Meet Gabrielle Yang, the 2020-2021 Science Council President
Her friends call her Gabby. It’s not that she’s loquacious, but Gabby does have a bubbly personality that tends to put people at ease.
Feeling Zoomed out, we talked by phone about Science Council’s plans for Fall 2020 and her personal journey toward majoring in Environmental Biology.
For those unfamiliar with Science Council, “The objective of the Science Council is to establish a community which fosters student success through encouraging collaborative leadership, providing resources, and demonstrating the enjoyable aspects of university life.” – Science Council Website.
For seven years in a row, the university has named the Science Council as Council of the year. Primarily because they go beyond what’s required, offering added value in terms of support and events for all College of Science students.
Q: What is the Science Council planning for Fall 2020?
A: The programming team is working hard to think of ways to engage with events. Instagram Live and takeovers are some of things they’re thinking about. We want to do more contests and giveaways. We’re really interested in doing informational programming to introduce students to all the resources that are available at CPP.
Q: I know that your Lunch with Professors event that you introduced Spring 2020 Semester was a big hit. Do you plan to continue?
A: Yes, they will be Zoom sessions with certain professors who will talk a little about their research and answer questions.
Q: Why should students join a club?
A: It’s part of the college experience. A lot of students come up to me and say that CPP is a commuter school, we don’t have that kind of community. College can be an exciting and fun place if people can get together and communicate - make connections. They’ll feel like they’re part of something. The clubs have worked hard over the summer to plan for virtual interaction.
Q: There are over 20 clubs. Are there any new clubs this semester?
A: There are three: The Alternative, Renewable, Sustainable Energy Club; the Flying Samaritans club; and the Association of Applied Statistics Club. The Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Club (O Stem) isn’t a new club but it is now part of Science.
Q: How did you get interested in Science?
A: My mom used to take me to the Aquarium and even though I wasn’t really considering science in high school, I volunteered and then was hired at the Back Bay in Newport Beach. While in high school I had to interview someone to write a paper and I emailed Professor Kristopher Lappin from the Department of Biological Sciences. He responded, which introduced me to CPP. Coincidentally, I took a tide pool docent training at the Back Bay where I worked, and one of the presenters was Associate Professor Jayson Smith from CPP. I decided marine ecology was for me. Because I’m interested in protecting the environment I’m majoring in Environmental Biology. I’m doing research with Associate Professor Jeremy Claisse. I’m counting and measuring fish called Yellow Tang to determine the effects of protected vs. unprotected environments.
Q: You finished Spring Semester and then took Summer classes virtually. Do you have any advice for new students at CPP?
A: A good thing to remember is that college is what you make of it. A good way to feel like you’re part of a college community is to reach out. Join a club, we have over 20 of them. You can find them on the Science Council clubs page.
Clubs are also listed on MyBar.
In terms of studying, you have to set your own pace. Some instructors don’t provide as much structure as others, so you have to schedule your work yourself. Make a schedule and stay on top of it. Learn about the campus resources that are available and use them.