Christina Huynh
Kinesiology
Tell us about yourself, how you came to study at CPP Pomona, and why you chose your major.
I came to Cal Poly Pomona as a transfer student from Mount San Jacinto College. I am originally from Temecula, CA where I grew up with my parents and two older brothers. I am the youngest and the only girl. I have always had an interest in kinesiology, but due to COVID, I decided to pursue an associate’s degree in business administration so I can one day become an owner of my own clinic. When I came to CPP, I went back to kinesiology thinking I wanted to become a physical therapist, but the school showed me so many more options than physical therapy, which led me to pursuing occupational therapy instead.
What do you like to do when you’re not studying?
When I am not studying, I dedicate my time to working, spending time with friends, or getting some much-needed rest. I find great value in being around others and appreciating their presence. Sleep is also important to me, as it allows me to recharge and stay prepared for the challenges ahead.
How did you become interested in science?
I was drawn to science because I naturally think analytically, but I also appreciate the creativity it involves. My specific interest lies in the human body and kinesiology because the way the body moves and functions has always fascinated me. There are still so many unknowns in this field, and being part of the discovery process gives me a deep sense of fulfillment.
What do you attribute your academic success to?
I would say that my siblings and my teachers/professors got me to where I am today. Being the youngest child and growing up in a competitive household, I was always trying to do better than my older brothers. Seeing them succeed made me want to be like them. In addition, with the support and the passion these educators have, I want to show them that their efforts are being appreciated.
What’s the most memorable part of your time here?
My most memorable part of being here has been the hands-on type of education that CPP encompasses. I did not want to go to school purely for academic reasons, so CPP had the mixture of both and I really enjoyed that. As much as I stressed myself out from all of those countless times I worried about if I was doing enough, the staff was always there to reassure me and help me through the hard times. CPP has the most understanding staff that I have seen. Their responsiveness has really made me feel comfortable here. I also really loved seeing Bluebell. Bluebell would be the highlight of my day whenever I could see her.
What are your plans for the future?
My future goal is to pursue a doctorate in occupational therapy. While I have not yet been accepted into a graduate program, I am actively applying and preparing for that next step. I am especially interested in working with teenagers and adults recovering from strokes, with the aim of helping them regain independence and improve their quality of life. I hope to begin my career as an outpatient occupational therapist, and once I have gained sufficient experience and confidence in my practice, I aspire to open my own outpatient clinic to serve those in need.
How has CPP Pomona, College of Science helped prepare you for your career?
CPP has been a big part of my growth both academically and professionally. The school helped me find internships and gave me opportunities to connect with people in the field. I also learned a lot about different types of disabilities and how to adapt my approach to meet each person’s individual needs. Through my classes, I gained valuable experience in how to teach and support others effectively. These lessons have played a major role in shaping my passion for occupational therapy and my desire to make a positive impact in people’s lives.
Justin Chung
Computer Science
Tell us about yourself, how you came to study at Cal Poly Pomona, and why you chose your major.
I chose computer science because I wanted to build something. With coding, I didn't necessarily need physical materials to build stuff so it was an accessible creative outlet when I was younger. The prospect of building things brought me to Cal Poly Pomona and computer science.
What do you like to do when you’re not studying?
I like hiking through nature. I used to spend time with my grandma through hikes. It’s been one of my favorite activities ever since. I find it relaxing where I’m able to just appreciate the beauty, listen to birds, and feel the wind.
How did you become interested in science?
My interest came from curiosity. Things like computers, the internet, and planes seem so magical to me; I wanted to understand a bit of the magic behind them.
What do you attribute your academic success to?
I attribute it to luck and my peers. I was lucky to meet wonderful professors and meet peers with a passion for learning and experimenting; I learned a lot through my mistakes. I had the opportunity to question and grow.
What’s the most memorable part of your time here?
My highlight was working with Dr. Chen and publishing a paper. When I was younger, I was always fascinated with research and conferences. Through it, I was able to take a glimpse of the wonder and labor behind research.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan on joining Google as a software engineer. I interned with them for the last two summers, and everyday I learned something new. I’m excited to learn more. My main hope/plan for the future is to explore my curiosities and create something meaningful.
It helped me by building my fundamentals and character. I received a foundational understanding that allowed me to rise, and inspiration from professors who showed me humility. I found an environment to learn from my inexperience by always reaching beyond my grasp.
Tiffany Truong
Computer Science
Tell us about yourself, how you came to study at Cal Poly Pomona, and why you chose your major.
I majored in computer science (CS) with a minor in data science. I am currently interning at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for the Systems Engineering Team to analyze and optimize license usage. Prior to interning at NASA JPL, I was a part of Break Through Tech AI UCLA, a program that exposed students to data science, machine learning, and AI, where I explored the correlations between mold types in homes and health issues that people face. Also, I am actively involved in sheCodes, Cal Poly Pomona’s ACM-W chapter dedicated to empowering women and minorities in CS. I organized our annual Semester Long Project (SLP) program during the Fall semester, where I oversaw eight teams as they built projects over the course of nine weeks. Recently, in April, I organized our annual Future Women Developers (FWD) Conference, which introduced underrepresented middle and high school students to CS.
I chose to study at Cal Poly Pomona because of its strong emphasis on hands-on learning and its welcomingcommunity. CPP also holds personal significance; my mom and uncles are alumni, so I grew up hearing about their positive experiences here. I decided to pursue CS partly because it felt familiar; my dad had built his career in the field, so I was exposed to technology growing up. However, it wasn’t until high school, when I took tech-related courses, that I developed my own passion for CS.
What do you like to do when you’re not studying?
I enjoy drawing, playing badminton, going to Downtown Disney, and spending time with friends & family.
How did you become interested in science?
I became interested in CS during high school after taking courses like AP Computer Science and IT Essentials. These classes introduced me to programming and the fundamentals of technology, which sparked my curiosity and excitement for problem-solving. At the time, I was exploring both the medical and tech fields, but the creativity and logic behind programming stood out the most to me.
What do you attribute your academic success to?
I attribute my academic success to the support and encouragement of my parents, professors, mentors, and friends. My parents have always believed in me and encouraged me to do my best, even when things got challenging. I’m incredibly grateful to the professors and mentors who guided me, offered me valuable advice, and introduced me to opportunities that helped me grow. Lastly, my friends in CS have been a constant source of motivation and support throughout my college journey.
What’s the most memorable part of your time here?
The most memorable part of my time here has definitely been being a part of sheCodes, Cal Poly Pomona’s ACM-W chapter dedicated to empowering women and minorities in CS. sheCodes is an incredibly supportive and uplifting community that has played a huge role in my personal and professional growth. Starting as a member as a freshman and eventually serving on the executive board for three years, I’ve gained valuable leadership experience and formed lasting friendships. The memories I’ve made within sheCodes truly made my college experience!
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to finish up my internship with NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and I look forward to continue building technology that has a real impact, specifically by applying data science and machine learning to healthcare challenges.
How has Cal Poly Pomona, College of Science helped prepare you for your career?
Cal Poly Pomona, College of Science has helped prepare me for my career through hands-on experiences in course projects and research projects, which provided a strong foundation in CS. The supportive community, especially within the College of Science, created an environment that encouraged me to grow and continually challenge myself. I’m especially grateful for the guidance and mentorship from both professors and peers, who not only helped me develop the skills needed for my career but also gave me the confidence to pursue new opportunities.
