Announcements
2025-2026 HSGA Board Election Form
Voting for the 2025-2026 HSGA Board is now open!📣
Follow these steps to vote:
- Access the voting form by scanning the QR code above or by clicking HERE
- Log in to your student SSO portal
- Read through each position description, each candidate’s statement, and vote for one (1) candidate per position
The deadline to cast your vote has been extended to Friday, June 20 at 11:59PM. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us at longbeachhsga@gmail.com 💻
Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who attended our Spring Mixer last week! We had so much fun celebrating with you all🌷✨
And that’s a wrap on HSGA 2024-2025! Thank you to all of our members and MPH faculty for making the meetings, workshops, and socials so memorable and engaging. Your continued support and enthusiasm makes hosting HSGA events so rewarding and fulfilling.
We hope you all have a restful, fun, and safe Summer Break!☀️
Congratulations to the MPH Class of 2025!🎓
- The HSGA Board❤️
Spring Mixer 2025
HSGA formally invites you to our Spring Mixer!🌸 🌼
As we wrap up this semester, join us for some food, light refreshments, and opportunities to connect with fellow MPH students and faculty.
When: Friday, May 9th, 2025
Time: 6-7PM
Location: USU 306 (Venice Beach room)
We will also be awarding graduation cords to those who are graduating! If you are graduating this Spring, Summer, or Fall 2025, sign up to receive an HSGA cord HERE.🎓
To RSVP to the mixer, scan the QR code above or click HERE! Have any questions or comments? Email us at longbeachhsga@gmail.com or send us a DM on social media. 📲
We look forward to seeing you all!
2025-2026 HSGA Board Applications
If you’re looking to get more involved on campus, gain some leadership experience, and support your fellow MPH students, apply to join the 2025-2026 HSGA Board!🍎✨
As part of the HSGA Board, you’ll serve an organization that is dedicated to providing CSULB MPH students with networking opportunities, academic and professional resources, and chances to connect with classmates and faculty outside of the classroom.
Available positions for the 2025-2026 HSGA Board include:
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Public Relations Officer
Interested applicants can apply for more than one position! Access the application by scanning the QR code above or click on this link:
2025-2026 HSGA Board Application
The due date for applications have been extended to Friday, May 16th at 11:59pm. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us at longbeachhsga@gmail.com 📧
Class of 2025 HSGA Graduation Cord
Are you an MPH student who is graduating this Spring, Summer, or Fall 2025 semester? Sign up for an HSGA graduation cord!🎓
The requirements to receive an HSGA graduation cord include:
- Be an HSGA Member
- Pay your semester membership fee ($5)
- Have attended one meeting, workshop, or event during the 2024-2025 academic year
- Graduating in Spring, Summer, or Fall 2025
Not a member of HSGA? There is still time to fill out our membership form and pay the membership fee if you haven’t already!
To receive your HSGA cord, scan the QR code above or click HERE to fill out the sign-up form!!
The deadline to apply for an HSGA cord is Friday, May 2 at 11:59pm. Cords will be awarded at the Spring Mixer on Friday, May 9th at 6PM (***Note: new date/time)! If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us at longbeachhsga@gmail.com 📧
General Meeting #3: Internship Workshop
Looking for an internship? Want to learn more about the MPH internship requirements? Then join HSGA for our first meeting of the Spring semester: Internship Workshop!✏️
This workshop will be hosted by our wonderful Graduate Program Director, Toni Espinoza-Ferrel! During the workshop, Toni will go over internship search tips, discuss the MPH program internship requirements, and share other helpful resources.
When: Wednesday, April 16th, 2025
Time: 7-8PM
Location: Zoom
💻To join the meeting via Zoom, scan the QR code above or use this link:
https://csulb.zoom.us/j/87675717038
If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us at longbeachhsga@gmail.com or by sending us a DM.📲
Wishing you all a relaxing Spring Break!🌸 We look forward to seeing you all at our first meeting of the Spring semester!
Fundraiser: Cha for tea
Come out and support HSGA at our Cha for Tea fundraiser!🧋
When: Tuesday, April 15th, 2025
Time: 2-4PM
Location: Cha for Tea - 5720 E. 7th St. Long Beach, CA 90803
Be sure to show this flyer to the cashier upon ordering! 20% of all drink and food purchases go towards HSGA, allowing us to host socials and workshops.
If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us at longbeachhsga@gmail.com or by sending us a DM.💻
Bring your friends and family members! We look forward to seeing you all!✨
Volunteer Opportunity: American Red Cross Blood Drive (March 18-19, 2025)
Interested in gaining some volunteer experience? Come volunteer with us at the American Red Cross Blood Drive on campus!🩸
Volunteer activities include:
- Assisting at the donor check-in table
- Staffing the snack/check-out table
- Outreach to encourage those on campus to donate!
When: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 or Wednesday March 19, 2025
Time: 11AM-5PM
Location: USU Ballrooms B and C
Volunteer time slots are in increments of 1 hour (e.g. 2-3PM). You can choose to volunteer anytime between 10:00AM and 5:00PM. Interested in volunteering? Click here for the sign-up sheet: American Red Cross Blood Drive Volunteer Sign-up Sheet
We hope you all are having a great Spring semester so far! Stay tuned for more announcements on upcoming meetings and socials.✨
Fall 2024 Finals Week
Wishing everyone success and good luck on your finals, papers, projects, and more. We know you all have been working so hard and will wrap up this semester strong!💪📚
If you have any questions or need some support at this time, please do not hesitate to contact us at longbeachhsga@gmail.com or by sending us a DM.
We hope you all have a restful, fun, and safe Winter Break!❄️✨
Fall Break 2024
November 25, 2024
Thank you to everyone who attended our Fall Mixer! We hope you all had a great time making connections, eating yummy food, and winning gifts!
Stay tuned for more announcements on upcoming meetings and events. Wishing everyone a restful, fun, and safe Fall Break!🍁🦃
Fall Mixer 2024
HSGA formally invites you to our Fall Mixer!✨🍁 Join us for free food, light refreshments, games, and opportunities to connect with fellow MPH students and faculty.
When: Wednesday, November 20th, 2024
Time: 7-8PM
Location: USU 305 (Manhattan Beach room)
Please RSVP by Monday, November 18th. The RSVP form can be accessed HERE or by scanning the QR code above! Have any questions or comments? Email us at longbeachhsga@gmail.com 💻
We look forward to seeing you all and wrapping up the semester together!🌟🍂
Fall Social: Spooky Movie Night
It’s Spooky Season!👻Join HSGA for a Spooky Movie Night! Snacks and Halloween treats will be provided, but students may bring their own snacks as well. Costumes and spooky attire are welcome!
When: Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 at 7PM
Where: LA2-101A
What movie: Hocus Pocus!
We look forward to seeing you all at our first social of the semester!🎃✨
General Meeting #2: ILE Capstone vs. Thesis Workshop
Undecided on the ILE Capstone or Thesis track? Want to learn more about each option? Then attend HSGA’s second General Meeting: ILE vs. Thesis Workshop!
At this meeting, we will present an overview of the ILE and Thesis tracks along with the details and requirements for each. Plus, we will have free snacks for those who are able to attend in-person!
When: Thursday, October 17th, 2024 at 7-8PM
Where: In-person at SSPA 108 OR via Zoom
To join the meeting via Zoom, click HERE or scan the QR code in the flyer above.
We look forward to seeing you all at our second General Meeting of the semester! :)
General Meeting #1: Meet the Board & Resource Roundup
Are you interested in learning about some of the resources at CSULB? Want to learn more about the Health Science Graduate Association and meet our board members? Attend HSGA’S First General Meeting: Meet the Board & Resource Roundup!
This meeting will serve as an information session on the different campus resources that are available to students. Campus resources that will be presented include:
- Basic Needs
- Student Health Services (SHS)
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Graduate Center and MORE!
You’ll also be able to learn more about HSGA and meet this year’s board members!
When: Thursday, September 19th, 2024 from 7-8PM
Where: In-person at SSPA 108 OR via Zoom
To join the meeting via Zoom, click HERE or scan the QR code in the flyer above.
We look forward to seeing you all at our first General Meeting of the semester!
Welcome to the Fall 2024 semester!
August 26, 2024
We hope everyone had a great summer! Looking forward to another year filled with workshops, guest speakers, networking, and socials dedicated to bringing our MPH community together.
Stay tuned for more announcements on upcoming meetings, workshops, and events. Have a wonderful 1st day of classes! :)
Membership Requirements
To qualify as an active member of HSGA, the following tasks must be completed during the period of one semester. Upon completion, students will receive a Certificate of Recognition.
- Attend at least one general meeting, event, OR workshop during the semester. Don’t forget to sign in!
- Submit an online HSGA Membership Application.
- Pay the membership fee ($5) per semester online via Cashnet.
Meeting Recordings
Internship Workshop (April 16, 2025)
Couldn't make it to the meeting? Watch the recording below!
Passcode: HSGA!Internship25
ILE Capstone vs. Thesis Workshop (October 17, 2024)
Couldn't make it to the meeting? Watch the recording below!
Passcode: xa!43iEe
Meet the Board & Resource Roundup (September 19, 2024)
Couldn't make it to the meeting? Watch the recording below!
Passcode: HSGA!Fall2024#1
Gallery
HSGA Executive Board
2024-2025
President: Jocelyn Peña
Jocelyn is a first-generation candidate for the Master’s in Public Health degree focusing on Community Health Education and a Latino Health Certificate at California State University, Long Beach. This is her second year in the MPH program and she is pursuing the ILE capstone track. Jocelyn earned her undergraduate degree in Health Science with a concentration in Community Health and School Health Education from CSULB in 2023. Jocelyn is passionate about community education and advocacy which stems from her experience in the non-profit sector and involvement in student government. After graduating, Jocelyn strives to address the health disparities that communities face.
Vice President: Melanie Gomez
Melanie Gomez is a first-generation candidate for the Master’s in Public Health with an emphasis in Community Health Education and Latino Health Certificate at California State University, Long Beach. This is her second year in the MPH program and she is pursuing the ILE capstone track. Melanie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science from California State University, Fullerton. Melanie is passionate about health and community advocacy. Upon graduation, Melanie aims to continue her work in the community and partner up with organizations to provide primary prevention and minimize health disparities.
Secretary: Channel Ruiz
Channel Ruiz is a first-generation candidate for the Master’s in Public Health degree focusing on Community Health Education and a Latino Health Certificate at California State University, Long Beach. This is her second year in the MPH program and she is pursuing the ILE capstone track. Channel earned her undergraduate degree in Health Science with a concentration in Community Health Education from CSULB in 2023. She is currently a Peer Health Educator at CSULB Student Health Services aiming to promote wellness at our campus. Channel is passionate about health equity and serving underrepresented minority populations. She is devoted to helping other first-gen students to become exceptional public health professionals.
Treasurer: Pamela Martinez
Pamela Martinez is a current first-generation candidate for the Master’s in Public Health program (MPH) with a focus in Community Health Education with a Latino Health Certificate at CSULB. This is her second year in the MPH program and she is pursuing the ILE capstone track. Pamela received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Science with an emphasis in Community Health Education from CSULB in 2023. She is currently a research assistant working with the Pro-Health Lab at CSULB, which aims to assess experiences of stress and reduce health disparities for pregnant individuals and the Healthy Balance Research Lab at CSULB. Pamela is passionate about health equity and bridging the gap in underrepresented communities. Pamela aims to continue this effort upon graduation and contribute to the dissemination and evaluation of research to communities.
Public Relations Officer: Valentine Narksuwan
Valentine Narksuwan is a current candidate for the Masters in Public Health degree with a focus in Community Health Education at CSULB. This is her second year in the MPH program and she has decided to pursue the ILE capstone track. She is a first-generation student who first earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from UC Irvine. Valentine is interested in reproductive health, which she attributes to her time working as a Medical Scribe in an OB/GYN clinic. Upon graduating, she plans to pursue a career that focuses on maternal, child, and adolescent health. In her free time, she enjoys reading, being outdoors, going to concerts, and practicing her photography skills!
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Niloofar Bavarian
Niloofar Bavarian, Ph.D., M.P.H., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Science at CSULB. Prior to joining the faculty at CSULB, she was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Prevention Science Research Training Program at UC Berkeley and the Prevention Research Center. Her Ph.D. and Masters in Public Health were completed at Oregon State University, and she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biological Sciences from UC Santa Barbara.
Contact Us
Email: LongBeachHSGA@gmail.com