CSRC HSI STEM Initiatives

As an Organized Research Unit (ORU), the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center (CSRC) is committed to promoting interdisciplinary collaboration that advances excellence in research, teaching, mentorship, and institutional capacity, including across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The CSRC has participated in initiatives ranging from introducing students to STEM disciplines, supporting undergraduate and graduate engagement, and encouraging faculty and staff efforts to build a dynamic and enriching academic environment at UCLA. Faculty from the UCLA Life Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Division, Samueli School of Engineering, School of Nursing, Fielding School of Public Health, and the David Geffen School of Medicine actively participate in the CSRC Faculty Advisory Committee and advance efforts to support student research and mentorship, the recruitment of exceptional faculty, and community-building in STEM.

CSRC Director Veronica Terriquez led a collaboration between the CSRC, the Division of Physical Sciences, the Division of Life Sciences, and the Samueli School of Engineering to recruit a CSRC Inaugural Senior HSI STEM Faculty Director. Through his leadership, Osvaldo Gutierrez, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and inaugural Fraser and Norma Stoddart Chair in Contemporary Chemistry, hosts a “Cafecito con STEM” discussion series, welcoming collaboration on a wide range of initiatives, including joint grant proposals, student and faculty mentoring programs, events that promote academic success and retention in STEM, and impactful research and educational practices that serve and inspire the campus community and broader public.