College of Natural Sciences top grads determined to make living healthy a rewarding pursuit

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - Research in the regenerative powers of stem cells by Sal Garcia and Robert Rigby’s keen interest in chemical and biological components of living systems have earned the two Cal State San Bernardino students 2014 outstanding student honors from the university’s College of Natural Sciences.

Garcia, a biology major from Los Angeles, is the college’s outstanding graduate student, while Rigby, a biochemistry major from Fontana, has been named the outstanding undergraduate. Both will be honored during the College of Natural Sciences commencement exercise on Saturday, June 14, at 7:45 p.m.

While enrolled in the master’s program, Garcia took an internship under Tracy C. Grikscheit, a leading surgeon and researcher at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and a mentor to Garcia. He also names as mentors CSUSB biology professors Nicole Bournias-Vardiabasis and Laura Newcomb.

Stem cells, of all of the areas in biology, have intrigued Garcia most.  They can become any cell type in the body. “This incredible ability that stem cells possess can lead to the generation of new tissues or organs that can help millions of people with many different kinds of diseases,” said Garcia.

Because stem cells break down with age, Garcia believes stimulating and isolating adult cells can improve the lives of many who have degenerative diseases.

“I want to be a part of the pool of scientists that will one day bring many different cures one step closer to the bedside.”

Garcia presented his CHLA research at the 2014 Academic Surgical Congress – one of just four graduate students to present. He has now shared his work at national and international conferences, including the Biomedical Engineering Society, the World Stem Cell Summit and at the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

The presentation at the Academic Surgical Congress was his first podium talk, and an “intimidating” and proud moment, he said.  Still, the greater source of pride for Garcia has been the sacrifices of his parents.

When he was an undergraduate at CSUSB, his family lost their home to a sagging economy. His parents, who, for years, had worked so hard to provide some of the financial support Garcia needed for his education, could no longer help. He took out loans, began tutoring and, along with his siblings, helped support the family.

“My parents were heartbroken that I provided some of my money to them, because they truly wanted to provide assistance for me,” said Garcia, “especially since I was the first person in my family to ever attend college.”

Garcia plans to pursue a Ph.D. and will continue to work with Grikscheit at CHLA.

Rigby, the College of Natural Sciences’ outstanding undergraduate, will graduate with a G.P.A. of 4.0.

It was his interest in chemical and biological components of living systems, coupled with the good reputation of the college’s faculty, that led him to major in biochemistry at CSUSB.

“I also knew biochemistry would prepare me for medical school and that it would help me stand out from the students who chose the pre-med track,” he said. And stand out he has done.

Rigby’s outstanding undergraduate recognition seems only fitting, because he was selected as the Outstanding General Chemistry Student in 2011, the Outstanding Organic Student in 2012, and the Outstanding Biochemistry Student in 2013.

Not only was Rigby a Presidential Academic Excellence Scholar at CSUSB, but he was also a member of the Chemistry Club and Student Ambassador Society.

When he wasn’t working in the water analysis lab on campus or presenting his research findings, Rigby was tutoring other general, organic and biochemistry students. He is currently an adjunct instructor for the general chemistry course.

Although Rigby plans on working as a scribe for a year before he attends medical school, he has big plans for the future. “I plan on attending medical school, surfing a lot during my year off, and I’m getting married in September,” he said.

As an advocate of preventive medicine, Rigby hopes to be accepted into WesternUniversity, where he can study to become an osteopathic physician and practice his personal philosophy that stresses the importance of benevolence, determination, diversity and healthy living.

All of the ceremonies at Cal State San Bernardino’s Coussoulis Arena will be streamed online on the Creative Media Services live webcast page.

For more information about the June 2014 graduations, visit the CSUSB Commencement website.

For more information on Cal State San Bernardino, contact the university’s Office of Public Affairs at (909) 537-5007 and visit news.csusb.edu.