Meet the FGSF Scholars
2026 Scholars
Adam Marx
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Major: Biochemistry
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Transferred from: Cypress Community College
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Attending: Cal State LA
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Mentor: Dr. Yangyang Liu
Leroy Rio Anderson
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Major: Electrical Engineering
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Transferred from: Pasadena City College
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Attending: Cal State LA
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Mentor: Dr. Yangyang Liu
Rio will focus on Embedded Programming and Robotics, with a long-term goal to launch a robotics startup.
"When I started at PCC a few years ago, I couldn't add fractions. Today, I can solve complex differential equations and modern physics problems that I once could only admire. What pushed me wasn't only grit and discipline, but love. Not just for science; but to be the evidence my family and younger siblings can see, to know anything is possible."
Ashlyn Gomez-Jimenez
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Major: Biology/Ecology/Zoology
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Transferred from: San Bernadino Valley College
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Attending: Cal State Long Beach
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Mentor: Dr. Deepali Bhandari
Dyllon Johnson
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Major: Civil Engineering
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Transferred from: Pasadena City College
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Attending: Cal Poly Pomona
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Mantor: Dr. Janel Ortiz
Dyllon has an interest in civil infrastructure and structural engineering, as well as ways to make buildings and civil structures more sustainable and long-lasting.
“Civil infrastructure has long been overlooked in the states. I would like to use my education to better understand it while also gaining valuable experiences that I would not gain otherwise. Nobody deserves to live in crumbling cities, drink unfiltered water and travel by broken roads.”
Mario Mendoza Jr.
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Major: General Civil Engineering
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Transferred from: Fullerton Community College
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Attending: Cal Poly Pomona
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Mentor: Dr. Janel Ortiz
Mario has an interest in the structural discipline of Civil Engineering, specifically bridges and buildings. He has a long-term interest in working for a Civil Engineering company in the Los Angeles area.
"To think that I was going to be a welding major 3 years ago, it's surprising to say the least that I got this far in my education. Fueled by pure grit, resilience, and the determination that comes from acknowledging that I am a first generation engineering student, I am eager to see what the future holds."
Rosalee Cordova
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Major: Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
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Transferred from: Cerritos College
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Attending: Cal Poly Pomona
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Mentor: Dr. Janel Ortiz
2025 Scholars
Moira Iñiguez
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Major: Mechanical Engineering
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Transferred from: Compton College
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Attending: Cal State LA
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Mentor: Dr. Jamil Momand
Moira has a long-term interest in Robotics and Ocean Engineering.
“I am going to use my education to contribute to engineering a better future, both for my community and our earth, facing and overcoming challenges as they arise.”
Angel Ortega
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Major: Biology
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Transferred from: Los Angeles City College
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Attending: Cal State LA
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Mentor: Dr. Jamil Momand
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Internship: California Dental Assistant Program
Angel has a long-term interest in dentistry.
“I’m driven by the opportunity to make a real impact through healthcare. Every experience is a chance to grow, learn, and get one step closer to giving back to the communities that shaped me."
Allan-Miguel Soylon
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Major: Mechanical Engineering
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Transferred from: Los Angeles City College
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Attending: Cal State Northridge
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Mentor: Dr. Paula Fischhaber
Allan-Miguel has a long-term interest in the motorsports industry.
"I've learned that the path to my goals isn't always a straight one. There may be interesting twists and turns, but I know I will reach them."
Daniel Uhl
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Major: Psychology
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Transferred from: Los Angeles City College
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Attending: Cal State LA
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Mentor: Dr. Jamil Momand
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Internship: PlayLA
Daniel has a long-term interest in Sports Psychology.
"I’ve learned that growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone and stay curious. Education has shown me that there’s always more to learn, more to understand, and more ways to help others unlock their potential."
2024 Scholars
Valerie Gutierrez
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Major: Civil Engineering
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Transferred from: Pasadena City College
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Attending: Cal State LA
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Mentor: Dr. Jamil Momand
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Internships: Psomas; LA County Public Works, Stormwater Planning Division
Valerie has a long-term interest in environmental sustainability.
"It's okay to be lost and not have everything figured out, as long as you remain open. Open to learning new things, gaining different perspectives, listening to the world around you, and understanding how you can create a better environment for yourself and others."
Charlie Kaing
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Major: Computer Science
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Transferred from: Pasadena City College
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Attending: Cal State LA
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Mentor: Dr. Jamil Momand
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Internships: Huntington Medical Research Institute; Cal State LA Computer Science Department
Charlie has a long-term goal of entering the computer science field after graduating.
He quotes a famous movie as his motivation for seizing opportunities like FGSF: “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.”
