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Graduate Dean's Awards
Callie Steppat, graduate student in the Master of Science in Biological Sciences program, has been selected as the 2025-2026 Graduate Dean鈥檚 Award recipient.
Callie has demonstrated exceptional academic excellence while excelling in a rigorous, research-intensive program. Her innovative research on ion transport and physiological regulation in insect systems, combined with her use of advanced methodologies, reflects a strong commitment to scientific discovery. Notably, she is on track to complete her degree in just one year鈥攁n unprecedented achievement in the program.
Beyond her academic success, Callie has shown outstanding leadership and service through mentoring students, serving as a Teaching Assistant, and engaging in community outreach. A first-generation college student, she exemplifies resilience, dedication, and a passion for advancing equity in STEM.
After graduating this Spring, Callie will begin a Ph.D. program in Entomology at Cornell University.
Please join us in congratulating Callie Steppat on this well-deserved honor!
Graduate Dean's Award
This award recognizes the importance of graduate education at California State University San Marcos by honoring the achievements of an outstanding master鈥檚 or doctoral degree recipient. Graduate study emphasizes both independent scholarship and close intellectual collaboration with faculty mentors, as students develop advanced knowledge and expertise in their field. Award recipients demonstrate excellence in advanced coursework as well as meaningful engagement in independent study, research, scholarship, or creative activity.
The Graduate Dean鈥檚 Award recipient is formally recognized at the university鈥檚 President鈥檚 Outstanding Graduate Award Dinner and Ceremony and is considered for the President鈥檚 Outstanding Graduate Award.
*Nominations for the 2026-2027 Graduate Dean's Award will open in February 2027*
- 2025-2026 Award Criteria
- Completion of master鈥檚 or doctoral degree requirements in Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or Summer 2026
- Minimum graduate cumulative GPA of 3.7
- Departmental and/or college recommendation (only one nomination per graduate program will be accepted)
- Evidence of outstanding scholarship in graduate coursework
- Evidence of outstanding achievement on the master鈥檚 or doctoral culminating experience (thesis, project, comprehensive examination, or dissertation)
- Achievement in academic, professional, and service activities
- 2025-2026 Nomination Process
Nominations are due to the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research via email (gradstudies@csusm.edu) by Friday, March 13, 2026 at 5pm. Completed packets must include:
Student鈥檚 Personal Statement (maximum 3 pages) describing:
- Significant educational accomplishments and career goals
- Any obstacles that were overcome on the path to the graduate degree
- One critical graduate school experience and its impact on the student鈥檚 education
Letter of Recommendation from the student鈥檚 faculty advisor commenting on the special achievement of the student鈥檚 culminating experience (thesis, project, comprehensive examination, or dissertation)
Student鈥檚 Curriculum Vitae/Resume that includes academic, professional, employment, and service history