In this section
- Agricultural Education and Communication
- Agribusiness
- Architecture
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- City and Regional Planning
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Communications Studies
- Economics
- Education
- Ethnic Studies
- Experience Industry Management
- History
- Kinesiology
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Psychology & Child Development
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Women & Gender Studies
- Wine and Viticulture
BEACoN Network
What is the BEACoN Network?
The BEACoN Mentor Network is composed of faculty that participate in the BEACoN mentor program. The profiles presented are to help students identify possible mentors and help faculty get to now other members of the network. If you are a student feel free to suggest a possible mentor when you fill out the form to join the network.
To join the BEACoN Mentor Network
Students click here! Faculty click here!
Agricultural Education and Communication
Dr. Ann De Lay
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"As a first generation student myself, a university environment can be a challenging one to navigate. I was blessed to have a lot of support and I look forward to sharing that with others."
Research Interests:
- the recruitment, professional growth and retention of quality agriculture teachers
- the experiences of first generation students
- the perspectives of underserved and underrepresented populations in agricultural education
Dr. Robert A. Flores
Contact InfoReason for Joining BEACoN
"As a first generation student and the first one to move away from home, I somehow was able to progress in the university environment when I went away to college. After much reflection, I realized that it was not only because of family support back home that I was able to survive and prosper, but it was mentors on campus that took the time to let me know that I was valued and on the right track toward a degree."
Research Interests:
- Leadership development
- Program development in Career Technical Education
Agribusiness
Dr. Neal MacDougall
Contact InfoReason for Joining BEACoN
"I want to help build a broader and more inclusive community -- regardless of position/situation at Cal Poly"
Research Interests:
- Teaching
- Organic Agriculture
- Water Issues
- Immigration Issues
Dr. Humberto L. Norman
Contact InfoReason for Joining BEACoN
"I felt the struggle of being a first generation college student. I now teach beginning design and 2nd year practice in the same department I graduated 10 years ago. I think my experience can be of help in mentoring students facing similar challenges"
Research Interests:
- Residential Design
- Cultural Institutions
- Drawing as a mode of Thinking and Representation
- Construction Documentation, Permitting, and Detailing Anthropometry
Biology
Dr. Gita Kolluru
Contact InfoReason for Joining BEACoN
"I am strongly committed to providing an inclusive learning environment for our students. As a female of color in STEM, I recognize the challenges that may be faced by students in an environment that is not inclusive, and I have seen firsthand the importance of mentorship in helping students overcome these challenges."
Research Interests:
- Behavioral Ecology
- Animal Behavior
- Evolution
Dr. Benjamin Ruttenberg
Contact InfoReason for Joining BEACoN
"I have been teaching the 1st quarter intro bio course for freshmen bio majors. While I have generally seen many of them succeed, some have not. Since success in the 1st quarter can translate to success throughout college, I'd like to help these students succeed. In addition, I have lived in Latin America for many years and I am fluent in Spanish, so I may be particularly helpful for students from multicultural backgrounds."
Research Interests:
- Marine Ecology
- Marine Conservation
Dr. Candace Winstead
Contact InfoReason for Joining BEACoN
"I am a first generation college graduate. I have personal experience with having serious financial impediments to attending school and would like to give back to those who might also be facing similar hardships. In addition, I believe that a diverse student population is a healthy one and would like to help however I can to promote retention of underrepresented students, as I feel that we have issues here at Cal Poly with campus climate and support of underrepresented students."
Research Interests:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pre-health professionals
- Public Health
Dr. Elena Keeling
Contact InfoReason for Joining BEACoN
"Interacting with students is one of my favorite parts of this job! I am very supportive of the idea of providing more mentorship and guidance to students. I think Cal Poly is a welcoming and comfortable place for many students but not all; I would like to be part of this program as a way to try to improve the atmosphere and sense of community for all students."
Research Interests:
- Biology Education
- Development and regeneration in colonial ascidians
- Algal lysis with pulsed electric fields for biofuel applications
Dr. Francis Villablanca
Contact InfoReason for Joining BEACoN
"I was an undergraduate at Cal Poly and know first hand what the student experience is like. I now have professional experience at Poly and some cultural capital that I would love to share with students. In particular, I enjoy engaging students in research in ecology and evolution and working towards a diverse workforce that is empathetic and cross-culturally competent"
Research Interests:
- Evolution (Molecular and Organismal)
- Population Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Population Genetics
Dr. Grace Goshke
Contact Info
Phone: 805.756.2454
ggoschke@calpoly.edu
Website
Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I think that I could help encourage students to be successful at Cal Poly. "
Research Interests:
- IN/A
Dr. Lisa Needles
Contact InfoReason for Joining BEACoN
"I believe it is important for students who are under represented in STEM to have mentors that they can identify with. While I myself am Caucasian, my daughter is African American and I am highly aware of the lack of diversity in my field and some of the issues that under represented students face to overcome the barriers to success. I want to be a part of helping to promote diversity in my field and to help students of diverse backgrounds succeed."
Research Interests:
- Marine Ecology & Conservation
Dr. Sandi Clement
Contact InfoReason for Joining BEACoN
"I was a first generation college student, and I realize in retrospect that the college I attended invested time and resources into helping their first generation students succeed. I still keep in touch with several of those professors, and they have continued to serve as mentors to me. I want to be that mentor for students here at Cal Poly to help them succeed."
Research Interests:
- Cell signaling
- Genetics
- Mammalian cell culture
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
- Gender, Race, Culture, Science & Technology
Dr. Marie Yeung
Contact InfoReason for Joining BEACoN:
"I believe the greatest, positive impact to students can be achieved through close, personal interactions. A support network is crucial for some students to succeed."
Research Interests
- Food and dairy microbiology
- Food safety and protection
- Pathogenesis of foodborne pathogens
- Molecular detection and epidemiology
Dr. Alejandra Yep
Contact InfoReason for Joining BEACoN:
"From my years learning, teaching and mentoring I know that your entire college experience can improve greatly if you are surrounded by a support network along the way. The BEACoN Mentors Program is one of many avenues that will help build that community around you at Cal Poly. I am an immigrant to the US (my first language is Spanish) and I know first hand how hard it can be to feel out of your element and how much a support network can help you succeed."
Research Interests
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Microbial Pathogenesis
Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Micheal Whitt
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
Research Interests:
City and Regional Planning
Dr. Adrienne Greve
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I have benefited from wonderful mentors and find I enjoy returning the favor now that I am older."
Research Interests:
Dr. Amir Hajrasouliha
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I would like to be part of this program to help students from Middle East or with Middle Eastern parents to succeed in their academic journey. I am very interested in becoming a BEACoN mentor because I would like to share my own expertise and experience with this group of students. "
Research Interests:
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Dr. Hani Alzraiee
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I do believe giving opportunities to underrepresented students to train about challenges in education, research, and professional life will increase their success rate. From my experience with underrepresented students, in many cases, they are afraid to take challenges or sometimes shy to ask for help."
Research Interests:
- Construction Engineering
- Building Information Modeling
- Infrastructure Rehabilitation
- Project Monitoring and Controls
Communications Studies
Dr. Anuraj Dhillon
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"Being an international student, I can relate to the experiences of underrepresented students and how challenging it could be to navigate the education system in the US. I would not have been where I am without the support of my advisor, friends, and family. Reflecting on my journey and learning from my experiences, I want to help and support those in need and be able to make a difference in their lives."
Research Interests:
- Interpersonal Communication
- Nonverbal Communication
- Public Speaking
Dr. Leslie Nelson
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I have always valued collaborating with students to achieve their personal and professional goals. In the past, I have had the opportunity to mentor and advise a diverse population of undergraduate and graduate students, including international students, first-generation students, racial and ethnic minority students, non-traditional students, and students of low socioeconomic status. By working with students of all walks of life I have become more conscious of how issues of difference and equity are affected by and reflected in the education system."
Research Interests:
- Communication in Diverse Forms
- Communicating Identity
Dr. Amy Ward
Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I want to be part of Cal Poly's mission for inclusivity. This is something that is very important to me in my classroom but I'd like to be involved in every way that I can to make sure underrepresented students feel empowered and are successful."
Research Interests:
- Intercultural Communication
- Cultural Studies
Dr. Emily Ryalls
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I very much enjoy mentoring students and feel I could be a good resource."
Research Interests:
- Feminist Media Studies
- Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality in Popular Culture
Dr. Lisa Kawamura
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I have been a full-time faculty member at Cal Poly for 17 years. I have institutional knowledge and experience from my almost-30 years of experience in higher education. I already, informally mentor several students that are seen as "at risk" and try to meet with them at least once per quarter to see how they are doing. I believe that some students need support beyond the typical classroom interaction and enjoy being able to provide that for them. "
Research Interests:
- Performance studies
- Argumentation and Debate
Economics
Dr. Jacqueline Doremus
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"Working alongside a mentor can change your life. It changed mine. I seek research assistants who have had less exposure to research, who don't often see researchers who look like them or share their experiences. I want to empower my mentees to imagine a broader, more inclusive system of knowledge production that includes their perspective and, through our work together, actively changes knowledge production today."
Research Interests:
- Effectiveness of voluntary policies (boycotts, eco-labels) at achieving environmental goals
- Therapeutic usage of recreational cannabis
- Reducing plastic pollution and tropical forest degradation
- Pet Economics
Dr. Kathryn Vasilaky
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I have a sincere pursuit for knowledge and understanding new material that I would love every student to embody. But not all students have the same resources or preparation to enjoy learning for learning's sake when they arrive at college. As a mentor my goals are to help students break down tough material in their courses, engender creativity in their career paths, and help students develop their professional image for the work place."
Research Interests:
- Development economics
- Experimental economics
- Data Science
Education
Dr. Oscar Navarro
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I am interested in supporting undergrad and post-bac students in doing research in education, if possible in diverse schools. I have a background in collaborative research and would love to work alongside young minds."
Research Interests:
- Social Justice Teaching
- Youth Participatory action
- Urban Secondary School
- Students of color in secondary school
Ethnic Studies
Dr. Denise Isom
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I have always felt as if it was my responsibility as a first generation college student myself. The mentoring of women and people of color was the topic of my masters thesis, so it is a commitment I hold dear."
Research Interests:
- Racialized Gender Identity
- African-American Studies
- Race, Culture and Schooling
Dr. Grace Yeh
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"In the past, I have had people who informally were mentors and they (without probably realizing it) had such a positive impact on me and guiding me toward my future. I may not be the perfect mentor, but I think I've been around the block within academia that I could offer insight, perspective, and support for a student or others."
Research Interests:
- Race/Ethnicity in US
- Cultural Studies
- Asian American Studies
- Public & Oral History
Experience Industry Management
Dr. Jerusha Greenwood
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"Student success has become a cornerstone of my professional philosophy, and I'm passionate about reducing the barriers many students who have earned a seat at Cal Poly face to build community, connect with faculty, and find the resources they need to be successful. I see my role as a faculty member is to be an advocate and mentor as students explore both the professional and personal experiences that will enrich their lives and give them the experiences that will distinguish them as professionals. "
Research Interests:
- Sustainable development through tourism
- General systems theory
History
Dr. Tom R. Trice
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"While not officially "out" as an undergrad, I benefited immensely from faculty who knew me better than I knew myself, yet who knew that what I needed most was someone to listen. They helped me to discover that I could not only survive hatred and rejection, but thrive in spite of or perhaps because of it. I've also been "teaching" since junior high, as a result of my rural southern school's short-lived program for self-directed exploration and learning. And from that time onward I never ever wanted to do anything else once I realized how the mutual exchange of ideas can enrich, heal, and liberate even amidst the most unfavorable circumstances. Finally, thanks to a handful of teachers in my own life, the desire for social justice, in its broadest sense, informs every class I teach and every research project I pursue. Indeed, it is the primary lens through which I see my world. I'd especially like to help other LGBTQIA individuals find their own self worth, self confidence, passions, and purpose as well, although my door is open to everyone."
Research Interests:
- Modern Social and Cultural History
- Cultural Studies
Kinesiology
Dr. Christine Hackman
Contact Info:
Phone: 805.756.1363
chackman@calpoly.edu
Website
Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I want to do my part in closing the achievement gap that exists at Cal Poly. I also recognize the positive impact that good mentoring can have on student success. "
Research Interests:
- Interpersonal Violence
Dr. Sarah Keadle
Contact Info:
Phone: 805.756.1785
skeadle@calpoly.edu
Website
Reason for Joining BEACoN
"There are severe health inequities in our country and if we are going to successfully reduce these disparities we need a more diverse public health and medical workforce. I have benefited to much for mentoring in my career and recognize the importance of good mentoring for student success. I hope to inspire students to ask research questions they are passionate about and have the confidence to find the answers."
Research Interests:
- Measuring physical activity and sitting time using activity monitors
- Interventions to increase physical activity and decrease sitting time.
Dr. Camille O'Bryant
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"My ultimate goal is to empower students to take responsibility for their experiences in the classroom."
Research Interests:
- Intersection of Psychology & Sociology in sports and Physical Activity
Dr. Marilyn Tseng
Contact Info:
Phone: 805.756.2196
mtseng@calpoly.edu
Reason for Joining BEACoN
"Getting to know my professors beyond the classroom is one of the most important things a student can do in college. The BEACoN Mentors Program offers the same sort of opportunities that I benefited from as an undergraduate."
Research Interests:
- Health inequalities
- Public Health Nutrition
Materials Engineering
Dr. Jean Lee
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"As a first generation college student, I wish that I had a trusted, knowledgeable, and accessible mentor who could help me with my academic, career, and life decisions. I hope to use my experience to help other first generation college students achieve academic, professional, and personal success. "
Research Interests:
- Nano-materials
- Environmental Sustainability
- Materials Characterization
Mathematics
Dr. Vincent Bonini
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I would like to help Cal Poly in our mission to become a more diverse and inclusive campus. From personal experience, I know that the transition to university culture and life can be difficult to navigate. I would like to support students in this transition and I hope to help students reach their full potential through mentoring and by creating opportunities for underrepresented students in mathematical research. "
Research Interests:
- Mathematics
- Differential Geometry
- Undergraduate Pure Mathematics Courses
Dr. Elsa Medina
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I am the first of my family to attend college. As a Latina in mathematics, I can relate to some students with a similar background who may need guidance in terms of college success. "
Research Interests:
Dr. Stan Yoshinobu
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I was a first generation college student, and grew up working class. My father was a gardener and landscaper. Neither of my parents went to college, and I personally understand the challenges students face as first generation college students. "
Research Interests:
Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Brian Self
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"STEM fields, especially engineering, have difficulty recruiting and sometimes retaining those from under-represented fields. Sometimes retention issues can be due to students feeling that their professors do not take an interest in them. This program can help to solve this problem."
Research Interests:
- Biomechanics
- Aerospace Physiology
- Engineering Education
Physics
Dr. Stamantis Vokos
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I am committed to the idea that institutional racism/sexism/classism in our society can be addressed not just by policy but also by person-to-person authentic connection. "
Research Interests:
Dr. Louise Edwards
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"To better understand and support the current study body. To share my experiences as a woman of color in physics with the aim of helping those now coming up."
Research Interests:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- The formation and Evolution of Brightest Cluster Galaxies
- Galaxies in Cluster Cores and in Filaments
Dr. Colleen Marlow
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I would like to increase the diversity on campus overall and specifically I would like to increase the diversity in Physics. Interpersonal relationships are very powerful in supporting underrepresented students and increasing the likelihood of them continuing on. I, myself, was the lucky recipient of faculty reaching out and mentoring me while I was an undergraduate student at Cal Poly in Physics. While none of those mentors were women their sincere support and presence kept me in the major and ultimately changed the course of my life. Which is a main reason I came back to Cal Poly to do the same for other women and underrepresented groups in Physics. I want to acknowledge, encourage and empower them in Physics and in their life."
Research Interests:
- Nanophysics
- Neuroscience
Psychology & Child Development
Dr. Kelly Bennion
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"Although I was very fortunate to have loving and supportive parents, as a first-generation college graduate, it is hard for me to imagine where I would be today if not for the one-on-one mentorship of my college professors. I am thrilled to now be in their shoes, giving tangible advice to students about how to pursue their academic and career goals, and inspiring students to believe in themselves — not only in the pursuit of scientific knowledge, but in all areas of their lives."
Research Interests:
- Memory
- Sleep
- Emotion and stress
- Education implications of memory research
Dr. Laura Cacciamani
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"To me, the best part about being a professor is mentoring students. I aim to empower all students to achieve their goals and to enjoy the personal and intellectual development that occurs along the way. Some students may find this more difficult than others; I hope to help all students realize their potential."
Research Interests:
- Cognitive psychology
- Neuroscience
- Multisensory perception and memory
Dr. Julie Garcia
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"As a first generation college student, I relied on faculty guidance to help me navigate academia and identify a path to obtaining a PhD. Although I am fortunate enough to have the support of family for my career goals, they didn't have the experience to provide me with tangible steps to succeed academically. I see it as a critical role for my job to give back and help mentor students to ensure that they meet their academic objectives. As a product of a CSU education, I wanted the opportunity to help out other CSU students--which is why I love working at Cal Poly. I look forward to helping you succeed at Cal Poly and beyond."
Research Interests:
- Social Stigma
- Self-Esteem and Self-Concept
- Stereotyping and Prejudice
- Multiple Social Identities
- Ally Identification and Behavior
- Stereotype Threat
- Underrepresentation in STEM
Dr. Jay Bettergarcia
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"As a first generation biracial Latinx student, I had support from my family, but so much of my mentorship came from underrepresented faculty and staff who helped me navigate my way through college, graduate school, and into academia. I hope to inspire and support students as they explore and navigate their own paths-- just as my mentors did for me."
Research Interests:
- LGBTQ mental health and wellness
- Transgender affirming therapy
- Interventions to reduce internalized stigma and minority stress
- Evidence-based teaching and training about diversity
Dr. Jennifer Teramoto Pedrotti
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"As a second generation college student, I see how different my path has been in comparison to my father's first generation experience.
Research Interests:
- Intersection of Positive Psychology and Multiculturalism
- Multicultural Education
- Hope and Well-being
- Biracial Identity Development
Dr. Debra Valencia-Laver
Contact Info:
Phone: 805.756.2359
dlvalenc@calpoly.edu
Website
Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I would like to help support students as they navigate through Cal Poly. I am a first-generation Latina student who was a single mom who started at the community college before going on to earn my bachelors and graduate degrees. I think this experience might be helpful for students who might be facing their own challenges or questions about their futures. "
Research Interests:
Sociology
Dr. Stacey Rucas
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"This program is a wonderful opportunity to work together to ensure the success of all students. As a first generation college student who grew up woefully underfunded, I can relate to the difficulties that many first-generation students face and those that struggle with trying to pay for college. Also, my anthropological training affords me the skills and knowledge required to understand the different cultural backgrounds that people come from and to appreciate the great diversity in human behavior and lifeways that we see here at Cal Poly and around the world. It would mean a lot to me to be of service in the capacity of this mentorship program. "
Research Interests:
Dr. Unique Shaw-Smith
Contact Info:
Phone: 805.756.2280
ushawsmi@calpoly.edu
Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I am returning to CP and was previously a BEACoN Mentor but did not get the opportunity to mentor a student. I would like to be a mentor because I love working one on one with students to achieve their goals. As a minority faculty member, I also think students could benefit from working directly with others who have endured similar experiences. "
Research Interests:
- Sociology
- Criminology
- Incarceration
- Race and Ethnicity
- Quantitative Research Methods and Analysis
- Juveniles
- Theory
Statistics
Dr. Prince Afriyie
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
" I am an immigrant, a first generation college student and a man of color. By virtue of the aforementioned qualities, I have learnt so much by doing and I am happy to help mentor students either through research or any capacity, especially underrepresented students here at Cal Poly."
Research Interests:
- Cancer research using statistics
- Data analysis
Dr. Samuel Frame
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"I attended Cal Poly as an undergraduate. I want to give back to current students the same magical and life-changing experiences that I had, and be an accomplice to developing a more diverse community through teaching and research."
Research Interests:
- Statistical Computing
- Computational Statistics
- Quantitative Finance and Economics
- Business Analytics
- Online Course Development
Women & Gender Studies
Dr. Jane Lehr
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
"As LSAMP Faculty Director, I know that a mentoring relationship with a student that is focused on working with the student to identify and make explicit her existing strengths can be transformative for the student and faculty member, even if the faculty member is outside of the student's discipline."
Research Interests:
Wine and Viticulture
Dr. Robert Anderson
Contact Info:Reason for Joining BEACoN
To support and accelerate student situational awareness leading to development of a tactical & technique "tool kit" to use.
Research Interests:
