Two Stan State Students Earn Honorable Mention to the California Pre-Doctoral Program

Two Stanislaus State students recently received honorable mention distinction to the California Pre-Doctoral Program (CPDP), which recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence while facing economic or educational disadvantages. The program aims to increase the pool of potential California State University faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of these CSU students.

While the two Stan State applicants weren't selected as scholars, their honorable mention recognition reflects their qualifications and the potential they have shown for success in doctoral programs. Students who receive an honorable mention distinction are listed in the Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholar Directory.

Angeles Ramirez

The honorable mention went to biological sciences major Angeles Ramirez and recent graduate Jennifer Frisk. Ramirez will graduate in spring 2025. After graduation, Ramirez plans to attend optometry school to obtain a Doctor of Optometry degree. She's also considering earning a doctorate in vision science, focusing on low-vision, myopia and congenital eye defects. 

"My hope is to ultimately become a licensed optometrist as well as conduct applied research to correct visual defects and teach graduate students," Ramirez said.

She said when she heard the news, she was excited and happy that her research proposal and project had earned honorable mention recognition.

"I ran to tell my parents to finish reading the email together," Ramirez said. "I am so appreciative of the opportunity to be placed in the Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholar Directory, where others can potentially contact me."

Ramirez grew up in Ceres and said after she graduates, she wants to give back to her community. She wants to let others who are interested in pursuing a doctoral degree know about the programs and support networks available to them.

"I also hope to implement more robust outreach and education into vision care for the public and for students, which is part of what my research is about," she said.

Jennifer Frisk

Frisk, who also received a CPDP honorable mention, is now a Stan State alumna with a bachelor's degree in social sciences with a primary emphasis in psychology and secondary emphases in ethnic studies and sociology. She majored in child development at Modesto Junior College and transferred to Stan State as a liberal studies major. She discovered a deep interest in how people learn and the psychological/social aspects of teaching and learning.

"When I returned to school at 30 years old, I knew I wanted to be a teacher, but I had a hard time narrowing down which ages and topics I would prefer to teach because I enjoyed them all for different reasons," Frisk said.

The social science major was a great fit for her because it allowed her to approach the study of education from a multidisciplinary perspective while preparing her to study educational psychology in graduate school.

"I met Jennifer in my experimental and methods class after she asked me for special permission to enroll, given that she was not a psychology major," said Stan State Assistant Professor of Psychology Esteban Montenegro. "She was the best in my class, constantly engaging with the content and asking essential questions."

According to Montenegro, it can be difficult to find students motivated to learn statistics. Many are afraid of the subject, but Frisk was highly motivated.

Additionally, he noticed her clear interest in science and human behavior and passion for knowledge.

"It is refreshing to find students like Jennifer," he said. "This is one of many achievements in her career and clearly not the last one. I firmly believe she has a bright future ahead."

Frisk said she knew it would be a competitive application, so she was not surprised that she didn't get into the program on her first attempt. She appreciates CPDP for its encouraging feedback and plans to apply again this coming school year.

Frisk will be entering the psychology master's program at Stan State. She wants to teach psychology within the CSU system or another California public higher education institution.

"I was honored to receive this recognition, and it has motivated me to keep going toward my goals," Frisk said. "I am also truly grateful to be able to continue to benefit from my supportive community here at Stan State for the next two years as I enter my master's studies."

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