BEACoN Scholar spotlight

Elisa Gonzalez

BEACoN Scholar 2019-2020

About Elisa:

Elisa is a 4th year Public Health major with a minor in Biology. Her BEACoN Research Project investigated La Gente Unida: Immigrant Health and Advocacy with Lecturer Mario Espinoza- Kulick.

Elisa is currently still working on the La Gente Unida Project and is involved on campus as the Marketing and Communications Lead in the peer wellness program: PULSE for the Sexual Health team. She has also been working as a research assistant for a project with the Cal Poly Center for Health Research focused on health ownership and advocacy in Santa Maria.

Elisa’s BEACoN Experience:

“This program has given me one of the best experiences in my college career so far. I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to participate and learn from my mentor. I have also been able to share our findings with peers and members of the community to hopefully make positive change. Being a part of BEACoN, i have been able to participate in workshops, presentations, and connect with other Cal Poly students who are also pursuing careers in research.”

Shelby Wong

BEACoN Scholar 2019-2020

About Shelby:

Shelby is a 4th year studying Communication Studies with a minor in French. Her BEACoN project with Dr. Dhillon hypothesized: Does (non)accommodative language influence romantic partners’ conflict appraisal? 

Shelby is involved with many campus organizations focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) from a critical cultural standpoint. She serves her major's community as President of Cal Poly COMS Club, works for Mustang Media Group, and mentors as a part of the CLA Underrepresented Students Network.
 

Shelby’s BEACoN Experience:

"Being a part of the BEACoN program was such a rewarding experience. Although I
joined the program with a late start, the BEACoN program presented me with so many opportunities and resources. My professor mentor and I had the opportunity to collaborate professionally, as well as get to know each other personally—all while exploring the COMS research field. 

I’m thankful to the BEACoN team and to Dr. Dhillon for creating a mindful and inclusive space where I could feel empowered as a woman of color in research & higher education. The BEACoN program showed to me the resilience and intellect of our diverse Cal Poly community."

Madelin Skinner

BEACoN Scholar 2019-2020

About Madelin:

Madelin is a 3rd year Nutrition major. Her BEACoN Research Project analyzed the effect of perceived weight gain on hormonal contraceptive use among women with Dr. Joni Roberts. 

Madelin is involved with Campus Health and Wellbeing, specifically with PULSE. She is a peer wellness educator on the topic of sexual health. 

Elisa’s BEACoN Experience:

“I could not have asked for a better experience working with BEACoN. BEACoN has made my college experience thus far and given me an opportunity that I never thought I could have. I’m very grateful for all of the valuable skills Dr. Roberts has taught me.”

Christine Lam

BEACoN Scholar 2019-2020

About Christine:

Christine is a 4th year Political Science major and blended student in the Master's in Public Policy Program. Her BEACoN Research Project analyzed the policy implications for autonomous vehicles in cities with Dr. Hajrasouliha.

Christine has been involved with CLA Ambassadors for 3 years and currently serves as the president. She is also a mentor for the CLA Underrepresented Students Network and an active participant in multicultural clubs such as Chinese Students Association and Pilipino Cultural Exchange.

Christine’s BEACoN Experience:

“My BEACoN Experience was a transformative journey where I got to have hands-on experience in research as an undergraduate student. I learned so much about the research process, working with different disciplines to achieve a goal, and about myself during the project. I extend my greatest thank you to Dr. Hajrasouliha and the OUDI for providing me this amazing opportunity, mentorship, and guidance.”

Ariana Reynoso

BEACoN Scholar 2019-2020

About Ariana:

Ariana is a 4th year majoring in Comparative Ethnic Studies and minoring in Latin American Studies and Spanish. Her BEACoN Research Project examined the association between the legalization of marijuana and misdemeanors with Dr. Doremus. On campus, Ariana has worked closely with the Iranian Student Cultural Organization (ISCO) and been involved in programs such as PolyCultural Weekend and Culturefest. She is also an intern with Dr. Bennion in the OUDI office.

Elisa’s BEACoN Experience:

“My time as a BEACoN Mentee has proven to be one of the most valuable experiences of my college career. During the course of my mentorship, I learned a lot about the process of completing a research project and all of its complexities. Coming into this program, I remember being nervous, as I wasn’t confident in my abilities. However, I feel fortunate to have worked with a professor who always believed in me and provided me with the resources to succeed. The skills and experiences I’ve had from this program will stay with me for a lifetime.”

Eliana Hollinger

BEACoN Scholar 2019-2020

About Eliana:

Eliana recently graduated this year with a double-major in Psychology and Comparative Ethnic Studies. Her BEACoN Research Project examined Knowledge of and Attitudes Towards Blindness with Dr. Cacciamani. On campus, Eliana has been involved with various research projects focusing on mental health, diversity, equity & inclusion. Eliana is part of the CLA Student Diversity Committee, Child Development and Psychology Student Advisory Committee, facilitates Intergroup Dialogues and works at the CLA Advising Center. 

Eliana’s BEACoN Experience:

“OUDI will always be a community that I will come back to even as an Alumni. I was able to travel out of the country for the first time, service and assist others and form bonds I have not experienced before. Additionally, I have been able to participate in BEACoN panels, workshops, and presentations - This program has truly made a difference in my college experience; I am forever thankful that I was given the opportunity to work and grow with amazing faculty and students here at Cal Poly.”