2023-24 President's Scholars

George Manuel Hernandez

Siu Family President's Scholar

Major: Chemistry, American Chemical Society option

College of Science

Activities: Student Member of the American Chemical Society: Pre-Pharmacy Society; McNair Scholars Program: Osberger Research Group; PolyTransfer Program peer mentor; Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry student assistant

One Word to Describe CPP: “Inclusive. The campus has allowed me to not only feel secure in being on campus as reentry student but also find my niche to help those with similar backgrounds in adjusting to the challenges of undergraduate studies.”

George’s academic achievements pay tribute to his parents who came to the United States to model hard work in pursuit of their dreams. Despite challenges including an emergency surgery and later a five-month recovery from a car accident, George continues to follow his desire to one day earn a Ph.D. Research in Assistant Professor Thomas Osberger’s lab has broadened his passion for organic chemistry, and he plans to delve further into material chemistry and nanotoxicology with an aim to focus on material synthesis and analysis. “It is my earnest aspiration that I can help increase the diversity of future research workforce and foster an environment that accelerates scientific innovation while also making progress against social inequality. Though my personal academic journey has not been strictly linear, it is my experiences combined with support from family, friends, and mentors that motivate me to complete my studies.”