Alaina O’Connell and Walter Navarro were selected as the 2024-25 Outstanding Students for the College of Natural Sciences. O’Connell, Outstanding Undergraduate Student, and Navarro, Outstanding Graduate Student, will be honored at the college’s Spring Commencement at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Toyota Arena in Ontario.

For O’Connell, a biology major, her path to becoming a physician has been driven by curiosity, determination and a deep-rooted desire to serve others. With a passion for science that began in childhood and a commitment to service inspired by her family, O’Connell has built a remarkable record of achievements both in and outside the classroom.

“I chose biology as my major because I have always loved learning about how living things work,” said O’Connell. “From a young age, I was fascinated by the complexity of the human body and the way everything connects, from cells and systems to entire ecosystems.”

O’Connell’s interest in health and disease led her to the laboratory of Daniel Nickerson, associate professor of biology, where she participated in CSUSB’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program. The experience reinforced her desire to pursue medicine while staying connected to research.

After graduation, O’Connell plans to take a gap year to study for the MCAT and shadow physicians at Fairchild Air Force Base. Her aspiration is to attend medical school and become a pediatric surgeon in the U.S. Air Force.

“My goal is to join the Air Force and build a career as a military physician,” she said.

A major source of inspiration has been her mother, a breast cancer survivor and the first female Vice Wing Commander of her National Guard unit. “She is one of the most loving, caring and resilient women I have ever known,” said O’Connell. “Her strength was especially evident when she battled and overcame stage-three breast cancer.”

O’Connell credits two key mentors at CSUSB for shaping her academic and personal development. Nickerson guided O’Connell through undergraduate research and taught her the importance of perseverance and resilience, both in scientific work and in life.

David Marshall, faculty director of the University Honors Program, encouraged O’Connell to embrace opportunities, think critically, and step outside her comfort zone. Through the Honors Program and her role as a residential assistant, she found a strong foundation in service, leadership and scholarly achievement.  

Both mentors have been consistent advocates, supporting O’Connell’s growth in academics and leadership.

O’Connell is also a proud collegiate athlete on the women’s soccer team, calling the experience one of her greatest achievements. “The journey was not easy … But I stayed committed, kept pushing, and eventually found a team that became my family and a school that feels like home.”

Reflecting on her journey, O’Connell credits CSUSB with shaping her future and her identity. “CSUSB has helped me find both my purpose and my people,” she said. “I accomplished my dream of playing collegiate soccer and earning my degree, but even more importantly, I found lifelong friendships, discovered my voice, and uncovered a deep sense of purpose.

“The opportunities I have had here, from conducting research to taking on leadership roles, have shaped not just my future plans, but also the kind of person I strive to be. CSUSB has been more than just a university, it has been a community that transformed me.”

CSUSB alumnus Navarro earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with an applied mathematics concentration and is currently completing his master’s in mathematics — but his academic journey didn’t begin with numbers and formulas. Initially a music major at Riverside City College pursing a concentration in vocal performance, Navarro was forced to change direction after a car accident resulted in minor amnesia, making it difficult to continue auditioning. However, that unexpected detour opened the door to a new passion.

“During this time of transition, I realized I had earned enough credits in mathematics and science to shift my focus to applied mathematics,” said Navarro. “It was during my junior year (at CSUSB) that I truly discovered a deep passion for mathematics — a subject that challenged and inspired me in new ways.”

After graduation, Navarro will pursue a Ph.D. in applied statistics at the University of California, Riverside, with plans to focus his research on biomedical applications. “My long-term goal is to contribute meaningful insights to the field of mathematical oncology while preparing for a career in academia, where I can both teach and mentor future researchers,” he said.

His aspiration to become a professor is rooted in the mentorship he received at CSUSB. “The mentorship and support of my advisor played a pivotal role in guiding me toward this field, and I hope to pay that forward by fostering curiosity, providing research opportunities, and encouraging students to explore how mathematics can be used to address real-world problems in medicine and biology,” said Navarro.

As a first-generation college student from a Spanish-speaking household, Navarro’s path hasn’t been without difficulty. “There were times when I struggled with the feeling that my work was never good enough to be recognized,” he said. “Yet, it was this very pressure that pushed me to grow, persevere and ultimately become the person I am today — resilient, driven and deeply committed to academic excellence.”

Navarro credits the faculty at CSUSB with helping him reach that point. “Each professor I’ve had has shaped my path in a meaningful way, offering guidance, encouragement and new perspectives that continually challenged me to grow,” said Navarro.

Reflecting on his time at CSUSB, Navarro said, “The university provided me with the tools and support necessary to succeed academically while also shaping my understanding of what it means to be an educator and scholar.”