Thrive Event Series
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 Efren Melena (Efren.Melena@csulb.edu) or Dahlia Valle (Dahlia.Valle@csulb.edu).
Spring 2025 Schedule
The following are events for the Spring 2025 semester. Additional events may be added as the semester progresses.
Thriving Beyond Doubt
Tuesday, April 15. 4:00pm-5:00pm. Brotman Hall 250
In this transformative in-person workshop, you will gain an understanding of how to overcome self-doubt and unlock your full potential. This session is designed to help you recognize and dismantle the limiting beliefs that hold you back, enabling you to cultivate a mindset of confidence and resilience.
Presented by the Career Development Center.
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
Teaching as a STEM Career: A Discussion with Local Professionals
March 12, 2025. Ever considered science teaching as a STEM career? Learn more about this pathway and what it takes to become a public school educator in California, featuring a panel of local science teachers and alumni, as well as advisors to help you begin your journey to teaching here at CSULB.
Student/Alumni Research Panel
January 30, 2025. Hear from current CSULB undergraduates and alumni about their research journey beginning at CSULB!
Research Programs Info Session #1 (virtual)
February 5, 2025. 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!
Research Programs Info Session #2 (virtual)
February 13, 2025. 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!
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.
| Title | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| First-Gen: Caring for Your Mental Health When Dealing with Uncertainty Workshop | November 6, 2024 | Do you find yourself struggling with change or having a difficult time adjusting to new things? At times do you feel disconnected from the university or have a difficult time creating connections? Do you find yourself feeling as if you are on your own and wonder if you belong at this university? Would you benefit from learning how to address your concerns and learning about resources on campus that can help? Then this workshop is for you! First-Generation CNSM students will have an opportunity to learn more about how they respond to uncertainty and will learn skills that can enhance their wellbeing. |
| Navigating Graduate School as an Underrepresented Student | November 5, 2024 | The transition to graduate school and making the most out of your graduate program can be a challenge. This is especially the case when we are juggling multiple responsibilities. This panel style workshop will provide valuable insight from the current graduate students who will share their experiences navigating graduate school and share their tips on how to successfully navigate graduate school. |
| Research Programs Info Session (Virtual) | October 10, 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! |
| Workshop and Sustainability Industry Spotlight and Networking Event | October 9, 2024 | This in-person event will include a workshop on how to find internships and research opportunities, an employer panel with sustainability-focused companies, and networking time to learn what employers look for in a candidate and what internship and job opportunities their companies offer. |
| Teaching as a STEM Career: A Discussion with Local Professionals | October 2, 2024 | Ever considered science teaching as a STEM career? Learn more about this pathway and what it takes to become a public school educator in California, featuring a panel of local science teachers and alumni, as well as advisors to help you begin your journey to teaching here at CSULB. |
| Research Programs Info Session (virtual) | September 25, 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! |
| Exam Preparation Workshop | September 24, 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. |
| How to Apply to Graduate School 101 Workshop | September 18, 2024 | This workshop covers the important steps of preparing for and applying to graduate school. We will cover valuable topics such as: how to write a statement of purpose, how to request letters of recommendation, and overall, how to make yourself more competitive as a STEM student. This session is ideal for students wanting to learn about how to apply to master's degree and doctoral programs. |
| Time Management Workshop | September 17, 2024 | 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. Students will be introduced to a learning system that improves retention and recall of information. |
| Student/Alumni Research Panel (virtual) | September 12. 2024 | Hear from current CSULB undergraduates and alumni about their research journey beginning at CSULB! |
| Conversations with CNSM Faculty Panel | September 11, 2024 | Thrive this semester! College classes can be a crazy transition! This workshop will feature a CNSM faculty panel to answer all of your questions about academic resources, exam preparation, study strategies, and more. Get to know your faculty and get advice on how to perform your best in the classroom. |
| Navigating Graduate School as an Underrepresented Student | April 23, 2024 | 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. |
| Job and Internship Search Workshop | April 9, 2024 | 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. |
| Like a Boss: Women in Science and Math Panel | March 12, 2024 | 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. |
| 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. |
| 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.
