Seniors Honored for Outstanding Contributions

The College of Science and Mathematics honored some of its outstanding graduates this spring. Teaching oral hygiene to elementary school students, developing lab protocols and serving as club presidents are just a few of this year's awardees accomplishments.

Academic Excellence

Biological sciences major Anna Marie Parker earned a perfect 4.0 GPA. For her undergraduate research project, she developed a leaf nutrient analysis protocol for Professor Ed Himelblau’s lab. As a workshop leader for the supplemental workshops in science, she helped her peers learn biology and effective study techniques. She also participated in a tutoring program for elementary and middle school students. She will begin the veterinary program at UC Davis in the fall.

Contributions to the Objectives and Public Image of the University

Chemistry major Sierra Durham and liberal studies major Jessica Catson, pictured at left with Dean Phil Bailey, made significant contributions to Cal Poly. Durham served as president of the College of Science and Mathematics Student Council and organized the first college Graduate Research Fair. As president of the Cal Poly Chapter of the American Chemical Society, she doubled the club’s active membership. Durham also introduced new students to Cal Poly as a Week of Welcome and Summer Orientation and Advising leader.

Catson was active in the COSAM Ambassadors for multiple years, serving as president her senior year. As a Week of Welcome leader, she helped new students arriving on campus. She volunteered with a variety of community organizations, including Growing Grounds, the San Luis Obispo 4-H program and the YMCA, where she coached basketball for first and second graders.

Contributions to the Objectives and Public Image of the College

The college’s reputation got a boost from kinesiology major Ryan Pineda, pictured at left with Dean Bailey, and chemistry major Karoline Eckhart. Pineda spent more than 200 hours volunteering in physical therapy clinics during his time at Cal Poly. He served as a pre-health peer advisor, a COSAM academic success coach, and a biomechanics lab assistant in addition to participating in the Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy Club, the Friday Club and PolyFit.

Eckhart represented the student body on the university’s search committee for the new dean of the college. She shared her undergraduate research experience with visiting donors and contributed to various publications that represent the college and the university to the public. While a member of the swim team, she helped recruit new athletes. She also presented her undergraduate research results at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Top Club

The Pre-Dental Society prepares students for the field of dentistry and engages in community service. During the past year, club members taught oral hygiene in elementary schools and volunteered for multiple events, including a free dental clinic for low-income children. They also organized speakers, meetings with dental school admission officers, trips to visit dental schools, and activities designed to practice the manual dexterity necessary for the profession.