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College of Engineering First-Gen Faculty, Staff, and Administrators
Are you First-Gen?
Faculty
Dr. Luke Perreault
Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering
Degree(s) Earned
PhD in Biomedical Engineering, specializing in biomaterials and tissue engineering
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Run your own race. It's not a straight path getting from the start of college to a career that checks all your boxes, and being first-gen means there's that much more to figure out between here and there. It took me a long time to figure out exactly what I wanted to do with my career, and I'm still discovering new things about higher education. Be mindful of all you have (and will) accomplish, seek counsel from faculty and staff whose opinions you value, and take all the time you need.
Dr. Bruce DeBruhl
Associate Professor, Computer Science & Software Engineering and Computer Engineering
Degree(s) Earned
PhD in Electrical and Computer engineering, with a specialty in cybersecurity
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
It is ok to feel imposter syndrome, many of your professors do too.
What was your experience as a first-generation student?
Navigating higher ed is tricky, finding good friends and institutional support to help understand things is really important.
Dr. Stephen Beard
Assistant Professor, Computer Science & Software Engineering and Computer Engineering
Degree(s) Earned
PhD in Computer Science, with specialty in Compilers, Computer Architecture, and Hardware Security
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Don't be afraid to ask for help! One of the most amazing things about Cal Poly is how generally supportive and welcoming the community is here. Many of your peers, faculty, and staff were likely once in the same place you were with the same questions. Reaching out for help in navigating paperwork, or courses, or social events, or what you should do after graduation, or even where the good restrooms are on campus isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength!
Paul Valadao
Lecturer, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Degree(s) Earned
BS in Civil Engineering, with specialty in Transportation Engineering
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Seek advice and guidance from those who have blazed the "first-generation college student" path before you. There are so many of us that have a shared and similar experience, are are willing and eager to help.
Karen Bangs
Lecturer, Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Degree(s) Earned
BS in Industrial Engineering and an MBA
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Don't be afraid to ask questions! Use your college's (or Mustang Success Center if you're a 1st year) advising center for support, clarification, review things you may already know. The same goes for meeting your instructors.
Dr. Javier Gonzalez-Sanchez
Assistant Professor, Computer Science & Software Engineering
Degree(s) Earned
PhD in Computer Science
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Be proactive, ask questions, seek out campus resources, and build a strong support network. Embrace challenges as part of your growth while balancing academics with self-care and celebrating your achievements. Additionally, take pride in the path you are paving for yourself and your family.
What was your experience as a first-generation student?
My experience was both challenging and rewarding. Figuring things out on my own pushed me to be resourceful and proactive. Balancing studying and working simultaneously improved my time management skills. Early on, I met peers (classmates and coworkers) and leaders (professors and managers) who formed a fantastic support and learning network, and some have become lasting friends.
Steve Dunton
Lecturer, Electrical Engineering
Degree(s) Earned
MS Electrical Engineering, communications, systems engineering and space technology
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Go to office hours and talk to faculty! We want you to be successful
What was your experience as a first-generation student?
I was hesitant to go to office hours and my grades suffered as a result
Dr. John Pan
Professor, Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Degree(s) Earned
Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Education is a powerful tool for transforming your life. Prioritize your studies, but also take advantage of opportunities to get involved in clubs and leadership roles when possible. These experiences can enrich your college journey and open doors for your future.
What was your experience as a first-generation student?
My family and friends were incredibly proud when I went to college, but I had little guidance on how to navigate the college experience beyond working hard in my studies. I dedicated myself to my coursework and sought out leadership roles in clubs because I have a passion for volunteering and helping others.
Dr. Garrett Hall
Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Degree(s) Earned
PhD in Continuum and Computational Mechanics
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Don't ever discount the wisdom of where you came from. I have heard faculty say stupid things more regularly than I ever did growing up around people without a college education.
What was your experience as a first-generation student?
Unsettling at first, but I loved every moment of it, and now I look back on it with tremendous gratitude.
