The College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences
celebrates the UCR Class of 2026!
UC Riverside 72nd Commencement
CNAS Commencement Trailer
The University of California, Riverside, celebrates the 72nd Commencement — Congratulations to our graduating students! Each of you has worked incredibly hard, and we couldn't be prouder to be part of your journey.
To help make this a memorable day for graduating students, family, friends, and guests, the official UCR Commencement website has all the information you need for this special occasion. Please visit commencement.ucr.edu. Many answers can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.
TICKETS
EXTRA TICKETS
If you filled out the extra ticket request form (by the deadline on June 1st at 5:00 pm) to be considered for extra tickets, you will receive an email by the end of the day on June 5th letting you know if there are any additional tickets. If you do receive extra tickets, they will need to be picked up by your designated pick-up person from the Toyota Arena Box Office on June 15th. The Box Office will open 1 hour prior to the start of your ceremony.
IF YOU WERE UNABLE TO PICK UP YOUR TICKETS IN PERSON
If a graduate was unable to pick up their tickets in person, they must fill out this form to coordinate to pick up at the Toyota Arena Box Office Will Call. Tickets can be picked up 1 hour prior to the start of the graduates' ceremony by one designated guest.
All Will Call ticket requests must be submitted by 5:00 pm on Monday, June 8th, to be coordinated with the Toyota Arena Box Office.
CNAS Commencement Ceremony
Master's and Bachelor's degree candidates
Monday, June 15, 2026 – 6:00 P.M.
Location: Toyota Arena in Ontario (Directions & Map)
More information on the CNAS Ceremony
Livestream starts at 5:30 P.M.
CNAS Department Reception and Celebration Events
In addition to the CNAS Commencement Ceremonies, CNAS departments will host their own graduation and awards ceremonies for students in their departments.
Earth and Planetary Sciences Graduation Party 2026
Friday, June 12, 2026 | 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Geology Courtyard
EPS Graduation Ceremony and Celebration.
Entomology Graduation Ceremony
Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Location: Entomology Courtyard
An event celebrating graduating undergraduate, MSc, and PhD students in the Entomology Department.
Physics and Astronomy Graduate Graduation Ceremony
Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Reading Room, Physics Building
Graduation ceremony for graduate students, including lunch, departmental awards, and brief research presentations.
Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate Recognition Ceremony
Saturday, June 12, 2026 | 2 p.m.
Location: University Theater
Celebration of graduating undergraduates. 2:00pm: alumni panel discussion and superlative awards; 3:30pm: academic awards and sashing of graduates.
Statistics End of Year Celebration
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Alumni Center
Celebrating graduating students and recognizing student awards.
CNAS Student Participants
The College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences will celebrate Commencement, with graduating CNAS students leading their classmates in procession, giving the commencement speech, leading graduates during the tassel turning ceremony, and performing the national anthem & UCR Alma Mater.
Learn more about the CNAS graduates who will take the stage:
Student Commencement Speaker
Samantha Grace Guli-Mai
Major: Biochemistry with a Medical Sciences concentration, B.S.
Samantha Grace Guli-Mai, will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a Medical Sciences concentration. Her undergraduate journey has been shaped by an unwavering commitment to mentorship, student advocacy, leadership, and community outreach.
In her time at UCR, Samantha has served simultaneously as a CNAS Science Ambassador, a Supplemental Instruction Leader for upper-division biochemistry courses, and a Transfer Connections Peer Mentor; welcoming prospective students to campus, bridging the gap from community college to university, and fostering academic growth through collaborative, peer-led learning.
Her dedication to equity and access extends beyond campus. Through her research with Dr. Sarah Radi in the Department of Biochemistry, Samantha has explored how structured study templates on student understanding of thyroid hormone can improve academic performance. As Vice President of the STEM Connections Club, she has worked to open doors to research and STEM learning for undergraduates across the community. Through her volunteer work at Path of Life Ministries Homeless Services, she has brought hands-on science experiences to children in grades K through 6.
Outside of UCR, Samantha works as a pharmacy technician at Providence Mission Hospital and UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, where she has improved care for high-risk patients through pharmacy-led medication reconciliation. She has done all of this while raising two young children, who have been by her side every step of the way.
Following graduation, Samantha will pursue a Master of Science in Microbiology here at UCR and will apply to medical school, with the goal of becoming an emergency medicine physician and healthcare leader dedicated to policy-driven, patient-centered care for the communities that shaped her.
National Anthem and UCR Alma Mater Performers
Samantha Arenas
Major: Biology, B.S.
National Anthem Singer
Samantha Arenas is a graduating student at the University of California, Riverside, whose passion for science, healthcare, and community engagement has shaped her undergraduate experience. For the past three years, she has been a dedicated member of the UCR Science Ambassadors Program, serving as President during her senior year. In this role, she has led outreach initiatives that connect K–12 students and community members with STEM education, coordinated ambassador activities, and helped foster enthusiasm for science among future generations. Her commitment to mentorship and science communication reflects her belief that education and opportunity should be accessible to all.
Alongside her leadership in science outreach, Samantha completed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training and has pursued her passion for emergency medicine through both clinical and research experiences. As a member of UCR's Highlander Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), she has developed skills in patient care, teamwork, and emergency response. She has also contributed to emergency medicine research through the Emergency Medicine Research Associates Program (EMRAP), where she assisted with clinical research efforts aimed at advancing evidence-based care in emergency department settings. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to medicine and deepened her interest in improving healthcare outcomes through both patient care and research.
Throughout her time at UCR, Samantha has combined academic achievement with service, participating in community volunteer efforts, health advocacy initiatives, and programs that support vulnerable populations. Following graduation, she plans to continue pursuing opportunities in healthcare and medicine while advocating for equitable and inclusive patient care. Samantha is honored to represent the College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences Class of 2026 by performing the National Anthem at commencement.
Julia Maxeen Martin
Major: Neuroscience, B.S.
National Anthem Singer
Julia Maxeen Martin’s journey at UC Riverside is a beautiful testament to the power of passion, both in the laboratory and through the art of song. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, Julia has balanced a rigorous academic career with an unwavering dedication to uplifting her community, serving as a certified nursing assistant and behavioral therapist while aiding cognitive research in UCR’s Ballard and Brewer labs. As a proud Filipina woman, music is deeply embedded in her soul, and she is profoundly honored to represent her vibrant heritage by singing the Star-Spangled Banner at commencement. Driven by a lifelong passion for human enrichment and a firm belief that education is a fundamental human right, especially for women globally who face barriers to learning, Julia plans to pursue a PhD in cognitive neuroscience. Inspired by the incredible professors who mentored her at UCR, she aims to remain in academia to teach, advocate for educational equity, and inspire the next generation of scholars.
Rebecca Santos
Major: Biochemistry, B.S.
National Anthem Singer
Rebecca Santos is graduating from the University of California, Riverside with a degree in Biochemistry. She is passionate about science, mentorship, leadership, and community engagement. She serves as the Vice President of Events for Science Ambassadors, a Chicano Peer Mentor, and a Lead for Little Einstein, where she helps introduce young students to science through engaging STEM outreach activities. Rebecca is also the founder and president of the Matcha Club, which was recognized as New Organization of the Year under her leadership. Through mentorship and outreach, she has worked with underserved communities to increase access to STEM education and inspire the next generation of scientists. After graduation, she will begin pursuing a Master's degree in Biopharmaceutical Engineering. A self proclaimed matcha enthusiast, Rebecca enjoys building community through both science and shared interests.
Jennifer Kamholz
Major: Neuroscience, B.S.
Alma Mater Singer
Jennifer Kamholz is a graduating senior earning a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a minor in dance making and studies. During her time at UCR, Jennifer has been engaged in her community through research, leadership, outreach, and performance. As a part of Dr. García-Castro’s lab, she researched the SKI gene involvement in neural crest cell development where she presented her findings as her senior capstone project. Jennifer served as the Tau Sigma National honor Society Vice President where she was able to enable transfer student success through community outreach and campus involvement. She was an undergraduate student representative for the student health advisory committee where she served for two years. Off campus, Jennifer volunteered at Riverside Community Hospital, serving in the birth, emergency, and surgery departments.
While Jennifer has been focused on pursuing her career in medicine, she has also made time for her passion of the arts. Jennifer completed her dance minor participating in UCRiD as a performer and Spring forward as a performer and choreographer. Outside of UCR, she dances ballet for Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet, and teaches formal ballroom dance and etiquette with Bobby Burgess Cotillion where she has coached and mentored many young dancers. Jennifer has also enjoyed singing during her time at UCR. She has been singing since the age of four and is honored to perform the Alma Mater, an ode to UCR and its bravehearted students.
Student Marshals
Snigdha Maddula
Major: Neuroscience, B.S. Cum Laude
College Marshal
Snigdha Maddula is a graduating senior earning her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of California, Riverside, and is honored to serve as the CNAS College Marshal. Her time at UCR has been shaped by mentorship, research, service, and the people who have supported her growth as a student and future healthcare professional. She is grateful for the opportunities she has had to learn from others, give back to her community, and explore how science and healthcare can be used to care for others.
At UCR, Snigdha has found some of her most meaningful experiences through mentorship and student support. As a CNAS Peer Mentor, RISE Peer Mentor, and PPAC Ambassador, she has supported students through NASC091 sessions, workshops, academic guidance, research presentations, course planning, clinical opportunities, and pre-health pathways. Beyond campus, she tutors and advises elementary and high school students in the Inland Empire, helping them build confidence, study habits, and test-taking strategies. Research has also been an important part of Snigdha’s undergraduate experience, allowing her to explore the connection between science, medicine, creativity, and human care. Through USC Keck School of Medicine, she has contributed to research on art in medicine, focusing on how dance, movement, and creative expression can support healing and emotional well-being in oncology care. At Loma Linda University School of Medicine, she supports pediatric brain tumor research on neuropsychological outcomes, including how treatment, environmental factors, and follow-up care affect children’s cognitive and emotional well-being. To further combine her passions for dance and medicine, she has explored the kinesiology of Indian classical dance, with a focus on how bodily alignment, joint mechanics, and training practices influence dancer health and career longevity.
Snigdha has also remained involved in clinical, service, and leadership spaces that reflect her interest in healthcare, education, and community care. Through free clinics, international medical brigades, and interning with UCR SOM Simulation Lab, she has served in clinical and community-based settings that strengthened her dedication to accessible, compassionate patient care. On campus, her involvements have allowed her to build community through leadership, culture, service, and connection. With gratitude for the mentors, peers, faculty, and communities that have shaped her time at UCR, Snigdha hopes to carry forward the values of compassion, humility, and service.
Sahithi Malireddy
Major: Neuroscience, B.S.
Undergraduate Student Marshal
Sahithi Malireddy is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of California, Riverside. Throughout her time at UCR, she has remained deeply committed to opportunities that combine her passions for mental health, healthcare equity, and community service.
Through mentorship, street medicine, and crisis intervention programs, she has worked to expand access to education and resources within her communities. Her research, under Dr. Lisa Fortuna and Dr. Robert Rodriguez, is centered on designing interventions for those who cannot access medicine through traditional formats. At UCR, she had the honor of founding and teaching a student-led R’course exploring the intersection of media and mental health, an experience that deepened her love for science communication.
In each community she has been a part of, Sahithi has been guided by the belief that meaningful change begins with education, compassion, and service to others. As the proud daughter of Indian immigrants, she is profoundly grateful to her family for the sacrifices that made her education possible. She is also grateful for her time at UCR, which has been shaped by extraordinary mentors, communities of changemakers, and everlasting friendships.
Through her college experience, Sahithi has come to view science not only as a pursuit of knowledge but as a responsibility to create a more equitable future. After graduation, she plans to continue serving the Inland Empire while pursuing a career in medicine to advocate for more accessible mental health care in underserved communities.
Zachary Cadima
Graduate Program: Biology, M.S.
Graduate Student Marshal
Zachary Cadima completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of California, Riverside in 2024, where he competed as a student-athlete for the UCR Cross Country and Track & Field programs. Following his undergraduate studies, he pursued a Master of Science in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at the University of California, Riverside.
During his master’s program, Zachary served as a teaching assistant for a wide range of courses, including Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Exercise Biology, Entomology, Invertebrate Paleobiology, and Headlines in the History of Life. Through these experiences, he discovered a strong passion for teaching and mentorship.
Following graduation, Zachary plans to continue in education by teaching biology at the community college and high school levels. He also intends to pursue his passion for athletics through coaching cross country and track & field, recently earning a head coaching position at a local high school.
Tassel Turner
Leila Haidar
Major: Biology, B.S.
Minor in Political Science
Leila Haidar graduated from UC Riverside with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Political Science. The daughter of Syrian immigrants, Leila is committed to public service and utilizing advocacy work to empower others. During her time at UC Riverside, Leila served as CNAS Senator, President Pro Tempore, and President of the Associated Students of UC Riverside. In these roles, she has worked to help revitalize UCR’s Collegiate Recovery program, expand digital access to campus resources, combat food insecurity through numerous collaborations with the Basic Needs program, focusing on bridging the gap between student perspectives and campus leadership across all departments. Outside of student government, Leila works as a Resident Advisor (RA) in the Glen Mor Honors Living Learning Community (LLC), and has previously worked as an RA in the Pentland Hills Honors LLC, and as the Pentland Hills Building President within the Residence Halls Association. As a member of the University Honors college, Leila recently submitted her capstone, “Equity in the Laboratory: Disability Access for Undergraduate Science Courses” under the mentorship of Dr. Carla Mazzio. Her research investigates systemic barriers that may hinder full participation in laboratory courses for students with disabilities, and Leila recently presented her findings at UCR’s annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. In her free time, Leila enjoys playing video games with her friends and spending time with her family. During her time at UCR, Leila has become a student leader within the campus and broader Riverside community, and looks forward to implementing her experiences gained throughout these four years as she prepares for medical school and her future career as a physician and advocate for equitable health policy.
CNAS Awards
Each year, the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences honors students who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and accomplishments throughout their time at UCR. Below are the descriptions of each award and the award winners from the CNAS graduating Class of 2025. Congratulations to our students!
Rosemary S.J. Schraer Award
In honor of Rosemary S.J. Schraer, who served as UCR Chancellor from 1987-1992, the Schraer Award recognizes the academic excellence of two outstanding graduating seniors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
Academic Excellence Award
The Academic Excellence Award for the College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences recognizes students who are selected by their faculty for achieving excellence in their academics and research, or creative activity.
Outstanding Achievement Award
Selected by the CNAS divisional deans, the Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes one student from all the Excellence Award nominees for their exemplary achievement in academics and research or creative activity, their breadth of involvement in the college, and their commitment to service and citizenship.
Yaser Naji, Biochemistry
Outstanding Achievement Award
Academic Excellence Award
Rosemary S.J. Schraer Award Nominee
Yaser Naji is a biochemistry major at UCR and a Chancellor’s Research Fellow working in Dr. Seán O’Leary’s lab, where he leads an independent project investigating how phosphorylated human eIF4E influences oncogene mRNA translation initiation using single-molecule techniques. His research contributes to our understanding of the mechanisms behind cancer progression and will be presented at the 2026 UCR Undergraduate Research Symposium. Beyond research, Yaser serves at the Riverside Free Clinic and works as a medical assistant in urgent care. He is also a Pre-Health Ambassador at PPAC and a former Supplemental Instructor at the ARC. Following graduation, Yaser aims to bridge gaps in healthcare access and translate research into meaningful impact, which he will carry forward as he pursues a career in medicine.
Falon Marie Butcher, Entomology
Rosemary S.J. Schraer Award
Academic Excellence Award
Falon Butcher has researched in the Heteropteran Systematics Lab for almost two years, focusing on the biodiversity and evolutionary history of a lineage of plant bugs from the arid Succulent Karoo in South Africa. She is currently finalizing her Honors Capstone and is ready to embark on the MS portion of her BS+ MS degree in Entomology. She presented her work at the Entomological Society of America meeting in Portland in fall 2025 and a manuscript reporting her results is in preparation. She has also taken virtually every Entomology class in our curriculum and has excelled in all of them. Falon is also a very gifted science communicator and single-handedly ran an interactive game show entitled “Insect Family Feud” during the 2025 Riverside Insect Fair to an engaged audience.
Juan Salvador Arreola Contreras, Physics
Rosemary S.J. Schraer Award
Academic Excellence Award
Since the fall of 2024, Physics major Juan has worked in Andrew Joe’s laboratory studying quantum materials. Juan’s research experience includes 2D materials fabrication and the study of strongly correlated quantum phenomena. In the summer of 2024, he completed a nationally competitive extramural research program at Cornell University. Juan has been highly active in extracurricular service, leadership, and outreach activities, all while maintaining his status as a top physics student. He is currently President of the Physics & Astronomy Department’s Society of Physics Students branch. He has also served as the Vice President of the Astronomy Club. Juan was one of UCR’s Barry Goldwater Scholarship nominees in 2025, and has been the recipient of our department’s Outstanding Physics Student Award.
Adam Jay Huynh, Environmental Sciences
Academic Excellence Award
Adam Jay Huyng, a graduating senior majoring in Environmental Sciences, has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement with a cumulative GPA of 3.77. Since beginning his studies at UCR as a freshman in Fall 2022, Adam has consistently earned recognition on either the Dean’s Honors List or the Chancellor’s Honors List multiple times. Adam has shown remarkable dedication to academic excellence.
Carter Keyworth, Plant Biology
Academic Excellence Award
Plant Biology major Carter Keyworth is a highly motivated and accomplished undergraduate student. They have engaged in multiple research opportunities including with Dr. Robert Jinkerson and Dr. Loralee Larios at UCR, Dr. Jun Wen at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and as part of the California Ecology and Conservation Research Program. These efforts resulted in one publication and two manuscripts in review – one of which they are the lead author. Meanwhile, they maintained a strong academic record earning them Dean’s List and Chancellor’s honors. Beyond research, Carter demonstrates leadership as co-president of the Botany and Entomology Undergraduate Student Association, where they plan weekly meetings, recruit new members, and lead multiple events. Overall, Carter exemplifies scientific curiosity and a strong commitment to plant science.
Mingyue (Cynthia) Liang, Physics
Academic Excellence Award
Cynthia has been working for 2.5 years in Jonathan Richardson’s research group on the development of new detector technologies for gravitational wave detectors. Her research experience includes working with ultra high vacuum systems, optics, and the development of advanced laser optical simulations for The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). She is a co-author on two peer-reviewed journal articles. Cynthia maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.93 and has been recognized for her academic excellence in physics. She was the recipient of R. Stephen White Undergraduate Award and the Brown Williams Scholarship Award in the Physics & Astronomy Department.
Qirui Lin, Environmental Sciences and Geology
Academic Excellence Award
Qirui Lin is a Geology major who worked within Dr. Maryjo Brounce’s lab for three years, analyzing the critical mineral content of rock samples from the Salton Sea on a project funded by the Department of Energy. He received the McKibben-Turner Scholarship in 2025. In addition to research, Qirui worked as a Highlander Orientation Leader, a Campus Escort, a test writer and Chemistry helper for three Science Olympiads, was an active member of four student organizations (Geology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences and Cheese), worked as a Museum Assistant in the Geology Museum, and earned Dean’s list honors every quarter, and Chancellor’s list honors every year with a 3.90 cumulative GPA as a dual major in Geology and Environmental Sciences.
Sidd Lokray, Neuroscience
Academic Excellence Award
Sidd has conducted research as a fellow across multiple laboratories at UC Riverside and Boston University. At UCR, he works in Dr. Erfan Nozari's lab in the Mechanical Engineering Department, where he trains biologically constrained recurrent neural networks to model calcium imaging data from mouse visual cortex neurons, decoding how the brain processes visual information at a population level. At Boston University, he has applied deep learning methods to study structural brain heterogeneity in autism spectrum disorder, with multiple first-author works. Beyond research, Sidd has served as Treasurer of the Riverside Free Clinic, a Learning Assistant in the Dynamic Genome Program, and a Medicare counselor for seniors across Riverside County through HICAP. He has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout his undergraduate career, earning Chancellor's and Dean's Honors every term. After graduation, Sidd plans to pursue medicine, with a long-term vision of advancing neurotechnology to bridge the gap between clinical care and the brain.
Omeid Majd, Biology
Academic Excellence Award
Omeid Majd conducts research in the Ostevik Lab, investigating drought adaptation and insect herbivory in Helianthus annuus, and has presented his findings through posters and presentations at multiple conferences. He also serves as a copy editor for the UCR Undergraduate Research Journal and as a Pre-Health Ambassador with the Pre-Professional Advising Center (PPAC), where he mentors students pursuing careers in healthcare. He is a scholar in the California Alliance for Maximizing Potential (CAMP), an NSF-funded program, and his Honors capstone research examines the impact of interdisciplinary experiences on STEM student development. After graduation, he will pursue a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences at the UCR School of Medicine before applying to MD-PhD programs.
Shiori Nakaya, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Geology, Geophysics
Academic Excellence Award
Shiori Nakaya is a Geophysics major, who transferred in Fall 2024 from Pasadena City College. Shiori has served as a long-term intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, helping with the upcoming VERITAS mission and has presented her work at several major conferences and currently has two manuscripts in preparation. At UCR, Shiori has conducted research on seismic imaging and gravity modeling, under the supervision of Dr. Heather Ford. Shiori served as Vice President of the Geology Student Organization, Copy Editor of the Undergraduate Research Journal, and was a member of the Rapid Response Deployment Team following an earthquake in Julian, CA in 2025. Shiori is also a dedicated science communicator, taking part in numerous events as an Invited Scientist for the Cosplay for Science Program.
Rihan Ouyang, Chemistry
Academic Excellence Award
Rihan Ouyang worked within Dr. Bahamonde's Organometallic Chemistry Lab for a year and a half, focusing on research in organometallic synthesis and computational chemistry. He contributed to a paper investigating cyanide activation that was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. In addition to research, Rihan worked as a pseudo dental assistant, helping the dentist with patient care. He also serves in a board position for a community service organization, where he prepares and donates sandwiches to local homeless shelters. Rihan also made the Dean's list honors every quarter, earning a 3.914 cumulative GPA.
Niu, Lydia Pei-Hsiuan, Data Science
Academic Excellence Award
Lydia Niu is a B.S. candidate in Data Science. She was a model student in STAT 171, one of the most theoretically demanding courses in our program, attending every lecture, engaging consistently, and asking questions that often helped clarify the material for her peers. She earned an A in the course and demonstrated strong statistical thinking through her project work, applying rigorous analytical methods and translating findings into meaningful insights. Her independent projects further showcase her range, from image compression pipelines to flight delay modeling and credit card expenditure forecasting. Beyond academics, Lydia founded and leads two student organizations and serves as a Student Assistant for a CS course. Her engagement, initiative, and breadth of skills make her a deserving recipient of the Academic Excellence Award.
Mihir Ranjan, Statistics
Academic Excellence Award
Mihir Ranjan is an undergraduate student at UCR studying Statistics and Mathematics. He enjoys studying mathematics, its applications, and the theory that underlies it, with interests in statistical learning, deep learning, and mathematical statistics. He has completed coursework in probability theory, regression analysis, real analysis, and machine learning, and has worked on projects involving convolutional neural networks, data augmentation methods, and applied regression modeling. At UCR, he has worked as a Math Lab Leader for MATH 003 for six quarters, supporting student learning through collaborative problem solving and active instruction. He values both the abstract and practical sides of mathematics and is interested in how quantitative thinking can be used to better understand complex problems.
Mark Sandey, Mathematics
Academic Excellence Award
Mark has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, including excellent performance in several graduate-level mathematics courses. In addition to Mark's coursework, Mark has participated in a variety of research projects with faculty both within and outside the university, spanning a broad range of topics. Mark's work has been presented at national conferences, including the 2025 National Association of Mathematicians Undergraduate MATHFest, the 2026 Joint Mathematics Meetings, and the 2025 Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematics. Mark is also highly engaged in campus life and has taken on multiple leadership and service roles in student organizations, including the Botany and Entomology Undergraduate Student Association and Spectra at UCR. Mark's accomplishments have been recognized through the Bryce Mason Award as well as Dean’s List and Chancellor’s List honors. This fall, Mark will begin a mathematics Ph.D. program.
Grace Lin Su, Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology
Academic Excellence Award
Grace Su exemplifies both outstanding leadership and academic excellence, with a strong commitment to impactful service and engagement. At Dr. Meng Chen's Plant Botany Lab, she has made significant contributions to ongoing research investigating the molecular signaling mechanisms by which plants perceive and respond to environmental light and temperature changes and will present her findings at the 2026 Undergraduate Research Symposium. Additionally, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership through her involvement in Air Force ROTC and ASUCR, where she has held multiple leadership positions guiding and mentoring fellow cadets and students, and leading recruitment and community service efforts. At UCR, she has also led initiatives driving campus safety efforts, women’s rights and equity, while serving on the SSFAC Committee to advance student resources and support.
Hannah L Yuan, Microbiology
Academic Excellence Award
Inspired by her mother’s battle with Parkinson’s and her father’s dedicated research, Hannah entered university with a bioRxiv preprint. At UCR, she has bridged biology and technology, minoring in Data Science while leveraging computer vision to study movement disorders under Dr. Amit Roy-Chowdhury. A consistent Dean’s and Chancellor’s List scholar and NIH MARC Trainee, Hannah has co-authored multiple publications in human pose estimation and time-series analysis. She is deeply grateful to her mentors, including Mr. Gordon Bourns, Dr. Ernest Levister, and her PI, as well as her family and her husband, who have given their unwavering love and support, as well as her Christian faith for the strength to turn trials into a professional mission for discovery.
Xinyao Zhao, Mathematics for Teachers of Secondary School
Academic Excellence Award
During her time at UCR, Xinyao Zhao has demonstrated academic achievement, research experience,and commitment to mathematics education. As a first-generation college student, she has pursued her academic goals with notable independence, determination, and resilience. At UC Riverside, she participated in mathematics research on compositionally modeling classical mechanical systems and presented her work publicly to both faculty and students. Faculty members describe her as hardworking and consistently positive in the classroom. Her academic accomplishments and promise are further reflected in her selection as an Impact Scholar in the USC Rossier Master of Arts in Teaching program, where she will begin her graduate studies this summer with scholarship support.
