College of Natural Sciences

A red banner with the words '2024 Distinguished Alumni' written in white text.

Celebrating Our 2024 Distinguished Alumni

Not only do the 2024 Distinguished Alumni honorees reflect our longstanding University values, but they have led exceptional lives and made a profound impact through their careers.

Student Justin Craven wearing a black jacket.

Curiosity Has Set Double Physics Major On Successful Path

In the classroom, lab, and on the athletics track, Justin Craven is constantly growing through an open mind.

The sun sets behind a line of dairy cows as they snack on hay on a University Farm

Chico State’s CRARS Awarded Nearly $6 Million to Address Climate Priorities

Chico State’s Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems has received a California Climate Action Seed and Matching Grant totaling approximately $6 million to support state climate priorities.

Streamers fall over a large group of college graduates during a commencement ceremony.

Celebrating the Class of 2023 (Photos + Video)

We revisit the magic of the 2023 Commencement through photos.

Molecular Biology Student Turns ‘Beautiful Disasters’ into Lifelong Call to Service

Hikmat Abou Shahla has spent his formative years stepping up to help during seasons of global crisis. He is set to graduate and continue on the path of service.

Wearing a labcoat and safety goggles, Anna Vo reaches for a test tube while another student works in the lab behind her.

Natural Sciences Students Put Themselves Under the Microscope During Summer Research

The College of Natural Sciences’ Summer Research Institutes provide students with hands-on experience with a research topic in their field of study.

David Hassenzahl stands behind a dais speaking into a microphone

College of Natural Sciences Dean Recognized with Environmental Lifetime Achievement Award

The Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences has recognized College of Natural Sciences Dean David Hassenzahl with its William R. Freudenburg Lifetime Achievement Award.

Maurice Ledoyen stands in a white coat in a lab with equipment in his hands.

Student Fly-Fisherman Casts His Line into Researching Local Creeks

Ten years after leaving college, Maurice Ledoyen returned and is conducting research studying metal accumulation in aquatic organisms in creeks downstream of the Camp Fire.

Kendall Hall sits under a fall early-evening sky.

Twelve Students Awarded Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarships

The award—one of the largest and most prestigious at Chico State—celebrates scholarship, extracurricular activities, and outstanding academic and professional accomplishments.

Angelica Rodriguez collects water samples along a stream in the mountains.

Multimillion-Dollar Grants Ensure Hands-On Research Continues for STEM Students

Chico State was awarded a pair of multimillion dollar grants, ensuring that STEM students in three different colleges will be able to continue receiving hands-on research opportunities with faculty.

The exterior of the science building includes large windows and native plant landscaping.

Science Building Readies for Opening

The new Science Building at Chico State is not only the most state-of-the-art facility on campus but also one of the most visionary buildings within the 23-campus California State University system.

Hyewon Pechkis smiles while in conversation.

Five-Year, $430,000 Grant Funds Cutting-Edge Physics Research at CSU, Chico

Physics faculty Hyewon Pechkis was awarded a National Science Foundation Early Career Award, granting her and her cutting-edge research $428,734 over the next five years.

People climb the exterior staircase of the new building, as seen through the steel-framed walls.

Future of Science Takes Shape

After breaking ground 12 months ago, work on the new physical sciences complex is steadily underway, with landmark progress happening on a near-daily basis.

An illustration by Jenn Liv for Genentech shows blue cancerous cells amid a sea of purple healthy cells.

Every Two Minutes

Every two minutes, a new case of breast cancer is diagnosed in the United States. Meet three alumni whose lives are driven by these tiny yet deadly cells.

Coral, Relationships, and Us

In this episode of "Out of Curiosity," Chico State professor Cawa Tran explains how her research on sea anemones, coral, algae, and the symbiotic relationships that tie us all together can help us learn not only how to preserve the reefs, but how to examine our own relationships.

Cindy Daley and two students crouch in a field of grass holding piles of soil in their hands.

CSU, Chico Establishes Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems

Chico State has long been a pioneer in sustainability and a leader within agricultural education. Now, these two priorities will merge.

The new physical science building will be a state-of-the-art $101 million facility to help advance CSU, Chico’s role as a leader within the North State and across the 23-campus CSU system. Slated to open in fall 2020, the 110,200-square-foot building will include space for chemistry, physics, geological science, and science education labs, as well as active-learning classrooms, synergy between interior learning spaces and outdoor classrooms, graduate research studios, a dean’s suite, dozens of faculty offices, and administrative and support areas.

Groundbreaking for CSU, Chico’s New Physical Sciences Building Set for Wednesday Morning

The need for a new physical sciences building on the California State University, Chico campus was determined. Plans and blueprints were rendered. And the space has been cleared. Now, it’s time to start raising the University’s newest building.

The sun filters through the trees over Kendall Hall.

University Foundation Board Aids Campus with Special Endowment Awards

More than $115,000 has been awarded to 12 programs and projects to enhance research and mentorship, increase hands-on learning opportunities, and support student success.

Worth Sharing: Place Awarded by University Studies Abroad Consortium

The following is a listing of professional achievements by Chico State faculty, staff and students.

Samia Yaqub smiles in her office at Buttee College.

Distinguished Alumni Share Words of Wisdom

2018 Distinguished Alumni share their advice for graduating seniors and young alums.

CSU, Chico to Break Ground on New Physical Science Building in Fall 2018

The first images of the physical sciences replacement building were revealed this week, with a formal ground breaking planned for fall 2018.

Adrienne McGraw in her office at the Gateway Science Museum

From National Parks to the North State: New Gateway Director Looks to Showcase Natural World Around Us

Growing up within the boundaries of several national parks, Adrienne McGraw was raised with a love and appreciation for the natural world. She's bringing that love of nature to her new job, as the executive director of Gateway Science Museum.

Greg Gangnuss on an airfield in Afghanistan.

‘If You Are Able to Help, Then You Help’: Heroic Alum Honored for Life-Saving Action in Afghanistan

Physical science alum Gregory Gangnuss received the US Air Force Civilian Award for Valor for his life-saving action following a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

Biology Lab Goes Fishin’

A student research lab on campus uses fish to pursue treatments for blood-related diseases.

Maifeng Yang teaches students to prepare nutritious good.

Feeding Ambition

Scholarship shows nutrition and food science senior Maifeng Yang that someone believes in her.

Legacy of Leaders: College of Natural Sciences

In honor of Founders Week, an outstanding student and alum from each college are rewarded for their success, excellence and leadership. Today’s featured College of Natural Sciences honorees show that when you are following your passion, nearly anything is possible.