Research Pathways Mentors (RPMs)
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) Research Pathways Mentors (RPMs) play an essential role in increasing undergraduate students’ awareness, interest, and participation in research activities. OUR master’s level Research Pathways Mentors are very knowledgeable about the research process. They all participated in research as undergraduate students, so they can relate to the experiences of current undergraduates navigating research endeavors. OUR RPMs facilitate OUR workshops across a range of topics, from entry-to-research to basic research skills. During their Drop-in Hours, RPMs provide support for students interested in research activities. RPMs can meet with individual undergraduate students seeking help with:
- Basic questions about research
- Help to find a research mentor
- Review documents, such as conference abstract, CV, or scholarship essays
- Questions about graduate school
Meet OUR Research Pathways Mentors
Aayushi earned her Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, with double minors in Teaching English as a Second Language and Entertainment Media Management, from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). She is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Linguistics at CSUN, with plans to continue her academic journey at the doctoral level. Her research centers on sociolinguistics, with a particular focus on language use in social and legal contexts, as well as issues of education and language policy. Through her work, she explores how language shapes identity, communication, and access across diverse communities and institutional settings.
As an international student who made her way into research by seeking out meaningful opportunities and embracing new challenges, Aayushi is passionate about mentoring students as they explore research and navigate their own academic journeys. Drawing on her experience as both a mentor and tutor, she enjoys supporting students from diverse backgrounds and helping them build the skills and confidence needed to achieve their educational and research goals.
Katherine Jimenez is a recent UCLA College Honors graduate with a B.A. in Psychology. She is beginning her M.A. in Clinical Psychology (Research Track) at CSUN under Dr. Villalobos and Dr. Martinez's mentorship, where she is committed to advancing mental health equity for Latinx, immigrant, and first-generation communities. As a Mexican American, first-generation, and former transfer student, Katherine is passionate about advising and supporting others in achieving their goals in higher education. She hopes to continue uplifting underrepresented students while working toward her long-term goal of pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology to bridge research and practice.
Lianna Engoyan