Cal-Bridge Program

This #BlackHistoryMonth, we honor the Black scientists and mathematicians whose contributions drive global research and discovery. At Cal-Bridge, we know representation matters. By building pathways to graduate school & research, we’re committed to ensuring science thrives through diversity. #STEM

May this Lunar New Year bring strength, resilience, and unstoppable momentum to our Cal-Bridge community. Just like the Horse, let’s charge forward with courage, confidence, and heart as we continue building pathways to STEM and beyond.
#LunarNewYear #YearOfTheHorse #CalBridge #STEM

Today we celebrate the contributions of women & girls who continue to shape the future of science, research, & innovation. At Cal-Bridge, we believe equitable access to opportunities in STEM is essential. Together, we can build a more inclusive scientific community. #WomenInSTEM

Mentor Monday: Meet Dr. Matteo Crismani (he/him) from CSU San Bernardino in the Physics & Astronomy department. Inspired by the mentors who supported his own nontraditional path into science, Matteo finds mentoring rewarding as he watches achieve their goals. #MentorMonday #CSUSB

#Mentor Monday Spotlight: Meet Dr. Navrati Saxena (she/her) from San José State University in the Dept. of Computer Science. Navrati shared, “Cal-Bridge’s mission—to provide guidance, community, and equitable access to research and graduate pathways—aligns closely with my values". #Calbridge

A look back at summer research for #throwbackthursday! In the Cal-Bridge Summer Program, students spend 8–10 weeks conducting paid research at world-class institutions where they connect with mentors & collaborate with peers. Apply today, apps close 2/2/2026 #SummerResearch www.calbridge.org

January is National Mentoring Month! Mentor Monday: Meet Dr. Erin Pearse (he/him), a Mathematics faculty member at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo & Cal-Bridge mentor. Erin is motivated by students' curiosity and enthusiasm and values building meaningful connections. #MentorshipMatters #MentorshipMonday

A group of Cal-Bridge scholars and faculty traveled to Phoenix, AZ this week for the 247th AAS Meeting! They enjoyed catching up at the Cal-Bridge dinner and cheering on our scholars and alumni during their research talks and presentations. #AAS #STEMForAll #Astronomy #calbridge

Paid summer research opportunities are available through the Cal-Bridge Summer Research program! Applications are now open to California Community College and CSU STEM Majors. Apply by February 2nd at calbridge.org/summer-program.
#SummerResearch #STEM #CSU #CaliforniaCommunityCollege

The Cal-Bridge Summer Program Application is open! Paid #summerresearch for CSU & California Community College majors in science or engineering, physics, astronomy, planetary science, mathematics, comp. science & engineering. Apply by 2/2/2026 at calbridge.org #CSU #research

Cal-Bridge scholars attended the NSBP (National Society for Black Physicists)-NSHP (National Society for Hispanic Physicists) Joint Conference in San Jose! Pictured: Dennis Calderon, Evan Nunez-Craven, Gabriel Muñoz Zarazua, Brittany Conner & Mariana Rojas-Montoya.

This #November, Cal-Bridge honors Native American Heritage Month. We recognize and celebrate the enduring contributions, cultures, and traditions of Native and Indigenous peoples.
#NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #IndigenousHeritage

#ThrowbackThursday: Cal-Bridge Fall Conference at UC Irvine! The event kicked off with a welcome reception, where we met the new undergraduate cohort, then things got competitive! Faculty mentors, graduate & undergrad scholars teamed up for trivia, proving collaboration is key!

Doing all the things, with ribbons to prove it, at the @calbridge.bsky.social Fall Conference.

Cal-Bridge scholars participated in the American Physical Society (APS) Far West meeting at @ucsantacruz.bsky.social, in October 2025, presenting research talks and posters. Pictured are Cal-Bridge Undergraduate, Master & Doctoral scholars with Physics & Astronomy Co-Director, Aaron Romanowsky.

On the last day of World Space Week, we join in celebrating the largest space event on Earth, officially recognized by the United Nations. At Cal-Bridge, we’re proud to support the curiosity and innovation that push the boundaries of science and discovery.
#WorldSpaceWeek #DiversityinSTEM

Join us as we celebrate Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month (Sept 15 – Oct 15).
The dates are significant because they mark the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, while also recognizing the lasting impact Latino/a/e/x leaders, scholars, and innovators.

Cal-Bridge program receives $5 million in state budget to broaden participation in California’s science and technology workforce - Calbridge The Cal-Bridge program secured $5 million in state funding to help underrepresented students pursue STEM degrees and leadership roles, boosting diversity in California's tech and academic workforce.

Press Release: “Cal-Bridge program receives $5 million in state budget..." Thank you to the legislators who helped us get funding to continue supporting underrepresented students in STEM: Assemb. David Alvarez @davidalvarezca.bsky.social Assemb. Mia Bonta & State Senator Ben Allen. shorturl.at/YAFbF

Congratulations to Doctoral scholar, John Montano, on successfully defending his PhD in Physics & Astronomy at @ucirvine.bsky.social! John conducted black hole research through observing campaigns with a technique called reverberation mapping. #physics #astronomy #research

Cal-Bridge Doctoral Scholar, Rolando Ortega, was asked about his academic plans he said, “I hope to be a physics professor. I’ve always liked helping others and my time in the Cal-Bridge program has shown me how impactful a great mentor can be".
news.ucmerced.edu/news/2025/ca...

The 2025 Cal-Bridge Fall Conference is one month away! Which part of the conference are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments! #community #mentorship #research #professionaldevelopment

Mariana Rojas-Montoya, Cal-Bridge undergrad program alum and current MS scholar, presented at the 2025 AAPT Summer Meeting, Mariana shared how the Transfer Advocacy Group empowered transfer students and boosted their confidence in physics. Incredible work, Mariana! #Astrophysics

Fawad Afzal is conducting summer research at UC Irvine in the Henry Samueli School of Engineering! He is working on Communication Networks for a Chiplet-based Heterogeneous Integration System. Excited to see everything he has learned! #UCIEngineering #STEM #UndergraduateResearch

We are excited to announce our third annual Cal-Bridge Fall Conference to be held on the UC Irvine campus Friday-Sunday, October 3-5. Active Cal-Bridge scholars and mentors, please save those dates on your calendar!

Shout out to the Cal-Bridge Doctoral Scholars who completed the week-long Summer Institute at @ucsantabarbara The week focused on professional development in #pedagogy & #researchleadership, helping to build skills for their careers. The week also included social events for #networking & connecting.

Congratulations to these Cal-Bridge Computer Science Graduates! 🎓
DeeAna Phommavanh, a CPP CS graduate.
Rosemary Cardoso, a CSUSM CS graduate.
Vicky Lopez, a CSUSB CS graduate.
Tyrell Baker, a CSUMB CS graduate.
Savannah Hebert, a CSUSB CS graduate.

Congratulations to these Physics & Astronomy Cal-Bridge Graduates!🎓
Aaron Russell, a Sonoma State University graduate!
Kelsey Sako, a Cal Poly Humboldt graduate!
Damien Tessmer, a San Diego State University graduate!

Congratulations to these Physics & Astronomy Cal-Bridge Graduates!🎓
Matthew Luna, a Cal Poly Pomona graduate!
Zoryanna Alvarez, a CSU San Bernardino graduate!
Diego Monje Gastelum, a San Diego State University graduate!

Congratulations to these Physics & Astronomy Cal-Bridge Graduates! 🎓
Adrian Barajas, a San José State University graduate!
Ysabel Espinosa, a CSU San Bernardino graduate!
Spencer Kirkman, a San Francisco State University graduate!

Jessica Doan, a San Diego State Physics & Astronomy student, has been awarded an Erasmus Mundu Joint Master (EMJM) scholarship to support her participation in the Master in Astrophysics and Space Science Program. Congratulations, Jessica! 🎓