The College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences
celebrates the UCR Class of 2025!
UC Riverside 71st Commencement
The University of California, Riverside celebrates the 71st Commencement — Congratulations to our graduating students! Each of you have worked incredibly hard and we couldn't be more proud 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.
CNAS Commencement Program
CNAS Commencement Ceremony
Master's and Bachelor's degree candidates (includes M.S. graduates in Biomedical Sciences)
Monday, June 16, 2025 – 9:00 A.M.
Location: Toyota Arena in Ontario (Directions & Map)
More information on the CNAS Ceremony
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.
Biochemistry Graduate Sendoff/Shannon Awards Ceremony
Friday, June 6, 2025 | 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Courtyard between Boyce and Webber Halls
Note: Invitation only - not open to the public
Entomology Reception for Graduates
Saturday, June 14, 2025 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Entomology Courtyard
Physics and Astronomy Reception and Awards Ceremony for Graduate Students
Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 12 p.m. following the Hooding Ceremony
Location: Lunch the graduates and families, followed by a graduation and awards ceremony at Winston Chung Hall, Room 138.
Physics and Astronomy Graduation Recognition Ceremony for Undergraduates
Friday, June 13, 2025 | There will be events during the day, with a formal graduation and awards ceremony in the afternoon. This will be followed by a reception at 5 p.m. and the Frontiers of Cosmology lecture (for the general public) at 6 p.m. Learn more about the events and RSVP here.
Location: School of Business Building Auditorium
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
Dina Mirmotalebisohi
Major: Biology, B.S.
Our commencement speaker, Dina Mirmotalebisohi, will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Her undergraduate journey has been shaped by a commitment to public service, educational advocacy, and health equity. In Dina’s four years at UCR, she has made a significant impact on our community. Aside from her involvement and leadership in various organizations across campus, Dina also works as a TRIO Scholars Tutor, where she guides disabled, first-generation, and income-qualified students in fostering academic growth through hosting specialized workshops and tutoring sessions related to STEM subjects. As a member of the University Honors college, Dina recently published her capstone and presented her research findings at UCR’s annual Undergraduate Research Symposium under the guidance of Dr. Brandon Brown at the UCR School of Medicine. Inspired by her lived experience with Treacher Collins syndrome, her research focused on utilizing needs assessments to improve healthcare accessibility for individuals with disabilities in the Inland Empire.
Her passion for improving access to healthcare led her to serve as manager of the Inland Empire Street Medicine Free Clinic, where she leads an undergraduate team in providing mobile medical services to unhoused and underserved communities across the Inland Empire. Dina’s interest in global health took her to Belize last summer with Global Medical Brigades, where she delivered medical care to rural populations; she is currently preparing for a follow-up trip to Guatemala. At the statewide level, Dina works with school-based health centers, where she hosts and presents at various conferences, such as CSHA’s school health conference, regarding healthcare accessibility in schools. Following graduation, Dina will work as an Emergency Medical Technician and continue her service in clinics during her gap year. During her time at UCR, she has become a community advocate and looks forward to implementing her valuable experiences gained throughout these four years as she prepares for medical school and her future career as a community-based physician. Please welcome Dina Mirmotalebisohi to the stage.
National Anthem and UCR Alma Mater Performers
Alyssa Marie Brand
Major: Neuroscience, B.S. Magna Cum Laude
National Anthem Singer
As the eldest daughter, I’ve felt a deep responsibility to be a role model for my younger sisters. Thanks to the support I received at UCR, I’ve been fortunate to take on meaningful roles in research, service, and mentorship. Learning became my tool to transform responsibility into empowerment. This commencement is a milestone, but the journey toward becoming a physician continues.
Ria Nair
Major: Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology, B.S.
Alma Mater Singer
Ria Nair is graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology and aims to go to medical school by the fall of 2026. Ria has conducted public health research through the UCR SOM Future Physicians Leaders program and at Desert Oasis Healthcare in the Coachella Valley. This inspired a deep interest in the impact of social determinants of health on patient care outcomes, the understanding of which she brings to her role as a COPE Health Scholar at the Riverside Community Hospital. Ria also pursued leadership roles in the student organizations Beta Psi Omega and Avant Garde A Cappella. Ria is passionate about the ability of music to connect and heal and hopes to incorporate music in her career going forward. She has been singing for large audiences from the age of four and is honored to perform the Alma Mater, an ode to UCR and its bravehearted students.
Student Marshals
Saba Najafi
Major: Biology, B.S.
College Marshal
Saba Najafi is a graduating senior earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of California, Riverside. Throughout her undergraduate career, Saba has been deeply engaged in research, mentorship, leadership, and community outreach, distinguishing herself as a dedicated and well-rounded student leader. As a CNAS Science Ambassador, Saba spent the past two years proudly representing the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. In this role, she mentored middle school girls in STEM, guided K–6 students through interactive science activities, and welcomed prospective students to campus through tours and events. Her commitment to accessibility and education has left a meaningful mark on the UCR community. Saba’s scientific foundation was further strengthened by her research in the Department of Chemistry, where she contributed to a published study on terpene sensing in citrus peels. Beyond the lab, she has served as a high school tutor in math, chemistry, biology, and psychology, and volunteered in emergency medical settings, gaining firsthand clinical experience and patient care insight. Her clinical experience is further supported by her hands-on volunteer work in the emergency room at Corona Regional Medical Center, where she supported both patients and medical staff in high-pressure healthcare settings. Additionally, Saba has served as a hospice music volunteer, playing piano weekly for individuals in end-of-life care, bringing emotional comfort and human connection to patients and their families during vulnerable moments. Her leadership extended into advocacy as President of Planned Parenthood Generation Action at UCR, where she organized educational events and led awareness campaigns around reproductive justice. She also currently serves as President of the Chemistry Club, connecting undergraduates with research and career pathways in the sciences. With a deep appreciation for science, service, and mentorship, Saba embodies the mission of CNAS. Her interdisciplinary contributions as a researcher, educator, and advocate has made her an exemplary choice to serve as College Marshal for the Class of 2025.
Lily Doan Vo
Major: Neuroscience, B.S.
Undergraduate Student Marshal
Lily Vo is graduating with a BS in Neuroscience, with plans to enter optometry school in the coming year. Under Dr. Juavinett’s lab at UCSD, she researched the nuances and intersection behind undergraduate neuroscience education. She is a proud daughter and big sister to an amazing family. In her free time, Lily enjoys spending time with her loved ones and sitting down with a good book.
Melia Mariano
Graduate Program: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, M.S.
Graduate Student Marshal
Melia Mariano earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from UC Riverside in 2023. She went on to pursue a Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, during which she became a teaching assistant for biochemistry courses and tutored high school students in chemistry. These experiences sparked her passion for teaching and mentoring future scientists. Melia will begin teaching at a community college, where she hopes to inspire the next generation, especially women in STEM. She also plans to pursue a Doctorate in Education in the future.
Tassel Turner
Abby Choy
Major: Biology, B.S., Minor in Public Policy.
Abby Choy graduated from UC Riverside with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Public Policy, with an emphasis in Health and Population Policy and Policy Institutions and Processes. As a first-generation college graduate and the child of immigrants, Abby is committed to bridging science and advocacy to open doors for others. During her time at UC Riverside, Abby served as CNAS Senator, President Pro Tempore, and President of the Associated Students of UC Riverside. In these roles, she co-initiated the annual “Find Your Research Match” Research Expos in partnership with CNAS and led several initiatives to combat food insecurity, including CalFresh workshops and the “Scotty Eats” program. She also launched ASUCR’s Free Legal Clinic and organized events such as R’Gear and the Senior BBQ. Outside of student government, Abby works as a certified Emergency Medical Technician with Highlander EMS, responding to 911 calls on campus, supporting Street Medicine Clinics, and providing “Stop the Bleed” training. She also conducts lung immunology research at the UCR School of Medicine under Dr. David Lo. In her free time, Abby leads Wushu at UCR, a Chinese martial arts club. After graduation, she will intern full-time at the California Health Benefits Review Program and apply to medical school. In the future, Abby hopes to use her experience as a physician to shape health policy that puts people first.
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.
Hannah Jeanette Moore, Biochemistry
Outstanding Achievement Award
Academic Excellence Award
Rosemary S.J. Schraer Award Nominee
Biochemistry major Hannah Jeanette Moore began working in Dr. Hollis Woodard’s lab during her second year, managing an experiment designed by a graduate student, before developing her own experiment to examine the impact of starvation on bumble bee pheromones. This research, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Kerry Mauck and Dr. Jocelyn G. Millar, was funded by the Chancellor’s Research Fellowship and presented at the Entomological Society of America’s annual meeting. In her third year, Hannah also joined Dr. Samuel Mann’s lab, where she designed de novo protein scaffolds with the goal of studying P450-like intermediates, research she later presented at the annual SoCal Bioinorganic meeting. Outside of her research, Hannah worked as a learning assistant for Dr. Matthew Casselman, supporting undergraduate chemistry education, and has been on the Dean’s list every quarter at UC Riverside.
Theodore Adams, Entomology
Academic Excellence Award
Rosemary S.J. Schraer Award
Entomology major Theodore Adams is a highly motivated and accomplished undergraduate with a strong record of academic and research excellence. As an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Mark Hoddle’s lab for over a year, he has actively contributed to ongoing projects, including supervised research on cotton seed bug egg population dynamics and surveys for egg parasitoids of this pest. His dedication is evident in over 600 hours of data collection. Beyond research, Theodore demonstrates leadership as co-president of the Botany and Entomology Undergraduate Student Association, where he plans their weekly meetings, recruits new members, and communicates with faculty about events. His academic achievements are consistently outstanding, earning him Dean’s List honors each quarter.
Samiha Alam, Cell, Molecular & Developmental Biology
Academic Excellence Award
Samiha Alam has undertaken two undergraduate research projects over three years while at UC Riverside. Samiha extracted and studied chromatophores from the bacteria in the Quantum Materials Optoelectronics Lab, and later studied gut-brain interactions that contribute to Gulf War Illness in a mouse model in Dr. Margarita Curras-Collazo’s Neuroendocrinology Lab. She received two UC Student Minigrants to carry out her recent study and presented her research findings at the Spring UCR Undergraduate Symposium. She is a co-author on several abstracts submitted by the Curras-Collazo lab and is a co-author on a manuscript in preparation. In addition to research, Samiha worked as a COPE Health Scholar and Leader, providing patient care in multiple clinical areas, all while receiving Dean’s list honors every quarter.
Srisai Saavarni Chilukuri, Statistics
Academic Excellence Award
Srisai Saavarni Chilukuri has an exceptional breadth of research and public health experience. She was awarded “Best Insight” at the Biostatistics Symposium of Southern California for her poster presentation, reflecting her ability to communicate complex findings effectively. Her research includes a study on the impact of Alzheimer’s disease in Down Syndrome and late-onset populations using longitudinal models, and a public health internship where she led a quality improvement initiative to enhance tuberculosis reporting and address health disparities. With experience spanning regression analysis, big data, and bias mitigation in predictive modeling, she brings both technical depth and a passion for health equity to her work.
Eve Caroline Fraczkiewicz, Data Science
Academic Excellence Award
Eve Fraczkiewicz's strong performance in both STAT 169 and STAT 171 demonstrated her deep understanding and genuine passion for statistics. Throughout both courses, she was consistently attentive, thoughtful, and highly engaged with the material. In STAT 171, she stood out as a team player and natural leader in her group project, taking initiative in model development and clearly communicating statistical findings. Beyond the classroom, Eve has built an impressive portfolio, including leading an R'Workshop at the Women in Data Science Conference, completing multiple applied machine learning and data scraping projects, and conducting research through UC Riverside’s RISE program on distinguishing AI-generated from human-written text. Her combination of academic strength, initiative, and leadership make her highly deserving of recognition.
Tara Duo Gao, Neuroscience
Academic Excellence Award
Tara Duo Gao conducts research in Dr. Sachiko Haga-Yamanaka’s lab at UCR, where she investigates the neural basis of innate fear behaviors in mice. Her independent project examines the role of the medial amygdala in innate fear responses to olfactory predator cues. Recognized as a TRIO McNair Scholar and recipient of the Austin and Helen Riesen Neuroscience Award, Tara has presented her findings at multiple research conferences across California. Driven by her continued curiosity in neuroscience, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. at Caltech following graduation. Outside of academics, Tara continues to excel in piano and oriental dance, performing and competing at advanced levels.
Anastasia Ghilenschi-Colton, Microbiology
Academic Excellence Award
Anastasia Ghilenschi-Colton received a UC Student Minigrant and Campbell Research grant to carry out her research, and a Travel Minigrant to present her research findings at the upcoming annual conference for the American Physiology Society (APS). The APS awarded her a 2025 Barbara A. Horowitz and John M. Horowitz Outstanding Undergraduate Abstract Award for this work. Anastasia presented her research findings at the 2023 RISE Symposium, 2024 UCR Undergraduate Symposium, the 2024 MolMed Mini-symposium – Drug Development and Capacity Building and the 2025 Center for Glial-Neuronal Interactions Conference. She is an author on several abstracts and on a manuscript in preparation. Anastasia has earned other honors at UC Riverside, including the Regents Scholarship and Dean’s Honors list.
Arnav Kacker, Biology
Rosemary S.J. Schraer Award
Biology major Arnav Kacker is a stellar student at UC Riverside. He wrote a successful minigrant proposal on the “Synthesis and Alkylation of the Chemotherapeutic Molecule Bersavine and Derivative Molecules” that was funded. He is also co-author on two recent publications on the synthesis of biomedically relevant natural products, and will be the first author on an upcoming chemoproteomics study. He maintains a 4.0 GPA and has been admitted to the University of California, San Diego and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s medical school programs.
Shane Levin, Physics
Academic Excellence Award
Shane Levin has worked in the research lab of Dr. Jonathan Richardson since the Fall of 2022. Her research contributions include the construction, commissioning, and monitoring of a Class 100 cleanroom which is used to assemble and test optical instruments developed in the Richardson lab at UCR for the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO). She led the development of the lab’s LIGO real-time system, which is a self-contained version of the same system used to read out signals from and control the LIGO interferometers. She is a co-author on a journal article published in Physical Review Letters, which is the premier research journal of physics. She is an outstanding student and a regular participant in Physics and Astronomy outreach events. Shane won the Chancellor’s Research Fellowship and the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research. She has multiple offers of admission to some of the most selective physics Ph.D. programs in the country.
Qirui Lin, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Geology, Geophysics
Academic Excellence Award
Qirui Lin has worked within Dr. Maryjo Brounce’s lab for three years, analyzing the critical mineral content of rock samples from the Salton Sea as part of 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 as a dual major in Geology and Environmental Sciences.
Naran Luvsanravdan, Biology
Academic Excellence Award
Naran Luvsanravdan has undertaken two undergraduate research projects over two years while at UC Riverside. In Dr. Margarita Curras-Collazo’s Neuroendocrinology Lab, she studied how environmental toxicants such as PBDEs disrupt the social brain to cause autistic-like traits. She received 3 UC Student Minigrants and one travel mini-grant while at UC Riverside to carry out her research studies. Naran has presented her research findings at the 2023 RISE Symposium and 2024 UCR Undergraduate Symposium, and will be presenting her findings at the 2025 Physiology Summit, sponsored by an international professional society, the American Physiological Society. She is a co-author on several abstracts submitted by the Curras-Collazo lab and is a co-author on a manuscript currently in preparation. In addition to research, Naran worked as a COPE Health Scholar, member of the Mini-Medical School and UCR Highlander Emergency Medical Society, and President of the Chinese Student Association, all while receiving Dean’s or Chancellor’s Honors list every quarter.
Lina Mai, Chemistry
Academic Excellence Award
Lina Mai spent three summers as a research intern in Dr. Thuy Doan’s biomedical lab at the University of California, San Francisco, where she used RNA deep sequencing to identify pathogens and antimicrobial resistance in nasal and conjunctival swabs. With an interest in pharmaceutical sciences and after completing the organic chemistry series, she joined Dr. Kevin Kou’s lab in the Fall of 2023. Over the past 18 months, Lina has contributed to three projects spanning methodology development, natural product semi-synthesis, and total synthesis. Her work on the semi-synthesis of bersavine derivatives resulted in the identification of a series of potent anti-leukemia molecules and co-authorship on a study recently published in Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry. She is currently developing a new chemical reaction to enable the total synthesis of bersavine and related natural products. After graduation, Lina plans to work in industry for a year to gain additional synthesis experience in medicinal chemistry and then pursue graduate studies in organic chemistry.
Liem Nguyen, Environmental Sciences
Academic Excellence Award
Liem Nguyen has demonstrated exceptional academic performance since starting at UCR in Fall 2021. Liem has consistently earned a place on either the Dean’s Honors List or the Chancellor’s Honors List every single quarter and shown remarkable dedication to academic excellence.
Abigail Noguera, Plant Biology
Academic Excellence Award
Abby Noguera's passion for research and academic excellence sets her apart. In Dr. Exequiel Ezcurra’s lab, Abby explores the ecological role of extrafloral nectaries in Ferocactus, contributing critical insight and independent research. She developed her own germination protocol for Ferocactus seeds—discovering rare tricotyledons in the species—and designed a project comparing the phenotypic plasticity of extrafloral nectaries in native habitats vs. botanic gardens. Abby is also a certified Nursery Master, skilled in native plant taxonomy and entomological collections. With previous research in lichen ecology and plant genetics, she brings both depth and versatility to her work. Among the top GPAs in Botany and Plant Sciences, Abby exemplifies scientific curiosity, initiative, and commitment to plant science and conservation.
Jason Patrick Palos, Mathematics
Academic Excellence Award
Jason has been actively involved in research on neutrophil chemotaxis dynamics with Dr. Qixuan Wang and active matter transport with Mykhailo Potomkin. The results of both projects are being submitted for publication, with Jason as co-first author on one paper. He will be attending graduate school at the University of Minnesota as an NSF graduate fellow.
Michelle Thanh Pham, Mathematics for Teachers of Secondary School
Academic Excellence Award
In addition to her excellent grades, Michelle has worked as one of the Mathematics Department’s first student lab leaders for the new Math 003 course. This year, she has also served as the president of the “Tomorrow’s Teachers in Science and Math” student organization.