Graduate Student Research Spotlight: Itzel Nayelli Contreras (Applied Anthropology)

Research

TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY: NARRATIVES OF LOS ANGELES’ STREET VENDORS DURING COVID-19

Description

My research investigates the impact of the new permit system and the coronavirus pandemic on the lives of eleven Latino/a street vendors in Los Angeles through remote ethnographic methodologies.

Why is your research important? Who will your research benefit?

Street vending permits in Los Angeles became available a few months before the March 2020 lockdowns. In addition to the health and economic implications brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, Latino/a street food vendors in Los Angeles are facing high permitting and equipment costs that make it difficult for them to enter into the formal economy. By addressing the issues of the new street vending legislation in Los Angeles, the knowledge generated by this study can benefit Latino/a street food vendors about their rights as micro-entrepreneurs.

How has your research experience enriched your time at CSULB?

I have been attending CSULB since I was a freshman, but I experienced the most personal and professional growth as a graduate student. I learned to become comfortable stepping out of my comfort zone and do things that might seem scary or impossible. My favorite quote that got me through my program was, “It’s better to try and fail than not try at all.” Because of this open mindset, I learned new skills and gained many opportunities along the way.

Do you have any advice for others wanting to get involved in research?

Network with like-minded people! Use the resources our campus has to offer, e.g. attend workshops, utilize the services at the campus library and database, and talk to your classmates and professors. Be passionate about the research topic you will be pursuing because that’s all you will ever read, write, and talk about. And when in doubt, ask for help. Research is also a collaborative process, so do not struggle alone with your project.

Graduate Student Spotlight: Aimei Thompson (Communication Studies)

Why did you choose to attend graduate school at CSULB? 

I loved my experience in the department as an undergraduate and wanted to continue learning from faculty members who I emulate.

What challenges did you overcome to attend CSULB?

I am going into my FINAL year of grad school! Adjusting to the expectations of graduate courses and figuring out what area of the field I want to specialize in has been the most challenging – but it allowed me to grow so much as a scholar, educator, and person.

What is your favorite aspect of being a graduate student at CSULB? 

Teaching is my absolute favorite part. My students have my heart and make it all worth it!

What advise do you have for future graduate students? 

Trust your journey – reach out for help when you need it

The College of Liberal Arts Equity Scholars: Graduate Recruitment Initiative 2022/2023

The College of Liberal Arts is pleased to announce a second annual graduate recruitment initiative: The College of Liberal Arts Equity Scholars. 

In 22/23, this graduate recruitment effort will support one graduate research assistantship for every CLA department offering a graduate degree (13 in total), of $7000 per student (or up to a maximum $3500 each for two students; pending budget), in order to recruit promising students into the Humanities and Social Sciences; recruitment of first-generation, historically underrepresented, and/or low-income graduate students is strongly encouraged. This recruitment initiative is designed to promote excellence in research and to support enhanced accessibility to the mentorship and research training of the Liberal Arts graduate experience. 

Some of the many benefits anticipated:

• Creating of a preferential pathway for our talented CSULB undergraduates seeking graduate degrees, as well as an opportunity for local, regional and state residents seeking to retrain or upskill;  
• Encouraging graduate role models for first-generation and historically underrepresented undergraduate students;
• Enhancing the intellectual life of the college and uplifting the graduate community; 
• Contributing to a faculty pipeline for state education; 
• Building in and contributing to future access and equity;
• Serving as a vital springboard to build partnerships, including with the city of Long Beach, locally-based corporations, and businesses in order to support career pathways for first-generation, historically underrepresented and/or low-income students.

The 22/23 cohort will be nominated by graduate advisors in consultation with department chairs and confirmed by the Dean’s office.  

For more information, contact CLA Director of Graduate Studies Sarah Schrank or EQS Co-ordinator Mariya Mileva

Graduate Student Spotlight: Destiny Gough (Psychology, Option in Human Factors)

Why did you chose to attend graduate school at CSULB? 

I chose to attend CSULB because humanity has always tied its story to the wonders of space. I want to expand upon that story by accounting for the human element in aerospace designs and procedures. CSULB was the perfect university for me to achieve this goal. Through the CHAAT LAB and it’s partnership with NASA, I am able to gain hands-on experience. Additionally, my classes help expand my skillset while being able immerse myself in research with dedicated faculty.

What is your favorite aspect of being a graduate student at CSULB? 

My favorite aspect of being a graduate student is participating in research. I find the creation of new knowledge to be challenging and rewarding. Being a researcher tests the boundaries of what is possible in the most creative ways, which opens you up to new ideas, people, and connections that you would have never thought possible.

What advise do you have for future graduate students? 

Be humble. Coming into this program will be rough and you may doubt yourself. Lean into the process of becoming a graduate student. Nobody has it all together during their first year as a Master’s student. Be sure to support each other and don’t be afraid to ask for help from faculty, staff, advising, or mental health services. While everyone else around you may seem like they have it all together and seemingly set the gold standard of your cohort: remember this journey is your own. It involves self-discovery, discipline, disappointment, joy, triumph, etc. Be humble enough to know that you have a lot to learn and nothing is ever beneath you. Be kind to your cohort members—speak to each other with dignity. No one is anyone’s tool to get ahead. We are a team, not competitors. Thirdly, my biggest piece of advice is to have fun. Explore CSULB, make memories to last a lifetime, go roller skating at the beach—whatever you do, just have fun. Lastly—and most importantly—finish your thesis/project in the allotted time.

Graduate Student Spotlight: Ramon Perez (Political Science)

Why did you chose to attend graduate school at CSULB? 

When I was an undergrad at CSULB, I majored in political science. I took classes with outstanding POSC faculty who gave substantial support to their students. So, I felt the POSC faculty would help me achieve my political science MA degree.

What challenges did you overcome to attend CSULB?

I was able to overcome my social anxiety and writing an analytical essay.

What is your favorite aspect of being a graduate student at CSULB?

Talking with my colleagues and professors.

What advise do you have for future graduate students? 

I highly advise that future graduate students network with faculty and their colleagues. Graduate school is very difficult, but networking is a solution to overcome our academic struggles.

On Campus Services for COVID-19 Testing

First Week of Spring 2022
Testing Site Extended Hours

Appointments are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED at CSULB Testing Sites. Please register or login to Avellino Web Portal to schedule appointments or review testing results.

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES CONTACT INFORMATION PHONE NUMBER: (562) 985-4771
EMAIL: SHS-COVIDSTUDENTS@CSULB.EDU
WEBSITE:WWW.CSULB.EDU/SHS

To download the information above in PDF format, please click here.

COVID-19 Vaccines

To download the COVID-19 vaccination information above in PDF format, please click here.

Top Economics MA Student: Annika Segelhorst

“Annika Segelhorst is our top MA student and has already accepted a job as an agricultural statistician with the USDA. She will graduate this Fall, and her grandfather Elbert Segelhorst used to be a professor in our department.” – Dr. Mariya Mileva

Graduate Student Spotlight: Dylan Sakamoto (Industrial/Organizational Psychology)

Why did you choose to attend graduate school at CSULB? 

I chose to attend graduate school at CSULB because out of all the I/O programs in California, the program here seemed to be the best fit for those looking to jump straight into practice following graduate school. I also attended CSULB for my undergraduate studies, so the decision to return couldn’t be easier!

What challenges did you overcome to attend CSULB?

My biggest challenge prior to attending graduate school here was learning to not overwork myself. I’ve been an overachiever in everything I’ve done academically since I was a kid and that was no different in college. My last semester of senior year was especially demanding; not only were we completely online due to the pandemic, but I also had five or six big commitments to constantly attend to at all times during the semester. Whether it was a position I held or a project I had to complete, there was always something that kept me from having any free time. While some of this was unavoidable, a majority of it was due to my nature as an overachiever to take on everything I could and it led to some very stressful times near the end of the semester. I knew I would have to do my best to overcome this tendency and not take on more than I can chew once I eventually got to graduate school.

What is your favorite aspect of being a graduate student at CSULB?

My favorite aspect of being a graduate student at CSULB hands down is the connections I’m making with the students and faculty in our department. Not only do I get to develop close bonds with the students in my cohort (who are great!) and the faculty in our program (who are also great!), but I’ve also had the chance to connect with students and faculty outside of my program and meet so many wonderful people as a result. Not to mention the incredible efforts of our graduate advisor Diane Roe(who is absolutely wonderful!) and all the staff at the CLA who help make CSULB feel like such an inclusive and supportive environment. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else for my master’s because of the amazing people here!

What advise do you have for future graduate students? 

My advice for future graduate students will always be to focus on yourself. It’s easy to doubt yourself when you’re constantly surrounded by the best of the best, even if your qualifications are just as good as theirs. However, at the end of the day, YOU are in a graduate program because of what YOU accomplished, not what your peers accomplished. It’s important to give yourself credit for everything you’ve done to this point and not fall victim to impostor syndrome. At the end of the day, you’re in grad school for a reason: Because the admissions at that program saw potential in you and believed that you have what it takes to be successful. Do your best to prove them right and all your naysayers wrong by being the best student you can be. 

For those who are currently looking to apply to graduate school, this message still stands. What gets you into graduate school will be what YOU accomplish as an undergraduate, not what your fellow students accomplish. It’s up to YOU to make the most of your undergraduate studies and show the admissions at your dream graduate program why you deserve to be there. At the same time, don’t bite off more than you can chew; take on the responsibilities that you can handle and commit to them. Join a research lab, get involved with student organizations, keep up your grades, consider an internship, take on those big writing projects (such as an undergraduate thesis or a research manuscript), and, above all, give your all on everything you do and the results will follow. 

However, focusing on yourself doesn’t just mean not comparing yourself to others, it also means that you should take time to attend to your physical and mental wellbeing. Grad school can be a very stressful experience no matter what program you eventually end up in and it is imperative that you listen to what both your body and your mind tell you so that you can take it easy when necessary. This is also important to practice as an undergraduate, as a burnt-out senior me would tell you. Try your best to fit at least one day in your schedule per week for relaxation where you can catch up on that book you’ve been putting off, play some video games, or whatever it is that makes you feel happy. Academics are important, but your personal health should always come first!

Graduate Student Spotlight: Julia MacLaren – Master of Arts, Psychology

Julia MacLaren is a second year Master of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis in Psychological Research (MAPR) student. She graduated from UC Davis in 2019 with a BA in Psychology and Cognitive Science with a minor in Education. She is currently the Graduate Assistant for Not Alone @ the Beach, a grant-funded gender violence and sexual assault prevention and education organization at CSULB. She is “passionate about supporting survivors of assault and violence, as well as educating the Long Beach community and how to support a survivor and themselves.” Julia is also working with her mentor, Dr. Courtney Ahrens, on “a systematic scoping review to better understand the literature on how and what undergraduate students disclose to university professors.” Julia plans on graduating with her Master’s in Spring 2022!

We are so proud and grateful to have Julia as a part of our Beach community! Learn more about Julia, how learning during a pandemic affected her studies, and her best advice for future graduate students.

What made you choose CSULB for your Master’s degree?

I grew up in Orange County and always had an interest in CSULB. After receiving my undergraduate degree, I searched for Master’s programs that fit my specific passions and interests. While searching, I found Dr. Ahrens at CSULB. Her research and passions aligned perfectly with mine, and it was then that I knew CSULB was the right program for me. 

What’s your favorite thing about your program?

The best part of the MAPR program is the one-on-one mentorship. I have the ability to work very closely with my faculty mentor, while working hands-on with data and other research assistants. CSULB does a great job of providing support and faculty mentors to its students. 

How has your experience in graduate school changed since moving to remote learning?

I began my Master’s program during the pandemic so I have never taken a class on campus at CSULB! It was my first time experiencing classes online and the professors have been nothing but open and supportive to their students. Remote learning has not been the easiest transition, it often is hard to maintain a work-life balance. After a year, I have a few tips and tricks on how to fight burnout. I only work 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday and try to not work on the weekends. I also try to move my body everyday by going on walks, doing an online workout, getting on a spin bike, or by doing yoga. 

What are your future goals or career plans for life post-grad?

My future goals are to apply for a doctoral degree in counseling psychology and work with survivors of domestic violence. I plan to take a few gap years in between my masters and doctoral degree so that I can travel, volunteer, and do more research on the various types of abuse experienced by survivors. One day I hope to open a survivor focused center with therapists, psychologists, and social workers. 

What’s your best advice for students looking into graduate school?

The best advice I could give students is to do the research on programs, classes offered, faculty at the university, and location of the school. I took months to create spreadsheets full of information on various universities before applying for my Master’s degree. This process takes time, work at least six months in advance doing research on various programs and schools before the applications open. Another piece of advice that I have is, don’t rush! There is no “timeline” to do things in, if you need to take gap years you should take gap years. As a student, I always felt pressured to do education in a linear fashion. But this is not the case, do graduate school on your own timeline and take your time.

Graduate Student Spotlight: Kirsten Hernandez – Master of Arts, Linguistics

Kirsten Hernandez got her start at CSULB as an undergrad. In 2019, she graduated from CSULB with a Bachelor’s Degree in ASL Linguistics and Political Science. She decided to stay at the Beach to pursue her Master’s in Linguistics, which she will complete in the Fall of 2021. Not only is Kirsten a member of the Linguistics Student Association, but she has spent some time with some “newly acquired pandemic hobbies,” which include “playing the drums, writing, and watching obnoxious amounts of baseball.”

We’re so happy Kirsten is a part of our Beach community! Learn more about Kirsten, her experience with remote learning, and what her plans for her future are.

 What made you choose CSULB for your master’s degree?

 I had two majors and a minor in my undergrad years, and it was easy to get lost in the shuffle. The staff in the ASL Linguistics/Deaf Cultures department, however, made a huge effort to get to know us all personally. It was that kind of energy that made me want to come back.

 What’s your favorite thing about your program?

 I love how tight knit our cohort is! I started the program during distance learning, and I was concerned about not having that “social” aspect of school, but it couldn’t be more different. We know each other by name, get excited when we see we have the same classes, and have zoom hangouts throughout the semester.

 How has your experience in graduate school changed since moving to remote learning?

 My first semester was Fall 2020 so I never went to in-person grad school, but I find I have way less distractions than when I had to physically be there. I’m never concerned about parking, can wear comfy clothes, and I get to go to class with my dog. Absolutely nothing could be better.

 What are your future goals or career plans for life post-grad?

 I’m hoping to make a career out of writing, which is what I do part time right now. My education in Linguistics has made me a more open-minded person, with different outlooks on the world which has positively influenced my work.  

 What’s your best advice for students looking into graduate school?

 Only come if you love what you’re applying to study! There will be long nights, huge assignments, and many frustrations, but your passion for the subject will keep you going. Don’t quit at the first sign of hardship, it’s part of the process that everyone’s gone through. Also, don’t be afraid to build relationships with faculty members; only part of the learning takes place in the classroom.