First-generation business students receive research scholar award

February 7, 2022

Three business students recently received the Koret Research Scholar Award to pursue their research for the next three semesters. Pictured above (L-R) are Lesly Rocha, Brianna Saucedo, and Brenda Alfaro.

In addition, Erika Hernandez-Gonzalez (pictured above far right), is an existing Koret Scholar. She has been granted an extension to continue her research as well. Congratulations to these students and their mentors!

The Koret Scholars Program offers CSUMB undergraduates an opportunity to be engaged in robust interdisciplinary social science research facilitated by CSUMB faculty mentors, with a goal to disseminate research regionally and nationally at conferences. Preference is given to first-generation students.

Koret Scholar Bios

Lesly Rocha - Senior, Accounting & Marketing

Lesly is the recent recipient of the CalCPA’s Silicon Valley Accounting Excellence Award. She serves as a board member for the Otter Student Union and as secretary for the College of Business Accounting Society. Lesly will be researching skepticism in influencer-driven marketing campaigns with the goal of proving how to build more trusting relationships with generation Y and Z. Her faculty mentors are Dr. Jenny Lin and Dr. Sharon Hua.

Brianna Saucedo - Junior, Information Systems & Marketing

Brianna recently transferred to CSUMB. She actively participates in her community Aztec dance group and has danced in various demonstrations, marches, and protests in support of minority communities that face discrimination. Brianna will be conducting research that can be used to limit and restrict predatory lending for lower-income residents in Salinas. Her faculty mentor is Dr. Angeline Nariswari.

Brenda Alfaro - Junior, Information Systems & Marketing

Brenda has achieved honor placement on the Dean’s List throughout her college career and is a former officer of the Business Technology Club. Brenda works as an IT intern at CSUMB and will be conducting independent research on data centers in Spring 2022 as a UROC Koret Scholar. Her faculty mentor is Dr. Babita Gupta.

Erika Hernandez-Gonzalez - Senior, Marketing

Erika has been conducting research as a UROC Koret Scholar for the past two years with her mentor Dr. Jenny Lin on Green Skepticism: Examining the roles of social media influencers in green advertisements.