Cheyenne Ty, Overall Outstanding Students of the Year (overall)—Academic Contributions
Cheyenne Ty, Computer Science, is an outstanding undergraduate researcher whose contribution to research projects in literature review, machine learning experiments, statistical and computational analysis, and programming has been exceptional.
Ty conducted research that appeared in two peer-reviewed publications and has presented at multiple scientific conferences. For example, she was the first author of the “Investigation of Computing Transfer Students Success.” Published in the Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges, the research examines different factors affecting the academic performance of transferring Computer Science students and was presented by Cheyenne and others at the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges-North West (CCSC-NW).
Ty has worked on several faculty projects, including an AI counseling system for underrepresented Computer Science transfer students. She later joined another project that involved introducing K-12 schools in Humboldt County to computer science concepts, hardware, and software.
In addition to her academic contributions, Ty has been a mentor to her peers, especially newer research assistants. She has also helped promote the Computer Science program at Spring Preview in 2024 and 2025. She led a demonstration of capstone projects and educational games created by seniors for prospective students, creating one of the most impactful experiences for those considering Humboldt’s Computer Science program.
Described as curious, self-motivated, and intelligent, Ty demonstrates excellence as she balances family responsibilities with academics and contributes to multiple research projects on campus, all while creating a positive and inclusive environment for others.
Lily Yassemi, Outstanding Student of the Year (overall)—Co-curricular Contributions
Lily Yassemi, Computer Science, is a trailblazer at Cal Poly Humboldt, demonstrating an exceptional ability to balance academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. A Humboldt County native, Yassemi has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Cal Poly Humboldt and the student organizations she leads.
Seeing a need for greater representation and support for women in STEM fields, she founded and became president of the Society of Women in STEM. In the first week, she raised hundreds of dollars, built partnerships with local professional women in STEM, and expanded the Society’s reach to students at College of the Redwoods. She is committed to growing this new organization to provide a supportive community for women in STEM at Humboldt, ensuring they have the resources and network needed to thrive and stay engaged in their studies, ultimately encouraging the retention of women in STEM fields.
Yassemi is an active member of KRFH Radio Free Humboldt, the student-run radio station where she has been a DJ, the production manager, and the manager of the station’s website since 2022.
Yassemi also serves as President of the Computer Science Club, where she has driven a 100% increase in membership and raised over $10,000 through creative fundraisers. Yassemi has organized industry talks, developed and led technical workshops, and facilitated networking opportunities that have helped students round out their education and build professional connections.
She also led the club’s participation in the prestigious International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC), a globally recognized competition, where Cal Poly Humboldt achieved a top-10 placement—the first time the University has appeared on the ICPC global leaderboard.
Yassemi spearheaded the development of the Hackathon for Social Good, an ambitious event that brought students together to solve real-world challenges proposed by local non-profits. The initiatives she has built at Cal Poly Humboldt will continue to benefit students for years to come.
“I’m deeply grateful for the support of my family, professors, peers, and community at Cal Poly Humboldt. This recognition inspires me to keep using my skills to make a positive impact,” Yassemi says.
Academic
Excellence in Academic Discipline Visual & Performing Arts
Thi Samelson, Dance and Kinesiology
Excellence in Arts Humanities & Social Sciences
Samantha Ramos, Geography
Excellence in Natural Resources & Sciences
Roland Carter, Environmental Resources Engineering
Excellence in Professional Studies
John Mellett, Psychology
Co-Curricular
Al Elpusan Award for Student Activism
Jamilla Hashem, Social Work
Excellence in Community Service
Sterling Russell, Geography and Religious Studies
Excellence in Intercollegiate Athletics
Kealey Scott, Child Development & Family Relationships
Student Life
Excellence in Student Employment
Jade Croopnick, Critical Race, Gender & Sexuality Studies
Excellence in Sustainability
Ethan Glaz, Environmental Studies
Outstanding Contribution to an Associated Students Program
Kayla Dvorak, Forestry
Outstanding Contribution to a Campus Club, Program or Organization
Penny DellaPelle, Environmental Science & Management
Outstanding Student Researchers
Rafael Bernard, Biochemistry
Rosa Cox, Environmental Science & Management
Priscilla Gamez, Biochemistry
John Gerving, Computer Science
Ben Hung, Environmental Resources Engineering
Zane Husome, Mechanical Engineering
Julian Jensen, Forestry
Garrett Kitchen, Sociology
Kamar Little, Film
Martín Mendoza-Ceja, Data Science
Abigail Penland, Computer Science
Isabel Perez-Zoghbi, Chemistry
Megan Pratt, Mathematics
David Schmitz, Chemistry
Will Streich, Economics
Harmony Switzer-Tryon, Psychology
Cheyenne Ty, Computer Science
Patricia O. McConkey Outstanding Graduate Student Award
Catriona Barr, Natural Resources
Rebeca Becdach, Wildlife
Eileen Bell, Social Work
Camille Burns, Psychology
Caleb Chen, Public Sociology
Amparo Hargreaves, Social Work
Elizabeth Hershey, English