Perron is leading a three-year, $1,085,815 project supported by the Laboratory for Physical Sciences, targeting one of the most demanding areas in modern science: quantum information science and technology (QIST).  

The effort builds on a previous Department of Energy RENEW award that equipped CSU undergraduate faculty to integrate quantum concepts into their courses. Now Perron is tackling the next barrier: getting students hands-on experience with the technology itself. 

"Most undergraduate QIST education is theoretical or textbook-focused," Perron said. "While simulations and cloud-accessible systems are valuable, the quantum sector also needs scientists and engineers with hands-on experience operating these systems. Because quantum technology is expensive and typically limited to research and industry settings, most students don't have access to that kind of training." 

Perron’s team is developing a curriculum that teaches core QIST lab competencies without requiring access to a full quantum system. The model will draw on data from quantum industry stakeholders to define workforce needs, then design and test the curriculum at CSUSM and partner institutions, measuring its effectiveness from the perspectives of students, faculty and potential employers. 

While Perron’s project focuses on preparing students for emerging careers in quantum science, other newly funded CSUSM projects are reimagining how students engage with mathematics and biology from the start of their academic journeys. 

"It's exciting to see our faculty leading nationally competitive projects that connect research and teaching in powerful ways," said Charles De Leone, dean of graduate studies and research. "These grants reflect what's possible at an institution like ours, where faculty are deeply invested in student success and bring that commitment into cutting-edge work." 

Additional projects funded this academic year include: 

• Rethinking the gateway to calculus 
  A $173,098 grant from the National Science Foundation supports a collaborative project led by mathematics professor Kimberly Ayers, in partnership with Florida International University, Clark College and the University of Virginia. The project introduces a more interactive model for teaching introductory calculus, a course that serves as a gateway to most STEM majors but has some of the highest failure and withdrawal rates nationally in undergraduate education. 
  Rather than lecture-centered instruction, students work in small groups to solve problems and explain their thinking out loud, building procedural skills alongside the mathematical confidence that research shows is essential to staying in STEM. The collaboration across four institutions allows the team to test the approach across different student populations and refine what works.
• Putting field research into the biology curriculum 
  Funded with a $499,970 grant from the National Science Foundation, a project led by biology professors Mallory Rice, George Vourlitis and Jane Kim will embed hands-on, community-driven scientific research directly into biology courses at CSUSM. Students will investigate biological questions about how urban development is affecting wildlife and natural resources across North San Diego County.
• Building the region’s behavioral and mental health workforce 
  CSUSM received a $450,000 grant from the County of San Diego to help strengthen the region’s health and human services workforce through a partnership with the county’s Health and Human Services Agency and San Diego State University.
• Preparing future public health leaders 
  Kim Pulvers, a professor of psychology, and Richard Armenta, an associate professor of kinesiology, received a competitive renewal award for the Research & Action for Community Health (REACH): CSUSM/UCSD Smoke and Vape Free Scholars Program in partnership with UC San Diego. The program trains undergraduate and master’s students to address tobacco-related health disparities through research, community engagement and public health workforce development. Since the program’s launch in 2022, scholars have presented their work more than 30 times, published nine papers and gone on to graduate programs and health-related careers. This $1,331,620 grant is funded by the California Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program. 

“What’s especially meaningful about these projects is the way they connect research, teaching and workforce preparation,” De Leone said. 

Research funding is an integral part of CSUSM’s “Blueprint for the Future” fundraising campaign, helping advance the university’s $200 million goal through both philanthropy and grants. 

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist

bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

But in January, one of those unknown callers left a voicemail.

The person said they were calling from the TV game show “Jeopardy.” Ayers had gone through the tryout process for the show, but that had been more than a year earlier, so it’s understandable that she was dubious when she returned the call.

“I said something like, ‘It sounds so crazy and paranoid, but is there any way for you to prove to me that this is not a scam?’ She said, ‘No one's ever asked me that.’ I must have sounded like a crazy person,” said Ayers, laughing.

The woman told Ayers that she would send her an email from her official “Jeopardy” account. The call and the email were real. “Jeopardy” wanted Ayers on the show as a contestant.

It would mean taking a day off from her job as a math professor at Cal State San Marcos, but Ayers had no trouble getting support from department chair Marshall Whittlesey and Jackie Trischman, the dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. And, needless to say, her students were ecstatic to learn about the appearance.

Ayers must remain tight-lipped about how she did on the show, but viewers will have a chance to see for themselves when her episode airs March 31.

“It’s hard not to talk about it, but my only goal was not to embarrass myself too bad,” Ayers said. “And I think I can confidently say that I didn't bring shame to CSUSM.”

Ayers watched “Jeopardy” growing up, but while many people dream of being on the show and spend endless hours prepping for its arduous audition process, she did it largely on a whim.

What followed was 18 months filled with tests, interviews and, most of all, waiting.

Ayers learned about the audition process when she received an email in her CSUSM inbox. She figures it was a bulk email sent to dozens of college professors encouraging them to apply.

“I think they like having college professors on,” she said.

Ayers visited the show’s website and took the “Anytime Test,” the first step for anyone hoping to become a “Jeopardy” contestant. The “Anytime Test” includes 50 categories and 50 clues, with just 15 seconds to respond to each. The results are never revealed, and participants only learn if they passed the test if they receive an email within one year of taking it.

Ayers received one of those emails inviting her to the first round of a video conference audition, which was a 50-question test on Zoom. Then it was back to waiting. As with the “Anytime Test,” participants who pass the first round may be contacted any time within a year to participate in the second round. Ayers learned she had passed when she received an invitation to the second round, which was a gameplay audition in which potential contestants play a mock version of “Jeopardy” in groups of three.

Passing that audition puts participants in a pool of potential contestants for two years. However, it doesn’t guarantee an invitation to appear on the show. And if the two-year window passes without an invitation, you have to start the process all over to be considered again.

“Apparently Ken Jennings has said it's like eight times easier to get into Harvard than it is to get on ‘Jeopardy,’ ” said Ayers, referencing the show’s host. “Because they have 70 or 80,000 people who take the online quiz and then they only invite 400.

“They said, ‘It's not about you, it's just a numbers game.’ People try to get on the show for years and years, so I kind of figured I’d never hear from them.”

But in January, 18 months after she first started the application process, Ayers received a call inviting her to Los Angeles to appear on “Jeopardy.” She spent the next month brushing up on her trivia and gleaning tips from a friend who had been on the show. That included watching episodes of “Jeopardy” at home and acting as if she was a contestant by standing up and using a pen to practice clicking in to answer questions, as timing is one of the keys to success.

“It goes so fast,” Ayers said. “You can only buzz in after the answer is done being read, but if you buzz in prematurely, you're penalized a quarter of a second, which doesn't sound like a lot, but it is. The whole thing is just so incredibly fast.”

Ayers had to complete a lengthy information sheet and answer questions to help determine what Jennings would chat with her about between rounds. “Jeopardy” films five episodes a day, so Ayers was also instructed to bring five different outfits in case she advanced.

The day of filming, Jennings came out to meet all of the contestants before taping began and encouraged them to have fun.

“He's such a nice guy,” Ayers said. “He said, ‘This is your victory lap. You got on the show, and that is an incredible feat in and of itself. Try not to stress too much about it and enjoy the process.’ ”

Ayers did just that. On March 31, her friends and colleagues will have an opportunity to see the results. Just don’t be surprised if Ayers isn’t watching.

“I may have a watch party, but it may be everyone watching the show while I go hide in another room,” she said. “We'll see what happens. But it was just such a crazy, cool experience.”

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Few would guess that he is the CEO of Hunter Industries, a global organization and the largest private employer in San Marcos – or that the company is also a longtime philanthropic partner to CSUSM and is recognized on the campus founders’ seal.

To them, he’s just Greg, a student who slips into class with the ease that comes from sharing four semesters with his classmates.

“Greg is effortlessly humble, which is so refreshing,” fellow student Travis Bourdon said. “We knew he was a professional but had no idea of the scope. He fits right in, has made friends and encourages us to think about complex concepts differently.”

A lifelong learner and Cornell University graduate, Hunter enrolled at CSUSM to challenge himself and strengthen his analytical skills. But the experience quickly became something more as he found himself inspired and motivated by the students around him.

“Their grit, backgrounds and excellence impress me, as does the passion and engagement of the faculty,” Hunter said. “CSUSM is a special place with a clear commitment to advancing social mobility and student success across the region. It means a great deal to continue my family’s legacy of support.”

This experience, combined with the family’s longstanding commitment to CSUSM, inspired a transformational $10 million gift to fund a new STEM facility. Recently approved by the CSU Board of Trustees, the building will be named Hunter Hall of Science and Engineering and is scheduled to open in fall 2027. Hunter Hall will boost engineering enrollment from 500 to nearly 2,000 students, strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline and support economic growth.

“We are deeply grateful to the Hunter family and Hunter Industries for this extraordinary gift,” President Ellen Neufeldt said. “Greg’s experience in the classroom gives him a unique perspective on our students, many of whom are the first in their families to graduate from college. Hunter Hall will be a landmark addition to campus, providing state-of-the-art STEM facilities, fueling regional innovation and strengthening pathways for future graduates.”

The Hunter family has helped shape CSUSM’s history for three generations – including Greg’s grandparents, parents and aunt, Ann Hunter-Wellborn, who served on CSUSM's University Council before the campus was founded and has continued to advocate for many student success programs. Over the years, Hunter Industries has supported several pivotal projects, including the Clarke Field House, University Student Union, Hunter Design Lab and state-of-the-art physics laboratories. The company also provides internships, mentorship and faculty support, and employs many CSUSM alumni.

As for balancing coursework and running a global company, Greg approaches his studies with the same focus and dedication that define his leadership.

“Greg is an exceptional student,” mathematics professor Hanson Smith said. “He even makes time for office hours, which is remarkable for someone who is also a CEO. Students are typically career-focused. Greg already has an extraordinary career, yet he’s here because he loves learning, which is likely what makes him such an effective leader.”

With the Hunter gift, CSUSM’s “Blueprint for the Future” campaign – the university’s most ambitious fundraising effort – has raised nearly 80% of its $200 million goal. The campaign reflects the university’s continued growth and its commitment to advancing social mobility across the region. Explore Blueprint for the Future to see how CSUSM is different by design.

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Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

“On top of training up to three hours a day, my major in algorithmic mathematics is very demanding and leaves little time to hold a job,” McGregor said. “I’m grateful for Brooks and Marion Reid’s support and hope to pay it forward someday, especially in math or athletics.”

McGregor's appreciation of the Reids comes from being the recipient of both the Reid Athletic Scholarship and the K. Brooks and Marion Reid Student Achievement Award in Discrete Mathematics. These scholarships are just two of the many ways that the Reids have contributed to Cal State San Marcos over the years.

Founding faculty members Brooks and Marion Reid have been champions of student success since CSUSM’s earliest days. Brooks, a mathematics professor emeritus, and Marion, the university’s founding dean of Kellogg Library and now dean emerita, have contributed to initiatives across campus, from academics and research to athletics. Brooks serves on the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CSTEM) Advisory Council, staying connected to students like McGregor.

"It was exciting to be part of CSUSM from the very beginning,” the Reids said. “The library and mathematics have always been close to our hearts, and we’re proud of how the university has flourished over the years. We had fulfilling careers here, and giving back is a way to honor that legacy and help future generations thrive.”

In addition to scholarships and mathematics awards, the couple supports the annual Reid Lecture Series, which invites the campus and local community to experience the beauty of mathematics through continued support for programs like the Mathematical Association of America Institutional Membership, the Putnam Mathematics Competition and the San Marcos Informal Mathematics Colloquium.

Thanks to the generosity of donors like Brooks and Marion Reid, CSUSM students have the resources to thrive both academically and personally. Their gifts also contribute to the university’s $200 million “Blueprint for the Future” campaign.

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Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Recipients are lauded for dedicating themselves to quality mathematics education and actively supporting participation in conferences and workshops, or being involved in ongoing curricular improvement in mathematics.

Maxey, who earned a master's degree in mathematics at CSUSM and has 19 years of teaching experience, has taught at Great Oak High School in Temecula for the past nine years. At Great Oak, Maxey teaches a variety of courses, including Calculus BC and Introduction to Linear Algebra.

Maxey will receive $250 to go toward his math classroom or professional development, a commemorative plaque, a lifetime GSDMC membership, registration to a future GSDMC conference and seminar, and the invitation to speak at a future GSDMC conference.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Public Affairs Specialist
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

For over 22 years, Kündgen has walked into his classes full of energy and made his way toward a chalkboard stamped with challenging yet accessible equations and concepts. Among students, he has a reputation for evoking feelings of excitement, curiosity and, most importantly, confidence.

It is for his exceptional accomplishments in teaching, research and service that Kündgen was presented the Harry E. Brakebill Distinguished Professor Award for the 2022-23 academic year. The award was established in 1993 in honor of Harry E. Brakebill, who served as the financial adviser to the first California State College administration. 

“I hold the award in a very high esteem,” Kündgen said. “The Brakebill Award has been built on tradition, and the former recipients of this award are some of the most dedicated people I know because they place students at the centerpiece of their work.”

Kündgen is similar in this regard. He is a dedicated mathematician, fueled by helping his students succeed. Over the years, he’s continued to stay connected with many students, becoming their mentor and even their colleague, travel partner, research collaborator and friend.

Craig Timmons, associate professor for the Department of Mathematics and Statistics for California State University Sacramento, is a prime example.

“Kündgen’s mentorship not only changed my academic path but helped me grow as a person at a pivotal time in my life,” Timmons said. “At the start of the fall 2023 semester, it has been 20 years since (I first met Kündgen in) Math 160 and we still keep in touch because he really cared about me as an individual.”

During mathematics alumni gatherings, many recall their mutual feelings of uncertainty toward mathematics when they began their journey at CSUSM. Then, after taking Kündgen’s courses, feeling enthusiastic about the subject and supported enough to pursue a career of their own in the field. Even though his homework is “famously difficult,” he makes complex concepts click, teaches a growth mindset impossible to learn from a textbook, and allows mistakes to be approached with curiosity rather than embarrassment. These are some of the many reasons Kündgen is cherished among the mathematics alumni community.

“In a subject that’s so stigmatized, I truly believe that learning those skills was crucial for me to persist and succeed in mathematics, especially as a woman,” said Jennifer Brich, CSUSM alumna, lecturer and director of the STEM Success Center.

“Kundgen is a major inspiration behind my success. This includes my own social mobility as a Hispanic/Latino, first-generation college student who grew from having no idea what a mathematician did to becoming an associate professor of mathematics at a regional state institution,” alumnus Dr. Michael Santana said. “Because of him, I have the opportunity to inspire other students.”

As a mathematician, Kündgen’s research falls within the fields of graph theory and combinatorics, with a particular interest in the graph theory subfields of extremal combinatorics and graph coloring. With a joyous smile, Kündgen shares that he particularly likes graph coloring because of its accessibility to students and because the diverse puzzles allow him to see those sparks of ingenuity and creativity in students.

Kündgen frequently advocates for students’ like Timmons, Brich and Santana while serving on CSUSM committees that include:

• Academic Senate vice chair (2020-22); secretary (2008/09, 2018-20); Promotion and Tenure Committee (2020-2022); and Professional Leave committee (2012 and 2017).
• Assistance in the Noyce and Calc Boost initiatives, which recruited some of the most dedicated and talented mathematics majors at CSUSM into becoming the next generation of education leaders.
• Chair of the Department of Mathematics (2012-15), where he has helped convert a former one-size-fits major into an option model with different programs built to prepare students for their varying next steps.
• One of the organizers in the annual Reid Lecture, which has routinely brought in 300-plus members of the community to CSUSM, since 2015.

Much of his university service also promotes his strong belief in shared governance. This is demonstrated throughout one of his proudest involvements, the creation of a lecturer committee and committee of the Academic Senate. These work groups tackled historic levels of distrust between long-time lecturers and tenure track faculty about the role of lecturers in shared governance.

“These involvements aren’t always a labor of love but a labor of service," Kündgen said. "I’m giving back to the university and making sure things are represented in the correct way, to whatever capacity that may be. It’s important work because the more complacent we get, the more autonomy we give away. And so it was really important to me to have strong voices in all these service roles.”

Outside of the university, Kündgen also serves his discipline. Since 2004, he has been a managing editor of the Electronic Journal of Combinatorics (E-JC), an electronic journal that is of no cost to the author and no cost to the reader. Within the field of mathematics, knowledge is, at times, held hostage by the publisher rather than being accessible to mathematicians around the world. All E-JC editors, including Kündgen, work for free to increase open access publishing and giving knowledge back to the people.

In addition to E-JC, some additional reasons Kündgen received the prestigious Brakebill award include his impact to the mathematics field through:

• Co-authoring 37 papers (some published in collaboration with CSUSM students).
• Presenting at more than 80 presentations nationally and internationally.
• Serving as visiting professor at the Technical University of Denmark.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Public Affairs Specialist

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Honorees were nominated by faculty or staff and endorsed by their college’s dean. Here is a closer look at each award recipient:

Krystal Alvarez-Hernandez, psychological science

President’s Outstanding Graduate

Dean’s Award, College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences

Alvarez-Hernandez overcame numerous challenges on her path to earning a degree. She became a mother at 16 and, as a first-generation college student from an immigrant family, had little support to help her navigate higher education. But Alvarez-Hernandez is highly motivated with a strong work ethic, and she consistently showed the persistence to thrive.

Alvarez-Hernandez was one of 10 students selected for the U-RISE@CSUSM program, which is funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to provide professional development and research opportunities to students from underrepresented groups who show promise for success in graduate studies and careers in research.

Nominating professor Keith Trujillo noted that Alvarez-Hernandez is thoughtful, organized and motivated, and regularly contributes insightfully to scientific discussions and assignments. She takes the program seriously and is a leader among her peers. She will pursue her Ph.D. in cognitive science and neuroscience at Northwestern University.

Learn more about Alvarez-Hernandez here.

Melissa Hernandez, human development

Dean’s Award, College of Education, Health and Human Services

Hernandez was lauded for her strong record of educational achievements and service to CEHHS, the university and the region. Nominating professor Teru Toyokawa praised Hernandez for her passion for serving others and generously providing time for people in local communities.

As a first-generation college student, Hernandez navigated her own way into her academic achievement while working full-time and engaging in on- and off-campus activities.

Among the many ways in which Hernandez demonstrated her leadership is by serving on the CEHHS Committee of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity as a student representative. She also has been an active member in the Society of Pre-Health, a student organization with a mission to have students become involved with health-related issues and activities and facilitate students’ career exploration in health care. Through this organization, Hernandez helped other club members develop several projects and provided opportunities for club members to find jobs in health-related fields.

Learn more about Hernandez here.

Karolina Lindberg, business administration

Gerevas Family Dean’s Award Recipient, College of Business Administration

An international student from Sweden, Lindberg distinguished herself in the global business management program and across the college. She demonstrated consistently high academic performance, became increasingly involved within student organizations, and harnessed lessons learned in her professional experiences. And she did all of it while completing her degree in only three years.

Nominating professor Eric Rhodes noted that Lindberg arrived at CSUSM with a strong professional background in customer service and finance, incorporating her unique perspective and bilingual capabilities into her academic endeavors.

Among the challenges Lindberg has overcome are a diagnosis of epilepsy. When the pandemic hit, her family wanted her to complete her studies back home in Sweden, closer to her doctors and family. That meant attending CSUSM for the entire 2020-21 academic year from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Zoom, five days a week, due to the nine-hour time difference. Despite this hurdle, she maintained a 4.0 GPA.

Learn more about Lindberg here.

Billy Unger, mathematics

Dean’s Award, Graduate Studies and Research

Unger has demonstrated outstanding achievement across each of the rigorous selection criteria, graduating with a 3.8 GPA.

Unger’s thesis work involved the study of graph theory and the study of space, or topology. His work centered on a conjecture from graph theory posed in a paper that nominating professor Andre Kundgen coauthored in 2002 with CSUSM colleague Radhika Ramamurthi. A math conjecture refers to a statement that is assumed to be correct but has not been proven. Although the mathematical community had made little progress in addressing this conjecture in the last 20 years, Unger gravitated toward working on it when he came on as Kundgen’s student. In a few short weeks, he made a major breakthrough by coming up with the first graph that had the predicted behavior.

Kundgen praised Unger as an outstanding example of what can be accomplished as a graduate student at CSUSM.

Madison Wagner, chemistry

Dean’s Award, College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Wagner overcame numerous challenges to become a role model to her classmates in her commitment to excellence in academics, service leadership and research.

A first-generation college student, Wagner was a top academic performer, including a 4.0 GPA since transferring to CSUSM from Palomar College in fall 2019. Wagner consistently scored in the top 1% on all exams and written assignments in nominating professor Robert Iafe’s organic chemistry lecture and scored in the top 4% nationwide on the ACS Standardized Exam in organic chemistry. Wagner also was awarded the 2021-2022 CSUSM Beckman Scholars research award – one of only two on campus – to support 15 months of mentored research experience.

Iafe noted that Wagner works proficiently in a team setting, is not afraid to be a leader, and also has a professional and patient quality that builds confidence when she helps lab mates.

Learn more about Wagner here.

Anastasia Zacky, political science

Dean’s Award, Dean of Students

Zacky has made lasting contributions to student life at CSUSM through her many involvements, including as a Cougar Pantry intern, Orientation Team leader, event programmer/student coordinator with USU Live!, onboarding a new sorority as Panhellenic Affairs vice president, and most recently, as chapter president.

Zacky also excels in the classroom with a cumulative 3.6 GPA and membership in the Order of Omega and Gamma Sigma Alpha honor societies.

Zacky had multiple nominators for the award who said she has proven to be an outstanding role model for students by actively seeking ways to integrate her passions, student life experiences and dedication to her education. They noted that she has transformed the lives of CSUSM students, positively impacted the campus community, and served as an ambassador and change agent.

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Eric Breier, Public Affairs Specialist

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

She began as a kinesiology major, hoping to work as a trainer or physical education teacher.

She got involved on campus, working for three years as part of the university’s Outdoor Adventures team. Her love of sustainability led her to earn a grant from the ASI Sustainability Project Fund that helped the group achieve its campus-wide sustainability goals such as zero waste.

Math was the furthest thing from her mind.

Until she took a pre-calculus course taught by Andre Kündgen, where her career path took a monumental detour.

“I had to take it as a requirement of my degree,” Kang said. “And at that time, since I wasn't really good at math, it was easily my least favorite subject up through high school. And then I take his class, and I start liking math. I feel like the reason why was that he didn't really force people to memorize formulas or equations or things like that. But he tried to explain why and how things work. And I think that part really made me started liking math.”

Kang eventually switched majors to mathematics, and now she has teamed with Kündgen again as the duo recently wrote a paper that they submitted to the Journal of Graph Theory.

The paper, which looks at graphs with a certain property or structure and attempts to find the minimum or maximum size and everything in between, is currently under review by the journal. Hopes are high in the math department that the paper will be published.

“The best way to describe the problem is that in highly connected systems interesting substructures emerge,” Kündgen said. “This paper considers the question of what the number of connections present can tell us about the nature of the cycles in the network. Specifically, we completely settle this question for the pentagon, and we also have some results for other cycles.”

Like any good teacher, Kündgen challenges his math students in various ways.

He gives students projects such as producing a paper not with the goal of getting it published necessarily, but instead with the intent to enjoy and learn from the process itself.

Kang isn’t shy about admitting her interest was piqued in that first course with Kündgen.

“Whether she found her passion there is for her to say, but it is true that I was her first math professor at CSUSM,” Kündgen said. “She was a quiet student then, but what struck me was that the questions she asked were at a deeper level than you usually get in that class, and her answers on the exams showed more mathematical maturity and deeper interest and understanding than you would expect as well. At the end of the semester I told her, ‘I think you are good at this, why don’t you try out calculus next semester?’ So she did and she was fortunate in that the next semester another tenure track faculty member, Dr. Amber Puha, was teaching that class and she saw the same potential in Michelle that I did. The reason I say fortunate is that we rarely have tenure track faculty teaching these classes, because we are spread so thin.”

After that first class with Kündgen and after several more math classes, Kang took an independent research course in her final undergrad semester.

On day one, she set out immediately to work on the graph subject.

The process – both challenging and thought-provoking – drove Kang to heights she never thought possible within herself in a subject like math.

The result was looking not at a trigger graph or something linear, but instead they looked more at the set of vertices and edges in shapes like a pentagon or a star shape. They were able to give all the ranges of edges given a number of vertices.

“I was really excited to wake up in the morning and look at the problem and just think of new ways to approach the problem,” said Kang, who is now a master’s candidate student and a teaching associate for the department. “And Dr. Kündgen told me that he also had lots of fun working with the problem. So I think it was not the end-all at least for me to be able to publish in one of those journals, but I think it just paid off for me to enjoy the process. And having fun with the problem and I think a little bit of luck. We just have a good end result as well.”

Kang started attending office hours with Kündgen and asking lots of questions.

Those conversations turned her curiosity to not only push the graph subject matter beyond her original theories, but also showed her two main things: maybe she actually could develop a passion for math, and maybe she could envision a future as a mathematician.

Her inquiries about how and why things happen turned into a paper collaboration between professor and undergraduate student – a relative rarity.

“I think very highly of our students in general,” said Kündgen, who also brought in mathematician Ron Gould to assist on the project. “They have so much going on in their lives and yet many of them are thoughtful and engaged. Research in mathematics can be challenging, and prior to the summer scholars program in CSTEM, we didn’t have very much undergraduate research in mathematics. Michelle took advantage of this program and did a project with Dr. Puha one summer. Another wonderful opportunity is our annual Reid lecture, which is supported by former Library Dean Marion Reid and founding math faculty K. Brooks Reid. This lecture has brought many excellent mathematicians to campus and given our students the opportunity to interact with them.”

It also turned into Kang’s quest toward a potential career in math.

It wasn’t just Kündgen’s ease of sharing knowledge. In fact, it was mostly the sheer joy he showed in sharing that knowledge.

“He was always so happy to answer those questions,” Kang said. “And I can just see that he's generally really happy doing that. That was interesting for me. So if he really enjoys this job and he's something like a senior mathematician and he can still have fun with the subjects that he's doing, that part also kind of fooled me into math. And he suggested to me, too, I’m going to be a good math major. And I honestly didn't believe at first, but I started liking it.”

So she started taking core math classes like calculus and some proof-based classes. She switched her major and graduated with a math degree last spring. She began the master’s program in math this semester and plans to pursue a Ph.D. program and eventually work in academia.

If Kang eventually teaches, she will do so having been inspired by her surroundings at CSUSM.

Not only have her professors shared their subject knowledge, but they’ve shown her the importance of making lasting relationships in your environment.

“I really like that close connection between instructor and student in our school,” Kang said. “And looking at my professors like Dr. Kündgen and some other professors that I did work on other research programs with. The fact that they really enjoy that and they really enjoy teaching really motivated me. If I can enjoy math for the rest of my life, I think I will just be really happy.

“And just by looking at how happy they are to be in classrooms and to connect with their students, that just inspires me. If I can do that, that would be really great.”

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Public Affairs Specialist

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Know someone who deserves special recognition for their efforts? Email details to publicity@csusm.edu and we’ll include them in an upcoming edition of this ongoing series.

Tasos Lazarides, director, Academic Innovation & Strategic Solutions, IITS

Learning & Tutoring Services (LTS) Team

Lazarides and the LTS team were nominated together for their collective effort in moving all tutoring, supplemental instruction and academic support webinars to a virtual format.

LTS is a seven-person team (pictured above) that leads the Academic Success Center, STEM Success Center, Supplemental Instruction, and Writing Center in the Office of Undergraduate Studies. The team includes Jennifer Brich, director of the STEM Success Center; Alexa Diaz, Academic Success Center coordinator; Julia Garcia-Medina, STEM Success Center coordinator; Maricruz Macz, director of Supplemental Instruction; Trevor Ryback, Math Lab coordinator; Evan Smith, director of the Writing Center; and Amanda Tomanek, academic English language specialist for the Writing Center.

“This student-focused group supported more than 27,000 student visits to the learning centers this past year,” the nominator wrote. “More impressively, in response to COVID and the need to move to remote delivery, they worked alongside Dr. Tasos Lazarides in IITS to move all tutoring and supplemental instruction online within four days last spring. They had to come together in significant ways to test and modify digital platforms, develop training for tutors and SI leads, and more.

“Based on what they learned between March and May, this summer the LTS team tested several digital delivery platforms and then moved forward in building a model to provide fully remote tutoring and Supplemental Instruction via Microsoft Teams. This work also included the development and delivery of a multi-day online training for all of the student staff this summer with detailed plans for ongoing training throughout the academic year. Furthermore, the team had to determine how best to track student engagement in the remote learning centers. When the fall semester began, LTS launched their deeply revised approach to providing academic support.”

The nominator noted that their efforts caught the attention of Microsoft, which consults with Lazarides to address suggestions that emerge from their work with Teams.

Farideh Farheidar, instructional support technician, CSTEM chemistry and biochemistry

Farheidar received multiple nominations for her work preparing personal protective equipment (PPE) for different campus departments, particularly chemistry, biochemistry and biology.

“She’s an important part of why CSUSM is able to offer hybrid in-person lab classes this fall semester,” one nominator wrote. “Farideh is a registered nurse and very familiar with medical protocols with respect to PPE. Her experience, advice and insight are invaluable. She has an overriding heartfelt concern for staff, faculty and student safety.”

“When COVID hit, she kicked it into gear and put in place sterilization procedures that have kept our students, faculty and staff safe in both Science Hall 1 and Science Hall 2,” another nominator wrote. “Her major contribution to the campus at large, however, is that she secured thousands of masks for the campus through our membership in BIOCOM. This request resulted in masks being available for on-campus classes, for researchers, for campus staff, and for anyone else on campus who needs a mask.”

Andre Kundgen, mathematics professor

Kundgen was highlighted for his efforts to ensure his students’ success during the transition to virtual learning.

“Not only did he make himself available to all of us above and beyond the required scope, he also provided many resources and links for us to help facilitate our success in our education and overall well-being,” the student nominator wrote.

“He provided us with information regarding refunds, computer and electronic access, financial resources, educational tools, as well as emotional support. He was patient and encouraging when we were all struggling through our distance learning experience and was understanding when we felt confused and frustrated.”

Veronica Ohm, assistant to the associate vice president, Facilities Development and Management

In the early weeks of the pandemic, Ohm provided cloth, reusable and fashionable face coverings to employees in Facilities Development and Management, Safety, Health & Sustainability, Distribution Services, University Police, Parking and Commuter Services, and anyone who stopped by Distribution Services.

“She even took requests from our employees for their families in the early days,” the nominator wrote. “This assistance came at a time when you couldn’t find or order reusable face coverings from other venues. She made various sizes to accommodate everyone in her FDM family that was interested. In fact, when I asked her why she was doing this, she said that she wanted to do whatever she could to protect her FDM and campus family. She explicitly exudes our campus safety culture, and her degree of humanity was extraordinary during a very concerning time.”

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Public Affairs Specialist

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Some told her she was too old. Others said her focus should be on having kids, not school.

“I lost a lot of my ‘friends’ because they used to laugh about me, make jokes and all that,” Salazar said. “But now look at me. I'm almost done.”

Salazar, who dropped out of high school after her sophomore year to help support her family, is almost done with her undergraduate studies. A mathematics major, she needs to complete just two more classes at Cal State San Marcos this fall to become the first person in her family to earn a college degree as she continues working toward her goal of becoming a high school math teacher.

“I truly admire her resiliency and determination,” said Marylou Gonzalez, Salazar’s retention counselor in CSUSM’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). “There were times and situations that truly tested her, but her desire was much stronger.”

A few weeks ago, Salazar was joking with her husband, Marcelo, about how most people take 8-10 years to earn a Ph.D. while she was taking that amount of time to obtain her bachelor’s. In Salazar’s case, that decade also included obtaining her GED, completing ESL classes and earning her associate degree at Mesa College.

It has been a remarkable journey, from leaving Mexico for the promise of a brighter future after the death of her father to sleeping in Los Angeles bus stops to dropping out of high school to help her family. But even when she was spending those years working to help her family survive, she never gave up her dream of an education.

It wasn’t until eight years after dropping out of high school that Salazar, then 24, enrolled in night school to obtain her GED. But, for her, there was never any doubt.

“Inside of me, I always thought, ‘No, I want to do more. I want to go back to school,’ ” she said.

Salazar’s father died when she was 12 and a family dispute over ownership of their Tijuana home ended with her on the streets with her mother and two younger siblings. The family found shelter with a relative, but the ongoing financial struggle led her mother to move the family to San Francisco to stay with an uncle.

It was another short-lived arrangement. When the property owner where Salazar’s uncle lived learned about the four additional tenants, they were forced to leave. Unable to afford housing in the Bay Area, Salazar’s mother moved the family to Los Angeles. There, they spent days on the streets and rationed a few hundred dollars that her uncle gave them for cheap motel rooms at night. When her mom got a cleaning job at night, Salazar and her siblings were left to fend for themselves until their mother returned from work.

“It was really scary because it was not a nice area,” she said. “It was only us, three kids in a motel.”

Salazar’s mom eventually found a second job, and the extra income helped them rent a garage, cramped quarters where they lived for nearly five years.

“It was a garage, but we were so happy,” Salazar said.

While finally having a permanent address meant Salazar and her siblings could enroll in school, financial pressures weighed on the family.

Salazar tried to help by selling candy to her high school classmates, but she didn’t make much money and she got in trouble with teachers for her efforts.

“They didn’t understand that if I was selling candies, it was for a reason,” she said. “It was because I really wanted to stay in school and I really needed the money.

“It was not enough so I ended up dropping out of high school. I was so sad.”

Salazar found work as a clothing salesperson, and she continued working when she enrolled in night school to get her GED.

Though she wanted to continue her education after completing her GED in 2012, college seemed out of reach. Despite living in the U.S. for 10 years, she didn’t qualify for in-state tuition as an undocumented student. It wasn’t until she applied for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, more commonly known as DACA, that she could afford to enroll in college.

Salazar and Marcelo had been married for about three years at this point, and they moved from Los Angeles to San Diego so he could enroll in a program at Mesa College. He encouraged Salazar to pursue her college dreams, too.

Salazar completed her general education requirements at Mesa and enrolled at CSUSM in 2018, about the same time that she received her green card. She met Gonzalez through the EOP Transfer Bridge program, which assists students transitioning from community college to a university setting.

“I knew right away she was motivated, determined and a go-getter,” Gonzalez said. “She quickly connected with EOP and made sure she asked questions to help her get ahead. In our meetings, she allowed herself to be vulnerable and expressed her fears and always followed up by saying, ‘I’m getting it done. One way or another, I am getting it done.’ ”

Salazar said many people assume math just comes easy to her and don’t realize the time and effort she puts into her studies. Math professor Amber Puha saw Salazar’s dedication for herself when Salazar took Puha’s Math 441 Introduction to Mathematical Probability course in 2019.

“She brought enthusiasm and a bright personality to class and office hours every week,” Puha said. “Her positive vibe is infectious. And because of that, I would have never guessed the circumstances that she has endured and overcome to get where she is now.”

Salazar told Puha about her plans to become a high school math teacher. She wants to help other students, especially migrants, avoid the difficulties she faced.

“She has chosen to use smarts, resilience, determination, forgiveness and open-mindedness to find her way to a life where she can do mathematics and help others,” Puha said. “This may sound a bit cliché, but it is far easier said than done when life beats you down and you are your only support network. She is an inspiration, and we are fortunate that she will continue in mathematics and become a role model for her future students.”

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Public Affairs Specialist

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Cal State San Marcos student Michelle Kang asked herself that question. Kang, who is double majoring in kinesiology and mathematics, has worked for the past three years as part of the university’s Outdoor Adventures team, and in that time has learned to love the outdoors while embracing the sustainability lifestyle.

But helping her fellow CSUSM students love outdoor adventures wasn’t enough. So she set out to make a difference.

With the help of Outdoor Adventures Coordinator Celeste Gottschalk, Kang applied for and recently received a $2,500 grant from the ASI Sustainability Project Fund that is going toward helping the group achieve its campus-wide sustainability goals such as zero waste.

“I think it is very important for us to learn and practice a sustainable lifestyle,” Kang said. “I love outdoors, and going outdoors is such a unique feeling that we don't really get during our day-to-day life. However, sometimes going outdoors and seeing things different over time that often is caused by us is very disappointing. The Outdoor Adventures team always educates our participants to practice ‘Leave No Trace’ principles, and one of the ideas is that we should preserve the wilderness for the next visitors. We want college students, who are the future of this planet, to learn how to respect our planet and neighbors so that we can share the goods.”

Outdoor Adventures, which is part of CSUSM’s Campus Recreation program, is using the grant to purchase various sustainable and environmentally responsible swag items, food containers and a dehydrator.

The program spends a lot of money on prepackaged dried goods and food in general. With the help of this grant, the hope is to not only reduce the cost when purchasing food for trips, but to reduce the overall use of non-reusable materials such as plastic wrapping, cardboard and other packaging materials.

Like true outdoor enthusiasts, the purchase of a dehydrator was a major driving force for Kang and the Outdoor Adventures team.

“The dehydrator was something that I wanted to purchase for our team after going to several conferences,” said Kang, who wasn’t involved in many outdoor activities growing up and applied for the position with Outdoor Adventures to try something new. “I researched for possible funding and a grant that will help us purchase a dehydrator. Then I reached out to (Gottschalk) and she directed me to the sustainability representative on campus. So I reached out to her, and she told me that we have this grant opportunity coming up so I applied.”

The team also plans on holding free workshops where community members can dehydrate their own food. The workshops will focus on sustainability and the principles of Leave No Trace, which highlights the importance of people leaving as little an impact as possible when visiting the outdoors.

All of this would not have been possible without the vision and contributions of Kang.

“When I told Michelle about the sustainability grant, I did not expect so many wonderful ideas and initiatives to be proposed,” Gottschalk said. “I am very proud of her ability to take initiative and spearhead projects she’s passionate about. Those are the characteristics every supervisor seeks in a student employee, and we’re very lucky to have her. Michelle still has a few years left with us, and I am very excited to see what else she has in store for the program.”

CSUSM’s Campus Recreation uses the “8 Dimensions of Wellness” as guiding principles in its collective approach: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social and spiritual.

There are surf and kayak trips each semester, and the spring semester will feature a beach bonfire trip. Keying on those dimensions of wellness means students are rewarded with much more than a trip to the beach.

“We believe that mental and emotional wellness is as important as physical wellness, and if people have to stress themselves to go outside, then it's not worth it at that point,” said Kang, who plans on pursuing a Ph.D. program in the future. “Spending time outdoors is not just about seeing beautiful sceneries but making lifelong friends and memories by immersing ourselves to where we belong.”

Learn more about Sustainability Projects Funding.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Public Affairs Specialist

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Silverberg’s lecture, titled “Cryptography: Using Mathematics to Keep a Secret,” will delve into the surprising solutions that mathematicians and cryptographers have developed to resolve the problem of computing on encrypted data.

Sponsored by Librarian Emeritus Marion Reid and Professor Emeritus K. Brooks Reid and hosted by CSUSM’s Mathematics Department, the event is free and open to the public. The lecture will have broad appeal to the general public, including mathematically engaged high school students.

Silverberg received her undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Harvard University, a master’s and Ph.D. from Princeton University and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Mathematics from the University of Cambridge. Silverberg is a fellow of the American Mathematical Society and has also consulted for the TV show “NUMB3RS.”

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a reception of light appetizers followed by the presentation from 6-7 p.m.

What: CSUSM’s Reid Lecture Series presents “Cryptography: Using Mathematics to Keep a Secret,” featuring professor Alice Silverberg of UC Irvine

When: Thursday, March 9, 2017; reception at 5:30 p.m., lecture 6-7 p.m.

Where: USU Ballroom, California State University San Marcos

Cost: Free

Parking: For driving directions, campus map and parking fees, visit the CSUSM Parking Guide.

The biannual family-friendly event is hosted by Cal State San Marcos’ College of Science and Mathematics in partnership with Wavelength Brewery and the Biocom Institute to celebrate science with hands-on experiments and interactive presentations. The event is free and open to the public.

CSUSM faculty and students from biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, chemistry and physics, as well as STEM Ambassadors, will be in attendance to help facilitate experiments and interactive presentations.

Activities and booths will include a solar telescope, physics demonstrations, stomp rockets, quicksand magic, sugar rainbows, playing video games with bananas, and fun with roly-polys.

CSUSM students will run the booths with assistance from professors Jackie Trischman, Robert Iafe, Justin Perron, Stephen Tsui, Debbie De Roma and Bob Gill.

STEM In Your Backyard: Vista Village began in spring 2016 as a precursor to Super STEM Saturday. The event was so popular that Hans Haas, owner of Wavelength Brewery, and Amanda Coates, education and program manager for the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering, approached Laurie Schmelzer, Director of Student Services & Programming in CSUSM's College of Science and Mathematics, about holding the event twice a year.

This year’s Super STEM Saturday event is on March 11 at CSUSM.

What: STEM In Your Backyard: Vista Village, a biannual family-friendly event to celebrate science with hands-on experiments and interactive presentations.

When: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, March 5

Where: Vista Village in the Main Street parking lot across from Wavelength Brewery. Parking is available in the dirt lot on North Indiana Avenue, off Vista Village Drive.

Cost: Free

Held in partnership by The Classical Academies and CSUSM, Super STEM Saturday draws more than 8,000 science enthusiasts each year. The popular event exposes and engages children of all ages and their families in the STEM disciplines -- science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Super STEM Saturday closes the Biocom Institute Festival of Science and Engineering, the largest celebration of innovation and science education in Southern California.

There will be more than 100 activities to choose from, including hands-on experiments, demonstrations, scientist chats and contests.

Super STEM Saturday is free and open to the public from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It will be held rain or shine. Complimentary parking is available in Lots E, F and H. Food will be available for purchase at the event or guests are welcome to bring lunch or snacks with them.

What: Super STEM Saturday

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 11

Where: Cal State San Marcos

Cost: Free

Parking: Free in Lots E, F, and H

Information: Visit CSUSM’s College of Science and Mathematics website

In conjunction with Super STEM Saturday, CSUSM’s College of Science and Mathematics is hosting a variety of related free events throughout the week. Additionally, Associated Students Inc. will be hosting “Geek Week” activities on campus. However, please note that “Geek Week” activities are open only to the campus community.

Here’s a closer look at events throughout the week:

Sunday, March 5

STEM In Your Backyard

A biannual family-friendly event held in partnership with Wavelength Brewery and the Biocom Institute to celebrate science with hands-on experiments and interactive presentations. CSUSM faculty and students from physics, chemistry, biochemistry and biological sciences as well as STEM Ambassadors will be in attendance to help facilitate experiments and interactive presentations.

Where: Vista Village in the Main Street parking lot across from Wavelength Brewery. Parking is available in the dirt lot on North Indiana Avenue, off Vista Village Drive.

When: 1-5 p.m.

Monday, March 6

CSM Student Organization Tabling

As part of “Geek Week,” learn more about College of Science and Mathematics student organizations.

When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: CSUSM’s Library Plaza

Tuesday, March 7

Liquid Nitrogen Demo

Part of “Geek Week,” there will be a liquid nitrogen demonstration, an opportunity to walk across a pool of goo and a variety of student organizations participating in STEM demonstrations.

When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: CSUSM’s Library Plaza

Distinguished Physics Lecture

Dr. Summer Ash, Director of Outreach for Columbia University’s Department of Astronomy, will be presenting, “The Invisible University: seeing what our eyes can’t.”

When: 5:30-7 p.m.

Where: USU Ballroom

Wednesday, March 8

CSM Student Organization Tabling

As part of “Geek Week,” learn more about College of Science and Mathematics student organizations.

When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: CSUSM’s Library Plaza

STEM Career Connection

Learn all about the industries and careers in STEM! Dress professionally and bring your resume. Hosted by the Career Center. Students should RSVP for this event and check back frequently for updates to the employer list.

When: 3-5 p.m.

Where: USU Ballroom

Two Cybersecurity Experts Walk Into a Bar

Dr. Teresa Macklin, Associate Dean and Chief Information Security Officer of Instructional and Information Technology Services, and Dr. Rika Yoshii, professor in the Department of Computer Science & Information Systems, will be the featured speakers discussing cybersecurity, IoT and nanomachines.

When: 6-8 p.m.

Where: Wavelength Brewery, 236 Main St., Vista

Thursday, March 9

Egg Drop

Part of “Geek Week” activities, come join student organizations in demos and try out an egg drop.

When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: USU

Reid Lecture Series

Sponsored by Librarian Emeritus Marion Reid and Professor Emeritus K. Brooks Reid and hosted by CSUSM’s Mathematics Department, this free event features a lecture by UC Irvine professor Alice Silverberg titled “Cryptography: Using Mathematics to Keep a Secret.” It will delve into the surprising solutions that mathematicians and cryptographers have developed to resolve the problem of computing on encrypted data.

When: 5:30-7 p.m.

Where: USU Ballroom

For more information

Friday, March 10

CougarCon

“Geek Week” continues with a TUK Talk, Cosplay Contest and Geek Fashion show by Orions Originals. There will also be video games, board games, a geek photo booth and geek-themed snacks. Please note, this event is limited to CSUSM students.

When: 8-10 p.m.

Where: USU Ballroom

Saturday, March 11

Super STEM Saturday

Held in partnership by The Classical Academies and CSUSM, Super STEM Saturday draws more than 8,000 science enthusiasts each year. The popular event exposes and engages children of all ages and their families in the STEM disciplines -- science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: CSUSM

For more information

Held in partnership by The Classical Academies and CSUSM, Super STEM Saturday has grown into a popular North County event that draws 8,000 science enthusiasts each year to the University campus.

“Super STEM Saturday’s purpose is to develop in everyone who attends an appreciation and understanding of the role science and engineering plays in our daily lives and how its practical applications solve critical problems and real-world issues.” said CSUSM Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics Katherine Kantardjieff.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment in STEM jobs is expected to grow to more than 9 million by 2022. An estimated 1.2 million jobs in science, technology, engineering and math will be unfilled by 2018.

“What we take away from our childhood is really meaningful to what we decide to do as adults,” said Simon Kuo, Vice President of Quality Management at ViaSat. “That’s why we believe it’s really important to expose kids to science and technology so that it can help them better appreciate it and perhaps even choose a career in STEM.”

“Jean-Jacques Rousseau once shared, ‘We should not teach children the sciences; but give them a taste for them,’ ” said Cameron Curry, Executive Director for The Classical Academies. “I am so pleased that we provide the community of North County a day and festival focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The culmination of educators, organizations and professionals working together allow us to inspire minds, ignite passions and expose students and our community to what is possible with STEM.”

CSUSM and The Classical Academies thank Super STEM Saturday’s Gold level sponsor ViaSat. Other community sponsors making this event possible include: Genentech, County Board of Supervisors, Medtronic, X3, Northrop Grumman, Waxie Management Services Inc., LegoLand, Chemical Education Foundation and the San Diego Business Journal.

For more details about Super STEM Saturday, visit www.csusm.edu/superstem.

What: Super STEM Saturday, a free interactive science festival for all ages

When: Saturday, March 11, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: California State University San Marcos

333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos

Complimentary parking in Lot F

About California State University San Marcos

Building on an innovative 27-year history, California State University San Marcos is a forward-focused institution, dedicated to preparing future leaders, building great communities and solving critical issues. Located on a 304-acre hillside overlooking the City of San Marcos, it is the only public four-year comprehensive university serving North San Diego, Southwest Riverside and South Orange Counties.

The University enrolls over 15,000 students. With approximately 2,000 employees, the institution is a Great College to Work For® (The Chronicle of Higher Education). As a recipient of the annual HEED Award since 2014—a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion—CSUSM is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.

About The Classical Academies

The Classical Academies is an organization of award-winning, tuition-free, Certified California Public Charter Schools serving North San Diego County since 1999. With seven campus locations and over 4,300 students in grades TK-12, the schools are making a tremendous impact as they reinvent public education.

The Classical Academies offer a flexible, personalized educational environment that blends the best of independent study and the traditional classroom experience. With rigorous academics, small class sizes, and an acclaimed character education program, students reach their maximum potential of becoming thinkers, communicators, and achievers.

While there are other engineering programs in Southern California, the study highlighted how CSUSM is in a prime position to draw from existing curricula and faculty expertise while appealing to the hiring needs and goals of local industry.

“It will increase the professional and education opportunities for the residents of North County and the broader area served by CSUSM,” said Gerardo Dominguez, a CSUSM associate professor of physics and project director for a $6 million grant the University received in September that is providing foundational funding for the engineering program.

The feasibility study was conducted by the Educational Advisory Board and supported by a collaborative grant with MiraCosta College. The study was structured with guidance from the College of Science and Mathematics Engineering Feasibility Task Force, which included executives from ViaSat, Northrop Grumman and General Atomics, in addition to representatives from CSUSM and MiraCosta College.

“As a proud supporter of CSUSM, ViaSat has watched the University make significant progress towards establishing a world-class engineering program, from getting the requisite university approvals and securing the facilities and funding to building a program that fosters engineering excellence,” said Simon Kuo, ViaSat’s vice president corporate quality.

CSUSM’s program will start with software and electrical engineering. Initial preparation of the program structures, curriculum, course descriptions and student learning outcomes is approaching completion, and documentation is moving forward this spring as part of the institutional approval process.

“Engineering proliferates nearly every aspect of modern life and San Diego embodies how engineering is intertwined with daily life,” said Greg McKee, president and chief executive officer of CONNECT. “With so many brilliant minds gathered in one place, it’s essential to provide the means to nurture and excel each one, regardless of gender, ethnicity or income.

“Cal State University San Marcos is primed to support equitable student success through its engineering program and we at CONNECT are excited to see what the future holds as a more diverse round of innovators contribute to our local economy.”

That good fortune continued as he earned a government-funded research assistantship while pursuing his master’s in computer science at Carnegie Mellon.

Now Schlesinger is giving back -- not only financially but also with his time and talents as he helps students as a volunteer tutor in Cal State San Marcos’ Math Lab.

“I felt like I had a lot of debts to pay back because I received a free education,” said Schlesinger, whose bachelor’s is in mathematics. “In addition to whatever I may contribute financially to the University, I thought that it’s a much more personal involvement going in there helping students do what I know something about.”

Schlesinger, who also serves on the College of Science and Mathematics Advisory Council, has made arrangements for a planned gift to CSUSM. He was inspired to become a planned giving donor in honor of his late wife, Mary Clare, who battled medical issues throughout her life.

Though he grew up in New York and attended college in the Northeast, Schlesinger wanted to make a contribution to the community he has called home for more than 40 years.

Mary Clare contracted polio when she was a toddler and suffered from post-polio syndrome, which can affect survivors years after recovery. Mary Clare was an advocate for helping others with the affliction, which can cause progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, fatigue and pain from joint degeneration.

Schlesinger’s planned gift to CSUSM will be directed toward programs that would be of special interest to Mary Clare such as nursing and palliative care.

It was his wife’s health concerns that led the Schlesingers to relocate to San Diego in the early 1970s. They were looking to escape the cold weather in the Northeast that exacerbated Mary Clare’s health issues.

Schlesinger worked as a computer scientist and software engineer and spent a portion of his career as an analyst examining proposed designs of computer systems.

He still casually follows the computer industry in retirement and is enthusiastic about CSUSM’s progress in developing an engineering program.

The University was awarded a $6 million grant in September under the Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM Program that is providing foundational funding for an engineering program, beginning with software engineering. Initial preparation of the program structures, curriculum, course descriptions and student learning outcomes are approaching completion, and documentation will move forward in the spring as part of the institutional process.

“Starting an engineering program at CSUSM will be a great opportunity for students and industry in our area,” Schlesinger said. “Students will be able to pursue a career path that is much needed in our area and in much demand. Companies will be able to hire engineering grads who have a strong tendency to stay in the area.”

More than 80 percent of CSUSM alumni remain in the region after graduating, something Schlesinger can relate to after spending most of his adult life here.

Among the activities keeping him busy in retirement is a passion for photography that has taken him around the world, including a trip to Cuba a couple of years ago. He has even donated prints of his photos to CSUSM’s annual gala.

Schlesinger also stays busy at CSUSM’s Math Lab where he tries to volunteer a couple of times each week.

“We are very grateful for the hours that Steve spends volunteering in the Math Lab; his contributions extend much further than the math support he provides,” said Jennifer Brich, director of CSUSM’s Math Lab. “In addition to being a great tutor he is also a mentor and role model to my staff.”

But Wavelength Brewing Co. isn’t any local brew house. It’s the social hub for people interested in science. The brewery’s slogan, “Craft beer so good it Hz,” says it all. Hosting public science outreach events is standard fair at this Main Street establishment.

Held in conjunction with the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering, and hosted by the largest celebration of innovation and science education in Southern California, this event, free and open to the public, invites attendees to enjoy a beer and good scientific conversation.

Meet the Mathematician: Dr. Amber Puha

Presentation topic: From Queueing Theory to Modern Stochastic Network Models—A Mathematician's Perspective

Through probabilistic modeling, Professor of Mathematics Amber Puha studies the behavior of networks that people interact with daily. These include customer service systems such as call centers, computer and communication systems such as the Internet, transportation networks, hi-tech manufacturing operations, and even some cellular biological processes.

In her presentation, she will discuss how these networks feature queueing, inherent randomness and complex interactions, which can combine to impact the aggregate performance in unexpected ways. Puha, who aims to describe the behavior of such networks and determine optimal control protocols, will also discuss the complexities of modern applications which often require the development of new mathematical tools and techniques to achieve results. Her work is grant supported by the National Science Foundation Division of Mathematical Sciences.

Meet the Scientist: Dr. Bianca Mothé

Presentation topic: Vaccinology 101: Why Don’t We Have Successful Vaccines against Specific Pathogens?

Professor of Biological Sciences and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies Bianca Mothé’s areas of specialization are immunology and virology with research interests in designing novel vaccines for rapidly mutating pathogens.

In her presentation, she will discuss aspects of vaccine development, focusing on chronic diseases, including HIV and Tuberculosis, as well as how “new” pathogens derail paradigms of vaccine development, such as Zika. Her work is supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Su, president of the Mathematical Association of America and Benediktsson-Karwa professor of mathematics at Harvey Mudd College, is an accomplished National Science Foundation funded researcher with an interest in geometric combinatorics and applications in the social sciences. He has a passion for teaching and popularizing mathematics.

This event, free and open to the public, is coordinated by the CSUSM Department of Mathematics with support from Marion and K. Brooks Reid, and Steve Schlesinger. A reception at 5:30 p.m. will be followed by the presentation from 6 to 7 p.m.

For more information, e-mail khardin@csusm.edu.

What: CSUSM second annual Reid Lecture, “Voting in Agreeable Societies”

When: Thursday, March 10. Reception at 5:30 p.m., Presentation from 6 to 7 p.m.

Where: California State University San Marcos—University Student Union Ballroom, 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd, San Marcos.

Directions and parking: CSUSM is located at 333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road in San Marcos. For more information or directions to the campus, visit http://www.csusm.edu/guide. Visitors may purchase a daily or timed permit in any general parking lot utilizing the daily permit machines.

Puha, a professor of mathematics at California State University San Marcos, has secured a three-year, $180,000 National Science Foundation grant that involves investigating mathematical questions in queueing models, probabilistic models that involve waiting for service in networks affected by randomness. This randomness can include an especially lengthy call from a person on the line with an agent at a call center, or sometimes pronounced differences in the time between calls.

“If you’re trying to determine how much staff you’re going to need at a call center, you could just look at the average call times of customers, but averages don’t tell you the whole story,” Puha said. “With probabilistic modeling, you’re factoring in random events that can happen, allowing you to forecast your staffing needs with a much higher probability of accuracy.”

The same sort of probabilistic modeling is used in computing and traffic management.

Puha, whose research interest has long been in stochastic studies, is launching her latest efforts in a collaborative investigation with National Academy of Science Member Professor Ruth Williams at UCSD, and another with Professor Amy Ward at the USC Marshall School of Business.

“This project entails investigating some mathematical questions that emerge in the behavioral analysis of certain queueing models,” states a study abstract. “Queueing models are probabilistic models that capture the inherent randomness in a variety of modern networks, such as those that arise in customer service systems, computing and telecommunications, as well as transportation and hi-tech manufacturing.”

Ward said she and Puha have recently worked on issues that arise when customers are impatient and will only wait a certain amount of time for service.

“Amber is a very deep thinker,” Ward said. “I have very much valued her ability to go from an unexpected observation to the underlying phenomenon that is responsible. She ensures that there is perfect consistency between the fundamental assumptions that are made, and the conclusions that can eventually be deduced. For me, this is the beauty of math…and that beauty shines through Amber’s intelligence.”

Mathematics, Puha said, is a subject that has always captured her attention.

“I was always good at mathematics and I always enjoyed it,” she said. “In high school it was easy for me and I had fun with the subject.”

It was when she attended nearby MiraCosta College that the Carlsbad High School graduate found her calling.

“It’s where I really committed to becoming a math major,” Puha said.

Her decision to earn a doctorate in the subject came after transferring to UCSD and taking a probability course with Professor Ruth Williams, whom she worked with on a simulated annealing research project. Williams has been a mentor, collaborator and friend since.

Past and present students give her good grades.

“Dr. Puha is a brilliant educator,” said mathematics major Trevor Ryback, who is in the CSUSM Learning Assistant Program, which provides math and science majors with a structured introduction to teaching. “She always has positive energy and is passionate about the material which I believe results in a more enriching experience. She attends to the needs of the classroom as well as the individual. She’s always trying to get a sense of what her students are thinking and feeling which shows that she's empathetic. She tries to relate the mathematics to real life applications as much as she can and she's good at talking about the conceptual understanding in relation to the formulas.”

Besides leaving her mark as one of the top mathematics professors in the region, Puha also is leaving an impression as faculty advisor for the CSUSM surf team, which won the college national championship in 2009. She also won three National Scholastic Surfing Association Collegiate titles while a student earning her baccalaureate at UCSD and her doctorate at UCLA.

“I could have gone pro but I knew academics were more important,” Puha said in a 1997 article published in the Daily Bruin. “A career in academics is much more satisfying to me, but I will always surf.”

And despite being a prolific researcher, she will always teach, too.

“I very much love teaching and my involvement with students, and I see myself staying in the classroom my entire career. I really find it exciting to see how mathematics can make a positive difference in the lives my students.”

“I feel I can have a great impact on how the program evolves here,” said Joshi, who earned his Ph.D. at Ohio State University and taught at both Duke University and the University of Minnesota before coming to CSUSM’s mathematics department in 2013.

Joshi is an expert in applying mathematical theory to biology.

“My interest has always been in applying mathematics to the sciences—probability and differential equations play a vital role in understanding biological systems,” he said, noting that his current research projects use mathematical and computational techniques to study sleep-wake cycling in infant mammals. The goal: revealing fundamental insights into the function and mechanisms of sleep and its development.

His area of expertise is not for the faint of heart. One research paper, Simplifying the Jacobian criterion for precluding multistationarity in chemical reaction networks, is identified as providing “an algorithm to apply the Jacobian criterion of Craciun and Feinberg in order to rule out multiple steady states based on the reaction network structure independent of the reaction rate constants.”

To Joshi, CSUSM is perfectly balanced in its priorities.

“I like the mix of research and teaching here,” he said. “And I can teach a wide variety of mathematics courses, everything from pre-calculus to graduate courses.”

Helping the campus celebrate its 25^th anniversary is an added bonus.

“It is a great occasion. A 25^th anniversary is always special. It’s huge for a young campus like ours.”

Sponsored by ViaSat, Northrop Grumman and Palomar Health, Super STEM Saturday is designed to expose and engage kids of all ages and their families to the diverse and exciting fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, known as the STEM disciplines. The brainchild of The Classical Academies and held in partnership with CSUSM, Super STEM Saturday has grown into a popular North County event that draws over 5,000 science enthusiasts each year to the university campus.

To a mathematician's delight, this year’s festival lands on Pi Day. Pi is the mathematical symbol representing the ratio of a circumference of a circle to its diameter, which is approximately 3.1415. Worldwide, March 14 is recognized as Pi Day. In honor of the special occasion and in celebration of mathematics, Super STEM Saturday festivities will provide an opportunity for guests to enjoy a slice of pie, a customary tradition among math fanatics.

Highlights of this year’s festival include:

• Solar Telescopes: View the surface of the sun through special filtered solar telescopes
• Build-a-Robot: Build your own robot using recycled materials
• The World of Plasma: Enter the Plasma Chamber and watch illuminating demonstrations
• Rockets: Build and launch your own rocket
• Bones: Get up-close and touch real fossils
• Native Garden: Plant native seeds in CSUSM's Ethnobotany Garden
• Electrify Me: Discover the power of static electricity in a hair-raising and hands-on way
• Scientist Chats: Meet local scientists and hear about their fascinating research
• Explore the World of Play: Little ones can visit the Children’s Museum booth to explore STEM activities designed for toddlers and preschoolers
• Math Bowl: Participate and show off your math skills in a fast-paced math competition
• Rubik's Cube Tournament: Cheer on and be amazed as you watch Rubik's athletes complete the cube…some in under a minute! Meet the competitors and learn first-hand how you too can solve the cube.

For more information about Super STEM Saturday, visit www.csusm.edu/superstem.

Despite delaying her graduation by several months, Rhianna is convinced that switching majors was the right decision."You have to be passionate about what you do,” she told a group of students during a recent outreach event at Vista High School. "My [science] classes are more difficult, but it’s worth it!"

The Science Technology Engineering and Math program at CSUSM (STEM @ CSUSM) hopes that Rhianna's story, and those of other science and math majors, will convince local high school students to pursue STEM-related degrees at CSUSM.

STEM @ CSUSM is an education and outreach program funded by the National Science Foundation’s STEM Talent Expansion Program, the American Physical Society’s PhysTEC project, and the CSU Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative. Their goals are to foster excitement and interest in STEM education through CSUSM science and math programs, the STEM tutoring center and other support services, K-14 outreach activities, and STEM teacher preparation efforts.

 After a 2011 research study revealed a lack of awareness of the University's science and math programs, CSUSM launched the STEM Ambassador program, which connects undergraduates with local high school and community college students. By interacting with these students during after-school clubs, field trips, classroom demonstrations and other events, the ambassadors increase students’ familiarity with research opportunities at CSUSM and raise the University's STEM profile.

This past spring, the STEM program also added a series of informal lunchtime programs called STEM Cafes to the menu of outreach offerings. Each month, teams of five or six ambassadors visit Vista and San Marcos high schools to engage small groups of students in discussions about undergraduate research, college life and career opportunities. Turnout at both locations has been even greater than expected, and the feedback from students and teachers indicates a significant need for the program.

Deanna Gifford, a physics teacher at San Marcos High School believes the STEM Cafes provide students with critical information about local options for postsecondary education. “We need to do a better job of connecting students [with local universities] and changing the perception that you need to go far away to get a quality education,” she said. “Why should you overlook great opportunities in your own backyard?”

If the fall 2013 admission numbers are any indication, more local students are getting the message. Overall, the number of students admitted to the College of Science and Mathematics increased by over 13 percent from 2012, and the number of incoming freshman in STEM majors from Vista and San Marcos high schools increased by 68 percent and 61 percent respectively.

While there's no direct evidence linking the STEM Cafes to these increases, Rhianna and the other ambassadors would like to believe their conversations influenced some of the students' decisions. They hope today's high school students are better informed about STEM careers than they were when they graduated from high school.

CSUSM biology major Josephine Gonzalez wants to communicate how important it is to get students thinking about STEM college and careers. “It’s the kind of thing I wish someone would have done for me when I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life,” she said.