Congratulations to the 2025 California Pre-Doctoral Program (Sally Casanova) Recipient, Jissel Antonio!

Jissel Antonio | ’26 Chicana and Chicano Studies, MA

Read about what being a Sally Casanova awardee means to Jissel, her amazing research work, and how SJSU has shaped her education.

My research focuses on the invisibility of Indigenous communities, specifically first-generation Spanish-speaking Oaxacan youth, in California’s K–12 Ethnic Studies curriculum. By analyzing decolonial pedagogies, I examine how educational spaces can be reimagined to become more inclusive and humanizing. Moving forward, I aim to continue to grow this work through my doctoral studies, continuing to bridge scholarship with communities and honor lived experiences, language preservation, and cultural knowledge.

SJSU, specifically the Chicana and Chicano Studies program, has provided me with the academic foundation, mentorship, and opportunities to grow as a scholar. With the support and guidance of Dr. Christine Vega, I have learned to bring my lived experiences into dialogue with theory and practice. Her mentorship has shaped not only the way I approach research but also how I carry it forward with respect, accountability, and a deep commitment to the communities I serve.”

Congratulations again to Jissel on this well-deserved recognition!

Congratulations to the 2025 CSU Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program (CDIP) Recipient, Stephanie Stiavetti!

Read more about what being a CDIP awardee means to Stephanie, as well as her research and advocacy work:

Stephanie Stiavetti | ’27 PhD, Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) at University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)
Development

“I am incredibly grateful to be accepted as a CDIP fellow. As a disabled, first-generation student from a disadvantaged background, this program provides critical support that will allow me to complete my doctoral studies and prepare for a faculty role within the CSU system. My primary goal in academia is to expand diversity within clinical behavioral health, with a particular focus on increasing representation of people with disabilities in the psychotherapy profession. With the mentorship of Dr. Jason Laker, I hope to one day become faculty at CSU and help train the next generation of clinical counselors.

My primary research interest centers on addressing workforce shortages in the counseling field. Currently, I am exploring the experiences of counselors-in-training who identify as having disabilities. My goal is to understand how master’s-level counseling programs can become more accessible and inclusive, so that individuals with disabilities are better supported in entering the profession. As of 2024, CDC data shows that over 70 million adults in the US identify as having a disability. This work is particularly important to me because it expands the pipeline of counselors who bring lived experience and insight into serving clients with disabilities.

I am also very interested in advancing early screening and intervention practices for severe mental illness within counselor education. I believe this area of training is underrepresented in my field. Equipping future counselors with stronger skills in identifying and responding to early signs of serious mental health conditions is vital to improving long-term outcomes for counseling clients.

I am very grateful for the mentorship of Dr. Jason Laker at SJSU. As Chair of the Department of Counselor Education, and former Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Laker brings extensive knowledge of both the counseling field and higher education as a whole. His guidance will be invaluable as I work toward my goal of becoming a CSU faculty member.”

Congratulations again to Stephanie on this well-deserved recognition—be sure to check out the amazing advocacy work she’s doing!

Congratulations to the 2025 Dr. Hector and Catalina Garcia Graduate Endowed Scholarship Recipients! Read why they are honored to receive this scholarship.

Danny Castillo | ’25 M.A., Interdisciplinary Studies, Queer Anthropology in Child Development

Danny Castillo | ’25 M.A., Interdisciplinary Studies, Queer Anthropology in Child Development

Development

“In a year marked by political instability and mounting pressure on the communities I belong to and serve—Latine/x and LGBTQ+—receiving the Dr. Hector and Catalina Endowment Scholarship has been both a lifeline and a source of renewed motivation. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are core to my academic and personal mission. From working at the Office of LGBTQ Affairs to helping launch the Queer Hope Institute, I remain committed to creating meaningful and lasting change. This scholarship strengthens my resolve and allows me to focus on completing my master’s thesis on Drag Story Time as a site of resistance, queer world-making, and community building. As a graduate student studying Queer Anthropology in Child Development through Interdisciplinary Studies, my work centers on the lives and futures of queer youth of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.”

Jose Luiz Sarabia Torres | ’26 M.S. Mechanical Engineering

Jose Luiz Sarabia Torres | ’26 M.S. Mechanical Engineering

“Serving the Hispanic community, through the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, fills my heart with happiness as it gives me the opportunity to invest in the next generation of STEM leaders. As a future Mechanical Engineer, I strive to use my story, as a first generation college student, to inspire students to follow their dreams and accomplish their career goals. Pursuing my Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Jose State University (SJSU) has been a phenomenal experience as I get the opportunity to network with various Hispanic ERG groups in Silicon Valley. Scholarships like these allow me to continue my education, but also continue to do what I love and inspire the Hispanic community through Noche de Ciencias, Equipando Padres and leading community outreach events in the Bay Area.”

Melanie Mena | ’26 M.A. Guidance and Counseling

Melanie Mena | ’26 M.A. Guidance and Counseling

“I am extremely grateful to be highlighted through this scholarship for supporting my Hispanic community. My commitment to equity and access has always been a part of my identity, and this scholarship is a reminder that resilience, purpose, and effort can make a difference. This has instilled confidence to continue to be service-oriented and driven amidst difficulty. As a Hispanic woman, I learned to advocate for the education I wanted, since access to resources never felt the same as others. My goal after SJSU is to continue providing meaningful academic and social impact as a school counselor, particularly for Hispanic and disadvantaged youth. Getting my M.A. in Guidance and Counseling at SJSU has garnered an invaluable sense of community and support. The staff has always made extensive efforts to ensure I had access to internships, jobs, information, and scholarships like this one. I am thankful for these opportunities and plan to continue to make the most of them.”

San José State University (SJSU) is home to passionate and driven students pursuing their dreams in the field of audiology. Three students share their unique paths, the reasons they chose SJSU, and how the university has helped them thrive as future audiologists in their Doctor of Audiology program.

Kimberly Mitchell, Doctor of Audiology ‘27

From Undergraduate Inspiration to Doctoral Research

For Kimberly Mitchell, the journey to audiology began during her undergraduate studies at SJSU, where she earned a degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences with a minor in Deaf Education. These classes in hearing science ignited her interest in audiology and deepened her passion for hearing science and balance disorders.

Kimberly is currently on an exciting research journey, exploring the link between electronic cigarette usage and tinnitus in adults. In addition to this groundbreaking work, she is in clinical placements at Sutter Health and the Veterans Affair Clinic, where she focuses on pediatric and adult diagnostics, aural rehabilitation, and community outreach.

“There are so many reasons why the doctoral program for Audiology at San José State is the perfect fit for me,” Kimberly said. “Not only is our program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE), but it is also working toward a second accreditation with CAA, making it a fierce competitor among other programs.”

Kimberly praised the program’s inclusive learning environment, supported by both working clinicians and research-based professors who provide evidence-based instruction. “All current staff and faculty members push us to be our best and support us through anything that we need; whether it be more assistance with classes, help understanding day-to-day clinic procedure procedures, or just a friend to talk to, our faculty cares about making sure we are all off on the best foot!” she added.

Lani Ballard, Doctor of Audiology, ‘27

Discovering a Lifelong Calling

Lani Ballard’s journey to audiology was unexpected. Growing up, she was uncertain about her career path, but during her undergraduate studies, she stumbled upon audiology and realized it was the perfect fit. Now, as a second-year doctoral student and the president of the Student Academy of Audiology chapter, she is thriving in both academic and clinical settings.

“I felt as though I had found what I was meant to do,” shares Lani, who is currently conducting research on central auditory processing and listening effort in cochlear implant users, focusing on multisensory integration. Additionally, her clinical placement at Los Gatos Audiology has provided hands-on experience under the mentorship of exceptional professionals.

As a San José native, Lani feels a responsibility to give back to the community. “I am forever indebted to the people here who have shaped my educational journey. San José State is an exceptional university with a commendable dedication to serving the Bay Area,” she reflects.

To students uncertain about their career path, Lani advises, “Take advantage of your education; use it to explore new and exciting fields until you find one that resonates with you. I’d never thought that I would have found a career that truly excites me, but I did in audiology.”

Finding Balance and Fulfillment in Audiology

Melissa Gawne, Doctor of Audiology ‘25 was drawn to audiology because of its perfect balance of science and community service. With a longstanding interest in human anatomy and physiology and a passion for helping others, a career in the medical field was a natural choice for her. Audiology provided the ideal opportunity to positively impact lives while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

“Audiology gave me both! Within audiology, I enjoy the variety that each day brings me and the different specialties available to me. I love being able to work with patients of all ages and being a part of making their lives more fulfilling,” shares Melissa. She encourages others interested in the field to gain firsthand insight by observing at a local clinic or at SJSU’s on-campus clinic.

What solidified her decision to choose SJSU was the university’s passionate faculty and top-tier clinical facilities. “The professors are eager to share their knowledge and expertise with students, and the clinical facilities are top-tier. This program strives for excellence and is not afraid to change courses to better support what students need to feel competent and confident,” she notes.

The stories of Kimberly, Lani, and Melissa showcase the diverse paths that lead to a rewarding career in audiology. With dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to student success, SJSU continues to be a place where aspiring audiologists thrive and prepare to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Sunny Koh – ’24 M.S. Occupational Therapy

Meet Sunny Koh an M.S. Occupational Therapy student, and 2024-2025 Human Rights Institute (HRI) Aris Anagnos Graduate Student Research Scholarship recipient!

This prestigious scholarship is awarded to students who are advancing graduate research and championing human and civil rights. It is named in tribute to Aris Anagnos whose lifelong commitment to human rights and justice serves as an inspiration.

Sunny enthusiastically expressed her gratitude for being this year’s recipient, stating, “this scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me. It reaffirms my commitment to making a positive impact in the field of occupational therapy and highlights the importance of supporting underserved populations. I am motivated by the desire to enhance the quality of life for individuals through innovative and inclusive practices.”

Sunny offered a compelling overview of her current research project, highlighting its significance and impact. Her project examines the effectiveness of telehealth services for disabled youth and other underserved populations. Sunny’s work is centered on assessing how telehealth can bridge gaps in access to care, boost engagement, and enhance health outcomes for these groups in the post-pandemic era.

After graduation, Sunny plans to advance her research and present her findings as an occupational therapist specializing in telehealth and innovative therapy solutions at INSPIRE 2025 in Philadelphia PA (April 3-5, 2025). She’s excited to improve accessibility and effectiveness in therapy services. This past summer, she had the opportunity to work with Outdoor Kids Occupational Therapy (OKOT) in outdoor-based, nature-intensive therapy, which deepened her enthusiasm for using nature in therapy. 

Sunny’s experience and dedication to advancing research and championing human rights are designed to bring fresh, impactful changes to the field—and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next! Congratulations, Sunny!

Applicants interested in applying to the scholarship next year, can visit this website for more information.