CoSE Graduate Awardees

Graduate Hood Recipient

Isis Raele

Master of Science, Geographic Information Science

If Isis had to be described in one word, it is bold. Her approach to research reflects intellectual courage and a deep commitment to understanding the structural forces shaping public health outcomes in her community. Her work examines Oakland’s overdose crisis through a geographic lens, seeking to uncover the systemic “why” beneath the statistics.

After repeated loss of loved ones to opioid overdose affecting her Brazilian immigrant family and community, Isis refused to accept simplified narratives surrounding the crisis. Instead, she pursued graduate study to investigate broader social, economic, and spatial dynamics. Through geography as her guiding framework and geographic information systems as her primary tool, she applies spatial analysis to reveal patterns shaped by inequality and organized abandonment.

With a 3.95 GPA, Isis has demonstrated academic excellence as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and as a presenter at the annual conference of the American Association of Geographers. Her research contributes to a more nuanced and data-informed understanding of one of the most pressing public health challenges facing urban communities.

Beyond the classroom, Isis is deeply engaged in community-based harm reduction, distributing life-saving supplies and providing public health education. She also advocates for labor and immigrant protections, contributing to workplace safety efforts and rapid response networks during periods of federal enforcement activity. Her work ensures that her academic research remains grounded in direct service and real-world impact.

After 23 years in the United States and a long path to citizenship, Isis celebrates earning her degree and becoming a U.S. citizen. She will pursue a Ph.D. to continue advancing research centered on marginalized communities.

Distinguished Achievement Recipients

Stephanie Uzordinma Awuzie

Master of Science, Biology (Cell and Molecular Biology)

Stephanie advances understanding of neural stem cell development through single-cell RNA sequencing. A biotechnology fellowship recipient and national conference presenter, she integrates rigorous scholarship with leadership as a peer mentor and president of Black Excellence in STEM, fostering equity and community in science.

Kimberly Gabriela Bautista

Master of Science, Industrial Organizational Psychology

Kimberly served as a research assistant in the People and Organizations Lab under Dr. Shiyu Yang and completed her thesis under Dr. Yang’s direction. Her research examines how organizational diversity rhetoric shapes job seekers’ reactions and intentions, contributing to understanding workplace communication and inclusion.

Angela Rose Beatty

Master of Science, Astronomy and Astrophysics

Angela developed an interest in astronomy after watching Hidden Figures. Her research focuses on determining the orbits of metal-poor stars in the Milky Way to better understand galactic assembly and the origins of elements. She will enroll in a Ph.D. program after graduation.

Bella Sultani Benzaken

Master of Arts, Psychological Science (Mind, Brain, and Behavior)

Bella designed and conducted a challenging electroencephalography experiment, completing data collection with 38 participants in six months. Her research examines neural correlates of higher-order cognition, demonstrating strong technical skill, persistence, and the ability to execute a demanding and sophisticated experimental design.

Stefan Antony Blacha

Master of Arts, Psychological Science (Developmental Psychology)

Stefan examines the experiences of LGBTQ adolescents and young adults, with careful attention to well-being and context. His research reflects thoughtful analysis of environmental and policy influences on development, demonstrating a strong commitment to understanding factors that shape youth opportunities and outcomes.

Jo Nisa Cabilogan

Master of Arts, Psychological Science (Social, Personality, and Affective Science)

Nisa has published multiple articles, including first-authored work examining how Asian American adolescents experience discrimination across identities. A dedicated leader and mentor, she supports the development of others and will continue her research in a Ph.D. program at the University of California, Riverside.

Gabriela Crystal Franco

Master of Science, Biology (Cell and Molecular Biology)

Gabriela, an NIH Bridge to Ph.D. Scholar and Phage Pathways Scholar, studies seasonal changes in campus wastewater, focusing on metagenomic composition and antibiotic resistance genes. As a first-generation Latina student, her work supports public health awareness and serves both campus and broader communities.

Marcello Anthony Garbo

Master of Science, Chemistry

Marcello is recognized for excellence in research, scholarship, and leadership. His achievements include winning the CSU-wide research competition, earning Climate Action and ARCS scholarships for quantum dot solar energy work, securing NIH-URISE support, and representing San Francisco State University with distinction in scientific research.

Naisarg Dharmendra Halvadiya

Master of Science, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Naisarg graduated in Fall 2025 and supported students as a teaching assistant in programming and web development. He received the Best Emerging Hack award at SF Hacks 2025 and was a CSU Research Competition finalist, demonstrating strong technical ability and engagement in applied data science.

Minyi Huang

Master of Science, Civil Engineering

Minyi, a Civil Engineering SF State Scholar, earned second place at the 2025 COSE Showcase for research on green roof structural damping, received a SEAONC Scholarship, and serves as Tau Beta Pi Recording Secretary, demonstrating strong analytical ability, initiative, leadership, and meaningful research impact.

Alexander George Kaattari-Lim

Master of Science, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Alexander pursued graduate study to expand interests in software systems and data analysis. He taught data analytics through Code Tenderloin, contributed to ACM projects and hackathons, and supported federated learning research, demonstrating strong technical ability and commitment to community-focused technology education and collaboration.

Khalid Mehtab Khan

Master of Science, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Khalid conducts research on AI-driven STEM retention through cultural capitals and supports students as a teaching assistant and resident assistant. His work includes developing an award-winning tool at SF Hacks, demonstrating academic excellence, technical innovation, and a strong commitment to student success and inclusive STEM education.

Jessica A. Martin

Master of Science, Biology (Integrative)

Jessica generated the first genome for the Galápagos lava gull, requiring extensive laboratory and bioinformatic expertise. Her thesis was published in G3: Genes/Genomes/Genetics, and she co-authored another genome paper. Accepted into multiple Ph.D. programs, she demonstrates strong leadership, collaboration, and research excellence.