Nuestra Ciencia member Yesenia Ceja received the 2025 Cal Poly President’s Diversity Award in the student category for her outstanding commitment to equity and inclusion. In addition to her work with Nuestra Ciencia, Yesenia conducts research in Dr. Alejandra Yep’s lab investigating the link between pesticide exposure and UTI incidence in farm workers, serves as a resident advisor and desk assistant for University Housing, and is a scholar in the URISE program. Through research, mentorship, and community engagement, Yesenia exemplifies what it means to create inclusive, equity-driven change on campus and beyond.

📅 Awarded May 22, 2025
📍 Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
🔗 Learn more about the President's Diversity Awards

At the 2025 Bailey College of Science and Mathematics (BCSM) Student Research Conference, Nuestra Ciencia student researchers presented a poster highlighting their bilingual microbiology outreach program. The presentation focused on Sr. Levadura (“Mr. Yeast”), a hands-on activity developed to teach 4th–6th grade bilingual students about microbial fermentation and the conditions that support yeast growth. The poster also outlined Nuestra Ciencia’s broader mission to address microbiology misconceptions and support Latinx representation in STEM through culturally relevant, Spanish-language science lessons. Sharing this work at the BCSM annual showcase highlighted the power of community-engaged research and the impact of inclusive, student-led science education.

📅 Presented May 15–16, 2025
📍 Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
🔗 Learn more about the BCSM Research Conference

Computer science senior Alexi Ringler was honored with Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing Good Leadership Award in May 2025 for her outstanding contributions across campus and in Nuestra Ciencia. As a core member of the outreach and research teams — and the creative mind behind the program’s website — Alexi brought passion, design skills, and deep community engagement to every project. Her leadership also extended beyond Nuestra Ciencia as a she was a two time orientation leader, study abroad ambassador, Mustang Band member, and New Student and Transition Programs facilitator. We’re so proud of you, Alexi!

📅 Awarded May 6, 2025
📍 Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
🔗 Learn more about the Learn By Doing Good Awards

Nuestra Ciencia joined Cal Poly MOST Mentors and over 200 families for the Día del Niño Festival hosted by the San Luis Obispo County Public Libraries on April 26, 2025. Held at San Miguel Park, the event featured hands-on science, cultural performances, and community fun. Nuestra Ciencia shared bilingual STEM activities and take-home projects to spark curiosity and connection beyond the festival. We’re grateful to @slocountylibraries, @cpmostmentors, and all of the Día del Niño community partners for celebrating children, culture, and science with us!

📅 April 26, 2025
📍 San Miguel Park
🔗 Watch the KSBY special report

In Bailey College of Science and Math Undergraduate Research Magazine 2024, Psychology alum Hector Reyes shares how Nuestra Ciencia transformed his academic journey and empowered bilingual elementary students to see themselves as scientists. Through microbiology lessons in Spanish, Cal Poly undergrads build cultural connections and challenge misconceptions about science. The feature highlights the program’s impact, award-winning faculty, and interdisciplinary collaborations — all rooted in asset-based bilingual education. As Hector writes, “Nuestra Ciencia marked the highlight of my undergraduate career.”

📅 Published April 2024
📍 Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
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Hector Reyes and Xavier Aguilar, researchers from Nuestra Ciencia, earned first place in the Education category at the 2024 CSU Student Research Competition, hosted at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Competing against top scholars from across the 23 CSU campuses, their presentation highlighted the impact of Nuestra Ciencia’s bilingual, community-based science education model. Their win reflects the powerful role of culturally sustaining pedagogy in science and the leadership of undergraduate researchers advancing equity in STEM.

📅 April 26–27, 2024
📍 Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
🔗 Learn more about the 38th Annual California State University Student Research Competition

Mustang News profiled Dr. Alejandra Yep and Dr. Jasmine Nation’s work leading Nuestra Ciencia — a program that connects Cal Poly students with local bilingual schools to teach microbiology in Spanish. The article explores how teaching in students' home language builds science identity, strengthens family connections, and reshapes how undergraduates see themselves as educators. “This is the first time I felt like I belonged at Cal Poly,” one student shared. The story underscores the program’s role in building true community — and truly inclusive science.

📅 Published March 26, 2024
📍 Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
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Dr. Alejandra Yep, associate professor of Biological Sciences at Cal Poly, was featured by Integrative and Comparative Biology for her innovative and intentional bilingual science outreach. As the founder of Nuestra Ciencia, Dr. Yep empowers Latinx college students to teach microbiology in Spanish to K–6 students, challenging stereotypes and fostering belonging in STEM. Her work emphasizes listening to community voices, co-designing curriculum with students, and using science as a tool for both education and empowerment.

📅 Featured March 2021
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More stories on the way — stay tuned!