Media Contact: Javier Rojas, Javier.rojas@csun.edu, (818) 677-2130 or Carmen Ramos Chandler, carmen.chandler@csun.edu, (818) 677-2130
Of the more than 4,000 graduates invited to take part in California State University, Northridge’s Honors Convocation on Saturday, May 9, six people will be singled out for special recognition as outstanding graduating students.
This includes Marine Barsegyan, this year’s Wolfson Scholar, the top award given to a graduating senior. It is presented each year in memory of CSUN’s first vice president, Leo Wolfson. Not only must the student have an exceptional academic record, but he or she must also have made significant contributions to CSUN or the community through co-curricular and extracurricular activities.
“Being selected as this year’s Wolfson Scholar means everything to me because it belongs to the CSUN community just as much as it does to me,” Barsegyan said. “That includes the students I mentored, the faculty who supported me and the CSUN clubs and organizations that gave me a place to meet like-minded students. This campus taught me that real achievement is never individual, and I will carry this spirit forward as I pursue my MD-PhD, where I hope to conduct research that serves the communities around me.”
A first-generation college student who arrived in the United States alone at 17 from Kazakhstan, Barsegyan began her academic path with ambition and a profound personal motivation: the loss of her grandmother to Alzheimer’s disease, an experience that shaped her purpose as a scientist and future research physician.
As a recipient of more than a dozen awards and scholarships and graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA in cell and molecular biology, Barsegyan has distinguished herself as one of the top students in her cohort. As a research assistant in biology professor Cheryl Van Buskirk’s laboratory since her freshman year at CSUN, Barsegyan quickly developed into an independent scientist conducting multiple molecular genetics projects. Her studies address fundamental questions in neurobiology, including the relationship between stress, sleep and Alzheimer’s disease using the model organism C. elegans.
Her research contributions have already made a mark on the scientific community. Barsegyan has co-authored peer-reviewed publications, including a first-author paper, and presented her findings at national and international conferences such as the Allied Genetics Conference and the International Worm Meeting. Her work has earned numerous honors, including first place at CSUNposium and the prestigious Presidential Scholarship supporting her independent research on factors influencing Alzheimer’s disease progression.
Beyond the laboratory, Barsegyan has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to service, mentorship and leadership. As a peer-learning facilitator and multidisciplinary tutor, she has supported hundreds of students in challenging science courses, fostering confidence and academic success among her peers. Her mentorship has inspired fellow students to pursue advanced careers in science and medicine, reflecting not only her knowledge but her generosity and dedication to others.
Barsegyan’s impact also extends into the broader community through her clinical and volunteer work. At Kaiser Permanente, she assists healthcare staff and provides compassionate support to patients, particularly those experiencing cognitive decline. Her earlier volunteer work with dementia patients reinforced her belief that care must address not only the disease, but the dignity and humanity of each person — a philosophy that defines her approach to medicine.
Her leadership on campus has been equally impactful. As vice president of the Women in Science Club, and in partnership with UCLA Health, she organized initiatives such as a campus blood drive to address a critical community need. As an associate justice for Associated Students, Barsegyan helped support and guide student organizations, ensuring opportunities were accessible to others as they once were to her.
As she prepares to pursue an MD-PhD, Barsegyan advances a mission rooted in both science and humanity. She champions the idea that understanding and combating diseases like Alzheimer’s must be paired with compassion for all those involved. She credits her CSUN teachers, mentors and scientists for opening doors on her journey from a young student facing loss to a scholar transforming that experience into purpose.
Barsegyan will be recognized at the Honors Convocation ceremony at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, on the lawn in front of the University Library, located in the heart of the CSUN campus at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge.
The other students being recognized at Honors Convocation are:
Tanya Pelayo, recipient of the 2026 Nathan O. Freedman Memorial Award for Outstanding Graduate Student
Pelayo graduates with a master of science in Biology, earning a perfect 4.0 GPA while distinguishing herself as one of the most accomplished and promising scholars in her field.
Her research lies at the intersection of evolutionary biology, genomics and conservation, tackling one of the field’s most urgent questions: how populations adapt to rapidly changing environments. Through her thesis work, Pelayo has led an ambitious global study of plant adaptation, analyzing over 1,300 specimens across hundreds of genetic lines to better understand the traits that allow species to survive and thrive in new conditions. Her work is already contributing to multiple manuscripts and has been presented at major international conferences, reflecting both its scope and significance.
In parallel, Pelayo has developed computational approaches to studying the distribution of genetic mutations across plant species and her research has direct implications for biodiversity and conservation. Her ability to bridge experimental biology with advanced bioinformatics has made her a sought-after collaborator, contributing to projects ranging from plant genomics to neurological disease models and ancient DNA analysis.
“Research is the first thing that drew me into this field, and it is still what drives me,” Pelayo said. “Every project I have worked on has opened a new question I did not anticipate, and that is exactly the kind of work I want to spend my career doing.”
Beyond research, Pelayo is a dedicated educator and mentor. As a graduate assistant, she has guided undergraduate students through the full research process, helping them build both confidence and curiosity. As a first-generation Mexican American student, she is deeply committed to expanding access and opportunity in STEM, driven by the belief that potential exists everywhere — even when pathways do not.
Pelayo has been accepted into the Ph.D. program in ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of California, Irvine, where she will continue her work exploring how genetics shape a species’ ability to adapt in a changing world.
Outstanding Graduating Senior — Amanda Shippey
Working at the intersection of creativity and strategy, Shippey has distinguished herself in entertainment media management with a minor in marketing, earning a 3.96 GPA while fully immersing herself in both the academic and professional sides of the industry. From advanced coursework in integrated marketing communications to studying abroad at Swansea University in Wales, she has approached every opportunity with intention and curiosity, always asking how ideas translate into impact.
That same mindset has defined her leadership on campus. As President of the American Advertising Federation and live event manager for VOCE Records, Shippey did not just contribute — she transformed, her professors said. She played a significant role in revitalizing VOCE Records into a thriving, student-led organization, expanding membership, strengthening partnerships and creating meaningful opportunities for artists and creatives to collaborate and perform. Her work helped turn the organization into a hub of energy, creativity and connection.
Professionally, Shippey has already built an impressive foundation. Through internships in digital marketing and media, she has developed campaigns that blend storytelling with analytics, demonstrating a rare ability to think both creatively and strategically.
What truly sets Shippey apart, however, is her ability to bring people together. Whether leading a team, producing an event, or mentoring peers, she creates spaces where others feel valued and inspired to contribute. Her work reflects a belief that media is not just about content — it is about connection.
As she prepares to pursue a career in the music and live events industry, Shippey carries forward not only an impressive résumé, but a clear sense of purpose and a passion for building community through her work.
Outstanding Graduating Senior — Anna Nguyen
Some students discover their purpose in the classroom. For Nguyen, that purpose has been shaped just as much by the people she has cared for along the way.
With a strong academic foundation in public health and a minor in biology, Nguyen has earned a 3.94 GPA while preparing for a future as a physician assistant. But what makes her journey remarkable is how seamlessly she has connected academic knowledge with lived experience. Her time as an emergency department intern placed her in high-pressure clinical environments, where she supported patient care, observed medical decision-making, and developed a deep appreciation for the human side of healthcare.
Nguyen’s commitment to service extends beyond clinical spaces. She has contributed to public health initiatives and research efforts focused on improving outcomes for diverse communities, always grounded in a belief that healthcare should be accessible, equitable, and compassionate.
On campus, Nguyen has been a consistent source of support for others. As a supplemental instruction leader and tutor, she has helped students navigate challenging coursework, offering academic guidance, encouragement and reassurance. Her leadership within the Pre-Physician Assistant Club has further amplified her impact, as she has organized workshops, coordinated guest speakers and created opportunities for students to explore and prepare for careers in healthcare.
Nguyen journey has not been without challenge. As a first-generation college student balancing rigorous academics with significant family responsibilities, including supporting her mother through a serious illness, she has carried more than most. These experiences have shaped her resilience, strengthened her empathy, and deepened her commitment to patient-centered care.
“These experiences shaped the person that I am today. I seek to uplift others by showing empathy to make a lasting impact,” Nguyen said. “I will continue striving to lend a hand for underserved communities — as a daughter of an immigrant family, a Northridge resident and a future provider.”
As she takes the next step toward a career in healthcare, Nguyen carries with her a clear purpose — to serve others with skill, empathy, and integrity.
Outstanding Graduating Senior — Jocelyn Fujarte
Fujarte graduates with a bachelor of arts in psychology, earning a 3.99 GPA and establishing herself as both a dedicated scholar and an emerging voice in research and mental health advocacy.
Throughout her time at CSUN, Fujarte has distinguished herself through a deep commitment to understanding the complexities of human behavior. As a neurospsychology and multicultural research lab assistant, she has contributed to research exploring cognition, memory and the influence of culture on psychological experiences. Her work reflects both intellectual curiosity and a desire to ensure that research meaningfully represents diverse communities.
Fujarte’s voice as a scholar is already taking shape. She is a published author in La Ceiba: Central American Studies Journal, where her work highlights underrepresented perspectives and expands conversations around identity and belonging. Her writing bridges academic insight with lived experience, demonstrating both rigor and authenticity.
Beyond her research, Fujarte has made a lasting impact through mentorship and service. As an active participant in TRIO Student Support Services, she has supported fellow first-generation students in navigating higher education, offering guidance, encouragement and a sense of belonging. Her peers describe her as someone who shows up consistently, listens deeply, and leads with empathy.
Her journey has been shaped by resilience. Having navigated personal loss and significant family challenges, she has transformed adversity into purpose.
As she prepares to pursue graduate study in clinical psychology, Fujarte remains dedicated to expanding access to culturally responsive care and ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds feel seen, understood, and supported.
Outstanding Graduating Senior — Vanessa Montejano
Montejano graduates with a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering, earning a 3.93 GPA while excelling in one of CSUN’s most rigorous and demanding programs. Her academic journey reflects not only technical excellence, but a deep commitment to applying engineering in ways that improve lives.
Throughout her time at CSUN, Montejano has immersed herself in research and hands-on learning. As a contributor in the Bioinspired Mechanics Lab, supported by the National Science Foundation, she conducted advanced materials testing and analysis to better understand how materials behave under complex conditions. Her work has been presented at professional conferences, where she has demonstrated both technical expertise and the ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and confidence.
Montejano has also extended her work into robotics and prosthetics development through CSUN ARCS, contributing to projects focused on rehabilitation technologies and human-centered design. These experiences reflect her belief that engineering is not just about systems and structures, but about people. In addition, her role as an applications engineer has allowed her to apply her skills in a professional setting — evaluating designs, analyzing performance, and contributing to real-world solutions.
Her journey, however, has required more than academic strength alone. As a first-generation college student supporting herself financially, Montejano has balanced the demands of work and school with remarkable discipline. Despite these challenges, she has remained committed to giving back, mentoring younger students and helping create pathways into STEM for others.
“What I am most proud of is not just the grades or scholarships. It is the fact that I created stability for myself where there was none,” Montejano said. “I learned to navigate systems independently, advocate for opportunities, and remain focused even when circumstances were uncertain. My background did not define my limits; it shaped my work ethic and strengthened my determination.”
As she moves forward, Montejano represents the next generation of engineers, with innovation, resilience and drive to make a meaningful impact on the world.
