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MBRS RISE Student Testimonials

 
Over the past five years, I have been at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln working towards my doctorate in Counseling Psychology. Graduate school, as most who have gone through this stage, define it as a rollercoaster. It’s fast with its ups and down, and it can be fun! Over these past five years, I have learned a lot about psychological research and practice. My passion for research has always focused in the area of Multicultural/Diversity issues. For example, for my dissertation, I am conducting a qualitative multiple case study with Mexican immigrant families who have children who translate and interpret for their parents. This practice, although it is common in immigrant communities, it has been neglected by social and behavioral scientists. My clinical experiences have also been associated with providing mental health services to individuals from marginalized groups. For example, I have provided counseling to immigrants who have been victims of discrimination and oppression and refugees who are survivors of political torture and are seeking asylum.

My experiences in graduate school have not only shaped me to become a future psychologist, they have also pushed me to grow as an individual and human being. The demands in graduate school are quite high, yet I have been able to learn how to deal with them. I have also had the privilege to meet great people who have become great friends and colleagues. My professors do not see me as just a student, they see me as their colleague and take my opinions and suggestions serious. Overall, I can say that my experience in graduate school has been fulfilling. As I am getting ready for what is the last stage of my graduate education, I can say that I have enjoyed every moment, and I have no regrets.

The opportunities I had at CSUDH, these include the APA/NIGMS Scholars Program in the Psychology Department and the MBRS RISE program; they were instrumental in my acceptance to graduate school. These two programs allowed me to work very closely with faculty members in conducting psychological research. I have to thank Drs. Carrier and Santos for taking me under their wings and preparing me for graduate school. They not only provided me with tools that have helped me in graduate school, they also challenged me to think more critically about my research and my career goals. I think that CSUDH provides great research opportunities for undergraduate students. I think that programs such as the APA/NIGMS Scholars Program and MBRS RISE are great for students to get their feet wet about conducting research. It also prepares them for what they will be doing in graduate school. I highly encourage any student who is interested in going on to graduate school to take advantage of these programs. There are also summer research programs where students can collaborate on research with researchers from other parts of the U.S.

One last word of advice is not to be afraid to leave sunny California. Sometimes, the best training one can receive is in another state. In my case, I landed in Nebraska which is one of the relocation sites for immigrants and refugees, a great place to conduct multicultural research. Students who attend colleges and universities in California may not know that in out of state schools they can receive outstanding opportunities. Always remember that you can come back once we receive our degree. I hope that my story helps other students who want to go to graduate school or at least help you think about the possibility.

- Alejandro Morales, Psychology, 2002 Alumnus, Doctoral Program at University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Counseling Psychology

 

CSUDH was definitely the right choice for me.  I have to agree with everyone when they say that the small class sizes were of great benefit to all students.  Not only does this allow you to make lifelong friends, but also build a great rapport and personal relationship with your instructors who never forget a name or a face. 

 The CSUDH science department is full of excellent professors who not only provide an excellent education, but are willing to help with all aspects of your undergraduate studies, such as choosing classes, seeking out research opportunities and identifying potential career choices.   In addition, individual tutoring is offered by excellent students for every science and math class at no charge.  All of the pre-med students at CSUDH knew each other and helped each other. 

I graduated from CSUDH with a BS in Biology in 2003.  During my time at CSUDH I participated in the MBRS-RISE program which gave me hands on research experience and the opportunity to work one on one with researchers at Harbor-UCLA in the Ob/Gyn Department.  As a student I also worked as a math tutor and later on as a phlebotomist and cytology laboratory technician at a local hospital.  My extracurricular activities gave me an opportunity to work efficiently and communicate directly with students, researchers, patients and physicians.

I am currently a second year medical student at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan.  This is a great school, surrounded by countless hospitals, to include Veteran Affairs, a women's hospital, and a children's hospital.   Wayne State University gives students a myriad of student organizations and volunteer opportunities to be directly involved in community health from Day 1, to include health screening fairs, free clinics run by students, and teaching Detroit Public School students anything from eating healthy to STD/AIDs prevention.  Some of the organizations are clinically oriented interest groups and provide mentors as well as shadowing opportunities with neighboring physicians and faculty.  As a second year student I have had extensive direct patient contact which is invaluable.  Medical school is definitely challenging; however, when you step into a hospital or clinic and interact with patients, you realize that this is truly what you want to do for the rest of your life and there is no greater feeling. 

My advice to pre-med students is to first and foremost secure an advisor or mentor early on to ensure that you know what you should be doing through each step of your undergraduate studies.  Seek out clinical research opportunities and shadowing experiences to further define your future career decision.  While doing well on the MCAT is definitely important, make sure that your application to medical school is well-rounded.  Spend adequate amount of time preparing your applications and personal statements to gain an interview at the school of your choice.   Obtain letters of recommendations from those who know you best and that you have worked with closely during your undergraduate or graduate studies.  When you secure your interview, the most important attribute is confidence.

-La Tonya White, Biology, 2003 Alumnus, Medical School at Wayne State University

 

About 5 years ago, I made one of the best decisions that I could have ever made.  I decided to apply to California State University, Dominguez Hills.  Being a student at Dominguez Hills has been a great experience for me.  I have had the opportunity to learn from professors who are leaders in their fields as well as young professors who are on the verge of excellence.  I have also had the opportunity to work alongside future leaders, as a student scholar in the MBRS RISE program. 

My work as an undergraduate research assistant has helped shape me into the student and person that I am today.  If it were not for the support that I received from everyone in the MBRS RISE program and the faculty at CSUDH, I am sure things would be different.  Now, I am a graduating senior getting ready to go to graduate school in hopes of receiving a Ph.D. in Chemistry and it is all because of the preparation, programs and my experiences here at CSUDH.

-Marvin Malone, Jr., Chemistry, 2007 Alumnus, Doctoral Program in Chemistry at Ohio State University
 

Coming directly from high school into college at Dominguez Hills, I didn’t know what to expect. Now looking back I couldn’t have asked for anything more. If not for the meaningful connections I have developed with virtually all of my professors, especially Dr. Larry Rosen in psychology, I might not have survived the struggled through college and I would never have thought about graduate school. I never imaged being able to graduate from college, and earn a degree in two majors (Geology: Earth Science & Psychology), yet professors weren’t the only support I received.

CSU Dominguez Hills has always, during my attendance, strived to provide more opportunities to students then most colleges I have read about. Along the way if it weren’t for a few key professors who showed they cared about my education I wouldn’t have decided to attend graduate school. However, after being accepted to the MBRS RISE program, one of the many opportunities at Dominguez Hills, I knew graduate school was in my future. I have now been accepted into University of California, Riverside in their developmental psychology Ph.D. program with a full scholarship and have applied to a summer mentoring program at UCR.

-Cheyenne Cummings, Psychology, 2007 Alumnus, Doctoral Program in Psychology at UC Riverside

Exploring undiscovered methods and paths requires self criticism, self-assurance, and courage. During my life I have learned to adapt to new environments and learn techniques that I had never before encountered. Being a first generation Latino college student has forced me to learn how things are done and frequently hit bumps in the road.

It is these bumps that have motivated me even more to persist and follow my dreams. No one in my family has ever gone past high school. My mom struggled to make ends meet, and I had to work twenty to forty hours a week just to get through my undergraduate education. Through my collegiate career I have been very fortunate to have great mentors. As part of the MBRS-RISE program I was given the opportunity to not only learn about research but experience it. My research experience flourished as part of the Initiative for Minority Student Development (IMSD) in which I was given the opportunity to work at Los Angeles Biomedical Institute (LABioMed) at Harbor UCLA Medical Center in a very well established and structured laboratory. With my desire to succeed and persevere, and with the help of these programs, it has helped me overcome many struggles.

 - Jesse Castellanos, Biology, 2003 Alumnus, Doctoral Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Southern California (USC)

 “Apart from taking natural science classes, CSUDH has provided me with several opportunities to increase my scientific intellect through independent research, volunteerism and taking part in national professional conferences.  As a student in the MBRS-RISE program, I have tremendously increased my textbook knowledge through practical laboratory time and networking with graduate schools recruiters and researchers.  In addition, I was sponsored by the MBRS program to present my research data at several conferences in the last three years.”     

-Sachin Singh, Biology, 2005 Alumnus, Medical School at Ben-Gurion University-Columbia University (BGU0CU), International Health in Israel and New York

"As an MBRS RISE scholar, I have found a nurturing environment in which to further explore the sciences. Through the skilled mentoring of faculty, I have developed an awareness of new and innovative research techniques and moved closer towards achieving a doctorate in Chemistry.  The MBRS RISE program has been an invaluable tool ensuring my academic success through workshops, seminars, and conferences.”

-Mario Apodaca, Chemistry, 2006 Alumnus, Doctoral Program in Chemistry at Northwestern University

“My time at Cal State Dominguez as a psychology major has been more rewarding than I could have imagined. The classes at the School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences have been truly enriching and the professors are always supportive and generous with their time. I am also so grateful for the opportunity to participate in research with the Minority Biomedical Research Support (MBRS) program.  The research experience has been great fun and the program will be a lot of help for being accepted and succeeding in graduate school. Thanks CSUDH!!”

-Michelle Albertella, Psychology, 2007 Alumnus, Doctoral Program at City University New York in Neuropsychology

“As an MBRS and CSUDH alumnus I was given many wonderful opportunities that I never thought I would ever experience as a student who grew up and was educated in the city of Compton.  Dr. Laura Robles gave me the opportunity to become part of the MBRS program even when I had no research experience and no knowledge about what biomedical research was all about.  From there on I started to learn new and interesting things about science and I was given the opportunity to travel to different states and countries for student conferences. From being part of this outstanding program, the MBRS and from presenting posters at national conferences I learned how to present myself as a young professional scientist as well as how to speak in an eloquent manner. The MBRS program is a program that has made students dreams come true like mine. After learning about the NIH/NCI, I had a dream that one day I would contribute to cancer research and my dream was fulfilled thanks to the MBRS program. The Program has opened many doors to success and career opportunities. I can keep going but overall I am so happy and grateful to those that make this program a success and also for giving us students the opportunity to explore and learn more about the science field.  I am so proud to be an MBRS and CSUDH alumnus :)”

 -Teresa Ramirez, Biology, 2004 Alumnus, post-baccalaureate student at the National Cancer Institute in Frederick, Maryland.

 
“The MBRS RISE program is a wonderful opportunity that allows you to meet cutting-edge scientists working on your field of study, attend scientific conferences, and to enhance your graduate school application. I am currently attending the MPH program in Community Health Sciences at UCLA.”

-Veronica Awan, Psychology, 2003 Alumnus, Master’s in Public Health Program in Community Health Sciences at UCLA.

“The MBRS RISE Program has helped in further enhancing my research skills, specifically the skills involving the many aspects of the research process. Through my involvement in MBRS RISE, I’ve had the opportunity to take part in the conceptualization of research questions, analyzing data, interpreting results, and presenting at professional conferences.”

Victor Rico, Psychology, 2002 Alumnus, Doctoral Program in Counseling Psychology at the University of Texas-Austin.

 
“The MBRS RISE Program has prepared me in the field of research I will be conducting for my dissertation. The research experience I gained was the key to being accepted at Claremont as well as the other graduate schools.”

Talia Sojo, Psychology, 2003 Alumnus, Doctoral Program in Applied Developmental Psychology at Claremont University.