Thrive Event Series

Don't Just Survive... Thrive!

Attending a college or university will lead to a career in which you can succeed and love what you do. But school is so much more than sitting in class and listening to lectures! The Thrive Event Series offers opportunities to College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (CNSM) students for skill building in academic, professional, and personal development. Here you will find free events and workshops from a variety of CNSM and campus services.

For questions about the Thrive Event Series, please contact Sonia Santos (Sonia.Santos@csulb.edu).

Spring 2024 Schedule

Note: For the events that are hosted virtually, we generally post the recordings if they are available, but we encourage attending events in real-time because it will give you the opportunity to ask questions to the presenters and shape your own experience.

Like a Boss: Women in Science and Math Panel

Tuesday, March 12. 5:00pm-6:30pm. USU Ballrooms

Women in Science and Math Panel is an annual College of Natural Sciences and Math Thrive Event that brings women leaders to share their experiences in their careers in the context of empowering CNSM students. You can expect the panel discussion to be about their experience as students, share their career path, and their overall experience in the professional world. Food and refreshments will be provided.

Register for 3/12 Event

Speakers

Dr. Desiree Forsythe
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  • Bachelors: Wildlife Conservation and Management, Kansas State University
  • Masters: Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas
  • Ph.D.: Education, Higher Education Track, University of Rhode Island
  • Grand Challenges Initiative Postdoctoral Fellow, Chapman University
  • In the Fall she will work as an Assistant Professor of Biology at Santa Clara University.

Dr. Desiree Forsythe (she/her) has a background in both the biological sciences and education. She is a STEM education researcher and focuses on how to disrupt oppressions in the sciences through the use of critical, feminist, and queer theorizations. Dr. Forsythe has several lines of research including how those with privileged identities in STEM work at incorporating social justice into pedagogical and professional practice and how STEM students with marginalized identities experience and navigate STEM environments (such as classrooms, advising, office hours, etc.).

Jeannette Gonzalez
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  • Bachelors: Molecular Cell Biology & Physiology, Cal State University, Long Beach
  • Doctor of Pharmacy, Keck Graduate Institute
  • Pharmacist Manager, CVS Pharmacy

Dr. Jeannette Gonzalez grew up in South Gate, California. Her passion and career goals in life has always included to work in healthcare. As she grew older, she quickly noticed the essential need and desire for bilingual healthcare professionals around her area. With that in mind, now as a Licensed Pharmacist she is helping the Hispanic community located in the same area that she grew up in and feels so rewarded. In her spare time, she enjoys trying new coffee shops all around Los Angeles as well as looking up different restaurants to try new foods. She loves traveling and wishes to continue visiting other States and Countries to experience the culture and especially the food.

Sandra Martinez-Espindola
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  • Bachelors: Mathematics-Math Education, Cal State University, Long Beach
  • Single Subject Credential: Mathematics, Cal State University, Long Beach
  • Math/Gateway to Technology Teacher, and eSports Coach, Downey Unified

Sandra was born in Mexico, she is a first generation graduate now serving her community as a middle school teacher. While living as an undocumented person presented its unique obstacles, she hopes to show that it is possible to find success. She currently is in the final steps of clearing their teaching credential. She hopes to one day establish a scholarship to help other undocumented students interested in STEM to pursue their dreams of a higher education.

Erika Escobar
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  • Bachelors: Physics, University of California, Los Angeles
  • Masters: Applied Physics, Cal State University, Long Beach
  • Systems Engineer, SAIC

Erika Escobar was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Since she was young she always loved science, probably influenced by The Magic School Bus and weekly trips to the library. In college, she grew passionate about physics after attending numerous research symposiums and followed her degree in it. She currently works as a systems engineer at a defense contractor in El Segundo. In her free time, Erika enjoys singing, learning languages and more physics and biology, and spending time outdoors.

Job and Internship Search Workshop

Tuesday, April 9. 3:00pm-4:00pm. Brotman Hall, room 250

Attend this workshop to learn how to use the resources provided by the Career Development Center to explore jobs and internships in the fields of science and math.

Register for 4/9 Event

Navigating Graduate School as an Underrepresented Student

Tuesday, April 23. 3:00pm-4:00pm. Library, room 201

The transition to graduate school and capitalizing on your graduate program can be a challenge. This is especially the case when we are juggling multiple responsibilities. This workshop will prepare you to embark on your graduate studies and make the most of your graduate experience.

Register for 4/23 Event

Individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations, please contact the CNSM Academic Advising Center at CNSM-Advising@csulb.edu 48 hours prior to the event. Please indicate in email subject, Accommodation for Thrive Series. CSULB is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Education Institution.

Previous Events

The following are previous events from this semester.

Research Program Information Session

February 22, 2024. Become an Undergraduate Student Researcher! We are excited to invite you to learn more about opportunities on campus that prepare you for your career. At CSULB we have research programs that are designed to help students get hands-on research experiences and be mentored by professors in your major. Join one of the Info Sessions to learn how the Office of Undergraduate Research Services (OURS) and CSULB research programs can support you! You will hear from program representatives and current undergraduate researchers about the benefits, requirements, and application process as well as their research experience. Time is allotted at the end for questions from the audience.

Strategies for Exam Preparation

February 20, 2024. Exam preparation can be stressful and confusing. In this workshop, presenters will cover exam preparation strategies and tips to use during exams for a better test taking experience. Special focus will be given to strategies to prepare for different styles of exams. Finally, presenters will cover strategies for after exams so that students can reflect and improve upon their test taking skills.

Managing Your Time

February 13, 2024. Join us to learn strategies to manage your time effectively, incorporate an efficient study routine, and achieve balance in your daily life. Participants will have time to fill in important dates and deadlines, so be sure to bring your calendar.

Research Program Information Session

February 7, 2024. Become an Undergraduate Student Researcher! We are excited to invite you to learn more about opportunities on campus that prepare you for your career. At CSULB we have research programs that are designed to help students get hands-on research experiences and be mentored by professors in your major. Join one of the Info Sessions to learn how the Office of Undergraduate Research Services (OURS) and CSULB research programs can support you! You will hear from program representatives and current undergraduate researchers about the benefits, requirements, and application process as well as their research experience. Time is allotted at the end for questions from the audience.

Student/Alumni Research Panel

February 1, 2024. Let's talk about undergraduate research at CSULB! Hear from current CSULB undergraduates and alumni. Learn how they got involved and how these experiences have impacted their future.


Featured Recordings

Here are some of the recordings of past workshops we think you'll enjoy. And even more recordings are available under "View Additional Recordings."

Like a Boss: Women in Science and Math Panel

Meet a panel of successful professionals from the fields of science and mathematics. They will provide insight on how their majors helped them to make an impact in their dynamic industries. You can expect the panel discussion to be about their experience as an undergraduate/graduate student; share their career path; and their overall experience in the professional world.

Originally recorded on February 23, 2023.

Success Strategies: Get Ready for Active Learning

Are you struggling to retain information when studying? This workshop is designed to help students understand the difference between active and passive learning. We will look at how the brain retains information when learning, tips to boost retention when studying, how to get active with learning styles, and how to apply what you learned in a study session to practice and improve recall.

Originally recorded on February 14, 2023.

Conversations with CNSM Faculty

Thrive this semester! College classes – especially during this time of on campus and remote learning – can be a crazy transition. This workshop will feature a CNSM faculty panel to answer all your questions about academic resources, learning in the classroom and remotely, study tips and more. Bring your questions and get advice from faculty about how to perform your best in the classroom environment.

Originally recorded on September 14, 2022.

First in the Family

Meet students and alumni who are the first in their family to attend a university to pursue a degree in science and math. They would like to lend you a hand in your college journey because they understand what it is to step into unfamiliar territory. Thus, they will share their experiences, offer you guidance, and give you practical tools to persevere in college. "If we can do it, so can you!"

Originally recorded on March 17, 2021.

Here are additional recordings or documents of Thrive events available for viewing.

Connecting Careers to Climate Justice

October 13, 2022. Are you interested in exploring connections between environmental/climate justice and career pathways? Come to this zoom panel to learn from professionals working on these issues.

Watch Connecting Careers to Climate Justice - 10/13/22 Recording.

Goal Setting Using SMART

February 2, 2022. Learn how to set goals for your semester using the SMART approach and explore strategies to reset when you go off track from your goals.  Participants will have time in session to develop their own goals.

Watch Goal Setting Using SMART - 2/2/22 Recording.

Applying to Grad School 101

October 8, 2020. This workshop covers the important steps of preparing for and applying to graduate school. This session is ideal students wanting to learn about how to apply to masters, credential, and doctoral programs and is open to undergraduates, graduate students, and non-CSULB students!

Download Applying to Grad School 101 - 10/8/20 Slides (PDF).

The Thrive Event Series has been going strong since 2020. Here is a list of all of the workshops and events we have hosted or helped facilitate.

Thrive Event Series Archive
Title Date Description
Will they find out I don't belong here? April 5, 2023 Do you find yourself having doubts about your skills and talents? Do you think you are not good enough or smart enough to be at CSULB or your future job/career? Do you have a fear of being exposed as a fraud? This workshop will focus on helping you overcome Imposter Syndrome that you might be experiencing at CSULB, career and/or jobs. Imposter Syndrome is a psychological occurrence in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud.
Like a Boss: Women in Science and Math Panel February 23, 2023 Come meet a panel of successful professionals from the fields of science and mathematics. They will provide insight on how their majors helped them to make an impact in their dynamic industries. You can expect the panel discussion to be about their experience as an undergraduate/graduate student; share their career path; and their overall experience in the professional world.
Success Strategies: Get Ready for Active Learning February 14, 2023 Are you struggling to retain information when studying? This workshop is designed to help students understand the difference between active and passive learning. We will look at how the brain retains information when learning, tips to boost retention when studying, how to get active with learning styles, and how to apply what you learned in a study session to practice and improve recall.
CNSM Research Programs Info Session February 1, 2023 Are you interested in research but don't know where to get started? Join us for a research programs information session. You will learn about Various on-campus research opportunities, hear about the benefits from program representatives and current undergraduate researchers.
Student/Alumni Research Panel January 26, 2023 Are you interested in participating in research as an undergraduate? Do you want to learn more about campus labs, research benefits, and how to get started? Join us to hear from current students and CSULB Alumni about their research journey.
First in the Family Panel Viewing November 8, 2022 Join us for a viewing of the taping of CNSM alumni and student panel (originally recorded on 3/17/21). They are first generation to attend a university to pursue a degree in science and math. Come learn about their experiences, offer you guidance, and give you practical tools to persevere in college. They will share what it is to step into unfamiliar territory at the university and how to overcome it.
Connecting Careers to Climate Justice October 13, 2022 Are you interested in exploring connections between environmental/climate justice and career pathways? Come to this zoom panel to learn from professionals working on these issues.
Student and Alumni Research Panel September 29, 2022 Hear from current undergraduates and CSULB Alumni about their research journey beginning at CSULB!
Managing Your Time! September 20, 2022 In this workshop participants will explore strategies for managing their time effectively. Approaches will focus on helping students create balance in their lives to reduce stress, promote wellness, and encourage efficient learning. This workshop will be interactive, and we encourage you to bring your planners to the session.
Conversations with CNSM Faculty September 14, 2022 Thrive this semester! College classes – especially during this time of on campus and remote learning – can be a crazy transition. This workshop will feature a CNSM faculty panel to answer all your questions about academic resources, learning in the classroom and remotely, study tips and more. Bring your questions and get advice from faculty about how to perform your best in the classroom environment.
Writing a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School April 20, 2022 This workshop focuses on the nuts and bolts of drafting your statement of purpose. Topics include “dos and don'ts," avoiding "kisses of death," statements of confidence, effective essay structure, and useful sentence stems. While we recommend attending both Part 1 and 2, each workshop is self-contained and can be attended on its own.
Creating a CV/Resume for Graduate School April 13, 2022 This workshop will focus on how to create a Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé for graduate school applications. The session will cover strategies on how to approach formatting, organizing, and highlighting relevant experiences that can help strengthen your graduate application.
Finding Internships and Jobs in the Sciences February 24, 2022 Preparing for a new reality in these changing times will be essential to job search success. Learn about job search tools and how to develop an effective plan to search for jobs and internships.
Research Program Information Session February 10, 2022 Are you interested in research but don't know how or where to get started? Please join us for at one of the research programs information sessions. You will learn about the office and various research opportunities offered on-campus. And hear from program representatives and current undergraduate researchers about the benefits, requirements, and application process as well as their research experience. Time is allotted at the end for questions from the audience.
Goal Setting Using SMART February 2, 2022 Learn how to set goals for your semester using the SMART approach and explore strategies to reset when you go off track from your goals. Participants will have time in session to develop their own goals.
Research Program Information Session February 2, 2022 Are you interested in research but don't know how or where to get started? Please join us for at one of the research programs information sessions. You will learn about the office and various research opportunities offered on-campus. And hear from program representatives and current undergraduate researchers about the benefits, requirements, and application process as well as their research experience. Time is allotted at the end for questions from the audience.
Time Management Strategies January 27, 2022 Join us to learn strategies to manage your time effectively, incorporate an efficient study routine, and achieve balance in your daily life. Participants will have time to fill in important dates and deadlines, so be sure to bring your calendar!
Undergraduate Student Research Panel January 26, 2022 Let's talk about undergraduate research at CSULB! Hear from current CSULB undergraduates and alumni! Learn how they got involved and how these experiences have impacted their future.
Showcase: Health Care and Human Rights November 16, 2021 Are you interested in exploring connections between human rights, access to health care, and the health professions? Come to this presentation to learn how the applications of charitable organizations can, and cannot, address human rights concerns and make connections between human rights obligations and the social responsibilities of scientists and health professionals.
First Generation: Creating Success Through SMART Goals November 10, 2021 This workshop will discuss the day-to-day process of making choices that influence our health, wellness and academic success, while also managing the impact of stress. We will provide a wellness model that can be a tool to improve outcomes of personal goals and reduce stress. The workshop will discuss student resources for future support and help students create a balance in their academic lives with SMART Goals that will prepare students to overcome challenges in their immediate future.
Resilient People Thrive November 4, 2021 Resilience is a Top Skill needed to get through the day! And there has never been a more appropriate or more necessary time than NOW to focus on our resilience. Unfortunately, it is normal for us to seek routine and often focus more on negativity than positivity. The good news is, we change that norm and build our resilience so we can handle change, high-pressure situations, and stress in a healthier way. In this session, Jean challenges you to forget what you've learned about "bouncing back" from hardship, and instead bounce forward. Resilience will enable a positive approach to school, work, better problem-solving skills, and maintain your motivation in life so that you, and those around you, can thrive.
Applying to Graduate School 101 October 7, 2021 This workshop covers the important steps of preparing for and applying to graduate school. This session is ideal for students wanting to learn about how to apply to masters, credential, and doctoral programs.
Success Strategies for Online Learning & No Subject? September 21, 2021 This workshop will cover how to create a productive learning environment, strategies for learning and staying motivated in online classes, and ways to prepare for and perform in online exams. In addition, No Subject? will go over essential email etiquette and communication methods in which you can use to connect with your instructors and academic advisors.
Conversations with CNSM Faculty September 14, 2021 Thrive this semester! College classes – especially during this time of remote learning – can be a crazy transition. This workshop will feature a CNSM faculty panel to answer all of your questions about academic resources, learning remotely, study tips and more. Bring your questions and get advice from faculty about how to perform your best in the classroom environment.
How to Become a Highly Qualified Professional as a College Student April 13, 2021 Decided on a career but unsure what you need to do besides getting good grades to get there? The biggest thing to do when it comes time to getting ready to become a professional is to start while you are a still a student. By starting early, you will give yourself time to prepare and gain the confidence for career success. In this workshop, you will learn the six components to setting yourself up to becoming a highly qualified professional.
Creating a CV/Resume for Graduate School April 7, 2021 This workshop will focus on how to create a Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé for graduate school applications. The session will cover strategies on how to approach formatting, organizing, and highlighting relevant experiences that can help strengthen your graduate application.
First in the Family Panel March 17, 2021 Come meet students and alumni who are the first in their family to attend a university to pursue a degree in science and math. They would like to lend you a hand in your college journey because they understand what it is to step into unfamiliar territory. Thus, they will share their experiences, offer you guidance, and give you practical tools to persevere in college. "If we can do it, so can you!"
Getting Started in Research February 16, 2021 Join us to learn about the various undergraduate research opportunities at CSULB, tips for finding a research mentor, and external summer research experiences. Meet our panel of student researchers as they share their research journey and answer your questions about what it's like to conduct research as an undergraduate.
Strategies for Success: Online Learning February 2, 2021 This workshop will cover how to create a productive learning environment, strategies for learning and staying motivated in online classes, and ways to prepare for and perform in online exams.
Industry Spotlight: Allied Health Careers November 19, 2020 Join a virtual panel of professionals that will share their insight on Allied Health Professions. You'll learn more about this emerging industry and the rapidly growing career opportunities from those that are currently in the field.
Getting Started in Research November 4, 2020 Join us to learn about the various undergraduate research opportunities at CSULB, tips for finding a research mentor, and external summer research experiences. Meet our panel of student researchers as they share their research journey and answer your questions about what it's like to conduct research as an undergraduate.
Discover your Dream Career October 15, 2020 This workshop is designed for students who are exploring career options in Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Learn about the career decision-making process and what it takes to succeed.
Applying to Grad School 101 October 8, 2020 This workshop covers the important steps of preparing for and applying to graduate school. This session is ideal students wanting to learn about how to apply to masters, credential, and doctoral programs and is open to undergraduates, graduate students, and non-CSULB students!
Like a Boss: Women in Science and Math Panel September 30, 2020 Come meet a panel of successful professionals from the fields of science and mathematics. They will share with you their invaluable experiences working as a professional in the science and math industry. They will provide insight on how their majors helped them to make an impact in these dynamic industries. You can expect for the panel discussion to be about their experience(s) as an undergraduate/graduate student; share their career path; and their overall experience in the professional world.
Strategies for Success Online Learning September 16, 2020 Online learning is a challenge many are facing for the first time this fall. This workshop will cover how to create a productive learning environment, strategies for learning and staying motivated in online classes, and ways to prepare for and perform in online exams.
Thrive This Semester, Conversation with CNSM Faculty August 31, 2020 Thrive this semester! College classes – especially during this time of remote learning – can be a crazy transition. This workshop will feature a CNSM faculty panel to answer all of your questions about academic resources, learning via Zoom, study tips and more. Bring your questions and get advice from faculty about how to perform your best in the classroom environment.

Resources

The following resources are available to you as a CNSM student to help you with success.

Jensen SAS Center

The James L. Jensen Student Access to Science and Mathematics (SAS) Center serves to support, prepare, and advance the education of students in all fields of science and mathematics through active participation in research, scholarship, and co-curricular activities. The Jensen SAS Center is committed to meeting students' needs by offering individual tutoring and mentoring, academic and career workshops, and resources designed to encourage student success.

Health Professions Advising Office

Pre-health is a designation for those who seek admission to health professional programs upon completion of a baccalaureate degree (B.A., B.S.). The Health Professions Advising Office (HPAO) serves students interested in pursuing graduate level health professions including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary, and physician assistant. HPAO provides a wide range of advising and support services designed to meet the needs of CSULB students as they navigate through the often-complex process of preparation and application to a health professional program.

Research in Science and Math

Research is the creation of new knowledge. At CSULB students are highly encouraged to collaborate with faculty on research projects. The projects may be related to the faculty member's research program or initiated by the student. Participation in research is a way to learn more about a scientific sub-discipline and to learn about the scientific method: observation; explanation of those observations through formulating hypotheses; design and performance of experiments to test the hypothesis; analysis of experimental results; and finally communication those results, the conclusions that can be drawn from them, and their significance.

Resilience Project

CNSM's Resilience Project focuses on personal stories from science and math undergraduates detailing their struggles, their successes, and what they learned along the way. The goal of this project is to show our current CNSM students that you are not alone in your struggles and that there are multiple paths towards recovery and resilience. Resilience is your capacity to tolerate disturbance without collapsing, to withstand shocks, to rebuild yourself when necessary, and to improve yourself when possible.

How to Succeed - CNSM Academic Advising Center

The goal of the CNSM Academic Advising Center is to help you learn effectively in science and mathematics classes at California State University, Long Beach. While we provide academic advising, other services on campus are available to help you find academic support, get involved, take care of your health, and find career guidance. One of the most impactful ways you can affect your academic studies is to develop a growth mindset--the belief that you can grow your abilities through dedication and hard work.

Career Development Center

The mission of the Career Development Center (CDC) is to guide students through the process of educational, career and personal discovery in preparing them for success in the global workforce. The Career Development Center staff provides assistance regarding career exploration and development tailored to your specific professional needs. We can help during every step of the career-decision making process, whether it is learning about majors and career options or finding the right internship or career position. We are your best resource for job outlook, salary and employment trend information and are equipped to provide you professional career advice.

Graduate Center

The Graduate Center provides graduate school related resources and events for prospective and current post-bac students related to graduate studies.

Learning Skills Program - The Learning Center

The Learning Skills program views learning as a life-long process. Students, regardless of their perceived capabilities, are able to learn, grow and develop at all stages of their academic career. The Learning Center supports this vision by providing students, staff, and faculty services to enrich, enhance, and facilitate the learning experience. The Learning Skills program provides support to the campus community with individual appointments, workshops for classes and organizations, and additional resources.