Du Cheng is a Cellular Molecular Biology exchange student from the Henan province of the People’s Republic of China.
Since transferring to HSU, Cheng has been the recipient of 10 awards for his commitment to his studies as well as the campus’ cross-cultural understanding. Cheng hopes to continue his education through an M.D.-Ph.D. program and become a medical researcher.
In addition to his award-winning original research to better understand and potentially curb tick-borne disease, Cheng is dedicated to international students at HSU. He not only helps to organize events to celebrate cultural diversity on campus, but he dedicates his personal time to help international student acclimate to American culture, the HSU campus and even offers to greet incoming international students at the airport.
“I have been always impressed with his intellectual insights, his diligence, his sincerity and his dedication to multicultural education and cross-cultural understanding,” says Wurlig Bao, professor in the Department of Critical Race, Gender & Sexuality Studies.
David Janssen is a senior Chemistry major. Despite the rigorous coursework required in his field, he maintains an excellent academic record and participates in a number of extra-curricular activities including drumming in the renowned HSU Calypso Band.
Janssen has worked on Arcata Marsh research projects, and conducted research at Lassen Volcanic National Park's Boiling Springs Lake.
“The aspect of David’s education that sets him apart from nearly all other students is his interest and performance in undergraduate research activities,” says Matthew Hurst, Assistant Professor of Chemistry. “David has participated in undergraduate research for the past four years and this unique experience has given David an education that is rarely provided to undergraduate majors.”
In addition to enriching his own education outside of the classroom, Janssen dedicates his time to helping his peers by working as a tutor for undergraduate chemistry students for more than three years and by teaching supplemental instruction courses for General Chemistry students.
Janssen’s ultimate goal is to become a professor at a larger research oriented institution where he can be involved with teaching while maintaining a strong research focus.
Ian O’Brien is an Interdisciplinary Studies major. During his time at HSU, he has shown great commitment to student activism and social justice, helping to build coalitions between the Queer Student Union, Housing, Eric Rofes Center, Ethnic Studies, Women Studies, Women’s Resource Center, Queer Humboldt, Student Health Center and more.
“Ian’s leadership is inclusive, infectious, and energizing,” says Marylyn Paik-Nicely, Director of HSU’s MultiCultural Center. “I observed staff and volunteers getting so excited because of Ian’s excitement and enthusiasm. He leads by example and grace.”
As part of his senior project, O’Brien helped to organize HSU’s 2011 Social Justice Summit. The theme of the summit was “What Do You Want? Exploring Desire as a Means to Social Liberation.” Thanks to his diligence, O’Brien was able to bring a number of diverse and empowering speakers to campus to explore the ideas of social justice and change and how they are related to desire and sexuality.
This summer, O'Brien will intern with the non-profit organization, Organization for Refuge Asylum & Migration, a group dedicated to advocating for refugees fleeing sexual or gender based violence.