La Sierra University College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Office

La Sierra University College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Office Welcome to the College of Arts and Sciences page! We are looking forward to being able to v

Outstanding Seniors of 2026Department of BiologyRegarding Emma, one Biology faculty member wrote, “Having mentored nearl...
06/02/2026

Outstanding Seniors of 2026
Department of Biology

Regarding Emma, one Biology faculty member wrote, “Having mentored nearly 50 undergraduate researchers during my time as faculty at La Sierra University, I can say without hesitation that Emma ranks among the top three students I have ever trained.” Isn’t that amazing? As a first-year student, Emma participated in the university’s Title V Summer Research Program—an uncommon step that speaks to her initiative and long-term vision. From the outset, Emma demonstrated an eagerness not just to participate in research, but to master it. Where many students would have become discouraged, Emma persisted. In her Junior year, Emma was hired as a research technician on an NSF-funded collaboration with the Ocean Flux Program at Woods Hole. The work demanded extraordinary patience and focus—long hours meticulously identifying and labeling images to train automated systems. Emma joined Dr. Trueblood on an NSF-funded research cruise with the Bermuda Atlantic Time Series program this past February. Beyond her research accomplishments, Emma has served as a teaching assistant and research technician while maintaining a demanding academic load. Emma is currently applying for a prestigious internship at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, an opportunity that would position her for admission to top-tier graduate programs.

Outstanding Seniors of 2026Department of Art + Design - Fine ArtNoemi Hernandez is graduating with a BFA in Fine Art and...
06/02/2026

Outstanding Seniors of 2026
Department of Art + Design - Fine Art

Noemi Hernandez is graduating with a BFA in Fine Art and a BFA in Graphic Design. Over the past four years, Noemi has developed her artistic skills through painting, drawing, printmaking, and ceramics. She has worked as a gallery assistant for the Brandstater Gallery since 2024, installing various artist and student exhibitions, photographing and helping set up receptions. Noemi creates art inspired by the community around her as well as her cultural background. She runs a successful online art store and tables at various events around Southern California. Judges awarded her “Best of Show” at Brandstater Gallery 2024 Student show, and she is also a two-time winner of the “Dart Award” (2025 and 2026). Noemi has shown work at the Pain Sugar Gallery in Downtown Riverside and her senior exhibit this May in the Brandstater Gallery.

Outstanding Seniors of 2026Department of Art + Design - Digital Media & MarketingOlivia Genobaga is graduating Magna Cum...
06/02/2026

Outstanding Seniors of 2026
Department of Art + Design - Digital Media & Marketing

Olivia Genobaga is graduating Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Digital Media and Marketing and is a member of the Honors Program. During her time at La Sierra University, she served on the Dean’s Team for the Zapara School of Business and held an officer role in the Business Club for three years.

Her artistic work has been recognized throughout her undergraduate career, earning four awards at the Annual Art + Design Student Show and both a Silver and Gold ADDY Award from the Inland Empire American Advertising Federation. She also completed a graphic design internship at a talent agency in Los Angeles.

Olivia’s most defining achievement is the Common Ground Market Series, born from her own experience of creating work and not knowing where to share it. The four-part series gave student artists, entrepreneurs, and local businesses a space to connect and grow together. Each event has welcomed 20-plus vendors and over 200 attendees, and serves as her Honors Program thesis project.

Outstanding Seniors of 2026Department of Art + Design - Graphic DesignRobert Tan is graduating with a Bachelor of Fine A...
06/02/2026

Outstanding Seniors of 2026
Department of Art + Design - Graphic Design

Robert Tan is graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the Department of Art + Design. Throughout his academic journey, Robert has distinguished himself through creativity, dedication, and a strong attention to detail.
He is known for producing visually compelling and conceptually thoughtful design work, while also contributing positively to the collaborative environment within his department. His commitment to growth and excellence has earned the respect of both faculty and peers.

05/18/2026

🎉 CAS Nominee Spotlight 🎉

Celebrating Yannik Gibson, a nominee for the President’s Undergraduate Award!

✨ Yannik is a Biomedical Science major whose exceptional discipline, academic excellence, and purpose-driven leadership set him apart. With a 3.95 GPA, he has built an impressive record of sustained research, including work on ocean acidification and octopus physiology, demonstrating precision, consistency, and strong analytical thinking.

Beyond the lab, Yannik is deeply committed to mentorship and service. As a Teaching Assistant, STEM peer mentor, and student leader, he invests in the success of others while contributing to campus life with integrity and professionalism. His experiences in clinical internships, global mission work, and community service reflect a deep commitment to caring for others.

Grounded in a passion for service shaped by personal experiences, Yannik is preparing to attend medical school and pursue a career in oncology—aiming to make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients and underserved communities.

👏 Congratulations, Yannik—we are proud to celebrate your achievements!

05/18/2026

🎉 CAS Nominee Spotlight 🎉

Celebrating Tabitha Usery, a nominee for the President’s Undergraduate Award!

✨ Tabitha is a Biochemistry major with a Music minor whose exceptional scholarship and commitment to service set her apart. With a 3.96 GPA, she has excelled in rigorous coursework while engaging in advanced research, including work on purine metabolites related to oxidative stress—demonstrating both technical skill and meaningful scientific impact.

Beyond the lab, Tabitha is deeply involved in campus life and leadership. As a Resident Assistant and leader in student organizations, she is known for her mentorship, reliability, and genuine care for others. Her involvement in the Pre-Medical Society, SALSU, and campus community reflects a strong dedication to serving those around her.

A talented musician as well, Tabitha has contributed to the university’s orchestra and chamber ensembles, bringing together her passions in both science and the arts.

Grounded in a desire “to seek, to know, and to serve,” Tabitha plans to pursue a career in medicine, continuing her commitment to caring for others.

👏 Congratulations, Tabitha—we are proud to celebrate your achievements!

05/17/2026

🎉 CAS Nominee Spotlight 🎉

Celebrating Shaiana Taylor, a nominee for the President’s Undergraduate Award!

✨ Shaiana is a Psychology major with a minor in Marketing whose dedication to research, leadership, and service truly stands out. With a 3.83 GPA, she has contributed to multiple research projects, co-authoring presentations at national conferences while also pursuing her own work on mixed-race identity development—reflecting both academic rigor and meaningful impact.

Beyond her research, Shaiana is deeply engaged in supporting others. As a Teaching Assistant across several psychology courses, she helps foster student learning, while her leadership as President of Psi Chi has strengthened community and connection within the department.

Her commitment to service extends beyond campus through volunteer work and outreach, embodying La Sierra University’s mission to “seek, to know, and to serve.”

👏 Congratulations, Shaiana—we are proud to celebrate your achievements!

✨ You’re Invited! ✨Join us for the CAS Awards Ceremony as we celebrate the incredible achievements of our students! 🎉Com...
05/15/2026

✨ You’re Invited! ✨

Join us for the CAS Awards Ceremony as we celebrate the incredible achievements of our students! 🎉

Come support your fellow seniors, cheer on your classmates, and be part of a special evening honoring excellence, dedication, and talent across the College of Arts & Sciences. 🌟

📅 Tuesday, May 19, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Hole Memorial Auditorium

Reception to follow!

Let’s come together to celebrate and show our support—see you there! 💙✨

05/13/2026

🎉 CAS Nominee Spotlight 🎉

Celebrating John Banta, a nominee for the President’s Undergraduate Award!

✨ John is a Neuroscience major whose academic excellence and intellectual curiosity set him apart. With a 3.94 GPA, he has built an impressive and diverse research portfolio—ranging from marine biology and microbiology to advanced neuroimaging. His work includes developing protocols for brain MRI analysis, studying antibiotic resistance in bacteria, and conducting physiological research, earning recognition at Research Emphasis Week.

Beyond research, John is deeply committed to mentorship and service. As a Teaching Assistant and peer mentor, he supports students across multiple disciplines, while also contributing to campus life through Student Senate and leadership in the Pre-Medical Society. His dedication extends into the community, where he volunteers in patient care settings.

Grounded in curiosity and humility, John embraces learning as a lifelong pursuit—continually seeking knowledge while striving to serve others.

👏 Congratulations, John—we are proud to celebrate your achievements!

05/12/2026

🎉 CAS Nominee Spotlight 🎉

Celebrating Emma Arroyo, a nominee for the President’s Undergraduate Award!

✨ Emma is a Biological Sciences major whose journey reflects resilience, initiative, and a passion for discovery. From her first year, she immersed herself in research—tackling complex projects on blood oxygen binding and later contributing to AI-driven ocean research analyzing long-term environmental data. Her work has led to manuscripts in preparation and even participation in an NSF-funded research cruise, where she conducted fieldwork studying marine life.

Recognized by faculty as one of the most exceptional students they have mentored, Emma stands out for her determination, precision, and ability to grow through challenges. As a Teaching Assistant and research technician, she has balanced rigorous academics with hands-on scientific contribution.

As a first-generation college student, Emma has embraced every opportunity to pursue her passion for understanding and protecting our oceans, with aspirations to study climate change and marine ecosystems at the graduate level.

Driven, resilient, and deeply committed to making an impact, Emma truly embodies La Sierra’s mission “to seek, to know, to serve.”

👏 Congratulations, Emma—we are proud to celebrate your achievements!

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