myCSUSMNews & Events
Fall 2026 BIOL 567 Seminar Series
Fridays, 1:30-2:30PM
ACD 205
Open to all students!
- Friday, September 18
TOPIC: Transcriptional control of Vitamin D synthesis in the kidney.
SPEAKER: Dr. Emmanuel Solis, Marian University
- Friday, October 9
TOPIC: Plant-pollinator interactions and climate change.
SPEAKER: Dr. Wilnelia Recart Gonzalez, University of San Diego
- Friday, October 23
TOPIC: Human gut microbiome.
SPEAKER: Dr. Kathleen Furtado, Unversity of California San Diego
- Friday, November 6
TOPIC: Genetic variation relevant to drought tolerance.
SPEAKER: Dr. Lluvia Flores Renteria, San Diego State University
- Friday, November 20
TOPIC: Benthic microbial fuel cells.
SPEAKER: Dr. Mario Malfavon, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NWIC)
2026 Biological Sciences Student Awards
Since 2021, the Biological Sciences Department has honored graduating seniors and Master’s students for exceptional achievements in the life sciences. Students are nominated by faculty in the Biological Sciences Department and winners are selected by anonymous vote of the Biology faculty. The names of award winners are engraved on plaques which are prominently displayed in Science Hall 1 and Science Hall 2.
- Outstanding Ecology Student: Kaylin Sparks
Faculty Nominator: Dr. Bill Kirstan
- Outstanding Molecular Cell Biology Student: Oscar Loyola
Faculty Nominators: Dr. Carlos Luna Lopez
- Outstanding Physiology Student: Nicholas Kissinger
Faculty Nominators: Dr. John Eme
- Outstanding General Biology Student: Zachary Davis
Faculty Nominator: Dr. Diego Sustaita
- Outstanding Biotechnology Student: Kayla Wrathall
Faculty Nominator: Dr. Moorthy Palanki
- Outstanding Biology Graduate Students: Cassandra Nguyen & Camil Valderrama-Martinez
Faculty Nominators: Drs. Carlos Luna Lopez and Elinne Becket
- Teaching Impact Award: Jason San Nicolas
Faculty Nominators: Dr. Jimmy Kezos
- Leadership and Advocacy Award: ALexis Rios
Faculty Nominator: Dr. Erika Diaz-Almeyda
- Outstanding Contributions to Biology: Hannah Smith
Faculty Nominator: Dr. George Brusch






