Cal-Bridge Program

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! 🎓

Yeng Her, a San José State University Computer Science Student, is headed to UC Davis to pursue a Master’s Program. Congratulations, Yeng!🎓

Eduardo Castro Becerra, a Cal Poly Pomona Computer Science Student, is continuing at Cal Poly Pomona to pursue a Master’s Program. Congratulations, Eduardo!🎓

Rami Husseini, a San Jose State University Physics & Astronomy Student, is continuing at San Jose State University to pursue a Master’s Program. Congratulations, Rami! 🎓

Congratulations to Eric Andrew, Cal-Bridge undergraduate program alum, who was awarded a Fulbright Research Grant. Eric will be moving to Germany to conduct research at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics this Fall.

Benjamin Awad, a Fresno State University Physics & Astronomy Student, is headed to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to pursue a Master’s Program. Congratulations, Benjamin! 🎓

Allie Dunkhase, a San Diego State University Physics & Astronomy Student, is headed to the University of Iowa to attend the Post-Baccalaureate Program with the Physics & Astronomy Department. Congratulations, Allie! 🎓

Matthew Pearson, a Stanislaus State University Physics & Astronomy Student, is headed to San José State University to pursue a Master’s Program. Congratulations, Matthew! 🎓

Naing Htet, a San Francisco State University Computer Science Student, is headed to San José State University to pursue a Master’s Program. Congratulations, Naing! 🎓

Bryan Martinez Ramirez, a Cal Poly Pomona Computer Science Student, is continuing at Cal Poly Pomona to pursue a Master’s Degree. Congratulations, Bryan! 🎓

Rodney Speight, a San Diego State University Physics & Astronomy Student, is continuing at San Diego State University to pursue a Master’s Degree. Congratulations, Rodney! 🎓

Lucas Stephen, a Cal State East Bay Physics student, is headed to Ohio State University to pursue a PhD in Physics. Congratulations, Lucas! 🎓

Kristopher Ramirez, a Stanislaus State University Math student, is headed to UC Davis to pursue a PhD in Applied Mathematics. Congratulations, Kristopher! 🎓

Olivia Rourke, a Cal Poly SLO Physics student, is headed to the University of Colorado Boulder to pursue a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering. Congratulations, Olivia! 🎓