Camarillo, Calif., June 25, 2009 - Two California State University Channel Islands Psychology majors are among 70 students who have been named California State University (CSU) Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars. Jacob Jones and Bianca Villalobos, both starting their senior year this fall, will work closely with their faculty mentor, Dr. Kimmy-Kee Rose, Associate Professor of Psychology, to prepare for their future graduate studies.

The California Pre-Doctoral Program is designed to increase the pool of potential faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of CSU students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages. The program places a special emphasis on increasing the number of CSU students who enter doctoral programs at one of the University of California (UC) institutions.

CSU Channel Islands seeks to involve undergraduates in research experiences with faculty and the Pre-Doctoral Program funds such activities for a select group interested in doctoral work.

“I'm the first in my family to go to college,” said Villalobos, “but I want to go even further. The Pre-Doctoral Program has brought me one step closer to my educational goals and I look forward to continue working hard next year.”

Jones added "It is such a great feeling to know that all the hard work that went into the application process paid off. This is such an honor and I am thrilled at this opportunity. I would definitely like to thank Dr. Kee-Rose for working with us and everything she did to help us."

The Pre-Doctoral scholars receive support in their senior year for projects designed to prepare them for graduate school. And they are invited to participate in a fully-funded research internship at a University of California or other campus for six weeks during summer 2010.

"I have had the pleasure of teaching Mr. Jones and Ms. Villalobos in several of my psychology classes during the past year as well as participating in their educational development,” said Kee-Rose. “Both Mr. Jones and Ms. Villalobos are highly promising undergraduate students, and I am pleased to serve as their faculty advisor.

“The resources provided by the Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholarship will enable these students to seek the experiences and opportunities that may significantly improve their chances of acceptance into a respected doctoral training program,” added Kee-Rose.

"This is the first time CSUCI has had two students designated as Sally Casanova Scholars. We're delighted! It's a tribute to our Psychology program," said Dr. Stephen Lefevre, coordinator of the Pre-Doctoral Program at CSU Channel Islands and Associate Vice President for Academic Programs and Planning at CSUCI.

A description of the CSU Pre-Doctoral Scholars program, other recipients and its goals is available at www.calstate.edu/PreDoc.

For more information about the CSUCI program contact Dr. Lefevre, 805-437-8541 or stephen.lefevre@csuci.edu.

For media inquiries about this event contact Joanna Murphy, Assistant Director of Communication & Marketing at CSUCI, 805-437-8915 or joanna.murphy@csuci.edu.