Hear from current CGU students about their experiences! Current students will answer questions that you submitted with your registration about their experience, involvements, and campus life at Claremont Graduate University!
AN LY
Completed my bachelor’s and master’s degree at UC San Diego, both in Mathematics and my current topic that I am studying is Discrete Mathematics and Algorithms
I started at Claremont Graduate University in 2019. I’ve worked as a grader for Pomona College and am currently a teaching assistant for one of the math classes. I am also currently working on the math clinic for this year.
SHAWN MATIOSSIAN
Shawn Matiossian is an accomplished professional in the entertainment industry by trade and an aspiring Political Science professor. Matiossian spent many years in high-profile fortune 500 organizations leading Human Resources as well as consulting work. Shawn realized he could utilize his professional experience and weave it into his research interests and decided to pursue his Ph.D. in Political Science focusing on American Politics, the Media, Political Communication, and Behavior.
Shawn carries over 11+ years of industry experience, a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and is working on completing his Ph.D.
TEMITAYO (TAYO) ARIKENBI
Temitayo (Tayo) Arikenbi is a third-year doctoral student in Information Systems. He also recently completed a master’s degree in Economics from CGU. His dual degree program typifies the trans-disciplinary nature of academic studies and opportunities at Claremont Graduate University. His area of interest is in data science and analytics modelling for value optimization in organizations. Temitayo is a fellow with the Digital Learning Lab of the Office of Information Technology at the university, where he facilitates workshops on the use of basic technologies available to students, such as Powerpoint and Python. He is also an adjunct faculty at the California State University, where he teaches Introductory Information Systems and Systems Analysis & Design. An international student himself, Tayo is invested in helping new students from outside the US settle in and maximize the opportunities that being a Claremont student offers them.
FRANCESCA VILLARREAL
Francesca earned her Master of Social Work degree from California State University, San Bernardino, and is currently a forensic social worker at the Law Offices of the Public Defender, San Bernardino County.
Francesca is passionate about using her education and life experiences to increase corporate social responsibility that is intentional and sustained through time. Additionally, she would like to protect intellectual property rights and build strategic business opportunities in BIPOC communities.
Personally, Francesca enjoys spending time with her family, watching sports, and working out.
AVALON WHALEN
I’m a first year PhD student studying Applied Social Psychology with the Social Identity Lab; my research revolves around white nationalism in the US. I am the Graduate Student Council’s Podcast Specialist and I run our podcast, CG (you): Grad Student Council Talks. I am also the CGU Representative for the Claremont College’s Muslim Student Association (MSA).
KATHERINE RUTZ-ROBBINS
Kate Rutz-Robbins is in her second year of study at Claremont Graduate University, where she is finishing her MA in Cultural Studies with a concentration in Museum Studies after graduating UC Irvine, where she studied Art and Literary Journalism. While at CGU, she has worked as Office of Admissions and Visitor Information Support and was a Research Assistant for the Department of Cultural Studies. Kate recently completed an internship with the Museum of Teaching and Learning where she was the second Loren Doll Scholar and consulting Humanities Expert. She is passionate about public education and believes that museums can facilitate life-long learning outside of school. Kate hopes to bring her education and experience to contribute to the museum world, tell the stories that need to be told, and create engaging and educational content.