Cal State L.A. graduate students named Casanova Scholars
With 10 pre-doctoral students, the University has
one of the largest contingents of awardees
Los Angeles, CA – Ten Cal State L.A. graduate students—focusing on doctoral studies ranging from forensic anthropology to molecular genetics—were selected for the 2013-14 Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholar awards. The University is one of the largest contingents in the California State University system to receive the prestigious awards.
Each scholar will receive a $3,000 award, covering travel expenses to doctoral-granting institutions and to attend professional conferences as well as fees for college applications and graduate exams.
Since 1998, more than 175 students from Cal State L.A. have been recognized as Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars. Fifty percent of the CSULA students have entered top-ranking doctoral programs throughout the United States and in several foreign countries.
The following CSULA scholars will explore the prospect of doctoral studies:
Suzy Cruz, an anthropology major, plans pursue a doctorate in physical anthropology with a focus on forensic anthropology to begin a career in teaching at the university level as well as work in the medical legal field after graduation. She is also studying the modern use of human skeletal remains in ritualistic practices. She resides in South Pasadena.
Anthony Elowsky, an anthropology major, is interested in modern cultures and the interplay between society and individuals in regards to means of production and social survival. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology, work in academic publishing and as a university professor. His current research revolves around local homeless scavenging activities in Boyle Heights. He resides in Los Angeles.
Yessica Garcia-Hernandez, a Chicano studies major, hopes to become a professor to teach popular culture, Chicana/o cultural production, folklore, feminist/immigrant identities and social justice. She plans to complete a doctoral degree in an interdisciplinary program, such as Chicano, ethnic or cultural studies. She is a Long Beach resident.
Jaime Guzman, a communication studies major, plans to pursue a career as a professor or researcher. He is interested in studying rhetoric, performance studies and instructional communication. He is a Los Angeles resident.
Tyler Hatchel, a psychology major, is working toward a Ph.D. in clinical psychology in order to become a scientist-practitioner, focusing on research and teaching. His research is geared toward digital media, identity formation and peer victimization specific to social networking sites. He is a Los Angeles resident.
Breanna Luna, a microbiology major, plans to pursue a doctoral degree in molecular genetics and genomics. Her focus is to interpret how defects in gene function disrupt fundamental genetic and cellular processes and lead to disease. She is also interested in leading an interdisciplinary team to advance biomedical research. She is a Sylmar resident.
Arpan Roy, an anthropology major, plans to attain a Ph.D. and become a professor or researcher. His research is focused on social movements, dissidence, Israel/Palestine and identity. He is also interested in the study of Israeli solidarity activists in the West Bank. He resides in Los Angeles.
Ayana Younge, a psychology major, plans to become a professor once she completes her doctoral degree in psychology. She is interested in conducting research in social cognition, personality, attitude change, stereotypes and education. Her recent research is focused on how impressions of others are formed based on gender and marital status. She is a Monterey Park resident.
*Info not available at press time for Krystina Engleman (English major) and Giovanna Pozuelos (biological sciences major).
The award honors the late Sally Casanova, who launched the program in 1989. A member of the CSU Office of the Chancellor staff during the 1960s, Casanova also served as associate vice president for academic affairs and dean of graduate studies at CSU Dominguez Hills, from 1991 until her death in 1994. She was married to Cal State L.A. chemistry professor (now emeritus) Joseph Casanova.
For more information on the program, contact Karin E. Brown, associate dean of Graduate Studies and Research at Cal State L.A., (323) 343-3820.
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Working for Californiaa since 1947: The 175-acre hilltop campus of California State University, Los Angeles is at the heart of a major metropolitan city, just five miles from Los Angeles’ civic and cultural center. More than 20,000 students and 230,000 alumni—with a wide variety of interests, ages and backgrounds—reflect the city’s dynamic mix of populations. Six Colleges offer nationally recognized science, arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education and humanities programs, among others, led by an award-winning faculty. Cal State L.A. is home to the critically-acclaimed Luckman Jazz Orchestra and to the Honors College for high-achieving students. Programs that provide exciting enrichment opportunities to students and community include an NEH-supported humanities center; a NASA-funded center for space research; and a forensic science program, housed in the Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center. www.calstatela.edu