kinesiology
Outstanding Undergraduate Student- Liberal Studies
Alondra Avila Santana
"Alondra obtained an associate degree from Bakersfield-College and two bachelor-degrees from CSUB, in Spanish and Liberal Studies. Not only did she obtain two degrees, but she did so with almost a 4.0 GPA: all while working as a Learning Specialist and a substitute teacher. Obtaining two degrees is no easy task, but Alondra did so, even with all the challenges that came with it. Alondra aims to become an academic counselor to help students embrace their potential, overcome obstacles, and create the future they want for themselves. Alondra, the Liberal Studies team hopes that today, tomorrow, and everyday you feel proud of yourself; that despite all the barriers you encountered that were meant to break you down and the years of uncertainty you lived with – you succeeded. You not only earned 2 degrees, but you are the 2023-2024 Liberal Studies outstanding student. The Liberal Studies team hopes you know how proud they all are of you. Know that you will make an amazing academic counselor. One who will undoubtedly make a lasting impact in many students lives. Please join me in congratulating this year’s Liberal Studies Outstanding Student – Alondra Avila Santana. You make not only the Liberal Studies Staff Advisors and Faculty proud, but CSUB proud."
-Araceli Esparza, Advisor- Liberal Studies
Outstanding Undergraduate Student- Political Science
Shelby Benak
"Mature, thoughtful, collegial, passionate, compassionate, and astute are some of the adjectives that come immediately to mind when considering Shelby Benak, the Department of Political Science’s nominee for the School of Social Science’s Outstanding Undergraduate Student. Shelby has done some interesting research work on political gerrymandering and is currently examining the implications of artificial intelligence on the labor market with a specific focus on women. Shelby plans to attend Arizona State University’s Master of Political Psychology program. She shared with the Department that she has developed a passion for political psychology and wants to conduct research and teach in this field to help us better understand our system of government."
- Dr. Gitika Commuri, Political Science
Outstanding Undergraduate Student- Psychology
James Tompkins
"James applied for summer research programs. He was accepted by NIDA and worked with Dr. Holly Boyle on a project about cannabis messaging. He did so well on that project that Dr. Boyle asked him to stay on; he continues working with her now. He is also working on two projects with Dr. Patrick Hibbard from Chestnut Health. At CSUB, he joined Dr Duran’s lab. He and his team developed a study looking at internalized misogyny and the imposter phenomenon. He presented that project in April at the Western Psychological Association conference. James’ educational record is also impressive. He holds a 4.0 GPA here at CSUB, and 3.93 overall. (He earned one B in fall of 2017 at B.C.) Besides being an excellent researcher and a stellar student, James is a leader. He is a member of Psych Club, Psi Chi, and Psi Beta; he is a “Peer Navigator” for Project Rebound and involved in their Club RISE; he is the Executive VP for ASI. Across all these roles, he is an exemplary leader and model of success. In the fall, James will be starting in the MSW program here at CSUB. He will be pursuing his goal of supporting people in their personal growth. Because of James’ strengths in his grades, leadership, motivation, and research, the department agrees that he is the outstanding graduating senior for the Psychology Department and the school."
-Dr. Anne Duran, Psychology
Outstanding Undergraduate Student- Sociology
Nicole Hicks-Johnson
"Nicole Hicks-Johnson is an outstanding student, who despite experiencing difficult circumstances and personal challenges, has persevered, and excelled in her college education. Being a single mother to a small child has meant many sleepless nights for Nicole. Throughout her time at CSUB, Nicole has maintained a high GPA, produced high quality work in her courses, and provided exemplary service to Bakersfield families and high school students. I have worked with Nicole in courses for our Human Services concentration and have been incredibly impressed with the time, attention, and excellence that she brings to all her work. Currently, Nicole is an intern at Shafter High School where she assists counselors in several ways including helping students and parents complete FAFASA applications, providing encouragement and support to students as they explore career paths and mentoring students who are facing challenging circumstances. She is a member of Alpha Chi Honor Society and has served as a role model and mentor to her classmates who have experienced setbacks and struggles in their education. Nicole’s goal is to become a school social worker. She plans to apply to CSU Northridge’s MSW program. The Sociology department is proud of Nicole and her outstanding achievements and contributions. We wish her the very best as she continues her educational journey."
-Dr. Janet Armentor, Sociology
Outstanding Credential Student- Multiple Subject
Estefania Morales
"Estefania has worked diligently in all classes, earning the honors of magna cum laude. She made the Dean’s List each semester, and she has passed RICA Subtests I, II, III. Estefania also earned the President’s Early Graduation Award, receiving her BA in 3.5 years. In our Clinical Practice seminars, we talk about growing and glowing as a Teacher Candidate. Estefania has truly grown to glow in our CSUB multiple subjects' Teacher Education program. I have been observing Estefania for Fall '23 and Spring '24 semesters. She has demonstrated poise, confidence, gratitude, and strong collaborative relationships with two different Cooperating Teachers, two different grade levels at two different schools, bilingual lesson delivery, and solely Spanish lesson delivery. Estefania continued to meet the diverse needs of students academically, socially, and emotionally. Estefania also took time to compose a letter of introduction to her students' families in both classroom placements in both English and Spanish. She is a reflective Teacher Candidate and was always willing to try suggested strategies or recommendations for improvement. Estefania has set her next goals following her graduation. She will be applying for her preliminary credential and plans to begin teaching upon completion of credential program. She will also continue her education in the CSUB Master’s Program – Curriculum and Instruction. It has been an honor to be your supervisor for these past two semesters, Estefania. You will be an asset to children, families, schools, and districts in your chosen career as an educator."
-Professor Joyce Victor, Teacher Education
Outstanding Credential Student- Multiple Subject
Melissa Perez
"From a young age when school became her sanctuary, to the present day where she molds young minds with dedication and compassion, Melissa Perez embodies the essence of excellence in education and is finally realizing her lifelong dream of becoming a credentialed teacher. Despite facing challenges that might have deterred others, Melissa began as a nurturing school bus driver after high school. She began her academic journey by earning her associate degree at Antelope Valley Community College. She welcomed a fourth son before transferring to CSUB Antelope Valley where she earned her bachelor’s degree and is currently finishing her multiple subject teaching credential. Melissa is an excellent student who works hard and joyfully collaborates with others. She delves into seminars and coursework and is driven by a desire for understanding. She never makes excuses and when trials occur, she overcomes them through hard work and perseverance. In her first-grade classroom at Anaverde Hills, Melissa fosters an environment of inclusivity and acceptance, where diversity is not just celebrated but cherished. Her lessons, meticulously crafted and tailored to each student's needs, reflect her innate understanding of the profound impact education can have on the students whom she serves. She loves her students, and it shows in how she cares for them. With each passing semester, Melissa continues to set the bar higher, earning high praise from her university supervisors. Her dedication to her craft, coupled with her unwavering commitment to her students, serves as a beacon of inspiration for educators everywhere. Melissa had a dream of becoming a teacher and while it took a bit longer than she had hoped, it is finally being realized. She deserves to be celebrated for her perseverance and success."
-Professor Rhonda Conte, Teacher Education
Oustanding Credential Student- Single Subject
Gemma Trujillo Padilla
"Through diverse adversity, Gemma has never lost sight of her ultimate goal: to make mathematics accessible to all students. Although her journey here has not been easy, Gemma managed to graduate Magna Cum Laude and receive the Mathematics Department Chair Award while completing her B.S. in Mathematics and has kept a 4.0 GPA during her teaching credential program here at CSUB. She has been teaching full time while simultaneously completing the Single Subject Credential Program and has even received teacher of the month at Shafter High School. Gemma offers her students help before and after school, as well as during lunch if needed. She makes it a point to stay involved in the various activities or sports her students are participating in. She always makes the time to go out and support her students at their activities and sporting events. Gemma attends professional development conferences, is active within both her PLCs, and has even worked with district teams to help develop and realign curriculum for math courses at the Kern High School District. She believes that showing up for her students both in and out of the classroom is fundamental to being the best teacher she can be."
-Professor Richard Smithey, Teacher Education
Outstanding Credential Student- Single Subject
Makenna Stephens
"Makenna has wanted to be a teacher since she was 5 years old, and since then, she has worked tirelessly towards turning her childhood dream into a reality. Graduating Summa Cum Laude from Cal State Northridge with a BA in History, Makenna has demonstrated exceptional academic prowess and a thirst for knowledge that knows no bounds. As her Literacy Across the Curriculum teacher, I have had the privilege of witnessing Makenna's journey towards becoming a teacher firsthand. Her passion for teaching radiates through every assignment, discussion, and interaction. Makenna's dedication and academic achievements speak volumes about her character and her commitment to excellence. On track to finish her preliminary credential requirements this semester with a 3.8 GPA, she is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to one's goals. In Makenna, I see not just a future educator, but a person ready to give hope and inspiration to future generations. Her passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on thousands of children."
-Professor Kristin Cole, Teacher Education
Outstanding Credential Student- Special Education
Nathalie Reyes Rico
"Nathalie decided that Special Education was her calling after working as special needs gymnastics coach at the age of 17. Nathalie cares deeply about the education and emotional well-being of her students at her placement at the local elementary school. Nathalie has been hired to teach for that same school district starting in Fall 2024. Nathalie desires to continue her education at CSUB and earn her Master’s Degree in Special Education. Nathalie was a candidate in the Integrated Program at CSUB. She concurrently earned her BA and Education Specialist teaching credential. She completed her credential work with excellence. Her assignments were often used as samples for future classes. Nathalie was an active participant in classes sharing her opinions and asking transformative questions. She persevered while obtaining an Associate Degree and working as a special needs gymnastics coach and a behavioral technician for children with autism. When Nathalie’s University Supervisor was asked to comment on Nathalie she stated: “Some people teach and some exceptional educators immerse their students in the excitement of learning. How do they achieve that? Let’s look at Nathalie: when given an assignment and planning for the classroom, she immerses herself in research, and collaboration, and then adds creative energy to reach students of multiple modalities with strategies that will engage a diverse population. Observing her teaching and reviewing her work leaves one energized and uplifted. Nathalie is a gifted educator.”
-Professor Jane Brown, Special Education
Outstanding Credential Student- Educational Administration
Rudy Padilla Galicia
"Rudy is already a leader in his school. He serves on his school’s positive behavior interventions and supports team, Project Lead the Way engineering program, a coach and moderator of several sports and clubs, and in many other roles and acts of service to his school and the broader community. Rudy has demonstrated excellence in using school-level data to identify equity gaps amongst student groups at his school. Through a rigorous analysis of quantitative and qualitative data collected from the state education agency and school site, and by investigating the scholarly literature related to one specific equity gap, Rudy developed a plan for addressing organizational and institutional factors undergirding equity gaps related to English learner outcomes and the school’s English language development program. Through further authentic, service-learning activities in this credential program, Rudy led a group of educators at his school site to address a problem of practice related to student literacy outcomes. Through this community of practice, evidence-based reading intervention strategies were employed across classrooms leading to substantive and measurable improvements in formative assessment scores on the STAR Reading assessment. In addition, Rudy scored among the highest in his cohort on Cycles 1 and 2 of the California Administrator Performance Assessment, demonstrating mastery of the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to ground his future work as an equity-minded educational leader and to facilitate communities of practice. His critical self-reflection is indicative of a deep commitment to equity and to continuous professional growth and development. In short, Rudy shows outstanding promise as an administrator in any California public school or district lucky enough to have him lead."
-Dr. Richard Wisman, Advanced Educational Studies
Outstanding Graduate Program- Curriculum and Instruction
Salma Yacoub
"In the research methods course, Salma Yacoub demonstrated outstanding capacity for doing so; thoughtfully reflecting upon a real and important problem of practice in her classroom and at her school site more broadly and developing a prospectus for action research using a pre-experimental design. Salma sought to evaluate the contrasting efficacy of methods for classroom management characterized as positive behavior supports through incentives against behavioral reprimands for student misbehavior. Through her review of the professional literature, Salma supported the design and development of these behavioral interventions in the classroom as well as her own rigorous research design, and subsequently proposed some implications for policy and practice at her school site. As such, Salma shows great skill as a scholarly practitioner—that is, an educator who draws upon both the scholarly literature base and their own capacity for rigorous, action-oriented inquiry to inform their practice in the classroom and beyond."
-Dr. Alice Hays, Teacher Education
Oustanding Graduate Program- Educational Administration
Avilene Cueto
"In addition to earning the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, many Educational Administration program students continue on to earn a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration. Among these students, Avi Cueto stands out as the Outstanding Master’s Student from her cohort. In the EDAD program and in her practice, Ms. Cueto has demonstrated great capacity to identify equity gaps, investigate opportunities to disrupt equity gaps, lead groups of educators to do so, and as an instructional coach. Furthermore, through her work on the Culminating Project in Education, the capstone for her master’s degree, Avi investigated best practices for addressing systems and structures for supporting literacy interventions at her own school site and district. Before she even graduated from the EDAD program, Ms. Cueto’s outstanding capacity for leadership was recognized not only by program faculty, but also by those in the Bakersfield City School District; evidenced not only by the fact that she received several promotions while in the EDAD program, but that she continues to be called to myriad leadership roles since graduating with her master’s degree in the fall. Avi was recently appointed by BCSD to help revamp the district’s literacy assessments because of the expertise she gained through her Culminating Project for her master’s degree. She is working to author a grant for the Data Research Learning Network and has presented on classroom assessment practices at national conferences on behalf of the school district. In short, Ms. Cueto has demonstrated excellence as an equity-minded, scholarly leader who can leverage the professional literature base in the field to inform implications for practice and policy in her own educative context. Ms. Cueto will undoubtedly continue to disrupt inequities deeply entrenched in the schools she serves and has yet to serve. Given her core beliefs, dispositions, leadership acumen, and prowess as a scholarly leader, the faculty of the EDAD program recognize Avi Cueto for the Outstanding Master of Arts in Educational Administration award."
-Dr. Richard Wisman, Advanced Educational Studies
Outstanding Graduate Student- Special Education
Karina Ortega-Reyes
"Karina Ortega-Reyes is an example of a hard-working CSUB Roadrunner. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies, graduating with Cum Laude in 2018. With her focus on education, Karina was able to complete the Master of Arts degree in Special Education during the Fall 2023 semester. She is currently teaching TK to 2nd grade students with special needs. Throughout her time at CSUB, she excelled in her academic studies, earning her many semesters of high honors, with her professors often describing her as self-motivated, organized, ambitious, and driven towards success. Karina remembers juggling her academics and a new teaching position during her last semester in our graduate program. This became a hardship for her, but through her dedication and resilience, she held on to her new teaching position while completing the MA program in special education. She hopes to obtain an administrative credential in the near future. She is thankful for the amount of support and encouragement from her mentors, peers, and professors during her time at CSUB."
-Dr. John Mouanoutoua
Outstanding Graduate Student- Couseling Psychology
Ryan Taylor
"Ryan’s lead role as clinic manager is instrumental in the success of the University Counselor Training Clinic. His consultation was integral to the program’s technology upgrade over the course of the 23-24 academic year— assisting with implementing the technology upgrade rollout and identifying additional technological upgrades that streamline processes in the clinic. Ryan’s expertise in this area was integral to the clinic’s successful transition. He also actively mentored the upcoming students in the program, instilling a level of professionalism in the clinic as a manager. Ryan modeled to the incoming students the highest level of professional preparation for the extremely important task of participating in supervision with an eagerness to provide the best service to our clients. Ryan is an outstanding student in the Counseling Psychology Program, through demonstration of his drive to learn and improve as a counselor, dedication to providing the best care to the clients, desire to meet the mental health needs of the Bakersfield community and determination to serve as a model to student counselors in training. On behalf of the CPSY leadership team, Ryan Taylor is nominated with highest regard as the CPSY Outstanding Graduate"
-Dr. Erika Harper, Counseling Psychology
Oustanding Graduate Student- Kinesiology
Money Ghimire
"Money is originally from Nepal and earned a bachelor’s degree from CSU San Bernardino. He began the MSK program in Spring 2022. At that point he also began working with Dr. Jay Kim to develop his research skills. As a graduate student, Money has always been proactive and passionate about learning new things from the Kinesiology Master’s Degree coursework and new skills in the research lab. As a result, he has accomplished many things including the submission of a manuscript for publication as first author in the journal, Physiological Reports. He has also contributed to two more studies and will be a co-author on the resulting manuscripts. His efforts have been further rewarded as he has received offers from both Texas Tech University’s and the University of Virginia’s Ph.D. programs with 4 years of full funding which includes tuition and a stipend. We look forward to greeting him as a faculty colleague one day."
-Dr. Jahyun Kim, Kinesiology
Outstanding Graduate Student- Educational Counseling
Jamie Pacheco
"It is my honor to recognize Jamie Pacheco, the 2024 Educational Counseling Outstanding Student. Jamie is one of those students who not only has deeply impacted my life as a faculty member but has extended that impact to those whom she passionately serves. As a veteran, Jamie proudly serves and advocates for veterans at CSUB, and this is how she has impacted my thinking and knowledge based about the intricate and unique needs our veterans have and deserve from the Educational Counseling field. Jamie has boldly shared the impact prior service and combat has on our veteran population, the challenges which presents these individuals, and the gaps that exist that shouldn’t. Jamie, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for your service to our country and how you continue to carry the banner of advocacy for our veteran population who, without a shadow of a doubt, deserve it. You are the one who is championing the important efforts Educational Counseling professionals should be striving towards; you are the epitome of not only talking the talk but walking the walk. Congratulatons!"
-Professor Lakesha Ray, Advanced Educational Studies
Outstanding Graduate Student- Social Work
Alejandra Torres
"I had the privilege of working with Alejandra for three semesters over the course of her studies in the MSW program. In every class, Alejandra distinguished herself – she read every article (even suggested readings); actively engaged and contributed her experience, knowledge, and preparation for the class to our discussions (even online); came to office hours and stayed after class to further her practice and process her experiences; and crafted eloquent and thoughtful assignments. At CSUB, we have many talented students, yet Alejandra distinguished herself again among her fellow Runners through her inspirational and aspirational journey. Alejandra is a children’s social worker in the Department of Human Services. Her dedication and passion for improving the lives of her clients, community, and children impelled her to return to pursue her Master of Social Work. Already working long days alongside children and families, she committed to a three-year (no summers off!) part-time degree path. Alejandra’s commitment to social, economic, and racial justice and to the core values and ethics of the social work profession not only has led to her personal, academic, and professional growth, but to the living example she provides to her children and her community about human potential. She told me that her sons now see pursuing a master’s degree as the floor not the ceiling. And Alejandra has shared that through her work in our program, she no longer sees a ceiling for herself – doctoral studies, political social work, reform to the child welfare system! We are proud to honor Alejandra Torres the MSW Department Outstanding Student for 2024, and call her our future colleague!"
-Professor Lorre Webb, Social Work
Oustanding Graduate Student- Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership
Matthew Kabel
"It’s my pleasure to introduce Matthew Kabel as the Outstanding Student of the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership. Matthew has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout his doctoral program and having successfully defended his dissertation. His dissertation, entitled “Job Satisfaction among Special Educator,” presents an in-depth exploration into the variables influencing job satisfaction among special education teachers in California following the COVID-19 pandemic. His study employs a comprehensive mixed-methods approach to examine variables such as workload, administrative support, compensation, and self-efficacy, and additional variables that impact job satisfaction. His work highlights the urgent need for systemic changes to improve retention and satisfaction rates among special education teachers, who are essential to the success and well-being of students with special needs. Matthew has made significant contributions to the field of special education through his teaching, research and service. Currently, Matt is a Special Education Lecturer/Advisor/Residency Coordinator in the Department of Advanced Educational Studies at CSUB. He has 11 years of experience in K-12 education and has worked as an ASL Interpreter, SDC teacher, and RSP teacher across various education levels. In terms of research, Matt has published two co-authored scholarly articles and five other publications, made 20 presentations on various issues related to special education, and authored and co-authored several grants that help support student needs across academic, behavioral, and social-emotional domains. Matthew is the recipient of the CSUB Community and Service Recognition Award for his work with the Bakersfield City School District special education teacher residency program. He also served as the President of the California Association of Resource and Special Educations (CARSplus) from 2021 to 2023, which is California's largest association for special educators."
-Dr. Jinping Sun, DPEL
Outstanding Paper or Project
Undergraduate- Department of Kinesiology
Ainsley Nommensen- “The Effects of Music on Fatigue, Affect, and Recovery from Exercise.”
"Ainsley Nommensen has taken complete control and has complete autonomy over her project titled “The Effects of Music on Fatigue, Affect, and Recovery from Exercise”. First, Ainsley successfully prepared her Student Research Scholars application and successfully prepared her Institutional Review Board application. Because of the challenging and perhaps more-than-minimally risky nature of her study, the Institutional Review Board required full review. She earned her scholarship and ethical approval. Then, Ainsley preregistered her study’s hypotheses, methods, and analyses prior to engaging in any data collection. This is an essential step for the highest levels of research integrity. Ainsley has presented versions of her projects multiple times in conference settings at the Western Association for Sport Psychology and Physical Activity and the Student Research Competition at CSUB. Then, Ainsley collected data. Ainsley targeted 36 participants for adequate statistical power. All 36 participants were required to come into the laboratory twice, on different days, for 30 minutes each session. Ainsley was carefully trained, and she has collected the vast majority of her data – a huge time commitment on top of her busy schedule. She is demonstrating the type of leadership, autonomy, and integrity that one would expect from a well-seasoned graduate student. Force-production data is still being processed. Ainsley is processing data to determine average peak toque and total work performed. Preliminary psychological results suggest that music had a medium, positive effect on pleasure (i.e., people felt more pleasant during a challenging resistance exercise when listening to music). Interestingly, music seems to not impact ratings"
-Dr. Zachary Zenko, Kinesiology
Outstanding Paper or Project
Graduate- Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership
Kate Herman-“Investigating How Urban Teacher Residency Models Prepare Teachers To Implement Inclusive Practices.”
"Dr. Kate Herman graduated with an Educational Doctorate, or Ed.D., from the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership in the Fall of 2023. One key distinction between the dissertation for a Ph.D. and the Ed.D. is the practical applicability of the findings of the research to conjecture specific implications for some complex and insidious problem of practice within the doctoral candidate’s own organizational context. Dr. Herman’s dissertation, entitled Investigating How Urban Teacher Residency Models Prepare Teachers to Implement Inclusive Practices provides such findings and implications. Through this rigorous multiple case study, Dr. Herman drew on organizational documents, interview, and survey data to explore the extent to which inclusive practices were explicit in teacher residency curricula and the potential effects of four different urban teacher residency programs on perceptions of teacher residents’ self-efficacy for implementing inclusive practices in the general education setting. Through a convergent mixed-methods design, Dr. Herman found the use of a co-teaching method, modeled by general education teacher preparation faculty, had a large impact on teacher candidates’ perceptions of inclusion. Beyond any curricular impacts, the mentor teacher played an even larger part in candidate self-efficacy for implementing inclusive practices. Implications emerging from her findings suggest teacher residents will be better prepared and have greater self-efficacy to include students with special needs in general education settings when their urban teacher residency program has a clear definition of inclusion and the explicit curriculum utilizes multiple opportunities to model inclusion through teacher education, meaningful placement in clinical practice, and strong collaboration between special and general educators is present. Through this dissertation, Dr. Herman has developed world-class expertise in the preparation of teacher candidates for inclusion of students with special education needs in urban teacher residency programs. Since defending her dissertation, Dr. Herman was appointed as an analyst for teacher residency programs across the state of California through the California Department of Education Foundation—where she lends her scholarly and tacit expertise in supporting continuous improvement efforts to better prepare future educators for inclusive classroom spaces. The strong alignment of this outstanding action-oriented dissertation with Dr. Herman’s professional practice is exactly what high-quality Ed.D. programs seek to do as they prepare scholarly leaders. Congratulations to Dr. Kate Herman, recipient of the SSE Outstanding Graduate Paper Award. "
-Dr. Richard Wisman, Advanced Educational Studies
SSE Outstanding Undergraduate
James Tompkins, Psychology
SSE Outstanding Graduate
Matthew Kabel- Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership
outstanding Credential Candidate
Nathalie Reyes Rico, Special Education
