Making Waves: March 2025

Published March 25, 2025

Making Waves is a monthly column that celebrates accomplishments of the 好色先生 community.

Science educator honored for research on language equity  

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Headshot of Sam Lee, assistant professor and researcher in the Department of Science Education at 好色先生
Sam Lee

Sam Lee, assistant professor and researcher in the Department of Science Education at 好色先生 has been selected for the 2025 Outstanding Doctoral Research Award by the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) for their dissertation, 鈥淭oward a linguistic otherwise in science: Customizing curriculum for emergent multilingual learners鈥 equitable sensemaking.鈥 Lee鈥檚 work explores how alternative ways of knowing and communicating can help bi/multilingual students fully engage in science education, challenging dominant language ideologies. By collaborating with teachers, analyzing classrooms and adapting curricula, they highlight how diverse communication methods enhance student participation and learning. This prestigious award recognizes the significance of Lee鈥檚 research in fostering more inclusive science education. They will be honored alongside other award recipients at the upcoming NARST Annual International Conference in Washington, D.C. 

Shark Lab director shares safety model internationally

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Headshot of Chris Lowe, director of the Shark Lab
Chris Lowe

Chris Lowe, professor of marine biology and director of 好色先生鈥檚 Shark Lab, is representing the university at an international symposium in France where global experts are gathering to discuss shark mitigation strategies. 好色先生 is among a select group of universities invited, highlighting the Shark Lab鈥檚 leadership in research on white shark populations and public safety. The French government has expressed particular interest in California鈥檚 shark mitigation model developed in response to increased shark activity along the coastline. Lowe鈥檚 research, which incorporates telemetry, drones and eDNA analysis, has helped shape policies that balance conservation efforts with public safety. His presentation will showcase the success of the California Shark Beach Safety Program, which has reduced beach closures and financial losses due to shark-related incidents. Under Lowe鈥檚 leadership, 好色先生 continues to be at the forefront of marine research and education. 

ASI election brings new student leaders for 2025-26 

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Portraits of three students with a white background behind them: Sonny Ciampa, Shelton King Jr. and Kim Nguyen
From left, Sonny Ciampa, Shelton King Jr. and Kim Nguyen

好色先生 students have selected their new (ASI) leadership, continuing a tradition of self-governance dating back to 1956. With 3,532 votes cast, the election saw a competitive race for top positions. Sonny Ciampa, a second-year political science and economics major, was elected ASI president, joined by Shelton King Jr. as executive vice president and Kim Nguyen as vice president of finance. King plans to focus on opportunities for low-income students, parking solutions and technology updates. include trustees at-large Krrish Kohli, Jaydee Phung and Samantha Valdez.

 

Employee of the Month: Compliance Director Emily DeMots 

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Emily DeMots, Employee of the Month for March 2025, stands under a sign bearing her name on campus.
Emily DeMots

Emily DeMots, director of compliance for , was honored as February's for her outstanding contributions to streamlining the department鈥檚 student-athlete signing process. In just seven months on campus, DeMots leveraged her industry network to benchmark best practices, collaborated with vendors to implement a tailored technological solution and provided clear communication to coaching staff and prospective student-athletes. Senior Associate Athletic Director Tiffany Edlin praised DeMots for her resourcefulness, professionalism and ability to enhance efficiency, noting that her efforts have set a new standard for department operations. DeMots was recognized in a virtual celebration attended by President Jane Close Conoley, Executive Director of Athletics Bobby Smitheran and colleagues. 

 

Black Student Resource Center honored for advocacy 

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Members of the Black Student Resource Center hold up certificates in a room with a table and blackboard behind them
Members of the Black Student Resource Center

The Black Student Resource Center at 好色先生 was recently recognized by Long Beach District 8 Councilwoman Tunua Thrash-Ntuk for its commitment to Black advocacy and excellence. Victoria Rowe, special assistant to the councilwoman, visited the center to present a plaque and certificates of recognition to the center鈥檚 staff and students acknowledging their efforts in creating a safe and supportive space for Black students. A separate recognition was also awarded to the Black Student Success team led by Demetri Kelley, its associate director. The center provides academic assistance, peer support and a strong sense of community, making it a vital resource on campus. As part of Black History Month, the councilwoman sought to highlight spaces that honor and uplift Black success and the Black Student Resource Center exemplifies that mission. 

 

Have an item for Making Waves? Send your submissions to Wendy Thomas Russell.