California State University Channel Islands
Camarillo, CA., July 29, 2010 – Three California State University Channel Islands (CI) students are among
about 70 students who have been named California State University (CSU) Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral
Scholars. Beginning in the fall, these students will work closely during their senior year to prepare for future
graduate studies and will each receive $3,000 for work with their faculty mentors. They will also be invited to
participate in a fully-funded research internship at a University of California or other campus for six weeks
during summer 2011.
Ashley Bonneau, a biology major with a minor in chemistry, will work with her mentor Dr. Nitika Parmar,
Assistant Professor of Biology, preparing for graduate work in cellular and molecular biology. Danika
Lindsay, a double major in mathematics and applied physics, will continue her studies with Dr. Ivona
Grzegorczyk, Professor of Mathematics. Jennifer Waters, a mathematics major, will also work with Dr.
Grzegorczyk in algebraic geometry in preparation for Ph.D. studies after graduation.
The California Pre-Doctoral Program is designed to increase the pool of potential faculty by supporting the
doctoral aspirations of CSU students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages. The
program places a special emphasis on increasing the number of CSU students who enter doctoral programs
at one of the University of California (UC) institutions.
"I am honored to be a recipient of the Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholarship,” said Bonneau. “This award
provides opportunities for me to continue to pursue my educational goals and I am so grateful to my
research adviser, Dr. Parmar, for all of her time and assistance over the past two years."
“I am thrilled to be a part of this program! I know that all of the resources it provides will help immensely in
my journey to a doctoral program,” added Lindsay. “I would really like to thank Dr. Kathryn Leonard and Dr.
Grzegorczyk. They both provided me with so much help and guidance, and I cannot thank them enough.
“This award and opportunity brings me closer to fulfilling my academic goals,” said Waters. “I'm so grateful
for the supportive faculty and staff at CI who have made this opportunity possible for me, especially Dr.
Cynthia Wyels and Dr. Grzegorczyk. I believe this award will open the necessary doors to help make me
successful.”
Ryanne Cox, a biology major studying with Dr. Amy Denton, chair of the biology program, received an
honorable mention.
CSU Channel Islands seeks to involve undergraduates in research experiences with faculty and the Pre-
Doctoral Program funds such activities for a select group interested in doctoral work.
"This is the first time CI has had three students designated as Sally Casanova Scholars. We're delighted! It's
a tribute to our mathematics and biology programs, and to our campus focus on undergraduate research."
said Dr. Stephen Lefevre, coordinator of the Pre-Doctoral Program at CSU Channel Islands and Associate
Vice President for Academic Programs & Planning.
A description of the CSU Pre-Doctoral Scholars program, other recipients and its goals is available at
www.calstate.edu/PreDoc
