Graduate Dean's Awards

                     2023-2024
 Graduate Dean's Award Winner

Jocelyne Dates - Biological Sciences

Thesis: Voltage-gated ion channels regulate ion transport and fluid secretion rate in the Malpighian tubules of the larval Cabbage Looper, Trichoplusia ni

Jocelyne Dates is an exemplary graduate student whose academic achievements, research contributions, and commitment to service have distinguished her as a standout member of the CSUSM community. With a stellar academic record complemented by numerous awards and scholarships, Jocelyne has showcased exceptional proficiency in coursework and laboratory research. Her thesis work, focused on voltage-gated ion channels in larval lepidopterans, has not only resulted in significant advancements in insect physiology but has also led to five publications, including a review paper and an invited book chapter.

Beyond her research endeavors, Jocelyne has been actively involved in academic and service activities, serving as Vice President of the Graduate Representatives Council and engaging in outreach initiatives with local organizations. She has also demonstrated a commitment to mentorship, guiding numerous undergraduate and graduate students in the laboratory and sharing her expertise through guest lectures and mentorship programs.

Jocelyne's dedication to academic excellence is evident through her participation in the NIH Bridges to the PhD program and her acceptance into twelve PhD programs nationwide, coupled with her impressive track record of securing external fellowship funding. Additionally, her advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM has left a lasting impact on the community, fostering inclusive environments where all students feel valued and empowered.

With a dozen of acceptance offers to programs across the country, we are thrilled that Jocelyne will be starting a Ph.D. program this Fall to continue her studies and one day be a tenure-track faculty where she can teach and build her own research program.

Please join us in congratulating Jocelyne Dates on all her accomplishments and for being this year's Graduate Dean's Awardee.

Graduate Dean's Award

This award acknowledges the importance of the master’s degree at California State University San Marcos by recognizing the accomplishments of an outstanding master’s degree recipient. Graduate study involves both greater independence and closer intellectual interaction with faculty mentors as the student develops focused knowledge and expertise in a subject area. The recipient of this award will have demonstrated mastery in advanced coursework as well as engagement in independent study and research, scholarship, or creative activity.

One of the recipients of the 6 Dean's Award, which includes the recipient of the Graduate Dean's Award, will be selected to receive the President’s Outstanding Graduate Award for the year.

• Award Criteria
  • Completion of master’s degree requirements in Summer 2023, Fall 2023, or Spring 2024
  • Minimum graduate cumulative GPA of 3.5
  • Departmental and/or college recommendation (only one nomination per graduate program will be accepted)
  • Evidence of outstanding scholarship in graduate coursework
  • Evidence of outstanding achievement on the master’s culminating experience (thesis, project, or comprehensive examination)
  • Achievement in academic, professional, and service activities
• Nomination Process

  Nominations are due to the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research via email (gradstudies@csusm.edu) by Friday, March 15, 2024 at 5pm. Completed packets must include:

  Student’s Personal Statement (maximum 3 pages) describing:
  

  • Significant educational accomplishments and career goals
  • Any obstacles that were overcome on the path to the graduate degree
  • One critical graduate school experience and its impact on the student’s education

  Letter of Recommendation from the student’s faculty advisor commenting on the special achievement of the student’s culminating experience (thesis, project, or comprehensive examination)

  Student’s Curriculum Vitae/Resume that includes academic, professional, employment, and service history