Photo courtesy of the CSU.

Last month, 16 outstanding CSUN students were named Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars by the California State University system. In addition to a $3,000 stipend to support their research, the students also may apply to participate in a fully-funded summer research experience at a University of California campus or another doctoral-granting institution.

The Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholar program is sponsored by the CSU Chancellor’s office and funded by the California lottery. It is designed to increase the pool of potential California State University faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of CSU students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages. It was created as a tribute to the CSU’s former dean of academic affairs Sally Casanova, who oversaw the creation of the California Pre-Doctoral program in 1989. Casanova died in 1994.

Drawing from all 23 CSU campuses, a total of 77 students were selected for the annual honor this year. The program provides funding for visits to doctoral granting institutions, travel to national conferences, membership in professional organizations, and graduate school applications and test fees.

The CSUN students named as 2020-2021 Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars are:
· Alejandra Fregozo-Vargas, who will work with sociology professor Moshoula Capous-Desyllas;
· Angel Arizpe, who will work with health sciences professor Claudia Toledo-Corral;
· Daniella Hay, who will work with communication disorders and sciences professor Vickie Yu;
· Denise Nguyen, who will work with health sciences professor Lawrence Chu;
· Detrich Galloway, who will work with Africana studies professor Cedric Hackett;
· Gabriela Flores, who will work with sociology professor Moshoula Capous-Desyllas;
· Gabriella Hinojosa, who will work with psychology professor Scott Plunkett;
· Idania Brown,who will work with health sciences professor Claudia Toledo-Corral;
· Jean Pauline Serrano, who will work with psychology professor Yolanda Vasquez-Salgado;
· Michael Munje, who will work with computer science professor Kyle Dewey;
· Nazareth Ortega, who will work with psychology professor Jill Razani;
· Rowen Jane Odango, who will work with chemistry and biochemistry professor Paula Fischhaber;
· Sarah Marks, who will work with psychology professor Gabriela Chavira;
· Sarah Seung Yeon Hwang, who will work with psychology professor Thomas Chan;
· Savannah Tellander, who will work with religious studies professor Amanda Baugh; and
· Tiffany Chapman, who will work with health sciences professor Claudia Toledo-Corral.

Awards and Honors, Students