Welcome to Gavilan College STEM
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Learn More About STEM:
Summer 2023
Summer 2023 Tutoring - Beginning Monday, 6/12
Summer tutoring will be offering in person and online. Check the STEM Center webpage for more info!
Prepare for Fall Semester with Summer Math Bootcamps
These two math courses are intense reparation for fall semester math courses. They will take place on Monday, Aug. 14th - Friday, Aug. 18th and meets 9:00 am - 4:10pm with a 30 minute lunch break.
Prepare for Transfer Level Math - Math 217 (in place of Math 415)
CRN 80740; 2.0 units; meets IN PERSON in Room LS-106; Instructor: Elena Dachkova, edachkova@gavilan.edu
A remedial mathematics course designed for those students who need to learn, or re-learn fundamental concepts of math. The primary emphasis is on algebraic expressions, linear/quadradic equations and applications, polynomials, graphing, and functions. Units earned in the course do not count toward the associate degree and/or certain certificate requirements. This class is an intense preparation for Math 5, Math6, Math 7, and Math 8A. This is a pass/no pass course.
Prepare for Calculus Bootcamp - Math 219
CRN 80382; 2.0 units; meets IN PERSON in Room: MA-102; Instructor: Marla Dresch, mdresch@gavilan.edu
This is a course for students who wish to refresh or re-learn fundamental algebraic or pre-calculus concepts. The focus is on polynomial, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions and equations and graphs of these functions. This class is preparation for Math 8B, Math 1A, or Math 1B. This is a pass/no pass course.
Fall 2023
Math Sections with linked Support Courses
The following math courses offer a linked support course (concurrent enrollment) to review necessary prerequisite skills.
Math 5 Statistics Support offerings:
- MATH 215: Statistics Support CRN 11123 2.0 units, Offered IN PERSON Fridays 10:00 am - 12:05pm in Room MA-103 Instructor: Benjamin Bunting, bbunting@gavilan.edu
- Students enrolled in this section of Math 215 must be concurrently enrolled in Math 5 – Statistics CRN 10120.
- MATH 215: Statistics Support CRN 11857 2.0 units, Offered ONLINE LIVE Mondays 12:55 pm - 02:00pm on Zoom and Wednesdays 1:55 pm - 02:45pm on Zoom. Instructor: Fatemeh Yarahmadi, fyarahmadi@gavilan.edu
- Students enrolled in this section of Math 215 must be concurrently enrolled in Math 5 - Statistics CRN 10131.
Math 6 Business Calculus Support offerings:
Students enrolled in Math 6- Business Calculus CRN 11864 are strongly encouraged to enroll Business Calculus Support:
- MATH 216: Business Calculus Support CRN 12124 2.0 units, Offered IN PERSON Thursdays 09:45 am - 11:50am in Room LS-101 Instructor: Raylene Potter, rpotter@gavilan.edu
Fall 2023: STEM-Based General Education courses
Humanities 3: Intro to Cinematic Arts, Film and Television
These online classes fulfill the humanities requirement for the General Ed. Associate’s degree (C-2). Films will have a STEM focus. For more information, please contact Grant Richards at grichards@gavilan.edu .
Instructor: Grant Richards, CRN 11880 This class is offered online, asynchronous
Instructor: Grant Richards, CRN 11881 This class is offered Tuesday/Thursday, 11:20-12:45 in SS214
English 1A: Composition and Reading
Instructor: Christina Salvin, CRN 10604, Fri 9:30 AM-1:40 PM in Hollister Briggs Building Room 2 This class is conducted at the Hollister campus and Pinnacles National Park, where we will spend six Fridays going on 3-6 mile hikes, learning about the park from rangers including the cultural historian, condor program coordinator, and wildlife biologist. We will meet in Hollister to carpool at 8:30AM and return to Hollister by approximately 2:30PM on each of the scheduled Fridays (9/15, 9/29, 10/13, 10/27, 11/17, 12/1) though dates are subject to change based on weather and staffing. Please email Christina Salvin at csalvin@gavilan.edu for more information if you are interested in enrolling.
Instructor: Jessica Hooper, CRN 10605, Tue/Thur 10:30AM-12:35PM in HU 102 and CRN 10606, Tue/Thur, 2:00-4:05 PM in HU102 These “Health and Well-being” classes will explore topics in the medical field and in the fields of study on mental health and emotional well-being including mindfulness practice. For more information contact jhooper@gavilan.edu .
Instructor: Martha Anne Oral, CRN 10607, Mon/Wed 9:45-10:50 AM in HU101 and CRN 10608, Mon/Wed 12:55-3:00 PM in HU101 These courses explore the worlds of science and technology with particular emphasis on plastics in our environment. For more information, please contact Martha Oral at moral@gavilan.edu .
Instructor: Tiffany Palsgrove, CRN 10617, Tues 9-11:05 AM in BU118 This hybrid course focuses on the science of learning and trending topics in higher education. All reading materials will be provided for students for free. Though technically not STEM based, this class is recommended for STEM students who are seeking to understand and practice proven methods and techniques that lead to successful learning.
Instructor: Glenda Ann Mora, CRN 10628, Mon 2:30-4:35 PM HU102 This hybrid course will focus on grit and goals and how to achieve both. Though technically not STEM based, grit is a necessary trait for STEM fields.
English 1C: Critical Reasoning and Writing
Instructor: Martha Oral, CRN 10652, Tue/Thur, 2:00-3:25 PM in HU103 This course explores data science and what it can tell us about ourselves. It is recommended for students interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) For more information, please contact Glenda Mora at gmora@gavilan.edu .
Instructor: Jackie Collins, CRN 10658, Tue/Thur 8:10-9:35 AM Online This synchronous, online, STEM-themed class will explore our changing climate and environment, adaptations and changes in response, and issues of environmental justice. For more information, contact jcollins@gavilan.edu .
STEM Tutoring & Support
STEM Center, MathLab, and Tutoring
The STEM Center is located in room MA102 and offers a space for to students to study, get help, and socialize with other STEM students. Peer tutors, faculty, and staff are available to help answer student questions in various STEM classes such as Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, & Physics.
The Math Lab is located next door to the STEM Center in room MA101 and provides students 22 available PC's with engineering and statistical software for course labs. This space also hosts Academic Excellence Workshops, Math Refreshers, and overflow tutoring.
Gaining access to tutoring has been proven to help students obtain better grades and insight into techniques or tutor perspectives to assist students in their academics!
Learn about the STEM RefreshersInformation about the STEM Center
Learn more about the STEM Center and Math Lab tutoring spaces.
STEM Counseling
Gavilan College offers two specialized STEM counselors who will ensure the support of achieving your academic goals in your STEM field of study.
Students who utilize our STEM counselors gain the benefit of "being in the know" and are included in email newsletters of internship opportunities, STEM workshops, conferences, and other networking opportunities.
Information about the STEM Center
Follow the link to learn more about the STEM Counseling: STEM Counseling
Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA)
The MESA community college program can provide academic support to help you excel in these subjects and transfer to a university to continue your studies.
MESA's goal is to support educationally disadvantaged and historically under-represented undergraduate community college students and develop a new generation of STEM leaders in California.
The MESA program at Gavilan College provides not only services but also a culture and community geared toward student success in STEM disciplines. We are here to help you succeed!
Information about MESA
Follow the link to learn more about MESA: Gavilan MESA
Academics
STEM Degrees
From the biology of how our planet's ecosystems operate, to the massive industry that is computing with computer science, STEM Degrees are available here at Gavilan College.
Use the new STEM Program Mapper for Academic Pathways in the following STEM degrees:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
STEM Tutoring Services & Workshops
Tutoring services can help students become better at their academics, and can have the opportunity to become a tutor themselves.
Tutoring
Tutors specialize in a variety of STEM subjects, and there are a variety of places to gain STEM Tutoring such as:
- The STEM Center which specializes in anything STEM
- The Math Lab specializes in the wonderful world of math, including statistics, calculus, algebra, and anything in between.
- MESA Support, to help with any questions you have and to become connected with a counselor.
Academic Excellence Workshops (AEWs)
AEWs are geared towards students to gain a refresher on topics to be prepared for their courses! Usually, they appear before the Spring and Fall semesters, but there are occurrences that appear mid-semester such as the "Math Refresher" workshops.
Stay tuned for any upcoming workshops for Fall 2023 semester.
Learn more about the tutoring services and workshops we offer
Go to the STEM Center/Math Lab/MESA Support page to get help with your STEM studies and questions!
The STEM Academy
What is the STEM Academy?
APPLY to the Fall 2023 STEM Academy here
Applications for Fall 2023 are now open. Deadline to apply: Wednesday, August 9th, 2023.
The STEM Academy is community support from instructors, counselors, and peers for STEM Students! The STEM Academy gives students resources to books, academic workshops to boost STEM skills, and mentors to specific majors.
- Recruitment is based on level of math entering Fall and Spring semesters.
- Must be a declared STEM major
- Prior to joining, the student must participate in:
- Pre-semester math boot camp
- STEM Symposium
- Create an Education Plan with a STEM counselor
- Submit the application
Students can receive a great number of resources from the STEM Academy to boost their academic performance.
Benefits
The following are some benefits a student can receive from the STEM Academy:
- STEM Family Community
- Faculty and Peer Mentor resources
- Lending Library to borrow books, technology, and various supplies
- Financial awards for participation
- Exclusive internship opportunities
- Regular check-ins and wraparound help
How to join the Fall 2023 STEM Academy
Applications for Fall 2023 are now open. Deadline to apply: Wednesday, August 9th, 2023.
APPLY to the Fall 2023 STEM Academy here
The Calculus Academy
For STEM majors who will be enrolled in any level calculus course (Math 1A, 1B or 1C) in the Fall 2023 semester. Eligible incoming members must:
REGISTER AND COMPLETE MATH BOOTCAMP: Preparation for Calculus Bootcamp - Math 219, CRN 80382, 2.0 units, with instructor Marla Dresch , offered Mon, 8/14/23 – Fri, 8/18/23 9:00 AM - 4:10 PM with a half hour break in Rm MA 102
ATTEND: STEM Academy Orientation , led by STEM Counselors Elizabeth Flores and Vania Parakati, TBA.
ENROLL IN ANY CALCULUS COURSE (Math 1A, 1B, or 1C) OFFERED IN FALL
The Precalculus Academy
For STEM majors eligible for Math 8A: First half of Precalculus (Precalculus I) or in Math 11: Integrated Precalculus (Precalculus 1 & 2 combined) in the Fall 2023 semester. Eligible incoming members must:
REGISTER AND COMPLETE MATH BOOTCAMP: Preparation for Transfer Level Math - MATH 217, CRN 80740, 2.0 units, with instructor Elena Dachkova , offered Mon, 8/14/23 – Fri, 8/18/23 9:00 AM - 4:10 PM with a half hour break in Rm LS 106
ATTEND: STEM Academy Orientation led by STEM Counselors Elizabeth Flores and Vania Parakati, date/time TBA.
ENROLL IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
- Math 8A - Precalculus I, CRN 11962, MWTh, 9:45-11:00AM and Math 218 – Precalculus Support, CRN 11131, MW 11:20-12:45
- Math 8A - Precalculus I, CRN 10140, MW, 12:55-2:10 in SS 206, and F, 12:55-2:10 online, and Precalculus support workshop, offered Mon 2:20-3:20pm
- Math 11 - Integrated Precalculus, CRN 11706, MTThF 9:00-11:05 and Supporting Workshop that will meet on Wednesday, time TBA
APPLY to the Fall 2023 STEM Academy here
Questions about joining? Contact STEM Academy Director, Marla Dresch at mdresch@gavilan.edu, or STEM Counselors Vania Parakati at vparakati@gavilan.edu, or Elizabeth Flores (bilingual) at eflores@gavilan.edu about joining in Fall 2023.
Gavilan STEM Alumni Voices
Spanning across a decade of talented graduates, Gavilan STEM alumni share their student experiences and the transformational process that took place to achieve their academic and career goals. More testimonials can be read in the current issue of the Gavilan STEM Alumni Magazine.
Student Experiences
Laura Leon
Graduated at:
Gavilan: May 2018
A.S. Degree in Mathematics
San Jose State University: May 2021
B.S. Electrical Engineering
Application Engineer
About of Laura Leon
The best thing about Gavilan College is the teacher's dedication to helping their students succeed.
My experience at Gavilan College was phenomenal because I had a great support system and made great connections with people.
What I love about working as an Application Engineer is learning how the technology gets applied in the real world and seeing how a product goes from concept to production.
My degree in Electrical Engineering has allowed me to explore different areas in industry and be a part of creating world-changing technology.
My advice to a student interested in a STEM field: Don’t be afraid to explore and try something new. It’s ok if you don’t know, just ask questions.
My favorite STEM moment from Gavilan: Joining the STEM Center as a Math Tutor was a great experience and always my favorite place in Gavilan.
Vincent Alfonseca
Transferred from Gavilan Spring 2015
BS in Mechanical Engineering from SJSU (2018)
Mechanical Design Engineer at Lin Engineering
About Vincent Alfonseca
The best thing about Gavilan College is the passion of the instructors.
My experience at Gavilan College was long but rewarding.
What I love about working in a STEM related job is the ability to design and create something that can be used for practical purposes.
My degree in mechanical engineering has allowed me to find a career in mechatronics.
My advice to a student interested in a STEM field is that if you are not tired, you are doing it wrong.
My favorite STEM moment from Gavilan is attending SACNAS conferences.
Dr. Joshua Sanchez
Graduated at:
Gavilan: May 2010
AA Biology
UC Berkley: May 2013
BS Microbial Biology
Western University in 2019 for
Dentistry
About Dr. Joshua Sanchez
The best thing about Gavilan College is the community and professors who care about your education.
My experience at Gavilan College was the foundation I built my career from. I found my love for science and medicine.
What I love about working in Dentistry is solving problems, diagnosing disease, and getting to meet and help so many people.
My degree in dentistry has allowed me to help those in our community and mentor others pursuing health fields.
My advice to a student interested in a STEM field:
Don’t worry about the time. I spent 4 years at Gavilan getting prepared to transfer to UC Berkeley. Remind yourself to enjoy learning sciences.
My favorite STEM moment from Gavilan:
The community and the club Science Alliance. Some of my best friends I met at Gavilan college.
Dr. Melinda Soares
Graduated at:
Gavilan: May 2008
AA degree in Liberal Studies
UC Santa Cruz: May 2014
BS Physics
Princeton University:
May 2016: Masters in Astrophysical
Sciences
May 2020: PhD in Astrophysical
Sciences
Fellowships:
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Postdoctoral Fellowship 2020 - 2021
NASA Hubble Postdoctoral Fellowship
2021-2024
About Dr. Melinda Soares
There are nearly 1,000 community colleges in the United States, together serving over 12 million students. These institutions provide a critical public service, allowing students to embark upon their educational goals in a radically supportive environment and without the debt burden that would accompany enrollment at a traditional university.
As a student at Gavilan College, I laid the foundation for my career as an astrophysicist. This is true both in terms of the early technical training I received in physics and mathematics, as well as the professional mentoring that was provided by dedicated instructors like Marlene Dwyer, Elena Dachkova, and Ken Wagman.
As a first-generation college student, the community of peers and advisors I found in Gavilan College's Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement Community College Program was instrumental to my success, inspiring me to envision a future for myself as a scientist. If I had to summarize the "best" thing about Gavilan College, I would have to say it is the college's resounding commitment to equitable, accessible, and transformative educational outcomes. This is made possible by the exemplary instruction (the best I've received to date), idyllic natural setting, and collegiate cultural environment.
In a world abound with empty mission statements and virtue signaling, Gavilan College is a rare place where educators are actively living their ideals of democratic citizenship and the pursuit of educational excellence. Gavilan College campus still feels like home when I visit today, and somehow this familiar, comfortable setting never ceases to inspire me to be a better, more interdependent version of myself.
Elliott Picone
Transferred in 2020
Currently at UC Santa Cruz
in Computer Science
About Elliot Picone
Best thing about Gavilan College:
There are so many amazing things at Gavilan I don't know where to start. What I love about Gavilan is the
individual attention that the teachers provide. Every single class at Gavilan was taught by a teacher who deeply cared about his/her students. Honorable mention to the cafeteria burritos.
My Experience at Gavilan:
My experience at Gavilan was the most memorable form of education I have ever received. I came to Gavilan after having failed out of a private college. In the beginning I almost failed out of Gavilan too. I took an algebra 2 class with Marla and a Japanese class with Fujita Sensei as my last ditch effort to remain enrolled and those two classes, changed my life forever. The quality of instruction at Gavilan is unmatched. It is a smaller school but this allows for the instructors to properly teach the students, motivate them, and provide them with all sorts of opportunities within the school. I quickly developed a passion for math which led me, in the end of my time at Gavilan, to become a tutor in the Math Lab and complete calculus 2 with a very high grade. I made lifelong friends and memories at Gavilan, going to school there was the best thing I have ever done for myself and my future.
What I Love about Working in Computer Science:
- I love to solve puzzles. Math and STEM in general can be extremely intimidating, I can remember a time where I thought
I would never be able to accomplish the things I have accomplished at Gavilan. For some people, computer science seems like an impossible thing to learn, but when taken piece by piece, it can be extremely fun and fulfilling. When I finish a program, I feel a sense of accomplishment that I was able to make the computer do a specific task. Computer science is by no means
easy, but with enough grit and passion, it can be a fun and interesting career to pursue.
My Degree has allowed me to...
My degree at the moment has not allowed me to do anything because I am not quite finished. I can say that if you are at all interested in teaching people basic computer science or math in general, the math lab is a great opportunity to make good money and have fun doing it at the same time.
My Advice to a Student Interested in STEM:
My advice would be to not think of having a STEM degree as an insurmountable task that requires an almost impossible amount of work in addition to lots of suffering. In the beginning of calculus, Marla gave us a sheet of paper defining the idea of "grit". Grit was not about grinding through work tirelessly or staying up all night cramming for a test. Grit in STEM is about consistency. You must have the ability to take one topic at a time, small bites one could call it. To be successful in STEM you must not allow yourself to be overwhelmed, you have to schedule time during the day to master each topic and soon enough when the test comes around, you are prepared because you have practiced all the concepts over a long period of time. All in all, I would advise a potential STEM student to stay organized, stay consistent, do not be too hard on yourself, have grit, and take one day at a time.
My Favorite STEM moment:
In the summer of possibly 2018 I was participating in a summer program called "STEM academy". The students admitted earned a considerable sum of money for agreeing to doing a math bootcamp over the summer and clocking in a certain amount of hours in the STEM center every week. During the boot camp we had a fun little project where each team had to make a paper airplane out of straws, paper, tape etc. We had a big competition outside and it was tons of fun. I also love to remember the days during the school year where my fellow STEM academy friends would meet in the STEM center after class in the afternoon. We would share snacks and start the homework together, often arguing what the right answer was to all sorts of questions which would lead us to making giant equations on the chalkboards to compare everyone's answers close up.
James Barnson
Transferred in 2021 with an
AA in Natural Sciences
Currently at UC Santa Cruz for
Technology And Information
Management
About James Barnson
The STEM Academy was instrumental in my success at Gav. The support and community helped me keep moving toward my degree when my classes got hard. I never felt alone in my struggles as a student, and I was able to pass classes I never thought I’d even pass the prerequisites for.
I can honestly say that the best part of my time at Gavilan was being a part of the STEM Academy.
My advice to anyone interested in getting a STEM degree at Gav would be to join the Academy and stick with it.
Gavilan Events
No events for Gavilan STEM/MESA currently. For now, check out some of the external events!
***External Events***
UC Riverside Transfer Admissions Presentation
Check out this webinar about UC Riverside transfer student basics with UC Riverside Assistant Director of Transfer Recruitment and UCR Alumna Jessica Varazas. You will learn about transferring to UC Riverside with admission requirements, financial aid, opportunities in STEM, housing, transportation, and so much more!
Following Jessica's presentation, MESA Creator and UC Riverside chemistry scholar Nicholas Reheja will share their transfer story to give insight into transferring to UC San Diego!
Register for the event at the UC Riverside Transfer Basics registration page!
Check out the UC Riverside Transfer Basics Webinar Flyer!
WHEN: Thursday, September 28th, from 3 PM to 4 PM
WHERE: Online via Zoom
UC Davis Transfer Webinars
UC Davis is hosting webinars throughout the semester that can help transfer students learn about their campus and services. Attending these webinars can give you a preview of how to have a smooth transfer to another university!
Check out the UC Davis Transfer Webinars Flyer for all the meeting dates and times.
Check out the UC Davis General Events to register for future events!
Register for the upcoming UC Davis Transfer Webinar today!
Next upcoming event for UC Davis Transfer Webinars: UC Application and PIQ Overview for Transfer Students
WHEN: Thursday, September 28th, starting at 5 PM
WHERE: Online (see registration link for details)
PreMed CC Events
PreMedCC is a free online learning community, open to all! They provide programs available to multiple academic levels and work to bring you together with professionals in medicine. They are hosting events for the whole semester; check out the latest one.
For more information, dates, times, and registration details for all events this semester, check out the PreMed CC website.
Next Upcoming PreMed CC Events:
From A Dream to Doctor: My 13-Year Non-Traditional Path to Medicine – An Inspirational Workshop for Aspiring PreMed Students
Check out the From A Dream to Doctor event flyer for details!
Register for the event at the From A Dream to Doctor registration page!
WHEN: Friday, September 29th, from 5 PM to 6:30 PM PST
WHERE: Online via Zoom
Empowering Tomorrow’s Healers: Diversity & Service in Public Health – A Workshop for Aspiring PreMed Students & Leaders
Check out the Empowering Tomorrow's Healers event flyer for details!
Register for the event at the Empowering Tomorrow's Healers registration page!
WHEN: Saturday, September 30th, from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM PST
WHERE: Online via Zoom
UC Davis Pre-Health Conference
The UC Davis Pre-Health Conference is an opportunity for those pursuing a career in healthcare to connect with admissions representatives, explore within and between professions, and learn from practicing healthcare professionals.
The Pre-Health Conference is the largest pre-health event in the nation that is coordinated by student leaders with pre-health students/alumni in mind! Pre-health students come from across the US to attend and build relationships with schools and other pre-health students across a wide range of healthcare fields.
For more details, visit the Pre-Health Conference website!
Check out the UC Davis Pre-Health Conference Flyer!
Register today on the Pre-Health Conference registration page! If you are interested, register ASAP! Ticket sales close on October 8th!
WHEN: Saturday, October 14th, from 6 AM to 4:30 PM (check-in is from 6 AM to 8 AM)
WHERE: UC Davis at Hutchison Field, on the corner of La Rue Rd. and Hutchison Dr.
Check out the Google Maps Location for instant directions to Hutchison Field!