NSM Student Awrad 2026
DAN BLACK FAMILY FELLOWSHIP
Awarded to physics majors who show promise for a successful physics-related career. This scholarship is funded through the generous ongoing commitment of Dan Black to the Physics program.
Andres Gutierrez is a Master's student in Physics working with Dr. Jocelyn Read and advised by Dr. Terry Lambros. Andres joined CSU Fullerton with experience in observational astrophysics and the formation of iron in stars. His Master’s research focuses on the production of heavier elements in neutron star mergers, and how future observations will teach us about element formation over the universe’s history.
Nicholas Hendrick is a junior physics undergraduate student currently conducting computational soft matter research with Dr. Meng Shen. His work focuses on understanding physical principles governing collective motions of self-propelling agents across various scales, with applications in understanding cell clusters, animal migration, and social behaviors.
Sean Hostetter is a master's student in the CSUF Physics program. His research focuses on the properties and quantum dynamics of molecular qubits in external electromagnetic environments as well as developing computational methods that can examine the intricate physics of these systems. This will help make stable qubits in ambient conditions.
Steven Malabicky is a junior physics undergraduate student currently conducting computational research with Dr. Meng Shen in soft matter. His work focuses on understanding physical principles governing self-assembly of various-sized particles in nonequilibrium conditions driven by external fields.
Jose Pineda is a first-year master’s student in the Nicholas and Lee Begovich Center for Gravitational-Wave Physics and Astronomy. His research focuses on computing the gravitational waves emitted by binary black holes and measuring the accuracy of these calculations. Jose plans to return to Cal State Fullerton next year to complete the physics masters program.
David Robles has recently completed his bachelor’s degree in physics from CSUF and is in his first semester in the Master’s program. David is working with Dr. Loverude on physics education research. His project will build on prior work with mathematical practices in physics textbooks. He will study how students approach mathematical aspects of physics homework and the resources that they access.
Nicolas Salkin is awarded the Black Family Fellowship to pursue physics education research with Dr. Gina Passante, where he will investigate how students conceptualize identical particles in advanced physics courses. His work focuses on students’ ability to reason across multiple representations, including mathematical and graphical forms, a critical skill for deep understanding in physics. Nicolas brings a strong interdisciplinary background in physics and mathematics from Loyola Marymount University, along with demonstrated research promise. This fellowship recognizes his intellectual curiosity and potential to contribute meaningfully to the field of physics education research.
Jesus Vega is a graduate physics student working in theoretical condensed matter physics under Dr. Ionel Tifrea. Jesus plans to study the effect of the correlated hopping interaction on the thermoelectric response of a double quantum dot semiconductor nanostructure. At the conclusion of his masters degree at CSUF, Jesus hopes to begin a PhD program and continue his work in theoretical physics.
Walter Woolley is a first-year physics graduate student currently conducting computational research with Dr. Meng Shen in soft matter and biophysics. His work focuses on developing a fundamental understanding of protein condensates, with the goal of informing future treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
CONSTANCE BEECH EIKER AND RAYMOND V. ADAMS CREATIVITY FELLOWSHIP
Funded by former distinguished professor and department founder Ray Adams in memory of Constance B. Eiker. Awarded to physics majors who, with faculty supervision, design an experiment for use as a lecture demo or in a department teaching laboratory.
Elijah Gibson, a Masters' student in physics, receives this award for experimental physics research on light-driven assembly of microscopic particles. He uses projected LED light to direct the motion of gold particles and to assemble them into any target shapes on demand. He studies how to reconfigure and transport the assembled shapes to better understand the design principles of microscale robots operating in liquid.
Donovan Mesa is a sophomore student majoring in Physics who is planning to graduate in the spring of 2028. He is studying with Dr. Peshkov the behavior of granular materials under cyclic compression. He is planning to continue in a PhD program after completing his bachelor’s degree.
LOUIS AND SARA SHAPIRO MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP
Established and funded by Dr. and Mrs. Mark Shapiro to provide a fellowship to support continuing physics students.
Alina Sendowsky is an undergraduate physics major who is conducting experimental research on the low-temperature properties of crystalline silicon with Dr. Smith in the GWPAC lab. This summer she will expand her optics and photonics research as part of the University of Rochester’s REU program, before returning to CSUF for her senior year.
ROBERT W. KEDZIE AWARD
Provided by a generous endowment funded by the family of the late Dr. Robert W. Kedzie who, as a retiree, voluntarily tutored our physics students and left a strong impression on them. This award is for students who have improved their performance in physics courses.
Aiden Allan is a physics junior who is working in the laboratory of Dr. Leigh Hargreaves. Aiden's research considers the interactions of low-energy electrons with diatomic molecules. Aiden's measurements of ionization of hydrogen will provide critical test data for current quantum chemistry models.
Matthew Hitt is the recipient of the Robert Kedzie Award, recognizing his significant and sustained academic improvement as a physics major. Since joining the department, Matthew has demonstrated steady progress, moving from early challenges to strong performance in upper-division physics and mathematics courses. His recent coursework reflects a marked upward trajectory, culminating in high achievement in advanced subjects such as quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and experimental physics, as well as earning Dean’s List honors. This award honors Matthew’s perseverance, growing mastery of physics, and commitment to his academic development.
PHYSICS OUTSTANDING UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT AWARD
This award recognizes an undergraduate student who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, dedication, and enthusiasm for the study of physics.
Elijah Gibson received this award for his outstanding passion and dedication toward physics education and research. Since transferring from Citrus College, he quickly adapted to the physics department and demonstrated remarkable performance in upper-division physics courses. He performed research on nanoparticle assemblies and developed creative solutions within only three semesters. He presented his work at major physics conferences alongside graduate students and demonstrated extraordinary skills in communicating science to a broader audience.
PHYSICS OUTSTANDING UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER AWARD
This award recognizes an undergraduate physics student who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement in research.
Ashley Robinson is a senior student majoring in Physics who is planning to graduate in the spring of 2027. She is studying with Dr. Peshkov the production of fluid flows using the collective motion of nematodes. She is planning to continue in a PhD program after completing his bachelor’s degree.
PHYSICS OUTSTANDING MASTER’S CANDIDATE AWARD
This award recognizes a master’s student who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, excellence, and a strong commitment to the field of physics.
Jason Hoang is the outstanding Physics Master’s Candidate for 2026. Since joining CSUF from Cal Poly Pomona, Jason has excelled in teaching, classes, and research, earning an A in every physics course he has taken at CSUF. Jason worked with Dr. Loverude and intends to continue in this area and pursue further graduate work in physics education research. He received multiple offers to PhD programs and will be enrolling at the University of Maine in Fall 2026.
PHYSICS OUTSTANDING TEACHING ASSOCIATE AWARD
This award honors a teaching associate who has shown excellence in instruction, mentorship, and support of student learning.
Nicolas Salkin is recognized with the Outstanding Teaching Associate Award for his exceptional dedication, skill, and care in teaching Physics 226L at California State University, Fullerton. Building on over three years of undergraduate teaching experience at Loyola Marymount University, he has continued to demonstrate initiative and excellence in supporting student learning. His participation in the Graduate Student Teaching and Learning Certificate Program reflects his commitment to continual growth as an educator. Nicolas’s thoughtful instruction and genuine investment in his students make him a standout member of the physics teaching community.