Activist in Fight to End Child Sexual Abuse Highlights Spring Arts & Lectures
Latest Newsroom
- Infinity Lab Experience Invaluable for Biotech StudentShruti Jha knew an internship would provide valuable experience as she prepares for a career in the biotechnology industry. But working for Alcheme Bio in Cal State San Marcos’ Infinity Lab has exceeded all of Jha’s expectations. Not only has it provided hands-on learning opportunities, but Jha has been able to work closely with and learn from Vanessa Small, the founder, chief executive officer and chief scientific officer of Alcheme Bio. “I knew since it was a startup that I would get to do a lot more than if I was at a bigger company, but the experience has been amazing,” said Jha, who will graduate from CSUSM with a master’s in biotechnology in May. “Working with Vanessa has been especially helpful. She is a great mentor.” CSUSM’s Infinity Lab is a state-of-the-art research facility that launched last spring to offer affordable bench space for bioentrepreneurs. Alcheme Bio is one of four bioscience entrepreneurs that are part of the lab along with Grann Pharmaceuticals, Indaptus Therapeutics and GSD Bio. The Infinity Lab’s convenient location in CSUSM’s Extended Learning building, ready availability of research equipment and instrumentation, and collaborative environment are key elements of the laboratory’s success. Originally designed as a teaching space, the university pivoted because of the pandemic and reimagined the Infinity Lab as part of its innovation ecosystem under the direction of Dr. Scott Gross, associate vice president of industry partnerships, and Dr. Betsy Read, the founder of the university’s biotechnology program. They’ve received added assistance from Debora Galasso, a 25-year veteran of the biotech industry who is a lecturer in the Master of Biotechnology: A Professional Science Master’s program. The lab has become the perfect place for students like Jha to gain real-world experience while learning from seasoned professionals like Small. “Vanessa is very patient,” Jha said. “Even though she's the CEO, she is very much willing to teach me and to answer questions.” Growing up in India, Jha was always interested in biology and initially considered pursuing a career as a doctor. But her interests shifted more to research and studying how things work and why they work in a particular manner. Jha earned her bachelor’s in biotechnology from St. Xavier's College, Ranchi in India. She chose CSUSM for her master’s degree both because of its location in a hub for biotechnology and its strong program that combines science and management. The master’s program requirements include completing a semester-in-residence project, and Jha learned about the Infinity Lab from Read, who recommended reaching out to Alcheme Bio. Jha’s lab work includes protein purification, extracting protein, and trying to grow it and scale it up. She said the experience has been invaluable as she works toward finding a job in industry after graduation in May. “It has been so great, especially for me being an international student,” Jha said. “This opportunity was perfect for me, and I'm grateful to Alcheme Bio.” Visit the Infinity Lab website to learn more about joining the lab. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- Students to Vote on Referendum for New Wellness and Recreation FacilityNext month, Cal State San Marcos students will have a chance to make their voices heard regarding their desire for a new wellness and recreation facility on campus. From April 9-11, a referendum will be held in which students can vote on whether they want to increase their student fees to fund the project. Voting will begin on Tuesday, April 9 at 7 a.m. and be open until Thursday, April 11 at 5 p.m. Ballots will be sent to eligible students via their university-registered email addresses. All matriculated students who pay the recreation fee are eligible to vote. The wellness and recreation facility would be the first of its kind in the California State University system. The referendum is proposing to lease about 60,000 square feet of space in a new multi-phase student housing building on Barham Drive, next to The QUAD housing complex. The facility is envisioned as a central hub dedicated to lifelong success, bringing together health, wellness, basic needs and student support services and programs that create a sense of community and well-being. The current recreation fee for students is $35 per semester. The direct operating costs for the facility require the fee to be fully active when the building opens, at minimum. Because the facility is anticipated to open in fall 2026, the fee is proposed to increase to $265 starting a year before, in fall 2025. The additional fee revenue will support the purchase of furniture and equipment, and fund the pre-opening hires of full-time and part-time staff, the training of part-time student staff, and the development of branding and materials. Each subsequent fall semester, the fee would increase by 3% to adjust for inflation and increases in the expense budget, which is standard practice in the CSU. During the summer term, the fee would be 25% that of the prior fall semester fee. The wellness and recreation facility would provide student-oriented spaces and services to support all Cougars while promoting the eight dimensions of wellness (emotional, physical, social, spiritual, financial, intellectual, environmental and occupational). “With a diverse student body, CSUSM stands committed to prioritizing physical and mental wellness as vital components to student development and providing valuable access to resources for students to learn and develop long-term healthy behaviors,” said Lisa Dickinson, the director of Campus Recreation. Among the proposed features of the facility are: more than 10,000 square feet for cardio machines and strength training equipment (more than triple the space of the fitness center in Clarke Field House). dedicated wellness areas that include mindful reflection space, comfortable lounge seating and massage chairs for students to relax and rest. an outdoor rooftop deck featuring a synthetic turf field for fitness programs, intramurals, sport club workouts, team-building, student organization events or other student activities. two standard-sized indoor courts suitable for basketball, volleyball, pickleball and events, with a spectator viewing area. three multipurpose rooms featuring flexible flooring for a variety of individual and group activities, including Zumba, hip-hop dance, strength-based cardio, yoga, Pilates or mindfulness/meditation sessions. multiple activity rooms and gathering areas to accommodate a wide range of wellness programming. an esports digital collaboration area for gaming practice, competitions, spectator viewing, studying and socializing. an outdoor courtyard of over 8,000 square feet with hammocks and a wood deck patio. CSUSM students have advocated for increased wellness, basic needs and recreational spaces and services to support campus community for almost a decade. Since 2019, working groups of students and staff have been tasked to identify ways to achieve this goal. The effort has included two student surveys garnering almost 2,500 responses and multiple focus groups and forums with more than 250 students, staff and administrators. Recent data suggests that student interest and desire for the expansion of wellness, fitness, basic needs and recreation remain overwhelming. In a survey last fall, 91% of students said a new facility should be a high priority for CSUSM, with 53% indicating a “very high” priority. Asked about the impact that a new facility could have on students and the university community, more than 90% of students surveyed said it would make a significant or moderate impact on attracting new students, improving students’ quality of life, reducing stress and overall enhancing the campus community. More than 50 student ambassadors are leading the campaign to educate and inform students about the fee referendum and encourage them to use their voice by voting. “I am excited for the chance to see our campus grow and compete with CSU schools that have established recreation and wellness facilities,” said Alyssa Loschiavo, Campus Recreation student coordinator and a student ambassador. "This project can be monumental for CSUSM and inspiring for students to look back on helping bring the facility to campus, and I am proud to be a part of it.” For more information, including the complete voters guide and a list of FAQs about the referendum, go to: https://www.csusm.edu/rec/referendum.html. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306
- Celebrating APIDA Heritage MonthIn celebration of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month, Cal State San Marcos’ Cross-Cultural Center is partnering with campus organizations to present an exciting lineup of events. Everyone is invited to participate in the following events: Defining Diaspora: “Philippine Father” March 25, noon, Cross-Cultural Center (USU 3400) Join us as Michael Flores, the director of the documentary “Philippine Father,” discusses his experiences and his works centered around racism, class and imperialism. APIDA Cultural Festival April 12, 5 p.m., USU Amphitheater The APIDA Cultural Festival is an annual celebration of cultures that are a part of Asia, Southeast and South Asia. Similar to the night markets that are part of those communities, the festival recreates those spaces that are filled with food, festivities and entertainment. Defining Diaspora: Rolling into Spring April 17, 3 p.m., Cross-Cultural Center (USU 3400) Join us as we make spring rolls from scratch and learn the cultural significance of the ingredients. Seadrift Screening & Talk with the Producer April 14, 6 p.m., USU 2310B Join us for a screening of the documentary film, Seadrift. Defining Diaspora: Harvesting Hope-Empowering Filipino Farmworkers April 23, noon, Cross-Cultural Center (USU 3400) Join us as we highlight the contributions of Filipino organizations in the wider farmworkers' movement. Ti Leaf Lei Workshop May 1, noon, Forum Plaza Learn how to make a traditional Hawaiian Ti leaf lei, all leis made will be given to the graduates participating in the APIDA Recognition Ceremony on May 8. APIDA Recognition Ceremony May 8, 6 p.m., USU Ballroom This is the 18th annual APIDA recognition ceremony where we celebrate the students who graduated in fall 2023 and applied to graduate in spring 2024 or summer 2024. Participants will receive a free APIDA stole. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- CSUSM Receives Two Gifts Totaling $20 Million, Largest in 35-Year HistoryIn a historic moment, Cal State San Marcos has announced two philanthropic donations totaling $20 million – the largest gifts in its 35-year history. A transformative grant of $10 million from Price Philanthropies Foundation will create a first-of-its-kind, three-year accelerated bachelor's degree and workforce pipeline for behavioral and mental health. As part of this groundbreaking milestone and becoming the largest donors to CSUSM, visionary philanthropist Daniel J. Epstein – a director of the CSUSM Foundation Board – and his wife, Phyllis, have committed to an additional gift of $10 million. Their contribution will serve as a unique dollar-for-dollar matching gift opportunity for all CSUSM donors to double their impact across campus. “Phyllis and I are incredibly impressed by CSUSM and President Ellen Neufeldt’s strong commitment to bridge the opportunity gap and create a more equitable and inclusive San Diego,” Daniel Epstein said. “As a regionally focused university with a highly diverse student population, CSUSM is one of the most transformative institutions in the Southern California region, impacting lives and entire communities. We are proud to pledge our support and we hope community members will join us.” The matching gift from the Epsteins will create a ripple effect, reaching into the core of CSUSM’s mission of student success and fortifying an era of unprecedented innovation to advance social mobility. Investments stemming from this gift will have a direct and positive impact on funding to support the people, places and programs of CSUSM’s upcoming comprehensive fundraising campaign. This unparalleled opportunity presents a landmark moment for donors to double their impact, providing meaningful and transformational investments at CSUSM now and for future generations. “We are eternally grateful for the extraordinary investments in our students and community made possible by Dan and Phyllis Epstein and the Price Philanthropies Foundation,” Neufeldt said. “With CSUSM being a national leader in social mobility, the one-to-one matching philanthropic gift will catapult our campaign efforts to support critical student success initiatives. Having their confidence in CSUSM has already inspired generous supporters in our community. I am proud to partner with Price Philanthropies on such a powerful new workforce-connected accelerated bachelor’s degree program, bringing a first-of-its-kind model into the state of California to address surging behavioral and mental health employment demands.” Through the partnership with Price Philanthropies — which is committed to transforming the lives of youth and families — this multiyear program grant invests in the most urgent workforce needs in the behavioral and mental health industry. Amid an environment where the need for mental health and wellness services for children and families has increased exponentially, San Diego Workforce Partnership reports that San Diego County will require more than 18,000 new qualified mental health professionals by 2027. The funding will help embed dual enrollment, professional certificates and enhanced career preparation in a three-year degree pathway. This innovative approach expedites the placement of qualified people into critical roles with an escalated earning potential, a perfect example of social mobility in action. “We are extremely grateful to President Neufeldt and her team for their partnership in creating an accelerated pathway for students to earn a bachelor's degree in three years rather than the traditional four or more years. This innovative and potentially revolutionary approach to higher education offers the potential for students to complete their undergraduate work in less time and be better prepared to enter the workforce,” said Robert and Allison Price. “We believe that the three-year bachelor's degree program can become a model that can be replicated not only in the field of health care but also in many other occupational disciplines.” The degree pathway will provide hundreds of students with immersive, hands-on experiences through internships, simulations and real-world projects, allowing them to graduate in fewer than four years and directly enter the region’s workforce. The program is being meticulously crafted to align with the evolving needs of the mental and behavioral health field by integrating industry insights, expert guidance and tailored coursework. This model emulates the vision and purpose of CSUSM to lift its students, their families and the region, bolstering the university’s standing among the top 1% nationally in social mobility. To be a part of the unique Epstein family match for student success and social mobility and to help shape the future of the university, CSUSM invites the community to participate. To learn more, contact Jessica Berger, vice president for University Advancement, at jmberger@csusm.edu. Media Contact Haley Wonsley, Communications and Marketing Director, University Advancement hwonsley@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7342
- Amateur Radio Club, Other Orgs Aim to Fund ProjectsBuilding radios may have started as a hobby when Jerald Pinter was a child, but it also became one of his inspirations for pursuing a career in engineering. Though Pinter is now retired as an engineer and engineering manager, he’s helping to prepare the next generation of scientists as a lecturer in Cal State San Marcos’ College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Knowing firsthand how challenging science courses can be, Pinter wanted to find an outlet for students, leading to the founding last fall of CSUSM’s Amateur Radio Club. “These students are grinding through a really tough curriculum,” Pinter said. “I want them to have some fun and be able to be hands on and build something. Instead of grueling equations, they get to just have some fun tinkering with stuff in the lab.” When the club launched, Pinter thought that maybe two or three students would show up. Instead, there are more than 20 who regularly attend the weekly Thursday meetings in the Viasat Engineering Pavilion. Though most are electrical engineering majors, the club is open to any student interested in learning how to build a radio (follow the club on Instagram @Radio_Club.CSUSM for more information). The Amateur Radio Club is one of 13 groups participating in Cougar Crowdfunding Student Org Month. Throughout March, donors can make a difference in the lives of students by supporting these student-run organizations. The Amateur Radio Club, which gained official student organization status this semester, is trying to raise funds to pay for amateur radio licensing testing for its members, equipment, materials to build radios, and radio equipment to start a CSUSM amateur radio station. While Pinter serves as the Amateur Radio Club’s faculty adviser, the organization has a team of four student leaders: Noah Bills, president; Blake Stenson, vice president; Kurt Williams, treasurer; and Erin Obmina-Josue, social media director. “The club is really good for professional development and it's a good résumé builder for the students,” Williams said. “It provides good connections, too. We've had partners from outside come in, and they're willing to come in and talk to everybody about things like engineering and professional development.” Cougar Crowdfunding projects are managed by the Office of Annual Giving Programs. For questions or to submit a project for consideration, contact Digital Giving Specialist Alex Perkins at aperkins@csusm.edu or (760) 750-8895. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- Master's Student Helping Others With Disabilities“You are not broken” is a principle both followed and taught by Poorvi Datta. Datta, who will graduate from Cal State San Marcos with their master’s in biological sciences this May, has worked to overcome challenges with imposter syndrome and their own diagnosis of a disability a few years ago. Now they’re working to help others battling disabilities. Datta has worked in several different places to fuel their experience at CSUSM, including helping with multiple biology courses, serving as graduate mentor for the Summer Scholars program and working as a tutor. Those efforts have paid off. Last fall, Datta won the CSUSM Social Innovation Challenge and in January they won the Crellin Pauling Student Teaching Award. “I always liked learning,” said Datta, who uses they/them pronouns. “Every class that I took added a lens in terms of how I see the world. I see a leaf and I see all of its different parts and I see the physics and the chemistry that comes together to make it, and it's a wonderful thing.” Datta enrolled at CSUSM for graduate school after earning their bachelor’s from UC Davis for multiple reasons, including access to faculty who does research in their field and CSUSM’s proximity to their family. “I’m a person with disabilities and I’m from San Diego,” they said. “My entire family is here and I needed that support system.” Datta studies how to make higher education (particularly STEM) classrooms more accessible for students with disabilities. Currently a peer mentor in STEM, Datta has been interested in both the fields of STEM and education since they were a young teenager. Since this initial interest, Datta has taken on several roles that gave them experience and made them more well rounded as an educator. “Exposure to different types of people’s experiences helps you understand how to be more empathetic and kind toward them as a person,” Datta said. “You realize these things that you might never experience and you start to notice those factors and begin to recognize the telltale signs of people struggling or needing help and recognize that better in the future.” Datta produced an impressive project for CSUSM’s Social Innovation Challenge, an ideation competition in which students compete to solve real-world problems. “My thesis is on how closed captioning affects the academic experiences of students with disabilities and STEM classrooms,” Datta said. “My business proposal was on how we can integrate that realistically and logically into higher education.” Datta’s project has been in the works since their senior year of undergrad, stemming from an honors thesis during COVID when they saw how the pandemic affected people with chronic and physical disabilities and neurodivergent challenges. Some of their friends did not adjust well to the new climate while others (like Datta) thrived in an online learning environment. The project has continued to grow. Datta has conducted extensive research and found ways to help students, including through recorded lectures with captions. Datta then looked for ways to get the project into action. But Datta knows that change is slow. “I had sections in my proposal for what we should do if my proposal wouldn't work, because I recognized that it was too ideal,” Datta said. “I want to get these resources universally implemented into as many institutions as possible, and that is a lot of money and a lot of coordination. With the amount of cooperation required, it's hard.” Datta had to use a deeper-level thinking process, focusing on whether institutions even had the resources needed to put their plan to action and whether it was equitable to ask instructors to do these tasks. As the first-place winner, Datta was awarded $500 and an opportunity to share their project, build their resume and get involved in networking. Datta cares deeply about making education accessible. They not only have their winning social innovation project, they also have been a graduate teaching assistant for over a year instructing labs, holding office hours and developing tools for their students to succeed. Beyond just the logistical roles of being an educator, Datta really stands out in the impression they leave on their students - being real. “I had a student tell me, ‘You’re like the first human professor I’ve had,’ ” Datta said. “I make mistakes and I have difficult days. I joke with my students and share struggles I had when learning the same materials and taking the same classes.” When students are learning a difficult subject or in a difficult class, honesty and relatability from their teachers can make a world of difference. Instead of being discouraged, students are more likely to improve, leading them to thrive. Datta also urges their students to find a healthy balance. “I always encourage my students to prioritize their mental health,” Datta said, “but get the degree, do whatever you have to do, keep your head down. Take your time, but get the degree.” Not only have Datta’s students recognized their hard work, but so has their mentor, biology professor Mallory Rice. “They care deeply about not only improving the experiences of students in their own classroom, but all students that cross their path,” Rice said. “Poorvi’s advocacy has even had a profound impact on my teaching and influenced me to integrate practices into my own classroom to improve students’ experiences.” In January, Datta won the Crellin Pauling Student Teaching Award, which acknowledges those who show student teaching achievement in the field of biotechnology. The award branches across to students from any CSU, yet only two are selected. Winners received $2,000 and an invitation to attend the CSU Biotechnology Symposium. Datta’s acceptance speech had a strong impact on the audience. “I had so many people coming up to me and telling me about it when I had this moment, where I realized words have power,” Datta said, “I spoke for three minutes and impacted people in a way that's really significant and meaningful, and that was eye-opening for me. “Receiving this award means a lot. I put in so much work and I care so much about my students. Having your work recognized when you have imposter syndrome, that type of external validation can be very significant.” As someone who deals with disabilities themselves, Datta understands the challenges that one goes through and incorporates these experiences into their teachings. “I have a lot of flexibility with my students, and I also ask my students to be flexible with me,” Datta said, “The most important advice I would give to any student with disabilities is to spend less time thinking about how to fix yourself, assuming that you're broken, and spend more time trying to figure out how to be compassionate to yourself and how you can succeed because you deserve it.” Datta was recently admitted to the integrated life sciences Ph.D. program at the University of Georgia for the fall and intends to pursue a doctorate in neuroscience. Their ultimate goal is to become a teaching professor of biology. This career would allow Datta to continue their research and develop evidence-based recommendations that would help institutions retain more students with disabilities in STEM. After spending years of their life learning how to adapt to and grow through challenges, Datta wants to share their understanding with others. “Sometimes situations can be unfair and it’s not your fault,” Datta said, “Being kind to yourself and giving yourself the space to be human and asking for things you need from the people you feel safe asking from will always yield you success because you deserve it, and all of us are capable of being successful.” Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314