Kate Yuan - Computer Science
Tell us about yourself, how you came to study at Cal Poly Pomona, and why you chose your major.
I chose Cal Poly Pomona because of the hands-on learn by doing philosophy. I took AP computer science courses in high school and really enjoyed them because they were both analytical and creative. I really like the balance of problem solving and creativity.
What do you like to do when you’re not studying?
I like to read Manga. I’m into a lot of arts & crafts. I draw, crochet, and make jewelry. I also like to do my own gel nails and hang out with friends.
How did you become interested in science?
I’ve always been interested in technology. Sometimes it can be frustrating but learning to solve problems was so satisfying that I wanted to continue.
What do you attribute your academic success to?
A lot of factors supported my success. My parents never pressured me but they always encouraged me to achieve my potential. They wanted me to learn and retain the information and supported me in that. My older sister is an inspiration to me. I look up to her. She got a full ride merit scholarship and finished her BA and MBA in 4 years. Lastly, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of my teachers and professors.
What’s the most memorable part of your time here?
Being part of sheCodes, empowering women has been fulfilling. I made so many wonderful friendships, and enjoyed the club’s guest speakers and projects, I’m currently a mentor to a club member. Through the club I worked on a web development project. It was a cat café theme, an imaginary café’s website.
What are your plans for the future?
I would like to pursue software engineering or development. I want to make useful things. I’m also interested in machine learning and cloud computing.
How has Cal Poly Pomona, College of Science helped prepare you for your career?
I gained valuable experience doing my senior project under Professor Daisy Tang. I worked on the Spot robot integrating a large language model using open API. It allows the robot to be programmed using language in place of code. There was a lot of freedom. It was more open, less structured. All the professors have been really supportive, wanting to teach students and help them learn.
Jason Mar - Computer Science
Tell us about yourself, how you came to study at Cal Poly Pomona, and why you chose your major.
I grew up in the area and was familiar with the reputation of Cal Poly Pomona. I’ve always been interested in science and technology. In eighth grade I took a course in building computers and when I got into high school, I took all the coding courses that were offered.
What do you like to do when you’re not studying?
I really like movies and go at least once a month, usually every couple of weeks or so. The last movie I saw was Project Hail Mary. It was one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. I also like cooking, especially steaks.
How did you become interested in science?
At 10 or 11 years old I was playing Minecraft and got a computer virus. I had to take it in to somebody to fix. I was frustrated that I couldn’t fix it myself, so I wanted to learn more about computers. I viewed it as a challenge.
What do you attribute your academic success to?
I think a lot of it has to do with how I was raised. I’m a first-generation college student. My mom, my grandmother, and my older brother supported me. Also, my friends in my classes were always passionate about their careers and study. It’s easy to count yourself out when you’re doing hard things, but don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do.
What’s the most memorable part of your time here?
My experience in the Student Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS) competition. Project ASTRA, aerospace sponsors. In sophomore year I learned about coding and working on a team. Got an internship at The Aerospace Corporation. With SUAS the goal was to build a drone that would deliver payloads to marked locations. I created the object detection model. Taking a picture and seeing if we can identify where a human is, using a machine learning model. My experience making something bigger than myself made me more passionate about computer science.
What are your plans for the future?
I have a job offer from Raytheon. So that’s where I’ll be working after graduation. I’ll be an embedded software engineer on radar systems. I’ll be doing continuous integration/continuous delivery or deployment (CI/CD) to making sure things don’t malfunction on their way to production.
How has Cal Poly Pomona, College of Science helped prepare you for your career?
The hands-on learning and the professors prepared me. They invite you to learn new things. If there’s a technology that you can use for a project, they encourage you to go ahead and do it. I was encouraged to use tools that required building things from scratch. Some professors even gave me mock interviews as if applying for a software engineer job. The internships at Amazon and The Aerospace Corporation gave me valuable experience.
Marisa Salazar - Kinesiology and Health Promotion
Tell us about yourself, how you came to study at Cal Poly Pomona, and why you chose your major.
I was recruited to come to Cal Poly Pomona to play on the soccer team and received a scholarship. I chose Kinesiology and Health Promotion because I was always interested in the human body. I earned my Certified Nursing Assistant certification and am currently an intern with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health where I help educate communities on different health topics and connect them to services.
What do you like to do when you’re not studying?
When I’m not studying, I’m playing soccer or catching up on sleep. I like to go thrifting and spend time with family & friends. I enjoy going out for seafood boils with my boyfriend.
How did you become interested in science?
In elementary and high school I was always interested in science and got good grades. I always knew I wanted a career in healthcare.
What do you attribute your academic success to?
A big part is my family and friends. They keep me motivated and encourage me. I try to maintain discipline. Balancing both academics and athletic commitments, I had to be disciplined. I appreciate the support of faculty who’ve been understanding of my unpredictable schedule as a student athlete.
What’s the most memorable part of your time here?
I’ve made lifelong friends and memories that I’ll cherish forever. In 2024 our team won the national championship. In 2025 I received All-American from the United Soccer Coaches Organization. On the academic side I really enjoyed hands-on learning like at the Motor Development Clinic, applying what I learned in lectures in real life situations.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to attend nursing school and become an RN. I want to do an accelerated program. I’m still exploring specialties. I like the idea of being a public health nurse and serving marginalized communities.
How has Cal Poly Pomona, College of Science helped prepare you for your career?
Through course work I’ve gained the knowledge and experience to take the next step and pursue a career in healthcare. I developed the time management skills and dedication it takes to succeed.
Marisa Salazar was the second-leading scorer for the Broncos in 2025, scoring 7 goals and three assists. Three of her goals were game-winners, including one in the national quarterfinals against Dallas Baptist. She helped CPP lead the conference in scoring offense (1.70) and total goals (39).
Minh Lu - Chemistry
Tell us about yourself, how you came to study at Cal Poly Pomona, and why you chose your major.
I’m a first-generation college student and an immigrant from Viet Nam. I came to the U.S. in 2018 and started at Rio Hondo Community College in 2020. I transferred to CPP in 2023. I have always been interested in science and curious about how things work in nature. Chemistry has always been my best subject, so I chose it as my major, also with the goal of going to pharmacy school later. But when I started here, I discovered scientific research as an option and chose to pursue it instead. I’m interested in organic synthesis and want to develop methodologies to make organic molecules for pharmaceuticals.
What do you like to do when you’re not studying?
I enjoy spending time on my own, listening to music, reading books and watching shows. I also like to try out new milk teas and new restaurants with my family.
How did you become interested in science?
Science has always been a big part of my education for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been curious about how things work in nature.
What do you attribute your academic success to?
I’m dedicated to acquiring knowledge and want to do my best in all assigned tasks. I also received so much support from my professors, family and friends. I made a lot of friends here and I like studying with friends.
What’s the most memorable part of your time here?
The time spent in lab with my lab mates and Associate Professor Osberger. I love spending time around them and talking about fun things.
What are your plans for the future?
This fall, I will start my Ph.D. study at University of Minnesota. My goal is to become a principal investigator, working in both research and teaching. I discovered this as a career option during my time here at CPP. I’ve been inspired by my professors and want to be able to support my students the way they supported me.
How has Cal Poly Pomona, College of Science helped prepare you for your career?
I learned important core knowledge and got a lot of hands-on experience, getting myself ready for graduate study. I also received a lot of support and advice from Associate Professor Osberger. SEES and CSU-SPaRA programs supported me in research, personal and professional developments.
