Meet the FGSF Mentors
Jamil Momand, PhD
Cal State Los Angeles
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FGSF Founder and Board Chair
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Professor of Biochemistry
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FGSF Mentor Since 2024
Paula Fischhaber, PhD
Cal State Northridge
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Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
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FGSF Mentor Since 2025
Dr. Fischhaber became involved through FGSF Board Chair Jamil Momand, who she has known for years as a colleague in the California State University system-wide Biotechnology affinity group, CSUBIOTECH (formerly known as CSUPERB). CSUBIOTECH fosters collaboration between faculty among the 23-campus system.
Yangyang Liu, PhD
Cal State Los Angeles
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Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
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FGSF Mentor Since 2026
Deepali Bhandari, PhD
Cal State Long Beach
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Professor of Biochemistry
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Interim Dean for Research and Graduate Studies
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FGSF Mentor Since 2026
"As an educator and mentor, I have seen firsthand how guidance, encouragement, and opportunity can change the trajectory of a student's life. The First Generation Scholarship Fund (FGSF) helps make that transformation possible by providing students with both financial support and a strong sense of community. Being an FGSF mentor is a privilege and I am proud to support its mission at the Beach."
Janel Ortiz, PhD
Cal Poly Pomona
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Associate Professor in the Center for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching and the Department of Biological Sciences
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FGSF Mentor Since 2026
"I think the transfer stage to the 4 year university is such an important transition for the student to begin building community, becoming familiar with resources, and having me as a support structure at their new school so I can help with this big move in their educational career."
