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Biology, Japanese majors to graduate with President’s Scholar distinction
Almanza, Hernandez to march at Cal State L.A.’s Commencement June 11
Los Angeles, CA – With their sights set on becoming a criminalist and a teacher, two Cal State L.A. students—both graduating with distinction as President’s Scholars—look to a bright future as they receive their diplomas on Saturday, June 11.
Selected when they were freshmen to become President’s Scholars based upon their excellent high school academic records, Melissa Almanza (Alhambra resident) and Rina Hernandez (Paramount resident) received scholarships, $5,000 per year renewable for four years, to attend Cal State L.A.
Rina Hernandez
Hernandez, who graduated from Mayfair High School in Lakewood in 2007, is currently working in a microbiology research lab at CSULA and is a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s civilian volunteer in the biology section of the crime lab on campus. Under the direction of Professor Howard Xu, she has conducted research on antibiotics and bacterial resistance. She also helped launch the BioSecurity Club at CSULA this spring. She is a recipient of an AmeriCorps/National Services award, which recognized Hernandez for volunteering at an after-school program in Bellflower. Despite her busy schedule, she tries to find time to play puzzles and pictograms. After completing her bachelor’s degree in biology, she will begin the master’s degree in criminalistics program at CSULA this coming fall.
Hernandez shared, “I hope to eventually be hired as a criminalist, working in crime scene reconstruction and specializing in forensic serology and DNA analysis. I am grateful for having received the President’s Scholarship and the opportunities the University has given me. What amazes me most is the dedication of the faculty to their students and their research.”
Melissa Almanza
Almanza, who started her academic career at CSULA in 2006, is a Japanese major with a minor in English. Her appreciation for the Japanese language and culture stemmed from her interest in Japanese anime at a young age. After graduation, her goal is to become an Assistant Language Teacher of English in Japan. At San Gabriel Mission High School, she was secretary and president of the Asian Club. She also participated in the Conservatory of Music, playing flute and piano. Here, at CSULA, she is an active member of the President’s Scholars Club and has served as treasurer of the Students Going Global organization. A Dean’s List student, she is also a CSULA ambassador for the University’s Admissions and Recruitment, visiting Gabrielino and Bishop Amati high schools three days per week.
Although Almanza looks forward to whatever the future brings, she said, “It’s hard to leave the school that has brought so many good memories these past five years.”
Marching at CSULA’s Commencement ceremony, Almanza will be receiving her bachelor’s degree in Japanese, while Hernandez will be receiving her bachelor’s degree in biology.
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