Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) | Citrus College

Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) | Citrus College
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Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM)
STEM Contact Information
Calendar of STEM Events
Counseling: Academic and Career
Current Opportunities and Programs
TRIO STEM
Project SSOAR
Summer Research Experience
Pathways to STEM
Partnership Grants, Opportunities
STEM Student Achievements
Published Articles
Student Spotlights
Citrus College STEM in the Media
AFFILIATED AREAS
Academic Affairs
STEM Center
(for Tutoring)
STAY UPDATED ON STEM EVENTS
Citrus College offers a variety of science, technology, engineering and mathematics
(STEM) degrees, certificates and skill awards to help you achieve your educational
and career goals. Our STEM programs and services include hands-on research opportunities,
scholarships, free math and science tutoring and more. At Citrus College, we are dedicated
to providing the academic support and resources you need to thrive as a STEM major.
STEM ACADEMIC and CAREER COUNSELING
Meet with STEM Counselor Raquel Gutierrez to help you better understand STEM degrees
and what they offer, develop a
Student Education Plan
(SEP) and gain insight into the transfer process.
To meet with Raquel, you can schedule a
45-minute appointment
or attend a drop-in session.
STEM COUNSELING for SPRING 2026
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 through FRIDAY, JUNE 12
DROP IN HOURS AND LOCATIONS
LOCATION
MATHEMATICS BUILDING (MA)
Monday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in MA 121A
Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in MA 121A
LOCATION
STUDENT SERVICES BUILDING (SS) · WELCOME CENTER
Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in SS 103
Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in SS 103
Email
rigutierrez@citrucollege.edu
to arrange an online Zoom session or phone call.
Meet with STEM career counselor, Natalie Desimone, to help you explore a career path
and provide you with information and resources to assist in your job or internship
search.
APPOINTMENTS
Students can book the appointment type that best fits their needs from the options
below.
I would like more information about career counseling services.
30-minute STEM career appointment
I am undecided about my major or career path and need help exploring options, researching
internships or developing effective job search strategies.
45-minute STEM career appointment
I need help developing or reviewing my résumé or cover letter, preparing for an interview,
reviewing my career assessment results (Focus 2, MBTI, Strong Interest Inventory,
or Clifton Strengths) or improving my LinkedIn or Indeed profile.
One hour STEM career appointment
Discover degrees, certificates and skill awards in our
STEM Career and Academic Pathway (CAP)
Browse program that fit your goals
View overviews and course requirements
Learn about program outcomes
Explore related career options
Questions?
STEMCAP@citruscollege.edu
CURRENT CITRUS COLLEGE STEM OPPORTUNITIES
Interested in joining a STEM research project or connecting with mentors and peers?
Our STEM programs help you build your STEM identity, explore your interests and gain
valuable skills for your future career. Explore the current opportunities listed below.
TRIO STEM
Take the next step with TRIO STEM
— applications are now open.
Apply online
TRIO STEM Application (including all required application documents)
TRIO STEM
student support services project is a federally funded success program intended to:
provide opportunities for academic development,
assist students navigate college requirements,
motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education.
The Citrus College TRIO STEM student support services program is designed to assist
first-generation students, income-eligible students and/or students with a disability
majoring in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and health sciences
(dental assisting, pre-allied health, nursing, etc.) by offering a variety of services
tailored to meet their individual needs.
The TRIO STEM student support services program focuses on helping students successfully
enroll in and complete coursework, access necessary resources, prepare for transfer
and build financial literacy to ensure students achieve their educational goals.
Eligible TRIO STEM Majors
associate degrees
: biological sciences, biotechnology, dental assisting, physical science, pre-allied
health, pre-engineering, registered nursing, vocational nursing, wildland resources
and forestry
associate degrees for transfer
: biology, computer science, environmental science, geology, mathematics, nutrition
and dietetics, physics
certificates of achievement
: biomanufacturing, dental assisting, engineering fundamentals, gaming and applications
development, vocational nursing, wildland resources and forestry
trio@citruscollege.edu
TRIO STEM hours
are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
TRIO STEM student support services project (2025-2030) is funded by the U.S. Department
of Education, PR#P042A251489.
Click here to access the TRIO STEM online application
Note:
Please submit all required documents in PDF format.
View the video about how to convert documents into PDF format
Not all required documents are needed to submit and start your application process.
Financial Aid College Financing Plan
— located in the
Financial Aid Dashboard
Log in and on the top right-hand corner, click the
College Financing Plan
tab
Provide a copy of your College Financing Plan
Your name, student ID and grants section
must be included
Citrus College Unofficial Transcripts
in your Student Dashboard
Comprehensive Student Educational Plan (SEP)
— a plan of your current and upcoming classes for your remaining time at Citrus College.
Your SEP
must be created by a counselor
within the last 10 months.
We recommend the following specialty area counselors:
STEM
: Raquel Gutierrez
Nursing
: Jorge Acosta or Vanessa Juarez
If you need to update or create a SEP,
click here to schedule an appointment with a counselor
Have you already created an SEP with a counselor? -
view it on Degree Works
Log in and select
Plans tab
Click on
Plans List
Select the
most recent SEP
you created with a counselor
To participate in this exciting program, you need to fulfill the following:
Have declared a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) or health sciences (dental
assisting, pre-allied health, nursing, etc.) major
Identify with at least one of the following:
first-generation college student
low-income
registered with
disabled students programs and services (DSPS)
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Willing to meet regularly with program staff and participate in project activities
Joining the TRIO STEM student support services program comes with many great benefits
and opportunities. All of our services are free to active participants and available
until you graduate!
One-on-one guidance from TRIO facilitators
STEM tutoring
Research and internship support
Transfer and career assistance
Workshops, conferences and enrichment activities
Financial literacy and success strategies
Most importantly, your TRIO facilitator is always available to support you and ensure
you reach your academic goals.
Review the current information on the ​U.S. Department of Education website
​.
Karina Quevedo
, senior TRIO facilitator
kquevedo@citruscollege.edu
(626) 857-4007
CI 107
Aaron Tacub
, part-time TRIO facilitator
atacub@citruscollege.edu
(626) 857-4026
MA 121
Dr. My Chau
, director of grants
mchau@citruscollege.edu
(626) 914-8716
CI 207
PROJECT SSOAR: Student Supports Organized to Achieve Results
Project SSOAR
supports STEM-passionate students who demonstrate financial need and are pursuing
majors in computer science, engineering, physics or mathematics. The program provides
scholarship aid, STEM mentoring, experiential learning opportunities and comprehensive
support services to promote course completion, associate degree attainment and successful
transfer preparation.
Eligible SSOAR majors
are computer science, engineering, mathematics and physics.
sstemsoar@citruscollege.edu
This material is based upon work supported by the
National Science Foundation under grant #2221691
To apply for Project SSOAR, complete the two steps below. (Application and both recommendations
are required to be considered for SSOAR.)
STEP 1
Fill out the online application
(click to apply)
Be certain to upload transcripts and
Upload financial aid letter
STEP 2
Complete TWO recommendation forms
(copy
recommendation form link
and send to recommenders)
Either two faculty recommendations
or
one faculty and one employer
The program seeks to :
increase the number of low-income academically talented students with demonstrated
financial need obtaining degrees in S-STEM eligible disciplines and entering the workforce
or graduate programs in STEM;
improve the education of future scientists, engineers and technicians, with a focus
on low-income academically talented students with demonstrated financial need; and
generate knowledge to advance understanding of how interventions or evidence-based
curricular and co-curricular activities affect the success, retention, transfer, academic/career
pathways and graduation of low-income students in STEM.
Be citizens of the United States, nationals of the United States (as defined in section
101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act), aliens admitted as refugees under
section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act or aliens lawfully admitted to
the United States for permanent residence. Please note that Deferred Action for Childhood
Arrivals (DACA) individuals are ineligible for support from this solicitation unless
they meet the requirements listed in the first sentence of this item.
Be enrolled, at least half-time, as defined by the institution in a program leading
to an associate, baccalaureate or graduate degree in an S-STEM eligible discipline
(i.e., declared computer science, engineering, mathematics or physics major).
Demonstrate academic ability or potential.
Have unmet financial need. Demonstrated financial need for undergraduate students
is defined by the U.S. Department of Education rules for need-based federal financial
aid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or, for graduate students, it
is defined as financial eligibility for Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need
(GAANN).
Joining the NSF S-STEM SSOAR student support services program at Citrus College comes
with many great benefits and opportunities.
All of our benefits and services are free to active participants and available until
you graduate.
Connect with cohort peers
Develop a strong STEM identity
Experiential learning opportunities
Financial support every semester and scholarship aid
Personalized STEM mentoring
Priority registration
Tutoring in STEM subjects
Kevin Punsalan
NSF S-STEM SSOAR principal investigator
kpunsalan@citruscollege.edu
(626) 914-8723 · MA 129
Toros Berberyan
NSF S-STEM SSOAR co-principal investigator
tberberyan@citruscollege.edu
(626) 914-8795 · MA 117
SUMMER RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
The
Summer Research Experience
offers students an outstanding opportunity to immerse themselves in scientific research
while building valuable skills in a supportive, collaborative setting.
Hands-on research
: Gain practical experience by working directly on scientific projects
Team collaboration
: Contribute in a dynamic environment alongside peers and fellow researchers
Mentorship
: Receive dedicated guidance and support from experienced faculty and research mentors
Research showcase
: Present your work at one or more symposiums, including the annual Citrus College
STEM Research Symposium
Financial support
: Earn a stipend of up to
$6,000
Full-time commitment
: Dedicate eight weeks to full-time research participation
Eligible majors
include those within the
Citrus College STEM Career and Academic Pathways (CAP)
, for which the SRE provides research placements. Placement for selected participants
is determined by project availability. SRE sites may have specific major requirements
for their research projects, which may not align with your current or intended STEM
interests.
Partnered SRE sites
include Azusa Pacific University, California Botanic Garden, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal
State Fullerton, Chapman University and University of Southern California.
After reviewing the tabs below, please read through
SRE Commonly Asked Questions
for further information on eligibility, the application process, interview tips and
more.
Enrolled at Citrus College as your primary institution through spring 2026
Have a declared major in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM)
Pursuing your first bachelor's degree
Passed at least two STEM courses and pre-calculus (MATH 175) by the end of spring
2026
Minimum GPA of 2.5
Willing to make a full-time commitment (work 40-plus hours per week)
Required to present your research poster at the annual Citrus College STEM Research
Symposium in September 2026
Engage in authentic research
Network with mentors and fellow students dedicated to STEM
Earn up to $6,000 while gaining knowledge
Enhance proficiency in scientific communication among peers
Refine academic and career aspirations
Boost self-confidence, motivation and interest in STEM
Foster creative thinking
2025 Posters
...
2024 Posters
Dani Nguyen
: Modeling Cross-pollination Rate of C. Anuum via Insects
Eric Hury
: Simulating Rubin Observatory Light Curves of Eclipsing Binaries
Jenni Emily Puga-Raya
: Machine Learning Algorithm for Predicting Lung Cancer Presence
Judi Al Chekha
: Investigation of Cu Based Perovskites Properties as OTMs
Justine Tsin-Wah Thai Wong
: Genetic Approaches to Dissecting Dopaminergic Anatomy and Function in Mice
Kaitlyn Cambero, Esteban Mace-Carrillo
: Zero Carbon Fuel Operation of a Piston Engine with Transient Pulse Enhanced NH3/H2
Combustion
Katherine Maya-Valencia
: Investigating the Roles of Protein P0 from Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus in
ATG8 Processing in the Autophagy Degradation Pathway
Keith Madrid
: Development of a Disaster Management App for Flooding
Sidney Esparza
: Describing the Floral Morphology and Initiating Propagation Protocol for Thelypodium
stenopetalum
2023 Posters
Alexander Gomez
: Unveiling the Role of Chlorogenic Acid Esterase in Modulating Browning Index and
Inhibition of Non-flourescent AGEs Through Caffeic Acid Formation in Sunflower Muffins
Amir Ghoul
: What is the Effect of PSR on Wasps
Andrew Gonzalez and Daniel Martinez
: Using Machine Learning to Understand Behavior of F1 ATPase
Anna Cardoso Rebelo
: Deepfake Detection
Arai Leyva
: Incorporating AI in Construction to Automate Excavator Operations
Bianca Cerda, Gabriela Verde Garcia, Karina Lizama, Daniela Gonzalez
: Bacterial Presence on Menstrual Pads
Bianca Cerda, Gabriela Verde Garcia, Karina Lizama, Daniela Gonzalez
: Biofilms, Let's Stick Together
Eric Hury
: Training and Evaluating Machine Learning Transformer Models to Perform Various
Mathematical Tasks
Isabella Rivas
: Utilizing Orange Peel for Textile Dyeing
Joshua Tobar Lam, Aimee Ortiz-Ramirez, Travis Riggs
: Plasma Enhanced Combustion of Methane and Hydrogen in Piston Engine Applications
Krishna Chandramouli
: Utilizing Pressed Sunflower Seed Meal Waste for Baking
Matthew Luna
: Investigating Mineral Organic Chemistry with Mars Analog Iron Bearing Minerals
Morgan De Vera
: Deriving Salinity Resistance from the Salton Sea Project
Omar Masri
: Identifying the Compounds Responsible for the Smell of Jasmine Flower
Sidney Esparza
: The 2018 Butte County Camp Fire and its Effects on Air Quality in California
2022 Posters
Alexander Gomez
: Is Your Citrus Safe? An Introduction to Huanglongbing Disease
Arianna Swindle
: The Function of the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
Edmarck Sosa
: Control and Automation of a Cryostat for Gravitational-Wave Optic Experiment
Gabriela Avalos
: What Are the Negative Effects of Phytophthora at California Botanic Garden Nursery
Karen Valencia Rojas
: Land and Ocean Coupling Associated with Tropical Cyclones
Katherine Goostrey
: ICP-OES Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Content in Consumed Seaweed Sold by United
States Retailer
Kevin Rivera
: Collaboration between Multiple UAVs for Fire Detection and Suppression
Luke Esperiquette
: Correlation between UAV-based Remote Ground-Truth Data for Strawberry Plants
Luke Esperiquette
: Sensor Network Forestry Fire Detection System
Lukman Kattee
: Testing the Role of Maternal Haploid in the Jewel Wasp
Olivia Hernandez
: Mean Cell Volume Estimation
Oscar Hernandez and Victor Chen
: Feasibility of Ammonia-assisted Combustion Using Pulser Technology
Pragati Kapoor
: Labeling Compliance, Species Identification and Short-Weighting of Shrimp Sold
in Southern California
Rachel Wang
: Using EEG to Classify Like and Dislike Decisions from Visual Stimuli
Richard Reyes
: The Aurora Activities in the South Pole for 15 years
Xenia Estey
: Lunar Instrumentation for Subsurface Thermal Exploration with Rapidity
2021 Posters
Alijah Navalta
: Immunolabeling of Transporter Proteins on Vaginal Epithelial Cells
Alyssa Goldpenny
: The Role of Microbiota in Drosophila Evolution
Anthony Arata
: Visualizing Binary Black Hole Simulations in the SXS Collaboration Catalog
Ayah Halabi
: Dynamics of Air Pollution Over Lebanon and Its Impacts
Demetrio Huerta
: Using Citric Acid to Activate Charcoal Obtained from Agricultural Wastes as an
Affordable Alternative to Absorb Oil from Water
Jason Diaz
: Dynamics of Atmospheric Pollution Along the U. S. Coast During 2003-2020
Jazmin Blue Araujo
: Fossils of the Plio-Pleistocene
Lisa Wang
: Evaluating Probiotic Viability of Manufacturer Claims
Miranda Miranda
: DNA Barcoding of Herbal Products to Determine Mislabeling on the U.S. Commercial
Market
Sandra Serrano
: Generating Noise Budgets for Cosmic Explorer
Sherelene De Belene
: Visualizing the Postmerger Range of GW170817 Using Ligo Open Data
Venjaminne Fua
: Sulbactam-avibactam inhibitors combination strategy: understanding the mechanisms
beyond their activity to combat Acinetobacter spp. Infection
PATHWAYS TO STEM, A COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
Be part of the next Pathways to STEM cohort
— applications are now being accepted.
Apply online
Pathways to STEM Application
Pathways to STEM
, a partnership among Cal Poly Pomona, the Oak Crest Institute of Science and NASA's
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, offers students from Citrus College, Mt. San Antonio College
and Cal Poly Pomona the chance to explore STEM in dynamic ways. The program combines
on- and off-campus experiences with mentoring, networking and career guidance, while
also fostering workplace readiness. By participating, students gain not only valuable
professional connections but also greater scientific literacy and communication skills.
Annually, a total of sixty students will join one of three groups related broadly
to their intended major:
Group 1: mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science
Group 2: biology and chemistry
Group 3: earth sciences, forestry, geoscience, multidisciplinary
Each group will participate in four different off-campus experiential modules and
several on-campus workshops. For example, Group 1 might visit Silicon Valley and meet
professionals working in technology; Group 2 might conduct chemical analysis of ocean
water while in Catalina; and, Group 3 might focus on atmospheric sciences during a
visit to Boulder, Colorado.
Pathways to STEM is funded by the
National Science Foundation (DUE/IUSE #1953594)
STEM STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Get to know Citrus College students and alumni whose academic journeys were shaped
by STEM disciplines.
BIOLOGY
Sidney Esparza
(including forestry)
Riccardo Kessesshak
Nathan Palmer
BIOTECHNOLOGY, BIOMANUFACTURING
Cecilia Doria
Victor Duong
Hailey Gonzalez
Julia Martinez
Kevin Tapia
COMPUTER ENGINEERING, COMPUTER SCIENCE
Celine Ama
Dominick Mason
JiaJie Yang
Yuxiang (Charles) Zhu
ENGINEERING
Conor St. John
FORESTRY, WILDLAND RESOURCES
Emily Correia-Lambton
Alexis Elder
Sidney Esparza
(including biology)
Makena Plourde
MATHEMATICS, PHYSICS
Quangnhan "Q" Duong
Anthony Mardoyan
Serina Mummert
Brian Tong
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Omar Masri
MULTIDISCIPLINARY STEM SUBJECTS
Javier Morelos
Aimee Ortiz-Ramirez
Joshua Tobar Lam
STEM PROGRAM STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
The STEM Student Spotlight honors outstanding Citrus College STEM students for their
academic performance in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, participation
in Citrus College STEM programs and ability to overcome challenges to pursue their
passions in STEM fields.
Bianca Cerda, Spring 2024
Matthew Luna, Spring 2023
Research Articles, Abstracts, Undergrad Projects
Discover the innovative research and discoveries of Citrus College STEM students by
browsing through their published articles.
A Wild Pseudomonas has Appeared: An Exercise in Bacterial Isolation and Identification
Authors include former Citrus College students Victoria Drake, Alexander O. Gomez,
Olivia Hernandez, Sarahai Jimenez, Matthew Luna, Omar Masri, Nathan Palmer, Reina
Perez, Arianna J. Swindle, Jared Van Der Loo and Lisa Wang
Biomass and Oil Spills
Creators include former Citrus College student, CJ Negrete
Botulinum neurotoxin accurately separates tonic vs. phasic transmission and reveals
heterosynaptic plasticity rules in Drosophila
Authors include former Citrus College student, Cristian Pinales
Transient plasma enhanced combustion of ultra-lean H2 in an internal combustion engine
for reduced NOx emission
Authors include former and current Citrus College students Yushan Chen, Oscar Hernandez,
Aimee Ortiz-Ramirez, Travis Riggs, Joshua E. Tobar Lam and Mariano Rubio, engineering
professor at Citrus College